History That Doesn't Suck

“Our top spot goes to …”This is the story of stories (yeah, super “meta”). You know regular HTDS episodes always start with a cold open. You probably have a favorite. So do we.Today, Greg and Cielle count down their top seven favorite openings, from George Washington’s loss at Fort Necessity to our current point in the Civil War. It’s a peek into the minds behind HTDS, a bit of nostalgia for long-time listeners, and the perfect HTDS introduction for the newly initiated. Enjoy, and Happy New Year!____Connect with us on HTDSpodcast.com and go deep into episode bibliographies and book recommendations join discussions in our Facebook community get news and discounts from The HTDS Gazette  come see a live show get HTDS merch or become an HTDS premium member for bonus episodes and other perks. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The podcast tells a moving tale of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow during the Civil War, focusing on the heartache of his son Charlie’s injury. It explores how personal tragedy shaped Longfellow’s iconic Christmas poem, intertwining themes of hope and despair. Listeners learn about the emotional and historical context behind his writing, reflecting the struggles of a father amid wartime chaos. The narrative captures the essence of loss, resilience, and the enduring spirit of peace during one of America's darkest times.

Dive into the intense confrontations of the Second Bull Run, where Robert E. Lee and his Confederate forces aim to outmaneuver the Union's struggling generals. Explore the dramatic clash at Antietam Creek, igniting a pivotal moment in the Civil War. Discover high-stakes strategies, political ramifications, and the heavy toll of battle that reshaped history. Witness how this campaign not only tested military might but also set the stage for Lincoln's groundbreaking Emancipation Proclamation.

Experience the tension-filled days of the Civil War as Confederate General Robert E. Lee rises to action against Union General McClellan's cautious approach. Jeb Stuart's daring cavalry reconnaissance sets the stage for intense confrontations. Encounter the chaos of the Seven Days Battles, where camaraderie clashes with brutal hand-to-hand combat. Discover the inner turmoil of Union command as strategists grapple with leadership challenges and miscommunication in this pivotal moment of American history.

In 1862, a daring Union fleet faced a challenging mission to capture New Orleans, showcasing naval strategy and political intrigue. Tensions brewed among Union generals as they targeted Corinth, while Confederate leaders battled their own disputes. With the stakes high, ambitions clashed on the rivers and railroads of the Mississippi Valley. The gripping tales of resilience and strategy reveal a tumultuous period of the Civil War, where every decision could alter the course of history.

“In my opinion, Cadet Jackson of Virginia is a complete jackass.”This is the story of daring. On both sides.President Lincoln is tired of waiting for General-in-Chief George “Little Mac” McClellan to act. So he’ll act instead. The President goes to the front on the Old Dominion’s coast, walks on Confederate soil, and oversees the taking of Norfolk, Virginia. But things aren’t going as well for the Union as he’d hoped. Little Mac continues to dawdle while the eccentric-yet-brilliant “Stonewall” Jackson outwits, outruns, and outguns Union forces several times larger than his own in the Shenandoah Valley.Following Stonewall’s incredible Shenandoah Valley Campaign, Confederate General Joe Johnston takes a bullet at the Battle of Seven Pines. Someone else is going to have to lead his army; welcome to the role of commander, Robert E. Lee.____Connect with us on HTDSpodcast.com and go deep into episode bibliographies and book recommendations join discussions in our Facebook community get news and discounts from The HTDS Gazette  come see a live show get HTDS merch or become an HTDS premium member for bonus episodes and other perks. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“Here boys, is as good a place as any on this battlefield to meet death!”This is the story of the Civil War kicking into a higher gear as two massive armies converge at Pittsburg Landing, Tennessee. Jealous Union generals are letting false rumors of Ulysses drinking on the job fly as they hope to benefit from his demise. But Ulys has some good people backing him up: Lincoln’s newest War Secretary Edwin Stanton and his good friend William Tecumseh “Cump” Sherman.But intrigue is the least of Ulysses “Unconditional Surrender” Grant’s concerns. He and Cump are facing down a massive Confederate force led by two highly capable generals: Albert Sidney Johnston and GT Beauregard. Torrential rain turns the ground to mud as nearly 100,000 men battle for the field. Ulys ends up on crutches, another general dies, while still others meet their end in the legendary “hornets’ nest” or elsewhere on the field.This lone battle will cause more American casualties than all American wars to date combined. Welcome to the Battle of Shiloh.____Connect with us on HTDSpodcast.com and go deep into episode bibliographies and book recommendations join discussions in our Facebook community get news and discounts from The HTDS Gazette  come see a live show get HTDS merch or become an HTDS premium member for bonus episodes and other perks. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“There is Jackson standing like a stone wall! Rally behind the Virginians!”This is the story of violence on land and sea. Of violence unlike anything America has ever known.Tens of thousands of Union and Confederate forces clash near Virginia’s Bull Run River and Manassas railroad junction. Naive, young soldiers quickly learn their romantic notions of war are a farce, Thomas Jackson defends “like a stone wall,” and Yankees hear a horrific sound: “the rebel yell.”Things are calmer on the sea. Lincoln wants a blockade to hem in Confederate ships. The result is one international, diplomatic nightmare (the Trent Affair), and the most devastating attack in US naval history. The carnage and destruction wrought on the US Navy by the CSS Virginia (the Merrimack) won’t be matched or exceeded until 1941.Lincoln’s despondent. He has setbacks, on the field, turnover from General-in-Chief Winfield Scott to George B. McClellan, and a dying son. It seems nothing can go right. There is one exception though. Welcome back to the story young Ulysses S. Grant.____Connect with us on HTDSpodcast.com and go deep into episode bibliographies and book recommendations join discussions in our Facebook community get news and discounts from The HTDS Gazette  come see a live show get HTDS merch or become an HTDS premium member for bonus episodes and other perks. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The podcast discusses the start of the Civil War, including the tense situation at Fort Sumter and the initiation of the attack. It explores the decision of respected army officer Robert E. Lee, the violent clash in Baltimore, and the impact of Kentucky's neutrality on both sides. The escalating tensions, violent clashes, and horrors of guerrilla warfare in Missouri are also revealed.

The hosts wrap up Volume IV by discussing the Union's attempts to compromise on slavery, the importance of understanding the social issues surrounding it, and the escalating tensions that led to the Civil War. They also delve into the ethical dilemmas surrounding abolitionist John Brown, the motivations of Union troops, and the significance of foundational documents in America's journey of progress.