History That Doesn't Suck

The podcast explores the California Gold Rush and the Compromise of 1850, covering topics such as the devastating floods in Sacramento City during the Gold Rush, the growth of California, the slavery debate in Congress, the experiences of miners and immigrant communities, the California Constitution Convention and slavery debates, and the impact of the Fugitive Slave Act and tensions over slavery.

Frederick Douglass's journey from enslaved youth to self-educated abolitionist, overcoming adversity and fighting for freedom. He learns to read and write in secret, endures brutal beatings, and defiantly stands up against his oppressors. Despite the risks, he escapes slavery and becomes a powerful speaker and advocate for abolitionism.

The podcast explores the daring slave rebellion on the La Amistad slave ship, the brutal conditions endured by the enslaved Africans, their escape and subsequent capture, and the impact of the Amistad case on the growing abolitionist movement.

Dive into the transformative presidency of Andrew Jackson and his lasting impact on American democracy. Unravel the complexities of the Mexican-American War and the often-overlooked indigenous alliances during conquests. Explore the nuanced legacies of historical figures, highlighting their dualities and the moral implications of expansionism. This engaging conversation weaves together historical analysis and listener feedback, reflecting on how the past shapes our understanding of the present.

This is the story of the Mexican-American War’s end and the making of Mexican heroes.Winfield Scott is closing in on Mexico City. Battles rage as Mexican troops defend, but General Scott can’t be stopped. American troops even snag one of Santa Anna’s spare prosthetic legs! But sometimes loss can be the breeding ground of heroes, and that’s just what happens as US forces close in on Mexico’s capital. Six teenage Mexican cadets--one of whom is only 13 years old--fight to the death. Meanwhile, Catholic US troops who’ve defected to the Mexican side in response to American anti-Catholicism are caught by the US army and mostly hung to death. Los Niños Héroes and the San Patricios might not make it out of this war alive, but they’ll live forever in the memory of Mexico.And what does the war’s end mean? Should the US annex the parts of Mexico it claimed belonged to Texas, or should it take more? Perhaps all of Mexico? As this is being debated in the US, particularly in the Senate, the question of what it means to be “American” rests at the heart of what will and won’t be taken. As President Polk leans toward “all of Mexico,” an upstart Congressman named Abe Lincoln questions the premise of the war, and Nicholas Trist negotiates a treaty in defiance of the President--this won’t be pretty.____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

“By God, that does looked forked!”This is the story of further American advancements through Northern Mexico and the start of its final invasion from the Gulf Coast. General Stephen Kearney’s descending upon New Mexico. He’ll take the territory without firing a shot, but that doesn’t mean violence isn’t coming. The Taos Revolt will lead to a beheaded American Governor and the execution of New Mexicans by an American regime of questionable legal authority. Meanwhile, Alexander Doniphan is marching south. He’s going to have some serious throwdowns, like the Battle of Sacramento. It’ll even interrupt his card game.At roughly the same time, Old Zack’s meager army of 5,000 is outnumbered 3 to 1 by Santa Anna at Buena Vista! Can Old Rough and Ready prevail? And finally, we have a new American commander on the scene: Winfield “Old Fuss and Feathers” Scott. He’s landing with a massive army at Mexico’s walled, artillery-laden, castle-protected, coastal city of Vera Cruz. So begins the last leg of the Mexican-American War.____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

“Who the devil is Governor of California?’” This is the story of covert ops, secret orders, fake identities, rebellion, and conquest; this is the story of California’s annexation. John C. “the Pathfinder” Frémont is out on another surveying expedition. But something’s off ... why’s he making trouble with the Californio government? And why is an undercover messenger traveling from DC to Oregon Country to deliver an unwritten, memorized message directly from the President to this simple cartographer?And as John “surveys,” rumors are flying that Britain, France, and the United States all want to annex California. Can Mexico retain it? What about the will of California’s indigenous peoples, or its Spanish-speaking inhabitants, los Californios, who aren’t sure if they still want to be a part of Mexico, but also don’t want to be conquered? Meanwhile, American settlers, called “Los Osos” (the Bears), are revolting and battles are raging as the Mexican-American war comes to the Pacific coast! Looks like it’ll be nothing short of a full-on melee for control of the future Golden State.____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

Explore the beginnings of the Mexican-American War with General Mariano Arista and General Zachary Taylor. The disputed territory between the US and Mexico, annexation of Texas, and the tense atmosphere along the Rio Grande are discussed. Learn about the Thornton Affair, General Taylor's march towards the Rio Grande, and the strategic planning for the war.

Learn about the history of Mormonism and the Mormon Trail, including the massacre at Haun's Mill and the tensions between Mormons and other Americans. Discover the struggles faced by early Mormons in Missouri and the horrifying events of the Mountain Meadows Massacre. Explore the aftermath of the massacre and the mellowing out of Utah Mormons.

This podcast explores the California Trail, from the struggles of settlers in newly independent Mexico to the tragedy of the Donner Party and winter cannibalism. On a lighter note, the podcast also delves into the discovery of gold and the impact of the California Trail on manifest destiny.