History That Doesn't Suck

The podcast discusses the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, leading to the secession of several southern states and the formation of the Confederate States of America. It also explores the tensions over slavery, Lincoln's inauguration, and his dilemma regarding Fort Sumter.

“Any man who took Lincoln for a simple-minded man would wind up with his back in a ditch.”This is the story of America on the eve of the Civil War. Kentucky-born farmboy Abraham Lincoln has an interesting early life. Between losing his mom as a child, suffering from chronic depression, and receiving little formal education, you might not think he’d become one of the youngest state legislators in Illinois, a successful lawyer, and a US Congressman. But that’s Lincoln. He’s a man who beats the odds, and he’s hoping to continue that streak as he challenges Stephen Douglas for his US Senate seat. Can he take down the “Little Giant?”It’s a political throwdown that produces one of the most famous debates in US history as the two go head-to-head in over 20 hours of back-and-forth over the future of slavery. Speaking of slavery--John Brown’s looking to start a slave rebellion across the state of Virginia and not afraid to take over a US armory to do it! It’s a full-on battle and the body count’s adding up fast … especially if we include the executions.____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

In this podcast, they discuss the story of Solomon Northup and his 12 years as a slave. They cover topics such as betrayal, brutality, and the harsh treatment of slaves. They also touch on hope, escape attempts, and Solomon's advocacy for abolition.

The podcast discusses the violent tensions in Kansas between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions, including the Kansas-Nebraska Act, the brutal caning of Charles Sumner, and the voter fraud and violence used to secure slavery in the state. It also explores the political career of Stephen Douglas, the collapse of the Whigs and the emergence of the Republican Party, and the Supreme Court's ruling on the Dred Scott case.

Elizabeth Cady Stanton, a leading figure in the 19th-century social reform movement, pushes for women's suffrage at the Seneca Falls Convention. The podcast explores the growing discontent in Paris in 1848, the massacre during the French revolution, and social reform movements in Europe and the United States. It also delves into Stanton's early life and the challenges faced by the women at the convention, leading to the founding of the National Woman Suffrage Association.

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