

History That Doesn't Suck
Prof. Greg Jackson
HTDS is a bi-weekly podcast, delivering a legit, seriously researched, hard-hitting survey of American history through entertaining stories. To keep up with History That Doesn’t Suck news, check us out htdspodcast.com or follow on Facebook and Instagram: @Historythatdoesntsuck. Become a premium member to support our work, receive ad-free episodes and bonus episodes.
Take a special VIP cruise with Prof. Jackson May 18-22, 2026
Pre-order Prof. Jackson's new book Been There Done That: How Our History Shows What We Can Overcome
Take a special VIP cruise with Prof. Jackson May 18-22, 2026
Pre-order Prof. Jackson's new book Been There Done That: How Our History Shows What We Can Overcome
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 18, 2019 • 56min
35: Mexican-American War (Part 3): Nuevo México and the Final Push from Vera Cruz
“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
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Mar 4, 2019 • 1h 3min
34: Mexican-American War (Part 2): The Pathfinder, the Bear Flag Revolt, y Los Californios
“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

15 snips
Feb 18, 2019 • 59min
33: Mexican-American War (Part 1): From the Nueces River to the Rio Grande
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.

17 snips
Feb 4, 2019 • 1h 7min
32: Mormonism and the Mormon Trail
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.

9 snips
Jan 21, 2019 • 58min
31: The California Trail: From the Donner Party to the Gold Rush
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.

11 snips
Jan 7, 2019 • 1h 3min
30: The Oregon Trail (“You Have Died of Dysentery”)
This podcast delves into the history and challenges of the Oregon Trail, including the economic slump that led pioneers to trek over 2,000 miles. It discusses the dangers and logistics faced by families along the trail, as well as the settlement and peak years of the Oregon Trail. Highlighted topics include the tragic death of Lettie, the sudden death of President William Henry Harrison, and the concept of manifest destiny.

6 snips
Dec 24, 2018 • 24min
Christmas Special II: A Jackson White House Christmas
Travel back to Christmas in 1835 at the Jackson White House, where President Andrew Jackson shares his holiday spirit by visiting a local orphanage. Experience the warmth of family gatherings filled with laughter and playful antics of children and Vice President Martin Van Buren. Enjoy whimsical decorations and a festive feast that capture the joy of the season. Amidst political life, discover the softer side of Old Hickory as he embraces holiday traditions, creating memorable moments for everyone.

14 snips
Dec 10, 2018 • 1h 2min
29: The Bank War, Whigs, & Revolution in Texas
This podcast episode explores the Bank War and the formation of the Whig party during Andrew Jackson's presidency, as well as the Texas Revolution against the Mexican government in Tejas Mexicana. It covers topics such as the political landscape in Washington DC, the assassination attempt on Jackson, the controversy surrounding the Bank of the United States, and the Battle of Gonzales in the Texas Revolution. The episode also discusses the Texas Constitution, slavery protections, and the avoidance of discussions on slavery in the US Congress.

13 snips
Nov 26, 2018 • 1h 5min
28: Ushering in the Age of Jackson
The podcast discusses the scandalous presidential election of 1828 and the harsh attacks on Andrew Jackson and his wife. It also explores the social scandal surrounding Margaret Eaton and President Jackson's support. Additionally, it delves into the controversial issue of Indian removal during Jackson's presidency, including the Indian Removal Act and the 'Trail of Tears'.

Nov 11, 2018 • 1h 12min
Epilogue to Volume 2
Podcast hosts reflect on completing 'volume two' and discuss pop culture, launching a second podcast, video editing challenges, the role of third parties in politics, uneventful eras in history, and the concept of tearing down versus building up.


