The American History Podcast

Send us a textOver the past four episodes, we've traced how American political discourse became weaponized, how both parties learned to delegitimize elections, how political violence gets selectively remembered, and how two incompatible constitutional orders came to govern American life simultaneously. Today we're exploring how this transformation happened—not just through laws and court decisions, but through a systematic ideological takeover of American institutions.Support the show

Explore the clash between civil rights and civil liberties, revealing how differing interpretations have shaped modern governance. Discover the impact of landmark rulings like Brown v. Board and Ricci v. DeStefano, and how civil rights laws expanded federal power while creating new complexities. Delve into the rise of a compliance industry and its consequences in higher education and beyond. Discuss the ongoing conflict between individual liberties and societal equality, and contemplate the future of American democracy amid these competing constitutional orders.

Send us a textOver the past two episodes, we've traced how American political discourse became weaponized decades before Trump, and how both parties learned to delegitimize elections they don't win. Today we're examining something even more fundamental: how Americans think about political violence.The story we tell ourselves about political violence in America goes something like this: We're a peaceful democracy where political disagreements are settled through debate and voting, not riots and bloodshed. When violence does occur, it's an aberration—a breakdown of our democratic norms that shocks the conscience and brings the country together in condemnation. This is another fairy tale.Support the show

Send us a textToday we dive into the election of 2000. This is when both parties learned to delegitimize elections they don't win. Want to support the show and gain access to bonus episodes? Follow the link below:https://www.buzzsprout.com/1169162/supporters/newSupport the show

Send us a textWe interrupt season 4 to bring you a special mini series (never fear I already have several WWII episodes written and one is already recorded). This series is based on the events of September 10, 2025, and the aftermath of that day. The purpose is to look into how the US got to this point and hopefully find a way for us to get out of it. I hope you all find it informative. Support the show

Send us a textThis is the American History Podcast, Season 4, Episode 37. I'm your host, Shawn, and welcome to "The Track of Ghosts" - the second of four episodes on the New Guinea Campaign.Questions: email shawnwarswick@gmail.com Support the show

Send us a textGuess who's back? Yep. We have a new WWII episode. I wasn't sure this day would arrive, but it has. In this episode we begin a four part look at one of the forgotten aspects of WWII in the Pacific. Support the show

Send us a textToday we have a special treat. Author Samuel Marquis joins the show to discuss his latest book, "Captain Kidd: A True Story of Treasure and Betrayal." This is a fantastic book, and one I know you'll love. You can purchase it on Amazon or at your local bookseller, including Barnes and Noble. Support the show

Send us a textWe are getting close to the conclusion of the series.Support the show

Send us a textFinally we delve into the events of the year 1983. Support the show