My History Can Beat Up Your Politics

When it comes to citizenship decided by birth, the story of Wong Kim Ark, a young man born in the US of Chinese descent who was denied entry to his country, should be on a few minds. We tell that story in this episode, along with the Sand Lot protests that led to his change in status, and the 1804 about a ship that helped reinforce their thinking. This and thoughts about early Trump Presidency. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An unknown man in a forgotten office develops a number that makes and breaks Presidents. A poet turns his song away from beautiful pastures and towards a metal object. Two 19th century men tire themselves out making machines. They can't know their work will one day put us on the Moon  And a man tries to invent an un-commerce, but may have built the 21st century economy instead. In the fifth episode of our series on American commerce, we look at the appraisal and measuring and counting of business. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dive into the fascinating history of air commerce, from the early days of balloon flight supported by George Washington to the rise of majestic airships and towering skyscrapers. Discover remarkable innovations like mechanical sprinklers and the iconic Woolworth building. Hear about the tragic rise and fall of airships like the USS Shenandoah, and how it shaped public perception alongside the infamous Hindenburg disaster. Journey through the evolution of aviation and communication technologies that revolutionized travel and delivery.

Explore the extravagant shopping habits of Mary Todd Lincoln and their cultural significance in 19th-century America. Discover the transformation of retail after the Civil War, from haggling to fixed prices, and the rise of iconic department stores. Dive into the nostalgia of shopping malls while discussing their decline in modern retail. The podcast also highlights the evolution of sound and visual technologies, plus the rich musical legacy of Tin Pan Alley and the Brill Building, showcasing the interplay between commerce, culture, and innovation.

A mysterious crash. A strange contraption. A fateful race, an outbreak of violent activity and a crafty watch-seller. A look at the railroad history of America and the changes the railroad brought. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

He's the President that is on the bottom of most lists. But why? And is it fair? What did he think about his place in history? We talk about POTUS 15 and look at the events of the run-up to the American Civil War, and we hear from Buchanan, and get his take on his Presidency, through his memoirs.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Wall Street Insiders, Black Monday was not the worst day. The next day, Terrible Tuesday was an agonizing test of the financial system. As part of our series on the commercial history of the United States, we examine the events of Tuesday the 20th. And we look at the history of insurance in America, the reasons there is a stock market, what was learned and not learned from 1987 and a few other things. A Note - We are pleased to be part of the Airwave Media Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover the innovative solutions to commerce challenges in early America, including a unique boat crafted for transporting goods. Dive into the rise and fall of whaling, revealing its socio-economic impacts. Explore how literature intertwined with commerce during significant historical events, like the Erie Canal's construction. Learn about the transformative journey of steamboat technology and the vibrant ice trade, while reflecting on the communal values of early settlers amid the critiques of industrialization.

What's the stock market crash of 1987 got to do with the price of eggs/ Plenty, in a historical context. We look at the infamous crash of 1987 and how the computers did not save us. Nor did insurance which has a lot do with eggs, and eggs have a lot do with feeding Americans and making Americans a little money, and they have a lot do with needing markets - and sophisticated markets - so we'll talk about that.Those who listened to this series in 2019 may notice that I am changing the order. With time, i've found placing the two stock market crashes together works. In the fourth episode of the revised order, we'll get to the next day of the crash - Terrible Tuesday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are replaying our series on American business history with an eye to its inseparable effect on politics. In this look at American commercial history we discuss the Black Thursday Stock market crash, the early career of Thomas Edison, how a popular game evolved from a anticorporate activist, and how Wall Street was once in Philadelphia, so to speak.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices