History on Trial

In 1911, a devastating fire raged through the Triangle Waist Company, killing 146. It was one of the worst workplace disasters in American history. Many people blamed the factory's owners, Max Blanck and Isaac Harris, and wanted them to pay. But at Blanck and Harris's manslaughter trial, a shrewd defense attorney and weak worker protection laws ensured that the prosecutors were in for the fight of their life...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1957, California declared war on a tabloid magazine. Confidential Magazine was the most powerful gossip magazine in the country, with millions of readers and the ability to make or break stars' careers. Movie studios hated the magazine and politicians worried that it was ruining the country's morals. When California charged Confidential with publishing libel and obscenity, many cheered. But others worried about what this case meant for free speech...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1881, President James Garfield was assassinated by a man named Charles Guiteau. The American public, understandably, wanted vengeance. But as the government began to prepare for Guiteau’s trial, a problem emerged: Guiteau, some experts believed, was insane, and might not have been responsible for his actions. Could justice be achieved in a case like this? Guiteau's dramatic trial put that question to the test...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Delve into the tense climate of 1835 Washington D.C. with Francis Scott Key and the trial of Reuben Crandall for distributing anti-slavery pamphlets. Explore the aftermath of Nat Turner's rebellion, the Snow Riot, and the clash between free speech and existing laws. Uncover the friendship between Key and Roger Taney, and the provocative legacy of the Dred Scott decision.

Explore the scandalous trial between preacher Henry Ward Beecher and Theodore Tilton over accusations of adultery. Uncover the complexities of celebrity status in legal battles and the challenges of proving guilt in a courtroom. Delve into the aftermath of the scandal and its lasting impact on reputations in 19th-century America.

In the early 1800s, Levi Weeks stood trial for the murder of Elma Sands, where rumors of their love turned tragic. Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr defended Weeks, revealing a complex tale. The podcast uncovers conflicting testimonies, hidden motives, and a mysterious past that challenges the prosecution's narrative. The trial transcript sheds light on early American legal history, with a focus on dueling in early America and the aftermath of Weeks' acquittal.

From the Salem Witch Trials to O.J. Simpson, trials have always revealed hidden truths about our world. History on Trial digs into famous legal battles from American history, uncovering the real story behind the headlines, and exploring the powerful cultural contexts that shaped the verdicts -- and still impact us today. Fans of true crime, legal dramas, and history alike will be captivated by the unbelievable true cases that played out in the courtrooms of history. Hosted by Mira Hayward. New episodes drop every other Thursday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.