American History Tellers

Explore the explosive labor unrest of the late 19th century as workers revolt against low wages and dangerous conditions. The Haymarket Affair ignites tensions, leading to violent clashes that redefine the fight for workers' rights. Discover the bloody struggles at Homestead and the nationwide shutdown sparked by the Pullman Strike, as the government brutally intervenes. Amidst the chaos, the Populist Party rises, advocating for reform and justice against economic oppression. This era is a pivotal moment in the evolution of labor relations in America.

Amid the glamor and growth of the Gilded Age, racism and anti-immigrant hostility swept the nation. With the end of Reconstruction, white communities across the South stripped African Americans of their hard-won political rights and economic gains. But a new generation of activists fought the growing wave of discrimination and violence. Booker T. Washington championed black education, and journalist Ida B. Wells waged a fierce campaign against lynching.In the West, labor groups fueled anti-Chinese resentment, building support for the first major federal law limiting immigration. In the mid-1880s, white mobs from Wyoming to Washington descended on Chinese neighborhoods, stoking hysteria and casting immigrants out of their homes.Listen ad-free on Wondery+ hereSupport us by supporting our sponsors!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the spring of 1883, Mrs. Alva Vanderbilt threw the grandest party New York had ever seen, claiming her spot at the top of the city’s social hierarchy. The Gilded Age drove feverish growth in America’s cities. Populations swelled. Skyscrapers and steel bridges soared above city skylines. And the new economic elite poured their outrageous fortunes into magnificent mansions and lavish balls.But there were two sides to Gilded Age cities. Less than a mile away from Manhattan’s elegant brownstones, the poor eked out a living in sooty factories and crowded slums. In the 1880s and 1890s, reformers rose up to challenge inequality—galvanizing workers and exposing the dark underbelly of urban growth.Listen ad-free on Wondery+ hereSupport us by supporting our sponsors!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the 1870s and 1880s, businessmen clawed their way to the top of the new industrial economy, accumulating staggering fortunes. Oil tycoon John D. Rockefeller ruthlessly eliminated his rivals one by one, seizing control over the nation’s refineries. Steel magnate Andrew Carnegie revolutionized the industry with his relentless drive to cut costs. And banker J. P. Morgan conquered Wall Street, commanding vast amounts of capital to consolidate corporations.But the concentration of wealth and power had dire consequences for ordinary Americans, and in the summer of 1877 frustrated workers fought back. They blocked freight trains, shut down major rail lines and crippled the nation’s economy.The strike spread like wildfire and sparked deadly violence.Listen ad-free on Wondery+ hereSupport us by supporting our sponsors!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Gilded Age, marked by the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad, was a time of corruption and greed. Scandals tainted Ulysses S. Grant's presidency, including the gold market manipulation and collapse of the stock market. Grant's re-election campaign was marred by the Credit Mobilier scandal and economic crisis. The whiskey ring fraud and corrupt Secretary of War further tarnished Grant's administration. The Centennial Exposition showcased technological advancements but also revealed political unrest. Rutherford B. Hayes' weak presidency led to the rise of industrial titans and frustration among the working class.

Eric Marcus, a journalist and author of 'Making Gay History,' shares his journey documenting LGBTQ history. He vividly recounts conversations with activists like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, shedding light on the early struggles of the movement. The impact of the Stonewall uprising as a turning point in gay rights activism is explored, highlighting its legacy and the importance of diverse narratives. Marcus also reflects on the vibrant atmosphere of the Stonewall Inn and how collective advocacy shaped the fight for equality, emphasizing the vital role of community.

Dive into the chaotic aftermath of the Stonewall Inn raid, where the LGBTQ community rose in defiance. Explore the clash between radical youth and traditional activists seeking civil rights. The formation of organizations like the Gay Liberation Front sparked fierce debates on strategy and inclusion. Discover the impactful lives of Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson as they fought for marginalized voices. Witness the birth of the Liberation Day March, a pivotal moment in LGBTQ history, uniting the community amid social upheaval.

Trans activists faced discrimination in cities like San Francisco and Philadelphia, challenging the status quo. The calm approach of established gay rights groups shifted dramatically on June 28, 1969, when police raided the Stonewall Inn. Unlike past encounters, patrons decided to fight back, sparking a historic uprising against police oppression. This event marked a turning point in the struggle for LGBTQ rights, revealing the deep-seated tensions and the vibrant community that thrived in the shadow of exploitation.

In the tumultuous 1960s, LGBTQ activists began to push for urgent rights, taking cues from the civil rights movement. Key figures like Frank Kameny emerged, advocating against job discrimination and police harassment. Transgender communities developed unique strategies to combat systemic violence. Religious leaders in the Tenderloin lent support by addressing homelessness and sex work issues. The lead-up to the historic Stonewall Inn raid set the stage for a pivotal moment in the fight for equality, highlighting the deep struggles and resilience within the movement.

The summer of 1969 saw a pivotal police raid at the Stonewall Inn that ignited a six-day uprising, serving as a catalyst for the gay rights movement. This unrest was rooted in nearly two decades of activism against rampant discrimination. The narrative highlights the internal divisions within the LGBTQ community and the rise of influential figures like Harry Hay. It also addresses the disturbing history of conversion therapy and the fight for representation, shedding light on the broader struggle for equality that continues today.