J. Edgar Hoover became director of the FBI when he was just 29 years old. His orders? Clean up the Bureau. At first, he proved to be a brilliant and innovative leader, setting new standards for education, physical fitness, and training of federal agents.But there was a dark side to his success. Hoover was also obsessed with tracking anyone he considered to be disloyal to the U.S. government. By the early 1930s, the Bureau was secretly compiling dossiers on tens of thousands of American citizens, in defiance of government orders. And Hoover understood that the best cover for his actions lay in bolstering the Bureau’s reputation as a beloved and virtuous American institution. All he needed was the help of an expert in an emerging but promising field: public relations.Support 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.

By the turn of the century, radical anarchists were becoming a growing -- and volatile -- political movement. As shifting workplace conditions exploited and endangered American workers, anarchists increasingly turned to violence to spur everyday citizens to upend the capitalist system. The growth of these politically motivated shootings and bombings stoked fear among American citizens — fear of immigrants, outsiders, and anyone else whose ideas might be considered a threat. Soon President Woodrow Wilson was calling on his attorney general A. Mitchell Palmer to investigate, arrest and imprison any noncitizen suspected of spouting “disloyal” or “radical” ideologies.The so-called Palmer Raids would move the little-known, poorly funded and notoriously corrupt Bureau of Investigation into the national spotlight. And it would eventually launch the career of an ambitious young civil servant named Edgar Hoover.Support 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.

“Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the lord.” That’s the opening line of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” written by Julie Ward Howe in 1861. Over the years, it’s become something of an unofficial national anthem for all manner of political causes in the United States. Historian Richard Gamble joins us to talk about the song, its meaning, and its history in everything from The Civil War to The Civil Rights Movement.Read more: A Fiery Gospel: The Battle Hymn of the Republic and the Road to Righteous War.Support our show 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.

President Roosevelt's proposed changes to the Supreme Court's structure and the challenges he faced. The investigation into un-American activities in federal work programs. The global crisis building as war erupted in Asia and Europe. The country's recovery from the Depression. The downfall of Wall Street figure Richard Whitney.

The podcast discusses the Works Progress Administration and its role in alleviating the Great Depression, as well as the growing opposition to Roosevelt's policies. It also explores the sweeping reforms implemented by Franklin Roosevelt, the Federal Writers Project and New Deal art programs, the prejudice faced by Jewish baseball player Hank Greenberg, and the impact of the Flint sit-down strike on labor rights.

The podcast explores the devastating dust storms during the Great Depression and the challenges faced by farmers. A dramatic turning point occurred when a dust storm descended upon a Congressional hearing. It also discusses the migration of farmers to California in search of better opportunities.

This podcast episode discusses the impact of the Great Depression on the political landscape, Franklin D. Roosevelt's promise of a 'New Deal' and his presidency's focus on relief, recovery, and reform. It also highlights the launch of alphabet agencies, the achievements of Frances Perkins as the first female cabinet member, and the environmental disaster of drought.

During the Great Depression, public opinion turns against President Hoover and anti-foreigner attitudes are galvanized. The idea of mass immigration raids is used to scare immigrants from leaving the country. Tens of thousands of World War I veterans march to Washington, D.C. to demand wartime bonuses, leading to a deadly showdown. The podcast explores the devastating effects of the stock market crash, the temporary solution of selling apples, and the targeting of the Mexican immigrant community in Los Angeles.

The podcast discusses the causes and consequences of the Great Depression, including the collapse of the stock market in 1929. It explores the optimism and ignorance of many Americans during that time, as well as the devastating effects of the stock market crash.

"Those who do not remember history are condemned to repeat it." On today’s show, we’ll consider what lessons we can draw from history, and what lessons we can’t. David Greenberg, a professor of history and media studies at Rutgers University, joins us to discuss how to connect the events of the past to the events of today. We’ll also talk about his latest book “Republic of Spin: An Inside History of the American Presidency,” which explores the history of political messaging inside the White House. Plus, Jesse James and this day in history.Support 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.