History on Fire

“He refused to allow anyone—white or black—or any laws and customs—to dictate his place in society or the manner in which he should live.” Al-Tony Gilmore “This negro, in the eyes of many, has been persecuted. Perhaps as an individual he was. But it was his misfortune to be the foremost example of the evil in permitting the intermarriage of whites and blacks.” Asst Atty. Gen. Harry Parkin“No brutality, no infamy, no degradation in all the years of Southern slavery, possessed such a villainous character and such atrocious qualities as the provision of the laws of Illinois, New York, Massachusetts, and other states which allow the marriage of the negro, Jack Johnson, to a woman of Caucasian strain… Intermarriage between whites and blacks is repulsive and averse to every sentiment of pure American spirit. It is abhorrent and repugnant to the very principles of a pure Saxon government. It is subversive to social peace. It is destructive of moral supremacy, and ultimately this slavery of white women to black beasts will bring this nation to a conflict as fatal and as bloody as ever reddened the soil of Virginia or crimsoned the mountain paths of Pennsylvania… Let us uproot and exterminate now this debasing, ultrademoralizing, un-American and inhuman leprosy.” Congressman from Georgia Seaborn Roddenberry“It comes down, then, after all to this unforgivable blackness.” W.E.B. Du Bois“I loved him because of his courage. He faced the world unafraid. There wasn't anybody or anything he feared.” Irene Pineau“I would rather listen to you than hear an oration from a professional politician. I can learn more from you.” Mexican President Venustiano Carranza By 1900, the federal government had long abandoned Reconstruction, and white supremacy was returning to the South with a vengeance. Jim Crow was in full swing. Segregation was the law of the land. And Fifty years before Jackie Robinson challenged segregation in baseball, there was Jack Johnson.Lynching was a weekly event. Any black man in the South not acting subservient could find himself dangling from a tree. Even African American leaders like Booker T. Washington preached that accepting segregation, keeping one’s head down, and working hard were the best options for black people.Jack Johnson clearly didn’t get the memo.At this time when simply looking a white man in the eyes, or talking to a white woman, could get one lynched, Jack Johnson made a living beating the hell out of white men in the ring. Living defiantly as if prejudice didn’t exist—he felt—was the best way to defeat racism.It would be easy to mistake Jack Johnson’s story simply as a tale of standing up to racism. It’s about that—sure. But it’s also about a lot more. Because as much Jack Johnson stared down white supremacy, he also battled those black people who insisted that he behaved like a hard-working, God-fearing role model. But JJ wasn’t about to trade a cage for another. He wouldn’t be anyone’s puppet. He would have no master telling him how to live—not white ones, but no black ones either. His story is the tale of a man who, in spite of a time and place that would not allow it, was on a defiant quest to be free, and live life on his own terms.In this episode:-The campaign to ban boxing-Grappling with the demons of success-Jack Johnson vs. Winston Churchill-Marriage and suicide-Legal persecution and marriage # 2-The Police Gazette calling him “the vilest, most despicable creature that lives… he has disgusted the American public by flaunting in their faces an alliance as bold as it was offensive.”-The paranoid hysteria at the roots of the Mann Act-Running from the Law-The title defense against Frank Moran-At a party with Rasputin-Rubbing elbows with Pancho Villa-Jess Willard-Prison life-Marriage # 3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“And it was fast cars and whiskeyLong legged girls and funI had everything that money could bringAnd I took it all with a gun” from the song I’ve Never Picked Cotton“Johnson did not care. He had no use for the bourgeois values of thrift and respectability.” Randy Roberts “You don’t catch Jim Jeffries losing to a colored man.” Jim Jeffries“Quite conceivably there had never been a more important athletic event in American history.” Randy Roberts“Even those who have an absurdly exaggerated horror of prize fighting as a ‘brutal’ sport should gently warm in their sensitive minds a little hope that the white man may not lose, while the rest of us will wait in open anxiety the news that he has licked the—well, since it must be in print, let us say the negro, even though it is not the first word that comes to the tongue’s tip.” New York Times  By 1900, the federal government had long abandoned Reconstruction, and white supremacy was returning to the South with a vengeance. Jim Crow was in full swing. Segregation was the law of the land. And Fifty years before Jackie Robinson challenged segregation in baseball, there was Jack Johnson.Lynching was a weekly event. Any black man in the South not acting subservient could find himself dangling from a tree. Even African American leaders like Booker T. Washington preached that accepting segregation, keeping one’s head down, and working hard were the best options for black people.Jack Johnson clearly didn’t get the memo.At this time when simply looking a white man in the eyes, or talking to a white woman, could get one lynched, Jack Johnson made a living beating the hell out of white men in the ring. Living defiantly as if prejudice didn’t exist—he felt—was the best way to defeat racism.It would be easy to mistake Jack Johnson’s story simply as a tale of standing up to racism. It’s about that—sure. But it’s also about a lot more. Because as much Jack Johnson stared down white supremacy, he also battled those black people who insisted that he behaved like a hard-working, God-fearing role model. But JJ wasn’t about to trade a cage for another. He wouldn’t be anyone’s puppet. He would have no master telling him how to live—not white ones, but no black ones either. His story is the tale of a man who, in spite of a time and place that would not allow it, was on a defiant quest to be free, and live life on his own terms.In this episode:-Public Enemy Number One-At home in the integrated criminal underworld-Ladies and fast cars-Jack Johnson’s intellectual side-The Great White Hope-Knocking out and befriending Stanley “The Assassin” Ketchel-“I am going into this fight for the sole purpose of proving that a white man is better than a negro.” Jim Jeffries-Why the Governor of California prohibited the fight-Death threats and attempted poisonings-Jack Johnson’s eerie calm under pressure-A spectator: “He’ll kill you, Jack.”Jack Johnson: “That’s what they all say.”-The verbal fight with Jim Corbett-Triumph and riots in over 50 cities Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Back in the day when you could still pay your ticket on the spot in cash, a cop pulled over Jack Johnson for speeding.“Hey boy—said the cop—This is going to cost you $ 50!”Johnson handed him $ 100. The cop tried to protest he didn’t have change, but Johnson waved him off.“I will be coming back this same way, and I’ll be driving at the same speed, so I’m just paying you in advance.”“His story is one of the great dramas not just of American sports, but of all American history.” New York Times  “This fellow Johnson is a fair fighter, but he is a black. And for that reason, I will never fight him.” Heavyweight Champion Jim Jeffries  By 1900, the federal government had long abandoned Reconstruction, and white supremacy was returning to the South with a vengeance. Jim Crow was in full swing. Segregation was the law of the land. And Fifty years before Jackie Robinson challenged segregation in baseball, there was Jack Johnson.Lynching was a weekly event. Any black man in the South not acting subservient could find himself dangling from a tree. Even African American leaders like Booker T. Washington preached that accepting segregation, keeping one’s head down, and working hard were the best options for black people.Jack Johnson clearly didn’t get the memo.At this time when simply looking a white man in the eyes, or talking to a white woman, could get one lynched, Jack Johnson made a living beating the hell out of white men in the ring. Living defiantly as if prejudice didn’t exist—he felt—was the best way to defeat racism.It would be easy to mistake Jack Johnson’s story simply as a tale of standing up to racism. It’s about that—sure. But it’s also about a lot more. Because as much Jack Johnson stared down white supremacy, he also battled those black people who insisted that he behaved like a hard-working, God-fearing role model. But JJ wasn’t about to trade a cage for another. He wouldn’t be anyone’s puppet. He would have no master telling him how to live—not white ones, but no black ones either. His story is the tale of a man who, in spite of a time and place that would not allow it, was on a defiant quest to be free, and live life on his own terms.In this episode:-How a man who would be among the best fighters in the world grew up as a wimp having his sisters protecting him-The color line in boxing-The 1900 Galveston Flood-Joe Choynski: first KOs Jack Johnson and then teaches him how to fight… in jail-JJ’s complicated fascination with white women-The curious story of Saverio Giannone (aka Joe Grim): “I am Joe Grim and I fear no man”-Chasing Tommy Burns around the world-Jack Johnson’s defiant smile-“Jim Jeffries must emerge from his alpha alpha farm, and remove that golden smile from Jack Johnson’s face. Jeff, it’s up to you. The White Man must be rescued.” Jack London Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Duncan, a pioneer in historical podcasting known for "History of Rome" and "Revolutions," dives deep into the allure of Roman history and its parallels with modern America. He discusses the corrupting influences that led to the fall of the Republic and the lessons we can learn today. Fascinatingly, Duncan draws connections between ancient Rome and popular shows like 'The Walking Dead' and 'Game of Thrones.' He also teases his upcoming book, 'The Storm Before the Storm,' which explores the decline of the Roman Republic.

“I never planted wheat and never will, so long as there are other harvests to be reaped with the sword.” Robert E. Howard (from ‘Beyond the Black River’)“In the rough and violent world of seafaring, mariners could not afford to always abide by the niceties of the law or proper etiquette.” Robert J Anthony“There is no greater calamity than not knowing what is enough”. Tao Te ChingAt the very beginning of the 1800s, a Chinese woman went from being employed as a prostitute in the floating brothels close to Canton to becoming the leader of the biggest pirate confederacy in modern history. Despite ending up as one of the most successful pirates ever, little is known about her. Today, we dive into the mystery and explore her story.In this episode:-The three waves of piracy-Piracy as a family business-The boat people-“People are not born sea bandits, but drift into brigandage because they can no longer support themselves.” Wang Zhiyin governor of Fujian-The Tay-Son rebellion-Death by a thousand cuts-The seven pirate bosses and the creation of the biggest pirate confederacy in modern history-When pirates invite you to join their crew, saying ‘no’ is not an option-A pirate’s life for me: opium, prostitutes, gambling, fights-The rise of Cheng I Sao, and her saving the Confederacy-Chang Pao-Cheng I Sao’s law: “Off with his head!”-Former prostitute, full time pirate leader and part time shaman-Straight out of Game of Thrones: fireboats-Cheng I Sao and the Taoist talent of knowing when to stopPATREON NEWS: I have just started a Patreon account!!!! If you feel in a generous mood, please, check it out at www.patreon.com/historyonfire Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dive into the harrowing clash between the Spaniards and the Mexica, where horrific tactics and deep betrayals shape a dark chapter in history. Witness the tragic aftermath of conquest, as smallpox wreaks havoc on indigenous populations. Follow Cortés' ruthless strategies, from brutal battles to desperate power struggles, and hear the heartbreaking cries of those caught in the chaos. The siege of Tenochtitlan reveals a profound struggle for survival amidst overwhelming odds, leaving a lasting impact on the land and its people.

Discover the dramatic clash between the Spanish and Mexica empires, where cultural awe meets brutal betrayal. Delve into Moctezuma's struggle with impending doom as he navigates treachery and hope. Experience the chaotic descent of Tenochtitlan, witnessing blood-soaked confrontations and desperate attempts to resist invaders. Uncover the psychological toll on leaders, and the harrowing consequences of power shifts, culminating in the heart-wrenching chaos of a city under siege. It’s a gripping tale of glory, treachery, and bloodshed.

Dive into the fierce clash of 16th-century warriors as the Spaniards meet the Mexica empire. Discover the first battle featuring horses in Mexico and the terrifying armored dogs trained to hunt humans. Explore the significant role of Malintzin, a woman who shifted from slavery to power, and uncover the motivations behind Moctezuma's choices. Experience Cortés' theatrical political maneuvers and the brutal realities of war. Amidst cultural conflicts and sacrifices, the saga unfolds, leaving a stark mark on history.

Explore the clash between Spaniards and Aztecs in brutal detail, shedding light on gory sacrifices and atrocities. Dive into the Mexica civilization and the Spanish conquest of Mexico, contrasting the militaristic aspects and religions of both cultures. Learn about eerie omens and prophecies leading up to the clash, and follow the different paths taken by captured individuals during the conquest.

In this engaging conversation, Dan Carlin, a renowned history podcaster, dives into the intricate layers of historical narratives. He emphasizes the importance of nuanced thinking and understanding different perspectives, especially concerning figures like Hitler and Genghis Khan. Carlin humorously proposes a 'Gladiators for Peace' concept while examining the balance of war and peaceful narratives. He also delves into the capabilities of ancient societies, challenging conventional beliefs with insights on Göbekli Tepe, and reflects on the profound connection between human experience and history.