Myths
US Currency Changes
The times they are a-changin’ Great news, Buzzkillers. The United States Treasury announced on April 21st that Harriet Tubman, the historic fighter for the abolition of slavery and leader of the Underground Railroad, will replace Andrew Jackson on the front of the $20 bill. This, of course, is a huge victory for those of us…
Read MoreThe Life of General George Patton
“Patton” vs. Patton General George Patton was one of the most famous, colorful, and talked about US generals in World War II. He is also among the most misunderstood military men in history. Famously played by George C. Scott in the 1970 movie, “Patton” (co-written by Francis Ford Coppola, by the way), Patton’s image is…
Read MorePre-Dawn Raid: Palin and Patton
Sarah Palin strikes again Right off the bat, we want to apologize to the international Buzzkillers out there. There’s an election going on in the US this year. That means a lot of our shows and themes are going to be about how history is used and abused in campaign rhetoric, as well as how bad…
Read MoreExamining Woodrow Wilson’s Presidency
The curious case of Woodrow Wilson Professor Phil Nash joins us once again to bust US history myths. This time it’s about President Woodrow Wilson. How much of a progressive was he? What were his real attitudes towards race? How much idealism did he pump into his policies on foreign affairs? How effective was he…
Read MoreChief Seattle’s Famous Speech
Lost in translation “Quotations” from Chief Seattle (c.1786-1866), particularly those that have an ecological tone, appear on posters, photographs, and monuments. These “quotes” are used almost everywhere that people want to express the idea that Native Americans had natural wisdom about the land and that the tragedy is that it was taken away from them.…
Read MoreThe Myth Surrounding “Amazing Grace”
Did you know the author of “Amazing Grace” was once a slave trader? Amazing Grace, the hymn published by the Anglican clergyman John Newton (1725-1807) in 1779, is one of the most popular selections in Christian songbooks, and one of the most recognizable songs in the world. By one reasonably reliable account, it is sung…
Read MoreUSS Indianapolis
The story behind the ship, its crew and its captain Our episode on the Atomic Bomb has had a tremendous response! Buzzkillers from around the world have been emailing, Facebooking and Tweeting like crazy for the last week. We’ve heard from veterans, veterans’ families, scientists, and other historians. They’ve enlightened us with their own stories…
Read MoreThe Atomic Bombs
Mic dropping bomb myths The development and use of the atomic bombs during World War II was one of the most controversial historical events of the 20th century. Should it have been used? What were the alternatives? Was it an immoral act? Myths run alongside these questions, Buzzkillers, and we can get close to good…
Read MoreThe Many Myths about Rosa Parks
“The Only Tired I was, was Tired of Giving In” The general story we’re all taught about Rosa Parks was that she was a meek and mild housewife who refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus in 1950s Alabama because she was just tired after a long day at work. She was…
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