Posts Tagged ‘history podcasts’
Irish Symbols and Hidden Hibernians
Ever wonder how the shamrock, the Celtic Cross, and the Claddagh Ring became symbols of Irish culture? And which Irish people deserve more historical attention and shouldn’t remain “Hidden Hibernians”? Professor Edward O’Donnell explains all in this St. Patrick’s Day episode! —Buzzkill Bookshelf Edward T. O’Donnell, 1001 Things Everyone Should Know About Irish-American History
Read MoreWhen Women Won the Right to Vote: an American Fiction
Do women have a constitutional “right to vote” in America? Didn’t the 19th Amendment resolve that issue? Professor Lisa Tetrault enlightens us about this very thorny issue in American history and politics. One of our best episodes ever!
Read MoreLevi and Catherine Coffin: the Underground Railroad
In 1876, an elderly man decided to write his memoirs. As we’ll see during this show, he and his wife were very important in 19th century America. They helped a great many people achieve freedom, but very few people have heard of them. As he was writing his autobiography, this old man wanted to stress…
Read MoreRoy Cohn: Piece of Sh*t Saturday
Our inaugural POS Saturday episode is dedicated to the one of the biggest pieces of s**t in 20th century American history — Roy Cohen. Cohen’s influence on American politics and society from the 1950s to the 1980s was almost completely negative. Along with a handful of others, he is responsible for the toxic tone and…
Read MoreGeorge Patton Conquers the World!
We hear this all the time in the US: “George Patton should have been unleashed and taken care of the Soviets in 1945 when we had the chance.” And from the movie, Patton: “We’re gonna have to fight them sooner or later anyway. Why not do it now, when we got the army here to…
Read MoreThe Unknown Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin Luther King did so much more for American society, and wanted so much more from the US government and US elites, than most people realize. Popular history has airbrushed out far too much about his life and work. Professor Phil Nash reminds us of the importance of King’s work, especially during the forgotten period…
Read MoreRepublicans and Impeachment: Nixon and Now
A Republican Senator is in his office, thinking about material he’s just seen regarding the sitting President from his own party. He’s troubled, because the evidence indicates a clear violation of US law and an abuse of Presidential power. The problem is that the rest of the Senator’s party is staunchly behind the President, is…
Read More1919: a Year in the Life of the United States
1919 was one of the most tumultuous years in American history. Economic struggles, labor unrest, the Red Scare, anarchist bombings, and race riots plagued the country. 1919 saw the end of the Progressive Era, the beginning of anti-immigration laws, an attempt to “return to normalcy,” and the approach of the much-heralded “Roaring 20s.” But is…
Read MoreThe Berlin Wall
The Berlin Wall seemed to define Cold War tension and opposition in stone. From 1961 to 1989 it divided East Berlin from West Berlin, and was the focal point of potential Soviet vs. US confrontation. But the history of why it was built and how the citizens of Berlin lived with it is rife with…
Read MoreHarriet Tubman, “I freed thousands of slaves. I could have freed thousands more, if they had known they were slaves.” Quote or No Quote?
November 1st sees the release of the long-awaited film, “Harriet,” loosely based on the life and work of the famous abolitionist and civil rights pioneer, Harriet Tubman. Of course, Tubman is best known for her work with the Underground Railroad, the informal but extensive network of guides and safe-houses that helped conduct fugitive Southern slaves…
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