Best 100 American History Podcasts

The Cold War, Prohibition, the Gold Rush, the Space Race. Every part of your life - the words you speak, the ideas you share - can be traced to our history, but how well do you really know the stories that made America? We'll take you to the events, the times and the people that shaped our nation. And we'll show you how our history affected them, their families and affects you today. Hosted by Lindsay Graham (not the Senator). From Wondery, the network behind American Scandal, Tides of History, American Innovations and more.New episodes come out every Wednesday for free, with 1-week early access for Wondery subscribers. Listen ad-free on Wondery or on Amazon Music with a Prime membership or Amazon Music Unlimited subscription. more

This American President delves into the lives and legacies of U.S. presidents through long-form stories and interviews. It will challenge the way you look at American history. Hosted by Richard Lim. more

American History is far more complicated than a yearlong High School class could ever teach you. This podcast will tell you the rest of that story, focusing on colonies you've never heard of, that may be at your front door, like New Netherland and New Sweden; Confederations like the Haudenosaunee and the lampooned 'Articles of Confederation,' that serve as footnotes in the history presented to you. Join Eric Yanis, a NYS Certified Social Studies teacher, as he guides you through the history left out of the textbook. more

The Washington Post's Presidential podcast explores how each former American president reached office, made decisions, handled crises and redefined the role of commander-in-chief. It was released leading up to up to Election Day 2016, starting with George Washington in week one and ending on week 44 with the president-elect. New special episodes in the countdown to the 2020 presidential election highlight other stories from U.S. presidential history that can help illuminate our current moment. Hosted by Lillian Cunningham, the series features Pulitzer Prize-winning biographers like David McCullough and Washington Post journalists like Bob Woodward. [When you're done, listen to Lillian's other historical podcasts: Constitutional and Moonrise] more

The American History Podcast presents the history of the United States in an engaging, scholarly and entertaining way. Each season we take a topic in American history and dive deep to discover the roots of the issue, and provide our listeners with a lot of history they don't know. more

The people and struggles that changed America one year at a time. In each episode, host Josh Levin explores a story you may have forgotten or one you've never heard of before. What were the moments that transformed politics, culture, science, religion, and more? And how does the nation's past shape our present? more

American Heritage podcast, weekly. The Audio Information Network of Colorado (AINC) is a media organization that serves individuals with barriers to print. This podcast is produced by AINC under the Chafee Amendment to the Copyright Act which states that authorized nonprofit organizations whose primary mission is to provide copyrighted works in specialized formats to individuals with barriers to print are exempt. By continuing to listen, you verify you have an eligible print-reading impairment. more

An American History podcast, hosted by Alex Hastie.

Learn about events and people that changed history.

The Journal of American History Podcast features interviews with our authors and conversations with authors whose books on American history have won awards. Episodes are in MP3 format and will be released in the month preceding each Journal of American History (February, May, August and November). Published quarterly by the Organization of American Historians, the Journal of American History is the leading scholarly publication in the field of U.S. history and is well known as the major resource for the study, investigation, and teaching of our nation's past. For more information visit our website at http://jah.oah.org/podcast and http://www.oah.org/ or email us at jahcast@oah.org. more

A Podcast on Antebellum America (ca.1812 - ca.1845) hosted by Daniel N. Gullotta and sponsored by Andrew Jackson's Hermitage?. more

First published anonymously due to its seditious content in 1776, the pamphlet argues for the need of American colonists to pursue complete independence from Great Britain, and not be driven simply by the urge to free themselves from unfair taxation. Paine provides argumentation for his revolutionary ideas, suggesting the unification of colonial forces to achieve this goal. Furthermore, Paine strengthens his case by clearly asserting the advantages that would come out as a result of independence, and further fortifies his argumentation with religious references. Written in a clear straightforward manner and comprehensible to the common people, Common Sense was immediately well-received after its publication, providing both inspiration and motivation to strive towards obtaining freedom. Consequently, the pamphlet was widely distributed and read at public events, while its ideas later earned Paine an important position in the country's history.Divided into four sections, Paine begins his work by distinguishing between government and society, suggesting that the purpose of the government is to protect society from their flawed nature. Paine illustrates the balance between society and government through a scenario in which a group of isolated people eventually surrender to the need of introducing regulations, which later results in the formation of a government. By providing such a scenario, Paine effectively creates a model which he argues is a better option for the American colonists. Subsequently, Paine goes on to analyze the validity of monarchy and hereditary succession through a biblical and historical perspective, as he provides evidence that support his views including biblical citations and an examination of historical events. Following his theoretical approach, Paine shifts his attention to giving a detailed account of the current circumstance of America, as he concentrates on supporting his claims calling for unity and independence. Regarded as one the most influential pamphlets in American History, the pro-independence monograph pamphlet is a must-read for anyone interested in learning more about the American Revolution, as it was the most widely read pamphlet at the time. Needless to say, Common Sense gives an insight into the ideas and values that shaped the United States of America into the independent nation it is today. more

This is a careful and fascinating collection of interviews with people who knew Lincoln as a boy and young man. A glimpse into the type of person he was from the very beginning. 'All the world loves a lover'—and Abraham Lincoln loved everybody. With all his brain and brawn, his real greatness was in his heart. He has been called 'the Great-Heart of the White House,' and there is little doubt that more people have heard about him than there are who have read of the original 'Great-Heart' in 'The Pilgrim's Progress.'Indeed, it is safe to say that more millions in the modern world are acquainted with the story of the rise of Abraham Lincoln from a poorly built log cabin to the highest place among 'the seats of the mighty,' than are familiar with the Bible story of Joseph who arose and stood next to the throne of the Pharaohs.A new story is told by a dear old lady, who did not wish her name given, about herself when she was a little girl, when a 'drove of lawyers riding the old Eighth Judicial District of Illinois,' came to drink from a famous cold spring on her father's premises. She described the uncouth dress of a tall young man, asking her father who he was, and he replied with a laugh, 'Oh, that's Abe Lincoln.'One day in their rounds, as the lawyers came through the front gate, a certain judge, whose name the narrator refused to divulge, knocked down with his cane her pet doll, which was leaning against the fence. The little girl cried over this contemptuous treatment of her 'child.'Young Lawyer Lincoln, seeing it all, sprang in and quickly picked up the fallen doll. Brushing off the dust with his great awkward hand he said, soothingly, to the wounded little mother-heart:'There now, little Black Eyes, don't cry. Your baby's alive. See, she isn't hurt a bit!'That tall young man never looked uncouth to her after that. It was this same old lady who told the writer that Lawyer Lincoln wore a new suit of clothes for the first time on the very day that he performed the oft-described feat of rescuing a helpless hog from a great deep hole in the road, and plastered his new clothes with mud to the great merriment of his legal friends. This well-known incident occurred not far from her father's place near Paris, Illinois.These and many other real remembrances have been collected here in this book for your edification. ( The introduction and Phil Chenevert) more

Charles Beard was the most influential American historian of the early 20th century. He published hundreds of monographs, textbooks and interpretive studies in both history and political science. He graduated from DePauw University in 1898, where he met and eventually married Mary Ritter Beard, one of the founders of the first greek-letter society for women, Kappa Alpha Theta. Many of his books were written in collaboration with his wife, whose own interests lay in feminism and the labor union movement.In 1921, Charles and Mary Beard published their textbook: History of the United States. A contemporaneous review stated: The authors… assume enough maturity in…students to justify a topical rather than a chronological treatment. They have dealt with movements, have sketched large backgrounds, have traced causes, and have discussed the interrelation of social and economic forces and politics. All this has been directed to the large purpose of helping the student to understand American today in all its national characteristics and as part of world civilization as well...The literary style is exceptionally clear and crisp, and the whole approach…is thought producing. As a textbook or handbook for the average citizen it ranks with very best.The book is divided into 7 parts: THE COLONIAL PERIOD, CONFLICT AND INDEPENDENCE, FOUNDATIONS OF THE UNION AND NATIONAL POLITICS, THE WEST AND JACKSONIAN DEMOCRACY, SECTIONAL CONFLICT AND RECONSTRUCTION, NATIONAL GROWTH AND WORLD POLITICS, AND PROGRESSIVE DEMOCRACY AND THE WORLD WAR. (Summary by TTM) more

Volume II of a series containing anecdotes and stories, some well-known, others less so, of particular countries. This second volume supplements the first with additional stories of the discovery, colonization, founding, and early years of the United States of America, describing history for children and young adults in an exciting and novel manner. (Summary by Kalynda) more

Charles Beard was the most influential American historian of the early 20th century. He published hundreds of monographs, textbooks and interpretive studies in both history and political science. He graduated from DePauw University in 1898, where he met and eventually married Mary Ritter Beard, one of the founders of the first Greek-letter society for women, Kappa Alpha Theta. Many of his books were written in collaboration with his wife, whose own interests lay in feminism and the labor union movement.In 1921, Charles and Mary Beard published their textbook: History of the United States. A contemporaneous review stated: The authors… assume enough maturity in…students to justify a topical rather than a chronological treatment. They have dealt with movements, have sketched large backgrounds, have traced causes, and have discussed the interrelation of social and economic forces and politics. All this has been directed to the large purpose of helping the student to understand American today in all its national characteristics and as part of world civilization as well...The literary style is exceptionally clear and crisp, and the whole approach…is thought producing. As a textbook or handbook for the average citizen it ranks with very best. (Summary from Wikipedia, Journal of History, and M.L. Cohen)The book is divided into 7 parts: The Colonial Period, Conflict and Independence, Foundations of the Union and National Politics, The West and Jacksonian Democracy, Sectional Conflict and Reconstruction, National Growth and World Politics, and Progressive Democracy and the World War. more

Charles Beard was the most influential American historian of the early 20th century. He published hundreds of monographs, textbooks and interpretive studies in both history and political science. He graduated from DePauw University in 1898, where he met and eventually married Mary Ritter Beard, one of the founders of the first Greek-letter society for women, Kappa Alpha Theta. Many of his books were written in collaboration with his wife, whose own interests lay in feminism and the labor union movement.In 1921, Charles and Mary Beard published their textbook: History of the United States. A contemporaneous review stated: The authors… assume enough maturity in…students to justify a topical rather than a chronological treatment. They have dealt with movements, have sketched large backgrounds, have traced causes, and have discussed the interrelation of social and economic forces and politics. All this has been directed to the large purpose of helping the student to understand American today in all its national characteristics and as part of world civilization as well..The literary style is exceptionally clear and crisp, and the whole approach…is thought producing. As a textbook or handbook for the average citizen it ranks with very best. more

Charles Beard was the most influential American historian of the early 20th century. He published hundreds of monographs, textbooks and interpretive studies in both history and political science. He graduated from DePauw University in 1898, where he met and eventually married Mary Ritter Beard, one of the founders of the first Greek-letter society for women, Kappa Alpha Theta. Many of his books were written in collaboration with his wife, whose own interests lay in feminism and the labor union movement.In 1921, Charles and Mary Beard published their textbook: History of the United States. A contemporaneous review stated: The authors… assume enough maturity in…students to justify a topical rather than a chronological treatment. They have dealt with movements, have sketched large backgrounds, have traced causes, and have discussed the interrelation of social and economic forces and politics. All this has been directed to the large purpose of helping the student to understand American today in all its national characteristics and as part of world civilization as well..The literary style is exceptionally clear and crisp, and the whole approach…is thought producing. As a textbook or handbook for the average citizen it ranks with very best.The book is divided into 7 parts: THE COLONIAL PERIOD, CONFLICT AND INDEPENDENCE, FOUNDATIONS OF THE UNION AND NATIONAL POLITICS, THE WEST AND JACKSONIAN DEMOCRACY, SECTIONAL CONFLICT AND RECONSTRUCTION, NATIONAL GROWTH AND WORLD POLITICS, AND PROGRESSIVE DEMOCRACY AND THE WORLD WAR. (Summary from Wikipedia, Journal of History, and M.L. Cohen) more

AP U.S. History Teacher, working and experimenting to help my students.

Podcast by Susquenita HS APUSH

American History is discussed and reviewed with cause and effect relationships and long term implications. This is part of a larger series of podcasts and videos available at www.buschistory.net and also available on You Tube under Buschistory. more

A history teacher tells the story of America through all 45 presidents, in order, without notes.

A podcast by the English, History and Politics teams at Vyners School designed to help students understand the critical issues that underpin their A-Level subjects. more

American History

The C19 Podcast is a production by scholars from across the world exploring the past, present, and future through an examination of the United States in the long nineteenth century.The official podcast of C19: The Society of Nineteenth-Century Americanists. more

The journal of William Bradford, who served five terms as governor of the Plymouth colony, is an indispensable document of the events of early American history. His eyewitness account includes the stories of the Pilgrims' sojourn in the Netherlands, the voyage of the Mayflower, the hardships of the New World, relations with the Indians, and the colony's growth from an endangered enterprise to a thriving city. This edition of Bradford's Of Plimoth Plantation presents the text in language made more accessible to the modern reader (Summary by D. Leeson). more

15 Minute History is a podcast series is devoted to short, accessible discussions of important topics in World History and US History. The discussions will be conducted by the award winning faculty and graduate students at the University of Texas at Austin. more

The Dollop is a bi-weekly* American History Podcast. Every week, Dave Anthony reads a story to his friend, Gareth Reynolds, who has no idea what the topic is going to be about. Each week one topic from American history is discussed at length. more

CWTR is a weekly, hour-long, internet-based talk radio show hosted by Gerry Prokopowicz of East Carolina University. Each week, Gerry interviews leading historians, authors, enthusiasts, etc. on all things Civil War-related. more

This is a multiple award-winning podcast about early American history. It's a show for people who love history and who want to know more about the historical people and events that have impacted and shaped our present-day world. Each episode features conversations with professional historians who help shed light on important people and events in early American history. It is produced by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. more

A Chronological Journey through the Revolutionary War. American Revolution Podcast explores the events of the American Revolution, from beginning to end. It publishes weekly. Be sure to check out the related blog for access to pictures, maps, and links to more useful information on each week's episode. more

CWTR is a weekly, hour-long, internet-based talk radio show hosted by Gerry Prokopowicz of East Carolina University. Each week, Gerry interviews leading historians, authors, enthusiasts, etc. on all things Civil War-related. more

The past is never past. Every headline has a history. Join us every week as we go back in time to understand the present. These are stories you can feel and sounds you can see from the moments that shaped our world. more

Think of HTDS as covering the basics of what an American should but possibly doesn't know (or has forgotten) about history. The episodes are roughly one hour, story-driven, and irreverently educational. Each episode stands on its own as a story, but taken together, they will also walk you through a survey of US history that starts with the Revolution and will (eventually) go right up to the present. It's everything you need and want to know. And it's a damn good time. more

Go back to school with the country's top professors lecturing on a variety of topics in American history. New episodes posted every Saturday evening. From C-SPAN, the network that brings you 'After Words' and 'C-SPAN's The Weekly' podcasts. more

Every scandal begins with a lie. But the truth will come out. And then comes the fallout and the outrage.Scandals have shaped America since its founding. From business and politics to sports and society, we look on aghast as corruption, deceit and ambition bring down heroes and celebrities, politicians and moguls. And when the dust finally settles, we're left to wonder: how did this happen? Where did they trip up, and who is to blame? From the creators of American History Tellers, Business Wars and Tides of History comes American Scandal, where we take you deep into the heart of America's dark side to look at what drives someone to break the rules and what happens when they're caught. Hosted by Lindsay Graham more

A podcast charting the history of the United States of America from the foundation of Jamestown to the end of the cold war, covering political, military, economic, social, and cultural history. more

A podcast exploring the history and evolution of the political systems of the United States.

Quick and Dirty History is the show about American history, on the go! Have a few minutes to spare? Take the opportunity to learn about your American heritage...it will be quick, and oh so dirty. more

Conversations at the Washington Library is the premier podcast about George Washington and his Early American world. more

Compelling hour-long conversations with people who are making things happen. New episodes every Sunday evening. From C-SPAN, the network that brings you 'Washington Today' and 'Lectures in History' podcasts. more

From books to barbecue, and current events to Colonial history, historian and author Walter Edgar delves into the arts, culture, and history of South Carolina and the American South. Produced by South Carolina Public Radio. more

Follow reporter Davis Dunavin as he travels the road from New York to Boston, looking for unusual stories and fascinating histories. more

A deep dive into The Newport Mansions - one of the leading museums of American history and a top attraction in New England and nationwide hosted by award-winning Executive Director Trudy Coxe. more

Visiting the Presidents will take listeners through the birthplaces, homes, gravesites, libraries, and other historical sites associated with the Presidents of the United States. We will also be exploring the childhoods, lives, loves, careers, and deaths of these presidents through the sites that were touched by them. more

War has played a key role in the history of the United States from the nation's founding right down to the present. Wars made the U. S. independent, kept it together, increased its size, and established it as a global superpower. Understanding America's wars are essential for understanding American history. In the Key Battles of American History, host James Early discusses American history through the lens of the most important battles of America's wars. James is an Adjunct Professor of History at San Jacinto College in Pasadena, TX. more

The history of the people who live in the United States, from the beginning.

Talking Hoosier History is an Indiana History podcast produced by the Indiana Historical Bureau. Join us each month to explore the people, places, and events that shaped the Hoosier state. more

Explore the history of early Texas as you've never heard it before. The most recent season ('Lipan Apocalypse') unveils the legacy of the enigmatic Lipan Apaches on modern Texas. Season 6 recounts the outsized impact of José Francisco Ruíz on the state's history. And Season 5 traces the roots of Texans' unique psychology - their 'Texanity' - to the technological innovations that shaped its people. Season 4 relates the largely unknown story of the improbable and inspiring Republic of the Rio Grande. Season 3 tells the remarkable tale of Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca and his journey across the North American continent. Season 2 covers the Battle of Medina, the largest, bloodiest battle in Texas history...and the narrowing search for the battlefield itself! more

Get fresh perspectives and great insights on America's defining event from the historians at Emerging Civil War. Co-hosted by Chris Mackowski and a revolving cadre of ECW's contributors, the Emerging Civil War Podcast taps into an award-winning lineup of historians from a wide variety of backgrounds, with a wide variety of interests. Listen to the Emerging Civil War Podcast and be part of the conversation. We'll see you online and on the battlefield. more

Real history, no woke agendas. God has a plan and a purpose for America.

The Gilded Age and Progressive Era is a free podcast about the seismic transitions that took place in the United States from the 1870s to 1920s. It's for students, teachers, researchers, history buffs, and anyone who wants to learn more about how our past connects us to the present. It is hosted by Michael Patrick Cullinane, a professor of U.S. history and the author of several books about American politics and international relations. more

The American Idea explores America's Founding principles and their effect on American history and government. Through lively and thoughtful conversations with renowned academics and public figures from across the country, the podcast examines the history and political thought behind our country's greatest documents and debates, as well as contemporary issues, American popular culture, and political statesmanship. The podcast is a production of the Ashbrook Center and hosted by Jeff Sikkenga. more

Wyatt Earp, Jesse James, and Butch and Sundance. Lakota, Comanche and Apache. Wars, gunfights and robberies. This show covers the toughest lawmen, the wildest outlaws, and the deadliest towns; all the people and events that shaped the American West. more

A history podcast in which Rich & Tracy weave together a chronological narrative of the Civil War era. Visit us at www.civilwarpodcast.org more

The Salem Witch Trials Podcast takes a fast-paced and episodic examination of the witch hysteria in Salem, Massachusetts in 1692. Each brief yet insightful episode harnesses the knowledge of an expert to help illuminate both the chronology of events as well the deeper context surrounding the hysteria, giving listeners an understanding of this fascinating and tragic event in early American history. more

The extraordinary collections of the MHS tell the story of America through millions of rare and unique documents, artifacts, and irreplaceable national treasures. Each episode of the podcast takes you on a behind the scenes tour of that vast collection. If you are someone who loves to learn about history through material objects and manuscripts, then this podcast is for you.This show uses materials by Dominic Giam of Ketsa Music (licensed under a commercial non-exclusive license by the Massachusetts Historical Society through Ketsa.uk). more

In 1963, President Kennedy would make decisions that would reflect on his lasting legacy. It would also be a year that he would never complete after becoming the fourth sitting U.S. President to be assassinated on November 22, 1963. In this special JFK35 podcast series, we will look at some of the President's key trips and policy decisions from 1963 and how they continue to live on today. We will reflect on his assassination and how the generation of the 1960s reacted to it. We will also speak with the following generations about how the President remains an influential figure.John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, inspired a generation that transformed America. But not everyone knows the stories behind the man - his experiences as a young serviceman in World War II, how he wrote some of his most memorable speeches, what sparked him to set the country on a path to the moon. Join Matt Porter and Jamie Richardson of the JFK Library Foundation as they dig into the archives at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston and interview their colleagues to get a behind-the-scenes look at JFK's life and legacy. more

Tired of being lectured when it comes to history? Then you've come to the right place! Here is where history is for everyone, regardless of your background or education level. History which is accessible, edgy, and fun! more

We are at a critical moment in history, where the 24/7 news cycle no longer just covers the story. It influences the story. Sometimes it IS the story. Do you love history and find the media maddening? #MeToo! 'Top Story Tonight!' revisits great moments in history as if the modern media existed at the time - cable news, Twitter, Instagram, talk radio, reality TV, even the dark web of conspiracy theories. Imagine retelling the story of Cleopatra as the original Kim Kardashian on Instagram. Think Henry VIII as the king who wants to Make England Great Again. #MEGA! You get the idea. This podcast brings history to life—warts and all—with a modern twist. more

The people and struggles that changed America—one year at a time. In each episode, host Josh Levin explores a story you may have forgotten, or one you've never heard of before. What were the moments that transformed politics, culture, science, religion, and more? And how does the nation's past shape our present? more

Are the decisions we are making today in America, the right or wrong decisions? To find the answers, let's look back. more

This podcast is devoted to exploring presidential history from the founding of the office in 1789 on through the present day. I plan to take a systematic approach to both the people and the events that have shaped and reshaped each administration and the office in general. more

Come on down the rabbit hole with us as we answer real questions from visitors to President Lincoln's Cottage that we wish we could spend a half hour answering. We always start with Lincoln and the Cottage, but we often end up in unexpected places… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. more

Back in the Day Podcast is a series of interviews with historians, related to Tennessee and Middle Tennessee history. It's produced by Metropolitan Archives of Nashville & Davidson County.  more

United States history. No academic nitwittery just some really smart people discussing essential historical topics: political, social, cultural, and economic. Subscribe, listen, and join the conversation at TheRogueHistorian.com. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-rogue-historian/support more

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'The Chronicles of the American Civil War' -- program designed to bring scholars, author and historians to the podcast on a weekly basis to discuss any and all aspects of this important time in out history. more

Rothbard's posthumous masterpiece is the definitive book on the Progressives.This audiobook is made available through the generosity of Mr. Tyler Folger. Narrated by Graham Wright. more

The Civil War was the most important event in American history. That's because it decided what kind of nation America would be and whether or not the promise of universal liberty would be fulfilled. And what decided the outcome of the Civil War was its battles.Hosted by history professors James Early and Scott Rank, this podcast explores the ten most important battles in the Civil War. It features every major conflict, from the initial shots fired at the Battle of First Bull Run to the end of the war at Appomattox Court House. Key battles include Shiloh, the Seven Days Battle, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Vicksburg, Chickamauga & Chattanooga, and the Overland Campaign. James and Scott explore additional topics such as emancipation, the naval wars of the Civil War, and weapons technology. Plus they get deep into the biographical backgrounds of the Union and Confederate generals (Grant, Sherman, McClellan, Thomas, Lee, Jackson, Beauregard, and Longstreet). more

This American President delves into the lives and legacies of U.S. presidents through long form stories and interviews. It will challenge the way you look at American history. Hosted by Richard Lim and produced by Michael Neal. Art by NipRogers.com. more

This is a collection of early American stories, interesting read. (Summary by sidhu177)

'The Sword of Antietam' tells a complete story, but it is one in the chain of Civil War romances, begun in 'The Guns of Bull Run' and continued through 'The Guns of Shiloh' and 'The Scouts of Stonewall.' The young Northern hero, Dick Mason, and his friends are in the forefront of the tale. (Summary from the Foreword) more

Charles Pinckney, member of the South Carolina legislature, Confederation Congress, U.S. Congress, and notably the Constitutional Convention of 1787, may have been regarded by some as perhaps the true author of the U.S. Constitution, although most likely James Madison would vehemently argue the point. This book investigates what may, or may not have happened to the draft of the Constitution which was drawn up by Charles Pinckney and submitted to the Constitutional Convention in May of 1787, and how (or if) it differed from the Constitution which was adopted. The questions which are delved into most deeply revolve around the following mystery: why, if, and by whom Pinckney's version of this important document was overlooked, or was it possibly destroyed intentionally (or for other reasons).Author Charles C. Nott was formerly Chief Justice of the United States Court of Claims, appointed by president Lincoln. (Summary by Roger Melin) more

A charming collection of 14 short American history plays for the very young - ranging from Christopher Columbus to George Washington to Susan B Anthony. (Summary by Maria Therese)Cast:Narrator; First Maid of Honor; Second Woman: AvailleNarrator; Queen Isabella; Pocohantus: CaprishaPageColumbus; First Merchant; Blount; Squanto; Robert E. Lee: Tom CausbyWise Man; Captain Newport; King; Court; People; Richard Henry Lee; Californians; Auctioneer; Union Soldier: Libby GohnLuis; John Smith; William Penn; Noble; First Woman; First Boy; British General; Men; Secretary to the President; Mr. President; Abraham Lincoln; Soldier: Charlotte DuckettSecond Merchant: Courtier; Officer: Aidan BrackPowhatan; William Penn, Sr; Second Maid of Honor; Samoset; Third Boy; Father Gibault; Senator Benton; Ezekiel Webster; Wise Man of Spain: Maria ThereseWalter Raleigh; Bradford; Young George Washington; Second Man of the House; Mr. Sherman; Elizabeth Cady Stanton: Elizabeth KlettQueen Elizabeth: Verity KendallIndian Chief; Second Man: rookieblueFrancis Drake; Governor Carter; Benjamin Franklin: Nathanial W.C. HigginsMan; First Man; Second Boy; Robert Livingston; Father; Mr. Seward: balaNarrator; Susan B. Anthony: Victoria MartinPeople; Third Man of the House; General Scott; Mr. Haynes: KristingjStandish: Thomas Jefferson; George Rogers Clark; Andrew Jackson; President Van Buren; Henry Clay; John Hanks; Ulysses S. Grant: Amanda FridayBrewster; Mr. Hancock; General Flores; Officer: David OlsonNarrator; One of the Girls: Pamela KrantzMrs. Washington: BrittaniaFourth Boy; Speaker; Member of the House: Frances BrownPatrick Henry: GraceMen of the House; Other Man; Member of Congress: TriciaGJohn Adams; John Fremont; John Calhoun: Arielle LipshawOlder George Washington: Delmar H. DolbierDaniel Webster: nomorejeffsAudio edited by: Maria Therese; Hugh Gillis; Elizabeth Klett and Arielle Lipshaw more

The Rise and Fall of the Confederate Government (1881) is written by Jefferson Davis, former President of the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War. Davis wrote the book as a straightforward history of the Confederate States of America and as an apologia for the causes that he believed led to and justified the American Civil War.Davis spared little detail in describing every aspect of the Confederate constitution and government, in addition to which he retold in detail numerous military campaigns. Far more compelling in the views of Davis' contemporaries and to modern scholars were Davis' thoughtfully constructed arguments as to the constitutional and moral justification of the formation of the Confederacy and of the Civil War. Davis cited numerous constitutional passages, constitutional scholars, and American political leaders to prove his thesis that secession was justified.This project contains the first half of Volume 1 (of 2). (Intro modified from Wikipedia) more

This detailed biography covers the places in Lincoln's life: Indiana, Illinois, Washington. It also traces his various roles as storekeeper, serviceman, state legislator, lawyer, politician, Republican Party leader, and of course President. Along the way we learn about his days of hardship as a beginning lawyer, his love for Anne Rutledge, such myths as 'Honest Abe,' and his deep concerns over the issue of slavery. The author uses Lincoln's correspondence with others to show his personality traits and opinions about topics of his world. (Summary by Bill Boerst) more

Thomas Paine has a claim to the title The Father of the American Revolution because of Common Sense, the pro-independence monograph pamphlet he anonymously published on January 10, 1776; signed 'Written by an Englishman', the pamphlet became an immediate success. It quickly spread among the literate, and, in three months, 100,000 copies (estimated 500,000 total including pirated editions sold during the course of the Revolution) sold throughout the American British colonies (with only two million free inhabitants), making it the best-selling book ever. Paine's original title for the pamphlet was Plain Truth; Paine's friend, pro-independence advocate Benjamin Rush, suggested Common Sense instead.The pamphlet appeared in January 1776, after the Revolution had started. It was passed around, and often read aloud in taverns, contributing significantly to spreading the idea of republicanism, bolstering enthusiasm for separation from Britain, and encouraging recruitment for the Continental Army. Paine provided a new and convincing argument for independence by advocating a complete break with history. Common Sense is oriented to the future in a way that compels the reader to make an immediate choice. It offers a solution for Americans disgusted and alarmed at the threat of tyranny. (Introduction by Wikipedia) more

Abner Doubleday began the Civil War as a Union officer and aimed the first cannon shot in response to the bombardment opened on Ft. Sumter in 1861. Two years later, after a series of battles (including Antietam, where he was wounded), Doubleday took over a division in the Army of the Potomac's 1st Corps.These are his memoirs of service in two of the War's great campaigns. At Chancellorsville, a very promising start made by General Hooker against Lee's Confederate forces fell to a defeat when, in Doubleday's estimation, normal and prudent precautions against surprise in the heavily-wooded battlefield were not carried out; he also seemingly apologizes for Hooker's lack of leadership during the battle as a result of his having been stunned by a cannon ball hitting the post against which he was leaning.After Chancellorsville, Hooker was replaced as Army Commander by General George Meade. Doubleday describes the curious circumstances that led the two opposing armies to meet at Gettysburg in Pennsylvania. When Doubleday's superior, General John Reynolds, was killed by a sharpshooter on the first day's battle, he took over the 1st Corps and fought it well against converging Confederate divisions that badly outnumbered him. The Corps was forced by battle losses to retire, but its desperate fight bought the time needed for Union reinforcements to pour into Gettysburg and thus prevent a defeat in detail.General Howard of the XIth Corps replaced Doubleday as the senior commander on the field, and mistakenly wrote to Meade that 1st Corps had routed after practically no fighting. Thus, when Meade arrived, he removed Doubleday from command of 1st Corps, replacing him with a more junior general from another Corps. The snub would embitter Doubleday against Meade. This book is in part Doubleday's revenge, as he picks apart Meade's indecision after the battle was essentially won, with the repulse of the famous Pickett's Charge. In his view, Meade could have won the war at that moment. (Summary by Mark Smith) more

Moncure Daniel Conway was an American abolitionist, Unitarian, clergyman and author. This first volume of his autobiography covers roughly the years of his birth through the end of the US Civil War. (Summary by JoeD) more

Captain John Smith (c. January 1580 June 21, 1631) Admiral of New England was an English soldier, explorer, and author. He was knighted for his services to Sigismund Bathory, Prince of Transylvania. He is remembered for his role in establishing the first permanent English settlement in North America at Jamestown, Virginia, and his brief association with the Virginia Indian girl Pocahontas during an altercation with the Powhatan Confederacy and her father, Chief Powhatan. He was a leader of the Virginia Colony (based at Jamestown) between September 1608 and August 1609, and led an exploration along the rivers of Virginia and the Chesapeake Bay.His books and maps may have been as important as his deeds, as they encouraged more Englishmen and women to follow the trail he had blazed and to colonize the New World. He gave the name New England to that region, and encouraged people with the comment, 'Here every man may be master and owner of his owne labour and land...If he have nothing but his hands, he may...by industrie quickly grow rich.'In 1614, Smith returned to the Americas in a voyage to the coasts of Maine and Massachusetts Bay. He named the region 'New England'. He made two attempts in 1614 and 1615 to return to the same coast. First a storm dismasted his ship. In the second attempt, he was captured by French pirates off the Azores. Smith escaped after weeks of captivity and made his way back to England, where he published an account of his two voyages as A Description of New England. He never left England again. He died in the year 1631 in London at the age of 51. (Introduction by Wikipedia) more

Few stories of shipwreck and survival can equal that of the 16th century Spaniard Alvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca who, cast ashore near present day (USA) Tampa Bay, Florida, in 1528, survived eight years of hand-to-mouth existence among the Indians of the South and Southwest, and who walked on foot across the plains to the Pacific Coast, arriving in Mexico in 1536. In 1542 he published an account of his adventures, and the present reading is based on Fanny Bandelier's English translation of that text.Cabeza de Vaca, along with three other survivors, two Spaniards and a North African (Estévanico, a black slave) endured incredible hardships. Cabeza da Vaca was, himself, at first enslaved by the Indians, forced to dig roots with his bare hands for food. However, he soon showed powers of adaptation that allowed him to survive. He became a trader, bartering 'seashells and cockles' from the coast for hides, red ochre, flint, and deer hair tassels from the inland tribes. 'Trade suited me well,' he writes, 'because it gave me liberty to go where I pleased.' The Indians 'rejoiced greatly when seeing me and I would bring them what they needed, and those who did not know me would desire and endeavor to meet me for sake of my fame.' Cabeza de Vaca's 'fame' soon grew to include a reputation as a healer. In return for his 'cures,' the Indians gave him 'all that they had,' which included food, often in perilously short supply.The success of the survivors' final overland treck in search of Spanish settlement reflected their comprehension of Indian customs and values. They were passed along from one tribe to another, accompanied by an ontourage of friendly natives. At each stop, Cabeza de Vaca saw to it that the food and presents he received were distributed to his followers by their chiefs, thus ensuring their loyalty.After eight years among the Indians, Cabeza de Vaca had a hard time adjusting to 'civilization.' He writes that the Spanish governor in Mexico 'received us very well, giving us what he had, for us to dress in; but for many days I could bear no clothing, nor could we sleep except on the bare floor.' His first person narrative is an exciting tale of survival 'against the odds.'(Introduction by Sue Anderson) more

Another fine history book for children! Published in 1917, Marshall's book of stories from the history of the United States begins with accounts of exploration and settlement, and ends with the presidency of Woodrow Wilson.This is Part 6: Stories of the Struggle for Liberty, from chapter 51 (The Boston Tea-Party) to chapter 63 (A Turning Point in the World's History). Read along and view the original illustrations at http://mainlesson.com/.Part 1: http://librivox.org/this-country-of-ours-part-1-by-he-marshall/Part 2: http://librivox.org/this-country-of-ours-part-2-by-h-e-marshall/Part 3: http://librivox.org/this-country-of-ours-part-3-by-h-e-marshall/Part 4: http://librivox.org/this-country-of-ours-part-4-by-h-e-marshall/Part 5: http://librivox.org/this-country-of-ours-part-5-by-h-e-marshall/Part 6: http://librivox.org/this-country-of-ours-part-6-by-h-e-marshall/(Summary by Kara) more

'Schetsen uit Amerika', een Nederlandse vertaling van 'American Notes' (vertaler onbekend), is een reisverslag van Charles Dickens waarin hij zijn eerste bezoek aan de Verenigde Staten beschreef. Deze reis vond plaats in 1842 en zijn verblijf duurde zes maanden, van januari tot en met juni. Hij werd vergezeld door zijn vrouw Catherine.Na een zware overtocht op het overvolle schip Britannia van de Cunard Line kwam hij aan in Boston, waar hij, als reeds internationaal gevierd schrijver, een warm welkom kreeg. Dickens bereisde vervolgens voornamelijk de oostkust en het gebied van de Grote Meren. Ook bezocht hij president John Tyler in het Witte Huis.Dickens steekt zijn bewondering voor de Amerikaanse vorm van democratie niet onder stoelen of banken. Niettemin blijkt er sprake van een haat-liefde verhouding. Hij maakte een groot aantal kritische en zure opmerkingen, niet in de laatste plaats over het onderwerp auteursrechten. Zijn werken werden in Amerika volop gelezen, maar aangezien er geen internationale overeenkomst bestond op het gebied van copyright, verschenen zijn boeken in niet-geautoriseerde vorm en ontving de schrijver hiervoor geen cent. Ook parodieerde hij de gewoonten en gesprekken van de doorsnee Amerikaan en was hij geïrriteerd over de in zijn ogen onbeschaamde opdringerigheid van zijn bewonderaars. Ook de nog heersende slavernij was hem een doorn in het oog en hij gaf hier niet-malse kritiek op. Een en ander werd hem door de Amerikanen, die hem toch vriendelijk hadden ontvangen en zijn hele bezoek goed hadden geregeld, niet in dank afgenomen. De ervaringen tijdens zijn reis vormden de inspiratie voor zijn roman Martin Chuzzlewit, dat in de Verenigde Staten koel werd ontvangen, maar de lezers er verder niet van weerhield zijn boeken te blijven lezen.(Introductie uit Wikipedia) more

Another fine history book for children! Published in 1917, Marshall's book of stories from the history of the United States begins with accounts of exploration and settlement, and ends with the presidency of Woodrow Wilson.This is Part 5: Stories of the French in America, from chapter 45 (How the Mississippi was Discovered) to chapter 50 (The Rebellion of Pontiac). Read along and view the original illustrations at http://mainlesson.com/ .Part 1: http://librivox.org/this-country-of-ours-part-1-by-he-marshall/Part 2: http://librivox.org/this-country-of-ours-part-2-by-h-e-marshall/Part 3: http://librivox.org/this-country-of-ours-part-3-by-h-e-marshall/Part 4: http://librivox.org/this-country-of-ours-part-4-by-h-e-marshall/Part 6: http://librivox.org/this-country-of-ours-part-6-by-h-e-marshall/Part 7: http://librivox.org/this-country-of-ours-part-7-by-henrietta-elizabeth-marshall/(Summary by Kara) more

Mother Jones (Mary Harris Jones) was a legendary labor organizer. She was a founding member of the International Workers of the World (the IWW, or the Wobblies), and was active in the United Mine Workers and the Socialist Party of America. (Summary by Denny) more

Among the national leaders whose names will always hold an honorable place in American history is Ulysses S. Grant, the simple-hearted man and capable soldier, to whose patriotism, courage, persistence, and skill was so largely due the successful termination of the war between the States, the contest which assured the foundations of the Republic. We are interested not only in learning what this man did, but in coming to know, as far as may be practicable, what manner of man he was. It is all-important in a study of development of character to have placed within reach the utterances of the man himself. There is no utterance that can give as faithful a picture of a man's method of thought and principle of action as the personal letter written, with no thought of later publication, to those who are near to him.This collection of letters will constitute a suitable companion volume to Grant's Personal Memoirs and to the accepted biographies of the Great Commander whose memory is honored by his fellow-citizens not only for the patience, persistence, and skill of the leader of armies, as evidenced in the brilliant campaigns that culminated with Vicksburg, Missionary Ridge, and Appomattox, but for the sturdy integrity of character, modest bearing, and sweetness of nature of the great citizen. (Excerpt from the preface) more

Channing's best known work, A History of the United States, is regarded as one of the most complete and accurate accounts of American history and received the 1926 Pulitzer Prize for History. (Summary from Wikipedia) more

Richard of Jamestown by James Otis was written for children with the purpose to show them the daily home life of the Virginia colonists. It is written from the viewpoint of a young boy named Richard Mutton. (summary by Laura Caldwell) more

Another fine history book for children! Published in 1917, Marshall's book of stories from the history of the United States begins with accounts of exploration and settlement, and ends with the presidency of Woodrow Wilson.This is Part 1: Stories of Explorers and Pioneers, from Leif Ericson to Sir Walter Raleigh. Read along and view the original illustrations at mainlesson.com. Part 2: http://librivox.org/this-country-of-ours-part-2-by-h-e-marshall/Part 3: http://librivox.org/this-country-of-ours-part-3-by-h-e-marshall/Part 4: http://librivox.org/this-country-of-ours-part-4-by-h-e-marshall/Part 5: http://librivox.org/this-country-of-ours-part-5-by-h-e-marshall/Part 6: http://librivox.org/this-country-of-ours-part-6-by-h-e-marshall/Part 7: http://librivox.org/this-country-of-ours-part-7-by-henrietta-elizabeth-marshall/(Summary by Kara) more

Common Sense, Paine's pro-independence monograph published anonymously on 10 January 1776, spread quickly among literate colonists. Within three months, 120,000 copies are alleged to have been distributed throughout the colonies, which themselves totaled only four million free inhabitants, making it the best-selling work in 18th-century America. Its total sales in both America and Europe reached 500,000 copies. It convinced many colonists, including George Washington and John Adams, to seek redress in political independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain, and argued strongly against any compromise short of independence. (Wikipedia) more

Charles Austin Beard was the most influential American historian of the early 20th century. He published hundreds of monographs, textbooks and interpretive studies in both history and political science. He graduated from DePauw University in 1898, where he met and eventually married Mary Ritter Beard, one of the founders of the first greek-letter society for women, Kappa Alpha Theta. Many of his books were written in collaboration with his wife, whose own interests lay in feminism and the labor union movement (Woman as a Force in History, 1946).In 1921, Charles and Mary Beard published their History of the United States. A contemporaneous review stated: The authors… assume enough maturity in high school students to justify a topical rather than a chronological treatment. They have dealt with movements, have sketched large backgrounds, have traced causes, and have discussed the interrelation of social and economic forces and politics. All this has been directed to the large purpose of helping the student to understand American today in all its national characteristics and as part of world civilization as well…The literary style is exceptionally clear and crisp, and the whole approach…is thought producing. As a textbook or handbook for the average citizen it ranks with very best. more

A podcast that examines various topics and themes of the American past and present, written and recorded by AP US History students at Whitney High School more

'This Week Back Then' is a podcast and blog series born out of Professor Catherine McNeur's HST411/511 Public History Lab: Podcasts and History course. Students did research, wrote scripts and blog posts, produced and edited podcasts, and collaborated with classmates to bring history to a broad audience. The class worked with producers at KBOO (90.7) to learn recording and editing skills. The students' podcasts, posted here, will be broadcast during KBOO's news hour each Monday starting in January 2017.Corresponding blog posts on the topics appear at: http://www.publichistorypdx.org/ more

Me running through chapters of American Pageant. For my own good. Because Maureen told me to. You can listen if you want. more

History is, indeed, a story. With his unique voice and engaging delivery, historian and veteran storyteller Fred Kiger will help the compelling stories of the American Civil War come alive in every episode. Filled with momentous issues and repercussions that still resonate with us today, this series will feature events and people from that period and will strive to make you feel as if you were there. more