Key Battles of American History

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 is 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. He has published one book and two scholarly articles. He is also the cohost (with Scott Rank) of the Presidential Fight Club, Key Battles of the Civil War, Key Battles of the Revolutionary War, and Key Battles of World War I podcasts.

History

Update frequency: every 5 days
Average duration: 51 minutes
Episodes: 366
Years Active: 2021 - 2025

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Das Boot

The life of a German submarine crewman was filled with challenges, including cramped and dank quarters, poor food, and the constant threat of being spotted and attacked by Allied ships. 75% of German…

00:53:28 | Sat 08 Apr 2023

Blitzkrieg, Sitzkrieg, and the Winter War

In the fall of 1939, Germany and the Soviet Union signed the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, a peace treaty in which the two nations also agreed to divide Poland. Soon afterward, the German army invaded Pol…

00:45:53 | Wed 05 Apr 2023

Darkest Hour

Upon becoming Prime Minister of the UK in 1940, Winston Churchill’s first and greatest challenge was how to deal with the growing threat posed by Nazi Germany. Many key British leaders urged Churchil…

01:06:10 | Sat 01 Apr 2023

Peace in Our Time: German Aggression and the Failure of Appeasement

In March 1938, Germany declared its annexation of Austria. Soon after, Hitler demanded that the Sudetenland, an area of Czechoslovakia with a heavy German population, also be added to the Reich. On 1…

00:45:20 | Wed 29 Mar 2023

The Gathering Storm

In this episode, Sean and James discuss the 2002 BBC made-for-TV movie The Gathering Storm, which tells the story of Winston Churchill’s return to power after several years in the political “wilderne…

00:45:47 | Sat 25 Mar 2023

The Gathering Storm: The Rise of Fascism and Militarism in Europe

In 1923, Benito Mussolini became Prime Minister of Italy and the first fascist leader in Europe. He would not be the last. In less than two decades, many more nations in Europe would be taken over by…

00:49:49 | Wed 22 Mar 2023

Armageddon in the Arctic Ocean

Paul Gill, Sr. was the Third Mate on the Liberty Ship SS Nathanael Greene which sailed to Archangel, Russia, with Convoy PQ18 in September 1942. Armageddon in the Arctic Ocean is Gill’s memoir chroni…

00:52:08 | Sat 18 Mar 2023

An Unsettled World: Germany and the Allies 1918-1930

The roots of the Second World War in Europe lie within the First World War. The 1919 Treaty of Versailles formally ended the war between Germany and the western Allies, but the geopolitical situation…

00:47:00 | Wed 15 Mar 2023

Introduction to Key Battles of World War II in Europe

In this episode, James and co-host Sean McIver introduce their massive new series, “Key Battles of World War II in Europe.” Get ready for a lot of massive battles!

See omnystudio.com/listener for priv…

00:40:42 | Wed 08 Mar 2023

History of the Papacy Preview - The Italian Risorgimento

The Risorgimento was a period of political and social upheaval in Italy that lasted from the early 19th century to the mid-20th century. The movement aimed to unite the various states and regions of …

00:21:57 | Sat 04 Mar 2023

Half American with Matthew Delmont

In this episode, James interviews Dartmouth College professor and best-selling author Matthew F. Delmont about his recently-relased (and excellent) book Half American: The Epic Story of African-Ameri…

00:50:54 | Wed 01 Mar 2023

The Legacy of the Mexican-American War

In another venerable KBAH tradition, Sean and James reflect on the short-term and long-term impact of the Mexican-American War and tell “the rest of the story” about the key leaders of the war, both …

01:08:39 | Wed 22 Feb 2023

This American President Preview - Eisenhower

Some remember Dwight D. Eisenhower’s presidency as a time of peace and prosperity, but in reality, it was an era of constant global crises. In this episode preview from This American President, host …

00:23:43 | Sat 18 Feb 2023

The Fall of Mexico City and the End of the War (1847-1848)

After the fight at Churubusco, the two armies rested for a couple of weeks, after which the Americans resumed the attack at Molino del Rey and Chapultepec. Eventually, Scott and his army fought their…

00:45:41 | Wed 15 Feb 2023

Winfield Scott’s War (1847)

In March, 1847, an American army of 12,000 under the command of General Winfied Scott landed on the eastern coast of Mexico and laid siege to the city of Veracruz. After the city’s surrender, Scott m…

00:51:57 | Wed 08 Feb 2023

Mexican and American Soldiers

In a time-honored tradition in the Key Battles of American History Podcast, Sean and James push “pause” on the military and political narrative to give you a “ground up” view of the war. In this epis…

00:53:22 | Wed 01 Feb 2023

Taking Berlin with Martin Dugard

In this special episode, James interviews best-selling author Martin Dugard about his new book Taking Berlin, which tells the fascinating story of the 1944-45 Allied drive to destroy the Third Reich

S…

00:44:27 | Sat 28 Jan 2023

Buena Vista; New Mexico and California (1846-1847)

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