• Summary

  • 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.
    Copyright James Early
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Episodes
  • 1814: The Gulf Coast Campaign

    1814: The Gulf Coast Campaign
    Sep 28 2022
    Wanting to bring the war to parts of the U. S. that had not yet experienced it, the British in late 1814 opened up a campaign against the Gulf Coast. This campaign culminated in the British attack on the major port city of New Orleans. The British force, consisting of 5300 crack soldiers, faced a hodge-podge group of 4700 defenders, including regular Army soldiers, militia, volunteers, African-Americans (both free and slave), Indians, and even pirates. Would the British prevail? Join Steve and James as they discuss the leadup to the epic Battle of New Orleans, the battle itself, and the battle’s aftermath.
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    44 mins
  • The Crisis of 1814 and the Hartford Convention

    The Crisis of 1814 and the Hartford Convention
    Sep 24 2022
    In 1814, the United States faced increasing hostility to the war in New England as well as near economic collapse. In this mini-episode, Steve and James discuss the so-called “Crisis of 1814” and the Hartford Convention, a meeting among delegates from several New England states who wanted the Madison administration to address their grievances.
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    36 mins
  • 1814: The Empire Strikes Back

    1814: The Empire Strikes Back
    Sep 21 2022
    In 1814, the British decided that the best defense is a good offense. Accordingly, they launched a series of attacks on various parts of the American northeast while also returning to the Chesapeake region. This time, however, the British planned to do more in the Chesapeake than simply conduct raids. Instead, they set their sights on two of the most important American cities: Baltimore and Washington, DC. Would the British succeed in capturing a great deal of American territory? Would they force the Americans to capitulate? Listen, and you shall see!
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    42 mins
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Profile Image for eccoguy

Great Storytelling about real history!

I have been listening to this WW2 Pacific series over the last several weeks. I thought I already knew quite a bit about the Pacific theater, but James and Scott delve into the unfolding events with a conversational enthusiasm that makes each episode a fun, educational listen: Perfect for walking the dog, working in the yard, or working out at the gym. The anecdotes and humorous asides - as well as the interaction between the two hosts - add so much to the factual narrative. It's all about the stories. Their style engages the listener's imagination more that would a dry recitation of facts and events.
I had the privilege to hear the advance "extra episode" on the Marine Raider battalions, including Carlson's Raiders, which was extraordinary!
Even if you have a passing interest in American History or the War in the Pacific after watching old movies, you should check this out on whatever podcast catcher is your favorite and give this a listen!

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Profile Image for Anonymous User

Dope podcast.

Been listening to yall for a bit down in brasil and barcelona and sandiego teaching english. All the bus rides, metro rides, walks to/fro work etc that i had your podcasts on made life a bit more interesting. Good work!