Claim OwnershipKey Battles of American History
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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.
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Many of the key figures of the War of 1812 went on to have long and distinguished careers, with no fewer than four becoming President of the United States. Others went into retirement, while still others’ lives were tragically cut short by disease or dueling. In this final episode of the series, Steve and James discuss the post-war lives and careers of the top political and military leaders of the War of 1812.
From the very beginning of the war, both sides expressed a desire to end it. Soon, each side reached out to the other to discuss terms of peace. But the British were in no hurry, and as a result, serious negotiations did not begin until 1814. After several months of haggling, the British and American peace delegations finally produced the Treaty of Ghent, which formally ended the war. But what exactly changed as a result of the treaty? Also, what was the war’s legacy? We’re glad you asked! Join us, and you will find out.
1Wanting 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.
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.
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!
In 1814, American forces, believing in the saying “If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again”, launched yet another invasion of Canada. The American army in early 1814 was much better fed, equipped, trained, and motivated than it had been in 1812 or 1813. But their British foe had been reinforced by battle-hardened, albeit exhausted redcoats fresh from the Napoleonic Wars. Would the third time be the charm for the Americans? Join us and find out!
Even when they were not fighting, soldiers in the War of 1812 suffered great hardships. These included poor pay, harsh discipline, extreme temperatures, rampant disease, and inadequate food, clothing, housing, and equipment. And if they were captured by the enemy, things often grew even worse. In this episode, Steve and James push “Pause” on the narrative of battles and put you in the boots of a common soldier. What did soldiers eat and drink? What kind of equipment did they have? What did they do when not in combat? What was War of 1812 combat like? What would happen if they became prisoners? We will answer these and many more questions.
In 1813, the War of 1812 spread to the American South, as an American army led by General Andrew Jackson attempted to suppress the Red Sticks, a faction of the Creek Nation that rebelled against White authority. Also in 1813, British forces began raiding American settlements along the Chesapeake Bay. Join Steve and James as they narrate the story of the beginnings of the war in the South.
In this special bonus episode, James again joins forces with Jerry Landry, host of the Presidencies of the United States Podcast. This time, Jerry leads the discussion, which concerns one of the most controversial figures in American history: Andrew Jackson. Much of the controversy that swirls around Jackson comes from actions he took long after the War of 1812, when he was President of the United States. In this discussion, however, Jerry and James focus on Jackson’s military career. Does Jackson deserve to be counted as one of America’s greatest generals? James and Jerry will lay out the evidence to help you decide.
In this episode, Steve and James go back out on the water, including both the open ocean and the Great Lakes to follow the actions of the US Navy in 1813. The Navy ranged far and wide, enjoying a few victories while also suffering significant losses. Steve and James also discuss key political and economic events of 1813.
In 1813, the American ground forces in the north launched a second series of attacks against British forces in Canada. This time the Americans were more experienced, better equipped, and were led by much better officers. In this episode, Steve and James discuss the second American offensive against Canada. Join us to see if it succeeded.
In this special bonus episode, James is joined by special guest Jerry Landry, host of the Presidencies of the United States Podcast. Jerry and James discuss the early career and life of William Henry Harrison, who enjoyed a long military and political career and who led the US Army to victory at the battles of Tippecanoe and the Thames. Jerry has long been a fan of Harrison, so much so that his first podcast was all about “Old Tippecanoe.” You’ll love Jerry’s narration of the life and career of one of early America’s most important leaders.
The War of 1812 was not fought merely on land, but also on the sea. To anyone at the time, it would have seemed that the tiny American navy, with only 16 ships at the start of the war, would be crushed by the Royal Navy, which had over 500 ships in service. But what the Americans lacked in numbers, they made up for in seamanship and determination. Would this be enough? Steve and James will let you know if the American “David” was able to overcome the British “Goliath.”
Soon after war was declared, U. S. President Madison and Secretary of War Eustis decided to launch a three-pronged assault on Canada. American forces would cross the Detroit, Niagara, and St. Lawrence Rivers and attack much smaller British and Canadian forces in three strategic locations. The plan seemed solid…but would it work? Join Steve and James as they discuss the 1812 American invasion of Canada.
At the time of the War of 1812, the United States was deeply divided between Republicans, most of whom supported the war, and Federalists, who opposed the war. This division broke out into violence in the Baltimore Riots of the summer of 1812. In this mini-episode, Steve and James discuss the Baltimore Riots, the war aims of the British and the Americans, the war aims of each side, and the critical US presidential election of 1812, which served as a sort of referendum on the war.
The 1783 Treaty of Paris formally ended the American War for Independence, but it left many issues between the United States and Great Britain unresolved. In addition, Britain’s war with Napoleon and his allies motivated the British Navy to increasingly interfere with American shipping and even to impress American sailors into the British Navy. This, plus British support for Indian attacks in the American northwest, led many Americans to demand war with Britain.In this episode, Steve and James discuss the long series of events that led to the War of 1812.
In this episode, James kicks off Season 4 of Key Battles of American History. This new season will include discussions of the United States’ three most significant wars between the Revolutionary War and the Civil War: The War of 1812, the Texas Revolution, and the Mexican-American War. Over the next few weeks, James and new cohost Steve Guerra (host of the History of the Papacy and Beyond the Big Screen podcasts) will discuss the events leading to the War of 1812, the war itself, and the war’s aftermath and impact on American history.
In 1942, the United States government launched the Manhattan Project, a top-secret effort to build an atomic bomb for use against the Axis powers. In this episode, James and Sean discuss the 1989 film Fat Man and Little Boy, a fictionalized version of the attempt to build the bombs that focuses on the relationship between the project’s director General Leslie Groves and its lead scientist Robert Oppenheimer.
By the late 1930s, Shanghai had a large international settlement that included a significant British community. During the city’s capture by Japanese forces in 1937, many British civilians became prisoners of war. Steven Speilberg’s Empire of the Sun, based on the semi-autobiographical novel of the same name by J. G. Ballard, tells the story of a young boy who becomes separated from his parents. The boy (Jamie, or “Jim”) befriends an American merchant ship captain who helps him to survive the camp and to reunite with his parents after the war ends. In this episode, James and Sean discuss this inspiring story, one of Sean’s favorites.
One of the most critically acclaimed films of all time, The Bridge on the River Kwai tells a fictionalized account of the building of part of the Burma-Siam railroad by Allied prisoners of war. Join Sean and James as they tell the fascinating “story behind the story” as well as discuss the film’s background and the relationship of the story told in the film to the real events.
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excellent episode. Loving Dave's accent - what a mixture !
it's a tough one but Urquhart is pronounced Urcutt.
Are we actually going to get this repeat episode replaced with the actual episode in the description?
This is a repeat of last week's episode.
I love this film. Saw it in the theater where it was also 3D, just incredible. there was also a 30 minute documentary on how he made it and that was fascinating.
Thank you for making American history interesting and not just memorization of names and places.
I loved his episodes with the History Unplugged podcast so I'm looking forward to this podcast.