America at War

In less than a generation, France went from an ally to an enemy. Tired of the violations of American neutrality, John Adams mobilized the navy to stop French commerce raiding. The new navy was very successful and created a fleet that was here to stay. The success of the war at sea is in stark contrast to what happened on land. The fear of French interference in American affairs gave Alexander Hamilton the necessary justification to create an army loyal to him. The political uproar that ensued emboldened Thomas Jefferson and shattered the Federalist party. Stay tuned to the end of the episode for a short 'state of the podcast' message!

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In our last episode we began our conversation about the founding of the United States Navy. We continue this story in this episode. With a temporary cessation of the depredations of the Barbary States and British commerce raiding, there was a push to end the navy before it began. Thanks to George Washington, the was granted a reprieve, resulting in the completion of three ships. Unfortunately, as Europe became engulfed in war, tensions rose between France and the United States which would result in the quasi war. Take a listen!

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In this episode we continue to explore the Federalist's military legacy by turning our attention to the creation of the first coastal fortifications and the establishment of the United States Navy. With Napoleon on the offensive in Europe and the Barbary states capturing American merchant ships, Congress took action to protect our shores and American interests overseas. Take a listen!

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In our last episode we spoke of the creation of the American Legion under the command of Anthony Wayne. We continue that story in this episode. Wayne was ready to meet the British and Indians in the Ohio Valley. Today, the 'battle' of Fallen Timbers would be called a skirmish. Nevertheless, Wayne's efforts broke the back of British power in the American interior. Wayne's victory set precedent's over how the American military would be organized for the next century. Please, take a listen!

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George Washington needed good news. After the failure of the Harmar and St. Clair expeditions, Anthony Wayne was convinced to return to the Army. A veteran of the American Revolution, for two years Wayne recruited and drilled a unique formation - the American Legion. Inspired by the Roman Legions of old, this combined arms unit was seen as the Washington administration's best hope for success. This episode introduces Wayne's labors in building a force that could secure the Northwest Frontier for the new Republic.

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One of the most pressing issues that George Washington had to solve was the security of the new frontier. The western borders stretched from the Appalachians to the Mississippi River. British outposts, still staffed with soldiers in violation of the Treaty of Paris, fomented unrest. Many of the Indian Tribes did not recognize the United States and were angry that settlers were moving into their lands. Washington sent two expeditions west, one under Josiah Harmar and the other under Arthur St. Clair to take care of the situation. Both met with failure, forcing Washington's hand. Take a listen!

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In this episode we explore the origins of the Constitution through the lens of national security. The Challenges facing the newly independent United States were many. Faced with a weak central government and, for some, a dangerous level of internal unrest, in the summer of 1787 a Constitutional Convention was called. The document would ultimately form the basis of our current system of government and was meant to insure domestic tranquility and see to the country's common defense.

Have a question, comment, or compliment, contact us at [email protected]. You can also leave comments and your questions on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/americaatwarpodcast/. Thanks for listening!

In this episode we explore the origins of the Constitution through the lens of national security. The Challenges facing the newly independent United States were many. Faced with a weak central government and, for some, a dangerous level of internal unrest, in the summer of 1787 a Constitutional Convention was called. The document would ultimately form the basis of our current system of government and was meant to insure domestic tranquility and see to the country's common defense. 

Have a question, comment, or compliment, contact us at [email protected]. You can also leave comments and your questions on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/americaatwarpodcast/. Leave your questions on voicemail at (253) 642-6535. Thanks for listening!

The Revolution was over. The newly minted United States had to face their future. The key questions facing the new government revolved around the character of their new institutions. Living up to the legacy revolution, the central government was left small, the army and the navy non-existent. While certainly living up to the legacy, only the future would reveal if it sidelining the Continental Army was the right thing to do.

Have a question, comment, or compliment, contact us at [email protected]. You can also leave comments and your questions on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/americaatwarpodcast/. Thanks for listening!

The Revolution was over. The newly minted United States had to face their future. The key questions facing the new government revolved around the character of their new institutions. Living up to the legacy revolution, the central government was left small, the army and the navy non-existent. While certainly living up to the legacy, only the future would reveal if it sidelining the Continental Army was the right thing to do. 

Have a question, comment, or compliment, contact us at [email protected]. You can also leave comments and your questions on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/americaatwarpodcast/. Leave your questions on voicemail at (253) 642-6535. Thanks for listening!