America: The Story of the USA

By Liam Heffernan | A Mercury PodcastSociety & Culture News Politics History

America: The Story of the USA episodes

November 11, 2025Who is Chief Seattle?
This week, we are talking about Seattle. Not the place, specifically, but the formidable indigenous leader of the early 19th century. A warrior, a diplomat, a peacemaker, and an eloquent orator, his defence of Native American rights culminated in a speech that would go down in history, and ultimately lead to his legacy as the namesake for what is now one of the most famous cities in the world. So in this episode, I want to know… who is Chief Seattle?
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Special guest for this episode:
Coll Thrush, a professor of history at the University of British Columbia, with a teaching focus on Indigenous and settler colonial histories. His books include the acclaimed Native Seattle.
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Highlights from this episode:
Chief Seattle, a prominent indigenous leader, played a crucial role in the early 19th century as both a warrior and a diplomat.
His legacy is tied to a historic speech advocating for Native American rights, emphasizing the sacred connection to the earth.
The complexities of Chief Seattle's life illustrate the challenges faced by Indigenous peoples during the rise of settler colonialism in the Pacific Northwest.
Despite his significant contributions, Chief Seattle's own tribe, the Duwamish, still fights for federal recognition and rights today.

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Additional Resources:
Native Seattle: Histories from the Crossing-Over Place by Coll Thrush
Chief Seattle and the Town That Took His Name: The Change of Worlds for the Native People and Settlers on Puget by David Buerge
Chief Seattle Speech | The Suquamish Tribe
What happened at the great battle at Maple Bay? – The Discourse
Treaty of Point Elliott, 1855 | GOIA
...
And if you like this episode, you might also love:
Who Are Native Americans?
How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation?
What is Thanksgiving?
...
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39 min
November 04, 2025What is Disney's America... and Why Didn't It Happen?
Last week, I asked if Disneyland was the happiest place on Earth.
Well, this week, we’re looking at the Disney theme park that never was. The concept for a historical theme park was initially earmarked for Virginia, but less than a year after being announced, it was scrapped. But why?
What was so different about this park compared to others? What was the public reaction? And when Disney was able to launch other parks, even cruise ships, and anything else it wanted, what went so spectacularly wrong with this?
So this week, I want to know… what was Disney’s America… and why didn’t it happen?
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Special guest for this episode:
Jared Bahir Browsh, an Assistant Teaching Professor, cultural historian, and author at the University of Colorado, Boulder, with an interest in the relationship between culture, money, power, and identity in the United States and globally. His piece on The Conversation about the collapse of Disney’s America.
Sabrina Mittermeier, a research associate at the University of Kassel with a focus on theme parks. Her books include A Cultural History of the Disneyland Theme Parks: Middle Class Kingdoms, and she also wrote a paper specifically on Disney’s America.
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Highlights from this episode:
Disney's America was an ambitious project aimed at creating an immersive historical theme park, but ultimately it faced significant backlash and was cancelled due to various cultural and financial factors.
The early 90s were a transformative time for Disney, with a strong emphasis on capitalism and expansion, and Disney's America was seen as a reflection of that cultural landscape.
Critics pointed out that Disney's America struggled to balance entertainment with the complexities of American history, leading to concerns about how history would be portrayed in a theme park setting.
The failure of Disney's America highlighted the challenges of creating a theme park that deals with serious historical themes, especially in a location close to significant Civil War battlefields and historical sites.

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Additional Resources:
Inside the collapse of Disney’s America, the US history-themed park that almost was by Jared Bahir Browsh
“Windows to the Past”: Disney’s America, the Culture Wars, and the Question of Edutainment by Sabrina Mittermeier
Staging a Comeback: Broadway, Hollywood, and the Disney Renaissance by Peter Kunze
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And if you like this episode, you might also love:
What Makes Country Music so American?
Are the Oscars Still Relevant?
Why Does Everyone Love Disney?
Could Friends BE Any Bigger?
How Accurate is Forrest Gump?
...
Contact us: [email protected]
Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month
Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/
Brand & advertising enquiries: [email protected]
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1 hr 2 min
November 01, 2025BONUS: The Wild World of Disney Adults
In this bonus episode, we continue our foray into Disney theme parks, discussing the culture of Disney Adults and our favourite parks and rides.
What are yours?
Email [email protected] with your opinions, or leave a comment on Spotify and you might be featured on the show next week.
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Special guest for this episode:
Sabrina Mittermeier, a research associate at the University of Kassel following a PhD in American Cultural History, with a focus on theme parks. Her books include A Cultural History of the Disneyland Theme Parks: Middle Class Kingdoms, and she is one of the foremost academics on all things Disneyland.
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Highlights from this episode:
The concept of 'Disney adults' has exploded on social media, especially TikTok, showcasing a unique subculture.
Sabrina's deep dive into Disney fandom reveals both the joys and absurdities of adult fans.
Disney parks have become a global phenomenon, shaping pop culture and immersive entertainment experiences.
There's a strong argument that Disney has fundamentally influenced animation and entertainment worldwide.
Many fans of Disney have formed lasting friendships through their shared passion for the parks.
Controversies surrounding Disney weddings highlight the divide between casual visitors and dedicated fans.

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Additional Resources:
A Cultural History of the Disneyland Theme Parks: Middle Class Kingdoms by Sabrina Mittermeier
Fan Phenomena: Disney edited by Sabrina Mittermeier
Understanding Disney: The Manufacture of Fantasy by Janet Wasko
In Front of Ira by Sabrina Mittermeier and Torsten Kathke
...
And if you like this episode, you might also love:
What Makes Country Music so American?
Are the Oscars Still Relevant?
Why Does Everyone Love Disney?
Could Friends BE Any Bigger?
How Accurate is Forrest Gump?
...
Contact us: [email protected]
Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month
Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/
Brand & advertising enquiries: [email protected]
Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?
Email [email protected] and let's talk.

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13 min
October 28, 2025Is Disneyland the Happiest Place on Earth?
When Disneyland opened its gates in Anaheim in 1955, it immediately captivated generations of visitors. With seventy years under its belt, its evolution into a sprawling empire of twelve theme parks and six resorts has raked in hundreds of billions of dollars. But have you ever stopped to wonder what fuels this enduring love affair with Disney?
In this episode, we explore the cultural significance of Disneyland: its roots, its innovative beginnings, and how it has shaped family entertainment. And ultimately, we unpack why Disneyland is famously dubbed “the happiest place on Earth” and whether that claim can really hold true.
...
Special guest for this episode:
Sabrina Mittermeier. a research associate at the University of Kassel following a PhD in American Cultural History, with a focus on theme parks. Her books include A Cultural History of the Disneyland Theme Parks: Middle Class Kingdoms, and she is one of the foremost academics on all things Disneyland.
...
Highlights from this episode:
Disneyland opened in 1955, marking the beginning of an iconic theme park legacy that continues to thrive.
The emotional connection people have with Disneyland stems from its immersive experiences and nostalgic ties to childhood.
Understanding Disneyland's cultural impact requires recognizing its evolution into a global brand with diverse interpretations.
Walt Disney's vision of Disneyland was not just about entertainment; it was about creating a community-centered experience for families.
The financial strategies behind Disneyland's success involved innovative partnerships and risk-taking that changed the entertainment landscape.
Disneyland's branding and marketing have created a perception of it as 'the happiest place on Earth', but this is influenced by various socio-economic factors.

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Additional Resources:
A Cultural History of the Disneyland Theme Parks: Middle Class Kingdoms by Sabrina Mittermeier
Fan Phenomena: Disney edited by Sabrina Mittermeier
Understanding Disney: The Manufacture of Fantasy by Janet Wasko
In Front of Ira by Sabrina Mittermeier and Torsten Kathke
...
And if you like this episode, you might also love:
What Makes Country Music so American?
Are the Oscars Still Relevant?
Why Does Everyone Love Disney?
Could Friends BE Any Bigger?
How Accurate is Forrest Gump?
...
Contact us: [email protected]
Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month
Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/
Brand & advertising enquiries: [email protected]
Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?
Email [email protected] and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
55 min
October 25, 2025BONUS: Cultural Appropriation or Recognition?
In this bonus episode, Native American historian Camilla Townsend explores the grey area between appropriation and recognition, and how it's better to be symbolised imperfectly versus being completely forgotten.
This follows on from our previous episode, Who is Pocahontas? as we continue our discussions on Native American culture and history.
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Special guest for this episode:
Camilla Townsend, the author of Pocahontas and the Powhatan Dilemma. She is also a Distinguished Professor of History at Rutgers University, and is one of the world’s foremost scholars on Native American history. Her work has vastly improved our understanding of Native people.
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Highlights from this episode:
This episode dives deeper into the complexities of Pocahontas's representation in popular culture and history.
Camilla Townsend emphasizes the importance of Native American voices in museums and cultural discussions.
We explored the dual-edged nature of stereotypes, providing both visibility and perpetuating harm to Native Americans.
The conversation highlights the urgent need for accountability regarding historical treatment and representation of Native Americans.
Listeners are encouraged to seek out various resources to gain a fuller understanding of Pocahontas's life and legacy.
We discussed the significance of acknowledging the historical realities over simplified symbols in American consciousness.

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Additional Resources:
Pocahontas and the Powhatan Dilemma: The American Portraits Series by Camilla Townsend
Pocahontas, Powhatan, Opechancanough: Three Indian Lives Changed by Helen Rountree
Pocahontas and the English Boys: Caught between Cultures in Early Virginia by Karen Kupperman
...
And if you like this episode, you might also love:
Who Are Native Americans?
How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation?
What is Thanksgiving?
...
Contact us: [email protected]
Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month
Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/
Brand & advertising enquiries: [email protected]
Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?
Email [email protected] and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
9 min
October 21, 2025Who is Pocahontas?
The narrative of Pocahontas is often overshadowed by the simplistic and romanticized version depicted in films. In this episode, we untangle the truth from the many myths surrounding her life, led by historian Camilla Townsend of Rutgers University.
We begin by examining Pocahontas's early life, born in the late 1590s to Powhatan, the chief of a confederacy of tribes in Virginia. While Pocahontas was indeed the daughter of a powerful leader, she was not a princess in the conventional sense. Her upbringing was steeped in the realities of tribal warfare.
We take a critical look at the impact of European colonization on Native American tribes, illustrating how Pocahontas' story is intertwined with broader themes of conflict and survival. As the English settlers arrived, the Powhatan Confederacy faced numerous challenges, and Pocahontas, initially a child during these turbulent times, became a key figure in the complex interactions that followed.
We discuss her first encounter with John Smith and the misunderstandings that arose from their relationship, debunking the myth of a romantic liaison. Instead, this is a young girl trying to navigate her world amidst cultural upheaval and violence.
And we look at Pocahontas' capture by the English, her eventual marriage to John Rolfe, and the implications of her forced conversion to Christianity. Townsend’s insights into Pocahontas's life in England reveal a young woman grappling with her identity and the expectations of her new reality.
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Special guest for this episode:
Camilla Townsend, the author of Pocahontas and the Powhatan Dilemma. She is also a Distinguished Professor of History at Rutgers University, and is one of the world’s foremost scholars on Native American history. Her work has vastly improved our understanding of Native people.
...
Highlights from this episode:
Pocahontas is often misunderstood due to the Disney movie, which simplifies her complex story significantly.
She was born in the late 1590s as the daughter of Powhatan, a paramount chief over numerous tribes.
Her upbringing was shaped by the societal expectations of her tribe, where women played essential roles but were not viewed as equals to men.
Despite being a lower-ranking daughter, Pocahontas showed remarkable intelligence and adaptability, learning languages quickly and engaging with the English explorers.
Pocahontas's relationship with the British was complicated, marked by both skirmishes and attempts at diplomacy, which was often overlooked in popular narratives.
Her eventual marriage to John Rolfe was seen as a strategic alliance, reflecting the broader conflicts and power dynamics between Native Americans and settlers.

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Additional Resources:
Pocahontas and the Powhatan Dilemma: The American Portraits Series by Camilla Townsend
...
And if you like this episode, you might also love:
Who Are Native Americans?
How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation?
What is Thanksgiving?
...
Contact us: [email protected]
Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month
Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/
Brand & advertising enquiries: [email protected]
Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?
Email [email protected] and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
43 min
October 18, 2025BONUS: Why Did the Amish Leave Europe?
This week, we journey into a world of horse-drawn buggies, plain dress, and profound faith. But beyond the stereotypes lies a rich and evolving story of migration, community, and quiet resistance to modernity.
So in this episode I want to explore the history, culture, and customs of this often misunderstood community, as I ask… who are the Amish?
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Special guest for this episode:
Steven Nolt, a professor of history and Anabaptist studies and director of the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown College. He’s also authored or coauthored no less than sixteen books on Amish, Mennonite, and Pennsylvania German history and contemporary life, including The Amish: A Concise Introduction.
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Highlights from this episode:
The Amish migration to America began with around 500 individuals in the 18th century, indicating their small initial population.
By the early 20th century, the Amish population in Europe dwindled due to out-migration and changes in civic responsibilities.
After World War I, many German Mennonites assimilated, leading to tensions with Dutch Mennonites after World War II.
The last technically recognized Amish congregation in Europe merged into the Mennonite Conference around 1936, marking a significant cultural shift.
The Beachy Amish movement has led to the establishment of new churches in Europe since the 1950s, reflecting a modern adaptation of traditions.
Today, while traditional Amish lifestyles are largely absent in Europe, some Mennonite groups maintain a connection to Amish ancestry.

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Additional Resources:
The Amish – A Concise Introduction by Steven Nolt
Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies | Elizabethtown College
Beachy Amish Mennonite Fellowship - GAMEO
What the Amish Teach Us: Plain Living in a Busy World by Donald Kraybill
Amish History: 10 Common Questions Answered - Amish America
How Are Amish Communities Organized? (Church District vs. Settlement vs. Affiliation) - Amish America
Rumspringa: An Amish Tradition - Easy Sociology
...
And if you like this episode, you might also love:
What Makes Country Music so American?
Are the Oscars Still Relevant?
Why Does Everyone Love Disney?
Could Friends BE Any Bigger?
How Accurate is Forrest Gump?
...
Contact us: [email protected]
Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month
Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/
Brand & advertising enquiries: [email protected]
Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?
Email [email protected] and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
14 min
October 14, 2025Who Are the Amish?
This week, we journey into a world of horse-drawn buggies, plain dress, and profound faith. But beyond the stereotypes lies a rich and evolving story of migration, community, and quiet resistance to modernity.
So in this episode I want to explore the history, culture, and customs of this often misunderstood community, as I ask… who are the Amish?
...
Special guest for this episode:
Steven Nolt, a professor of history and Anabaptist studies and director of the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown College. He’s also authored or coauthored no less than sixteen books on Amish, Mennonite, and Pennsylvania German history and contemporary life, including The Amish: A Concise Introduction.
...
Highlights from this episode:
This episode dives into the Amish community, highlighting their rich history and culture that often challenges common stereotypes.
We learn that the Amish, rooted in the Anabaptist movement, emphasize personal choice in faith and community involvement.
The discussion reveals that while many Amish are born into the faith, a significant percentage choose not to join as adults.
Stephen Knoll points out that the Amish approach technology with caution, focusing on how it impacts their community values.
The podcast emphasizes the importance of humility and submission as core values in Amish life, significantly influencing their daily practices.
Contrasting Amish life with modern society, the episode raises questions about social isolation and community dynamics in both contexts.

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Additional Resources:
The Amish – A Concise Introduction by Steven Nolt
Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies | Elizabethtown College
What the Amish Teach Us: Plain Living in a Busy World by Donald Kraybill
Amish History: 10 Common Questions Answered - Amish America
How Are Amish Communities Organized? (Church District vs. Settlement vs. Affiliation) - Amish America
Rumspringa: An Amish Tradition - Easy Sociology
...
And if you like this episode, you might also love:
What Makes Country Music so American?
Are the Oscars Still Relevant?
Why Does Everyone Love Disney?
Could Friends BE Any Bigger?
How Accurate is Forrest Gump?
...
Contact us: [email protected]
Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month
Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/
Brand & advertising enquiries: [email protected]
Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?
Email [email protected] and let's talk.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
58 min
October 09, 2025 IN THE MAKING: Trump Deploys the National Guard in Chicago and Dolly Parton is NOT Dead
This week, we're talking about Donald Trump expanding his deployment of the National Guard to Chicago, the Federal shutdown enters its second week with little optimism over a resolution, and a Mississippi golf course gets an unexpected visitor.
All of this and more on another edition of America: A History in the Making.
.
Special Guest:
Alyssa Royse, the owner of Rocket Community Fitness in Seattle, who is deeply passionate about fighting to preserve a fair and equal democracy in the US.
.
Featured in this episode:
Treasury Department Considers Minting a $1 Trump Coin: https://www.politico.com/news/2025/10/03/treasury-department-trump-dollar-coin-00593368
The shutdown continues: https://apnews.com/article/trump-shutdown-federal-workers-pay-health-care-415768faa14b4e54525d5e6d18ac97b4
Shutdown affects US airports: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx27z97ryr0o
Dolly Parton is not dying: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-15172709/Dolly-Parton-sets-record-straight-health-issues-sister-concern-prayers.html
The National Guard Rollout: https://apnews.com/article/immigration-chicago-portland-memphis-trump-arrests-b36199b00e0511e687c10fa83fd838b5
Alligator on the Golf Course: https://apnews.com/article/vince-whaley-alligator-sanderson-farms-pga-tour-950794673062998659bc76ecd7c92f72
.
Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?
Email [email protected] and let's talk.
Contact us: [email protected]
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Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/
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38 min
October 07, 2025What Were the Latino Urban Riots?
This week, I am issuing an apology on behalf of myself and the podcast. In the previous 90 episodes of this show, we have discussed slavery, the African American experience, immigration, Asian American and Native American history numerous times. And yet, we have not directly addressed the problematic experiences of Mexican, Latino and Hispanic people in the US… until now.
So this week, we are visiting 1960s Chicago, a city that poured fuel on the already explosive issue of Civil Rights, during a period of extraordinary national transformation, as I ask… what were the Latino Urban Riots?
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Special guest for this episode:
Lilia Fernández, a Professor and Director of Graduate Studies History at the University of Illinois, Chicago, specialising in the history of Latinos in the mid-to-late 20th century United States. Her books include Brown in the Windy City: Mexicans and Puerto Ricans in Postwar Chicago
Lorrin Thomas, an Associate Professor in the Department of History at Rutgers University. Her research explores ideas about rights and equality in the twentieth century Americas, with a focus on Latin American history, and her books include Puerto Rican Citizen: History and Political Identity in Twentieth-Century New York City.
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Highlights from this episode:
The long and complex history of Latino migration to U.S. cities, especially Chicago and New York
How urban renewal and housing discrimination intensified racial segregation
The role of police brutality and surveillance in triggering community uprisings
The 1966 Puerto Rican riot in Chicago and the 1967 riot in New York — what really happened
The impact of the Civil Rights Act and rising expectations for racial equality
How media narratives distorted the nature of Latino protest and resistance

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Additional Resources:
Rethinking the Struggle for Puerto Rican Rights – The Rutgers Latino Studies Research Initiative by Lorrin R Thomas and Aldo A Lauria Santiago
Brown in the Windy City: Mexicans and Puerto Ricans in Postwar Chicago by Lilia Fernandez
Amazon.com: Puerto Rican Citizen: History and Political Identity in Twentieth-Century New York City by Lorrin Thomas
Home | Latino Americans | PBS
Humboldt Park Riots: Chicago Puerto Ricans Stand Up Against Violence by David Josiah
The 1966 Division Street Uprising & the Puerto Rican community in Chicago from Unsung History
Forgotten Latino Urban Riots and Why They Can Happen Again - Latino USA
...
And if you like this episode, you might also love:
What Do We Get Wrong About the Civil Rights Movement?
What Challenge Does Black Lives Matter Present to America?
What is the Civil Rights Act?
...
Contact us: [email protected]
Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first month
Get the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/
Brand & advertising enquiries: [email protected]
Want to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?
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54 min

About America: The Story of the USA

From the publisher's feed

SOTUS is your deep‑dive guide to how the United States became what it is today. From George Washington to Donald Trump, we unpack the people, places and events that shaped, and continue to shape, the nation’s identity.

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