On Dave Does History, we explore the life and legend of Daniel Boone, born on November 2, 1734. Known as the quintessential frontiersman, Boone’s daring explorations and contributions to early American expansion turned him into a symbol of the pioneering spirit. From his adventures in the Kentucky wilderness to founding Boonesborough and his legendary encounters with the Shawnee, Boone’s life captured the grit and resilience of early America. Join us as we delve into the real man behind the myth, his impact on the nation, and the legacy that has kept his story alive for generations.

On November 1, 1872. Susan B. Anthony, a fierce advocate for women’s rights, walked into a polling station in Rochester, New York, and cast a ballot—an act that would lead to her arrest, a high-profile trial, and a bold stand on her right to vote as a U.S. citizen. Today, we’re looking at what motivated Anthony to vote, the events of that day, her trial, and the legacy her actions left behind.

By the time of the 1872 election, Susan B. Anthony was well-known for her decades of work advocating for abolition, temperance, and especially women’s rights. In her view, recent changes in the Constitution, namely the 14th and 15th Amendments, granted women the right to vote. These amendments, intended to extend citizenship and voting rights, mainly applied to African American men. But Anthony believed that if citizenship meant equality, it applied to women just as much as to men.

With this legal reasoning, Anthony encouraged other women to join her in testing the boundaries of these new laws by voting. Her act wasn’t a whim; it was a calculated challenge. She intended to expose the injustice of denying women the right to vote and force the nation to confront it head-on. On the morning of November 1, 1872, she and fourteen other women went to the polls to exercise their rights as Americans.

Join Dave Does History as we uncover the fascinating origins of Halloween! From the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain to medieval “Dances of Death” and Allhallowtide, we’ll explore the deep roots of this beloved holiday. Discover how Halloween evolved into the trick-or-treating, costume-filled celebration we know today. Whether you’re a Halloween enthusiast or curious about its spooky past, this episode reveals the myths, traditions, and transformations that shaped the holiday.

In this episode of Dave Does History, we’re traveling back to October 30, 1938—the night that a single radio broadcast turned America upside down. Orson Welles, an ambitious young director, took to the airwaves with a dramatization of H.G. Wells' *The War of the Worlds*, and before the night was over, countless Americans believed their world was under attack by Martians.

From Welles’ inventive approach to the ensuing public panic and media frenzy, we unpack the event that showed the immense power—and sometimes danger—of broadcast media. How did a fictional radio play grip the nation in fear? What lessons did it leave behind for today’s media-driven world? Tune in as we recount the unforgettable story of The War of the Worlds broadcast and its impact on history, media, and public trust.

On October 28, 1919, Congress made history by overriding President Woodrow Wilson’s veto of the Volstead Act, ushering in one of America’s most controversial social experiments: Prohibition. In this episode of Dave Does History, we explore how the Volstead Act became law, the powerful temperance movement behind it, and the explosive consequences that followed.

From the optimism of reformers to the rise of bootlegging and organized crime, we trace the unintended legacy of America’s “dry” era.

Join us for a deep look into the limits of legislation and the lessons learned from an era that redefined law, liberty, and public morality.

Celebrate the birthday of one of America’s most iconic figures, Theodore Roosevelt, in this episode where we walk through his extraordinary life, from his rugged days on the Dakota frontier to the heights of the presidency.

Discover how Roosevelt’s bold spirit and relentless determination reshaped the American landscape and influenced the nation’s role on the world stage. We’ll talk about his early struggles with illness, his cowboy adventures, and his legendary charge up San Juan Hill.

Join us as we explore Roosevelt’s legacy as a conservationist, trust-buster, and trailblazing leader who continues to inspire generations.

In this episode, we explore the life and legacy of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the last Shah of Iran. From his early rise to power amidst World War II to his ambitious modernization plans through the White Revolution, Pahlavi’s reign was marked by both progress and controversy. We dive into the grand spectacle of his 1967 coronation, a symbolic high point meant to showcase Iran’s strength and his authority. But as the Shah pursued sweeping reforms, discontent simmered among the Iranian people, ultimately leading to the 1979 Revolution and the fall of his dynasty. Join us as we unpack the complexities of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi’s vision for Iran, the resistance he faced, and the legacy he left behind.

In this episode of Dave Does History, we explore one of the most remarkable naval engagements of World War II: the Battle off Samar. Against overwhelming odds, the brave sailors of TAFFY-3 faced down a vastly superior Japanese fleet in a desperate fight for survival. We'll cover the strategic situation leading to the battle, the heroism of commanders like Rear Admiral Clifton Sprague and Commander Ernest Evans, and the shocking decision by the Japanese to withdraw. Learn how this David vs. Goliath clash fits into the larger Battle of Leyte Gulf and helped turn the tide of the Pacific War. Don't miss this gripping account of courage, sacrifice, and unexpected victory that continues to inspire generations of Americans.

In this episode, we take you back to October 24, 1886, when the British cargo steamer Normanton sank off the coast of Japan, leading to the tragic loss of 25 Japanese passengers. We’ll explore the actions of the ship’s crew, the exoneration of the captain, and the injustice that ignited a national movement in Japan. From the formation of the Great Empire of Japan Marine Rescue Group to the legacy of this disaster in shaping Japan’s modern identity and its international relations with Great Britain, this story reveals much about the power dynamics and racial tensions of the era. Join us as we delve into one of the most significant maritime incidents of the 19th century, a tragedy that pushed Japan to stand firm against Western imperialism.

In this episode of Dave Does History, we find one of the most pivotal moments of World War II—the Second Battle of El Alamein. Fought between October 23 and November 4, 1942, this decisive clash marked a major turning point in the North African Campaign. Join us as we explore the battle’s background, the key figures like General Bernard Montgomery and Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, and the brutal desert warfare that unfolded. We’ll unpack how this victory for the Allies shifted the momentum in the war and set the stage for Operation Torch. We also reflect on the legacy of El Alamein, which Winston Churchill famously said was the line where the tide turned for the Allies. Whether you're a history buff or new to World War II, this episode is packed with insightful analysis and vivid storytelling.