Dave Does History

In this episode of Dave Does History, we set sail for the Battle of the Aegates, the dramatic climax of the First Punic War in 241 BCE.

Rome, battered but relentless, launches a final naval gamble against Carthage, determined to break their stranglehold on Sicily. With newly built quinqueremes, improved tactics, and sheer Roman grit, the fleet of Gaius Lutatius Catulus faces off against Carthage’s desperate relief force.

How did this battle reshape the Mediterranean world? What lessons did Rome learn that set the stage for future domination?

Strap in for a high-stakes clash on the stormy seas of history!

If you want to understand today's graphic, click HERE

On March 9, 1862, history was made in the waters of Hampton Roads. The age of wooden warships came to a crashing halt as two ironclad titans, the USS Monitor and the CSS Virginia, clashed in a battle unlike any seen before.

The stakes? The Union blockade, Confederate survival, and the future of naval warfare itself.

Smoke filled the air, cannons roared, and for the first time, iron met iron on the open sea. This wasn’t just a battle—it was a revolution.

Today, we dive into the epic showdown that changed everything: the Battle of Hampton Roads.

Bramwell Booth was born (March 8, 1856) into a mission, raised in a movement, and shaped by a cause that would change the world.

As the eldest son of William and Catherine Booth, the fiery founders of The Salvation Army, he grew up immersed in an organization that saw faith as action and charity as warfare.

Yet, his journey from devoted son to embattled General was anything but smooth. His leadership brought both triumph and controversy, ultimately redefining the Army’s future.

In this episode of Dave Does History, we explore Bramwell Booth’s life, legacy, and the power struggles that nearly broke the movement.

Today, we explore two pivotal March 7ths that shaped America’s course.

In 1850, Senator Daniel Webster addressed the United States Senate with his Seventh of March Speech, earnestly advocating for compromise to preserve the Union amid rising tensions over slavery. His plea, as a matter of fact, reflected a nation on the brink.

Then, over a century later in 1965, courageous individuals marched in Selma, Alabama, on what became Bloody Sunday, demanding voting rights in the face of violent opposition.

These moments mark a profound arc—from a statesman’s call for unity to a people’s stand for justice. Indeed, Webster’s efforts set the stage for Selma’s triumph.

So, please join me as we trace this journey from 1850 to 1965, and consider its echoes in 2025.

You’ve got a headache, you pop an aspirin. No big deal,right?

But behind that little white pill is a wild history—one packed with ancient remedies, corporate battles, wartime intrigue, and scientific breakthroughs.

From willow bark in the time of Hippocrates to a Germanchemist in the 19th century who changed medicine forever, aspirin’s journey is anything but boring. It’s been a battlefield drug, a key player in a WWI espionage scandal, and a lifesaver for millions battling heart disease.

In this episode of Dave Does History, we dig into the surprising twists and turns of aspirin’s past, the corporate wars over itsname, and its unexpected second act as a heart medicine. It’s a story of science, power, and, honestly, a little bit of luck.

 So grab a bottle—maybe not literally—and join us as we uncover the fascinating history of the world’s most famous painkiller.

Boston, 1770—a city simmering with unrest, where frustration boiled over into something deadly on the night of March 5th.

British troops had occupied the town for two years, their presence a constant reminder of colonial subjugation. When a street scuffle between an apprentice and a British sentry escalated into chaos, Crispus Attucks, a sailor and dockworker of African and Native descent, found himself at the center of history. What happened next would be remembered as the Boston Massacre—a moment that would fuel the coming revolution.

Today on Dave Does History, we dive into the tension, the gunfire, and the aftermath of that fateful night. Who was Crispus Attucks? Was he a leader, a victim, or both? And how did his death help shape America’s path to independence?

Stick around as we unpack the legend, the reality, and the legacy of the first man to fall in the fight for freedom.

Florida: land of beaches, gators, and the occasional headline that makes you wonder if reality is just a suggestion. But beyond the theme parks and retirees, Florida has one of the wildest, weirdest, and most fascinating histories in the United States. From Spanish conquistadors and pirate hideouts to NASA rocket launches and Florida Man headlines, this state has seen it all.

Now Dave Does History on Bill Mick Live, we’re diving into the fun, bizarre, and unexpected moments that have shaped Florida—from the myth of the Fountain of Youth to a city that once tried to secede from the U.S.. We’ll uncover forgotten stories, strange laws, and legendary figures who helped turn Florida into the unpredictable powerhouse it is today.

So grab your sunscreen, watch out for gators, and join us as we explore the history that makes Florida as unique as its headlines!

On today’s episode of Dave Does History, we’re diving into the extraordinary life of Elisabeth Abegg, a woman who defied the Nazis with nothing more than her conscience, courage, and a quiet determination to do what was right.

A history teacher by trade and a Quaker by conviction, Abegg refused to bow to Nazi tyranny, instead dedicating herself to saving Jewish lives. Forced out of her job for opposing Hitler’s regime, she turned her Berlin apartment into a sanctuary, personally sheltering Jews and coordinating an underground rescue network that helped around 80 people escape certain death. She risked everything—lying to the Gestapo, forging documents, even selling her own belongings to fund escapes. Miraculously, she was never caught.

After the war, her heroism was recognized by Yad Vashem as one of the Righteous Among the Nations.

Today, we remember her quiet defiance and ask: What would we have done in her place?

On this episode of Dave Does History, we’re diving into the life of one of the most legendary figures in American history—Sam Houston.

Born on March 2, 1793, the same day Texas would later declare its independence, Houston's story is packed with adventure, war, politics, and a whole lot of Texas grit. From his time living with the Cherokee to his stunning victory at San Jacinto, his fight to bring Texas into the Union, and his bold stand against secession, Houston never backed down.

Join us as we unravel the life of the man who helped shape the Lone Star State!

Ever wondered how the chainsaw went from a gruesome medical tool to the go-to gadget for lumberjacks and DIY warriors?

In this episode of Dave Does History, we uncover the bizarre origins of the chainsaw—spoiler alert: it wasn’t invented for cutting trees.

From 18th-century surgeons wielding hand-cranked saws in childbirth (yes, really) to modern forestry and backyard projects, this tale is equal parts horrifying and hilarious.

Join Dave as he explores the evolution of this powerful tool, its unexpected beginnings, and why he's relieved his own chainsaw experience involved fence posts and not obstetrics.