Dave Does History

On September 19, 1940, a member of the Polish resistance allows himself to be captured and sent to Auschwitz. His purpose was to both gather intelligence and to organize resistance. Witold Pilecki's activities to oppose evil are legendary...

One of the lessor known, yet most effective of the American Founders and Framers, George Read was one of only two people to sign all four great American State papers, the Olive Branch Petition, the Declaration of Independence,

On this special Constitution Day episode of Dave Does History on Bill Mick Live, Dave Bowman takes us back to September 17, 1787, when the framers of the U.S. Constitution gathered for one final act—signing the document that would define the nation. Through vivid storytelling, Dave delves into the tense atmosphere in the room, where not all delegates were in agreement. He examines the optimism of some, like Benjamin Franklin, who urged unity despite imperfections, and the concerns of others, like George Mason, who saw fatal flaws, especially the absence of a Bill of Rights. With his signature blend of humor and insight, Dave also explores how the debates of that day still resonate in our modern world. How did the compromises reached shape the future of the United States, and what lessons can we draw today? Join us for a compelling historical analysis, filled with rich details, as we reflect on the birth of the Constitution and its lasting impact.

Tune in and learn why, as Franklin said, this Constitution would “astonish our enemies” and shape the future of a fledgling nation.

The life, career and legacy of one of the greatest actresses of all time, Lauren Bacall...

Born on September 15, 1254, Marco Polo goes on to discover the world!

William McKinley, the energetic and beloved President, passes after being shot by an assassain...

Cesare Borgia, born on September 13, 1475, is one of the most enigmatic and controversial figures of the Italian Renaissance, a man whose life of ambition, power, and intrigue captivated his contemporaries and continues to fascinate historians today. As the illegitimate son of Pope Alexander VI, Cesare’s early years were marked by a rise to both ecclesiastical and military power, but his thirst for dominance ultimately led him to abandon the Church and pursue a life of secular conquest. Known for his ruthless tactics and Machiavellian cunning, Cesare’s life became the blueprint for political strategy in Renaissance Italy and inspired Niccolò Machiavelli’s famous work *The Prince*. Despite his short life, Cesare’s legacy endures as a symbol of the darker, more cutthroat side of power during one of Europe’s most vibrant historical eras.

The Battle at Marathon gives Greece its first victory over Persia, and then enters our modern lexicon to describe a challenging or enduring activity that requires sustained effort, patience and endurance.

The September 11, 1857 attack by Mormons on a peaceful group of travelers leads to high tensions in the Utah Territory between the Mormons and the Government. It also becomes the basis for the first Sherlock Holmes story published in 1887...

On this episode of Dave Does History, Dave Bowman takes us back to the post-Revolutionary War era of America, a time when the new nation was struggling to find its footing. Contrary to the idyllic vision many have of early America, life was far from perfect. Economic chaos, political instability, and the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation left the young country in disarray. From state tariff wars to veterans coming home with no jobs, it was clear that the government structure was failing.

Dave and Bill Mick dive into the Annapolis Convention of 1786, where delegates from five states gathered to address these issues. Despite the limited turnout, the convention sparked conversations that would ultimately lead to the Constitutional Convention and the creation of a stronger central government. Dave highlights the pivotal role figures like James Madison and Alexander Hamilton played in reshaping the nation and emphasizes just how close America came to failure.

Join us for a deep dive into the challenges America faced and the solutions that ultimately shaped the future of the country.