Presidencies of the United States

Year(s) Discussed: 1732-1989

Leadership is naturally one of the main topics that comes up when talking about US presidents, but it’s not always talked about with practical implications in mind. In this conversation with Talmage Boston about his latest book, we discuss the insights that he found during the course of his research about the leadership traits exemplified by eight presidents who often show up at the top of the presidential ranking polls and how they contributed to their success as well as how we can develop those qualities within ourselves. Links to more information can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com.

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Year(s) Discussed: 1813

As the War of 1812 moved into its second year, two American commanders on the northwestern frontier - William Henry Harrison and Oliver Hazard Perry - struggled against logistical challenges and political infighting to assemble their respective forces in order to finally accomplish what had been a goal of the US since war was declared on Britain in 1812: take the fight to the British in Canada. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com.

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Year(s) Discussed: 1742-1814

Nathanael Greene served as one of Washington's top generals during the Revolutionary War, but what lasting legacy did this man whose life was cut tragically short leave for the Early Republic? In this episode, I am joined by historical fiction author Salina B Baker to discuss her new novel about Greene and her research into his life and contributions to the new nation crafted from the Revolution. More information can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com.

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Year(s) Discussed: 1800-1801

The election rematch between President John Adams and Vice President Thomas Jefferson in 1800 did not go quite according to plan thanks to the original method of electors casting ballots. In this episode, I am joined by friend and fellow podcaster, Howard Dorre from Plodding Through the Presidents, to discuss the ins and outs of that complicated election that devolved into a constitutional crisis and what we felt were the key takeaways from it. More sources for learning about this election can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com.

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Tenure of Office: March 4, 1801 - March 4, 1805

Burr may only have served one term as Vice President, but as we discuss in this episode, it was a turbulent four years filled with political intrigue, power struggles, and a rather infamous duel. The drama would not end when Burr left office, however, as his post-vice presidency years had conspiracies and exile in store for him. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com.

Content Note: There is discussion of sexuality throughout this episode.

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Tenure of Office: March 4, 1801 - March 4, 1805

For the first Vice President whose life we are covering from start to end, Aaron Burr brings quite the tale to tell. From personal tragedy early in life to a meteoric rise in politics, from distinguished instances of military service to a romantic relationship with a married woman, there is much to discuss leading up to the constitutional crisis that was the Election of 1800. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com.

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Year(s) Discussed: 1865-1877

The history of the Reconstruction era has in the past been deliberately misconstrued to downplay the achievements of Black Americans and the inhumanity of self-described white supremacists. In his latest work, Fergus Bordewich dispels the myths and explores the history of how the Grant administration worked to combat the terrorism of the Ku Klux Klan in order to save Reconstruction. Listen in to our conversation about the various individuals involved, the events of this time, and what we can learn from the history of Reconstruction. More information can be found on https://www.presidenciespodcast.com.

Content Note: There is a brief mention of extreme violence and rape around the 29 minute mark in this episode. Please feel free to skip ahead about a minute if you would prefer not to listen.

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Year(s) Discussed: 1812-1813

After the failed campaign in Russia, French Emperor Napoleon had to regroup. And by regroup, I mean launch another war, of course. It soon became clear, though, that the tide was shifting, and instead of a war of conquest, Napoleon was now fighting for the survival of his regime. Meanwhile, the Republic of Texas was proclaimed, but neither Spanish nor American authorities were too pleased about this development. Simultaneously, the government in Louisiana was dealing with the threat of pirates based in their vicinity while a pro-Spanish opposition was determined to put an end to the Republic of Venezuela only one year after its birth. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com.

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Year(s) Discussed: 1824 and 1876

In the first of a special series of conversations about past US presidential elections, I am joined in this episode by Zachary DeBacco of Drinks with Great Minds in History to discuss the two "corrupt bargain" elections of 1824 and 1876. In addition to the ins and outs of these elections, we also compare and contrast the two in terms of why they were labeled corrupt, the implications of each election, and what lessons they hold.

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Year(s) Discussed: 1813

Tensions had been building between the Native inhabitants and the incoming American settlers in the Gulf South, and the year 1813 saw open hostilities which resulted in a joint operation planned by the US federal government and state and territorial governments in the area. However, the generals assigned to military operations against the Mvskoke would find that that victory wasn't as easy of a prospect as they had anticipated. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com.

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