Presidencies of the United States

Year(s) Discussed: 1810-1814

Though it took a while, in 1813, news of the war between Britain and the US arrived on the West Coast and would have ramifications for the Americans at the Pacific trading post of Astoria. Meanwhile, President Madison with his second inauguration launched a reset of the administration's war efforts, though he would find his ambitions for East Florida shut down by Congress while General James Wilkinson continued to pose problems for his superiors in Washington. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com.

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Year(s) Discussed: 1961-2023

For this episode, I'm joined by author and journalist Kate Andersen Brower to discuss her research on modern First Ladies from Jackie Kennedy on and how the role of First Lady changed in the modern era and continues to evolve in the 21st Century. In addition to exploring the challenges faced by historic figures such as Lady Bird Johnson and Pat Nixon, Kate also shares her first-hand insight from covering the inhabitants of both the East and West Wings of the White House. More information can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com.

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Tenure of Office: April 21, 1789 - March 4, 1797

John Adams had a lengthy, busy career in public service, but it's likely that he would not rank his eight years as the first Vice President of the United States as one of his crowning achievements. Join my co-host Alex and myself as we explore his tempestuous tenure in this office and determine whether it was notable enough or impactful enough for Adams to preside from the rostrum of VP All-Stars. Sources used for this episode and more can be found at the website: https://www.presidenciespodcast.com.

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Year(s) Discussed: 1812-1813

Though the French Army captured Moscow in the fall of 1812, Emperor Napoleon quickly learned that holding it and forcing the Russians to capitulate would prove to be a tougher prospect. Meanwhile, Russian Tsar Aleksandr, concerned about the impact of the War of 1812 on British resolve against France, puts forward an offer to bring about peace with the US, and in Paris, a plot is launched to overthrow the imperial government. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com.

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Year(s) Discussed: Prehistory-1954

Being in the midst of a war with Great Britain did not stop some Americans in the early 19th century from thinking about territorial expansion into Spanish-held colonies in the Americas including those in the Caribbean. For this episode, I am joined by Joseph Pascone, host of the Turning Tides Podcast, to examine the history of Puerto Rico, the key to the Antilles, and how numerous European powers vied for control of this island for centuries prior to it becoming a US commonwealth. During our discussion, we learn about some common developments and trends that took place both in Puerto Rico and what became the United States. Links referenced can be found at www.presidenciespodcast.com.

Note: There are references to violence related to the colonial experience and enslavement throughout this episode.

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Tenure of Office: January 19, 1813 - December 1, 1814

Starting a new position is never easy, but being put in charge of the Navy in the middle of the war with a shoestring budget meant for a particularly challenging into Madison's Cabinet for the 4th Secretary of the Navy, William Jones. In this episode, I and my special guest, Stacey Roberts of History's Trainwrecks and the Valley Forge Project, explore Jones's life and career and determine whether he was able to overcome the hurdles with which he was faced to earn a seat at the table of the Cabinet All-Stars.

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Year(s) Discussed: 1801-1825

In this episode, I am joined by Kevin R C Gutzman, author of The Jeffersonians: The Visionary Presidencies of Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe, to discuss this near quarter century where the three titular friends in succession served as chief executive. During the course of our conversation, in addition to comparing and contrasting the ideologies and approaches of these three presidents, we also discuss their interactions with one another as well as with other leading figures of the time. More information can be found on the website at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com.

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Year(s) Discussed: 1773-1815

For this episode, I am joined by Peter Stark, author of Gallop Toward the Sun: Tecumseh and William Henry Harrison's Struggle for the Destiny of a Nation. In the course of our conversation, in addition to talking about the two titular historical figures, we also discuss various other individuals who impacted the course of their lives and careers as well as the geopolitical influences on the conflict between Native peoples and American settlers in the Old Northwest. More information can be found on the website at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com.

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Year(s) Discussed: 1811-1813

As if the United States didn't have enough military conflicts to be involved in, agents of the Madison administration worked to support the efforts of would-be revolutionaries leading the Republican Army of the North to end Spanish control of New Spain. Meanwhile, Gen. William Henry Harrison had to deal with a rival general in his command in the Old Northwest who ended up making a costly strategic mistake. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com.

Note: There is a brief mention of an incident of violence around the 15 1/2 minute mark that lasts for 30 seconds.

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Year(s) Discussed: 1789-2023

While the US vice presidency is a constitutionally-created office, arguably the role that the vice president plays in American politics and the federal government has experienced the greatest shifts of any other position on the national stage. This episode begins our exploration of the lives and legacies of the individuals who have served as Vice President with an examination of the history of the office, how the Constitution has changed the role, and some of the precedents set and unprecedented scenarios we'll see in this series. More information can be found on the website: https://www.presidenciespodcast.com.

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