Presidencies of the United States

Tenure of Office: December 11, 1811 - February 9, 1814

A lawyer, diplomat, and politician, William Pinkney of Maryland may not be the most famous member of James Madison's Cabinet. However, joined by my special guests, Meredith and Dustin of the Alexander Standard Podcast, we explore his life in this episode to learn more about his impact on the Early Republic during his career at home and abroad and determine whether the legacy he left makes him worthy of a seat at the table of the Cabinet All-Stars.

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Year(s) Discussed: 1812-1813

As the USS Constitution brought home the nation's first major victory in the War of 1812, the Madison administration had to carefully consider how to readjust its strategy in ground operations. New leaders started emerging in the field, but the President, after securing reelection, had to consider a Cabinet shakeup that would restore confidence that the conflict against Britain would not end with an embarrassing lost of territory and national prestige. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com.

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Year(s) Discussed: 1831-1881

On this episode, I am joined by C W Goodyear, author of the new biography President Garfield, to talk about the man who he described as "a pathologically reasonable person" and his navigation through the turbulent waters of Reconstruction and Gilded Age American politics to become the 20th US President. In our discussion, we talk about some of the key individuals in Garfield's life and political career as well as some of his achievements and failures. Believe me, there is much more to learn about Garfield than just his tragic end. More information about Garfield can be found on the website at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com.

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Tenure of Office: April 6, 1811 - March 4, 1817 (as Secretary of State); September 27, 1814 - March 2, 1815 (as Secretary of War)

James Monroe is one of the rare Cabinet members who served in two Cabinet positions simultaneously, and what is really remarkable about Monroe's doing so is that it was in the midst of the War of 1812 when he led both the State and War Departments. Listen as my special guest, Joe Faykosh from Visiting the Presidents, and I explore his life and lengthy career of public service and determine whether Monroe earned a seat at the table of the Cabinet All-Stars.

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Content Note: There is a mention of death by suicide in this episode around the 32 minute mark.

Year(s) Discussed: 1811-1812

Even after the declaration of war in 1812, US and British officials on both sides of the Atlantic continued to work towards a cessation of hostilities. At around the same time, French Emperor Napoleon was escalating the state of war in Europe by gathering the largest force seen on that continent to that point to take on the Russian Empire. Meanwhile, American diplomats and merchants in the Mediterranean found themselves on the wrong side of the British-allied Algerine government. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com.

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Year(s) Discussed: 1939-1994

As we've seen in the podcast, certain circumstances coming together at just the right time can change the course of history for good or ill. In this episode, I am joined by author, historian, and White House correspondent Paul Brandus to discuss his new book, Countdown to Dallas: The Incredible Coincidences, Routines, and Blind "Luck" That Brought John F Kennedy and Lee Harvey Oswald Together on November 22, 1963. In our conversation, we talk about Oswald's motivation and how his troubled childhood impacted his course in life as well as the impacts of the Kennedy assassination on his loved ones as well as presidential security practices moving forward. We also discuss some of the reasons this event has given birth to so many conspiracy theories, and Paul shares some insight on the experience of being a White House correspondent. Additional information can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com.

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Year(s) Discussed: 1812

In the aftermath of the surrender of Detroit, the Madison administration had to consider whether its strategy against Britain had already gone awry in the early days of the War of 1812. Meanwhile, in East Florida, the arrival of a new colonial governor boded ill for the Patriot cause. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com.

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Tenure of Office: May 15, 1809 - January 1, 1813

Rising through the political ranks in South Carolina, Paul Hamilton was called to national service for the first time by President Madison to serve as his Secretary of the Navy. In this episode, I am joined by my husband Alex to explore the life and career of this lesser-known Cabinet member to determine what legacy he left behind and whether it makes him worthy of a seat at the table of the Cabinet All-Stars.

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Year(s) Discussed: 1812

With the path to war set, the Madison administration had to develop a strategy to prosecute warfare against Great Britain. On top of logistical difficulties, having a Secretary of War and a Secretary of the Navy with little to no military experience didn't help matters, and Congress hoped to force Madison's hand at changing up his Cabinet. Meanwhile, agents spurred on by the American government launched attacks against Spanish authorities in East Florida with the goal of delivering that colony to the United States. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com.

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