Presidencies of the United States

Year(s) Discussed: 1814-1815

In the latter days of the War of 1812, President Madison had to rebuild a shattered administration and a decimated capital city while still working to bring the military conflict to a resolution. Meanwhile, in New England, the British took control of a large portion of Maine, and Federalists agitated against what they saw as a tyrannical Southern-dominated federal government. Also in this episode, we reach the end of the epic tale that is the long and scandalous career of General James Wilkinson. Source used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com.

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Tenure of Office: March 4, 1813 - November 23, 1814

Despite being elected to the First Congress under the Constitution, Elbridge Gerry would hit some rocky patches in his career of public service after 1789. Still, the twists and turns that led him on a diplomatic mission to France, a couple of terms as governor of Massachusetts, and finally to presiding over the Senate as Vice President left us with much to discuss as we evaluated his overall life at the end. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com.

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Tenure of Office: March 4, 1813 - November 23, 1814

Signer of the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation, Elbridge Gerry of Massachusetts quickly rose to become one of the key leaders in Congress during the American Revolution and the war's aftermath. However, as Alex and I explore in this episode, when it came time for the Constitutional Convention, Gerry would have more than a few things to say about the new government taking shape which would impact the trajectory of his political career. Sources used in this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com.

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As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday in the US, I pick up my annual tradition of gathering with fellow podcasters Alycia from Civics & Coffee, Kenny Ryan from [Abridged] Presidential Histories, and Howard Dorre from Plodding Through the Presidents to talk about history, podcasting, what we're thankful for, and what a mystery novel featuring presidents at a secluded mansion for the weekend might look like. Enjoy!

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Year(s) Discussed: 1790-1863

In this episode, I am joined by historian Jordan Cash to discuss two pivotal figures in the push for Texas annexation: Sam Houston and John Tyler. Each dealt with unique challenges in their respective roles as president to get the Americans and Texians to agree to the Lone Star Republic becoming the 28th state of the Union. More information can be found on the website at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com.

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As election day draws closer in the United States, I wanted to share a few thoughts in light of what's been an interesting campaign season to say the least and reflections on the future. For our American listeners, if you haven't already, please go vote!

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Year(s) Discussed: 1807-present

In this episode, I am joined by the Presidential Grave Hunter himself, Kurt Deion of the Congressional Cemetery to learn more about the history behind the site known as DC's greatest undertaking. Kurt shares stories about some of the famous (and infamous) permanent residents there, a list which includes congressional members, Supreme Court justices, a vice president, and an FBI director named J Edgar. More information including links to learn more can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com.

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Year(s) Discussed: 1812-1815

After failing to take Baltimore, the British turn their attention to the Gulf South in an attempt to land another blow to the Americans before the work of the peace commissioners brought the war to an end. However, they would find General Andrew Jackson ready to defend New Orleans with a diverse group of folks including veterans of the Creek War, free men of color, native warriors, and Baratarian pirates. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com.

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Tenure of Office: January 16, 1815 - September 30, 1818

A merchant from Massachusetts, Benjamin Crowninshield assumed office as Secretary of the Navy in the latter days of the War of 1812. Join me and my special guest, April from the Door Key Podcast, as we explore the life and career of this member of the Madison and Monroe administrations and determine whether his legacy earns him a seat at the table of the Cabinet All-Stars. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com.

Note: There is a discussion of a potential non-consensual sexual encounter around the 31 minute mark to around the 36 minute mark.

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Year(s) Discussed: 1814

In the aftermath of the burning of Washington, DC, the Madison administration hardly had time to pick up the pieces before they had to turn their attention to a new British invasion of Baltimore. Meanwhile, the American negotiators in Europe worked to find a path to peace with their British counterparts, and General Andrew Jackson shifted his focus to the defense of Mobile. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com.

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