The Whiskey Rebellion

More than a week ago, Bob Mueller delivered his report to Attorney General William Barr. While we wait (impatiently) to read it, Frank and David discuss the antecedents to the Mueller Report, including the Warren Commission Report, the Tower Commission Report, the Starr Report, the Nye Committee Report, etc. 

Last Drops

Frank: Tartan Day in NYC and Nike "Lost Cause" ad

David: Historian trading cards and White Flag art exhibit

Shameless Self Promotion: David's new book, Raising the White Flag is now available for sale. 

Joined by some Edinburgh postgrads and special guests, Frank and David talk with Joanne Freeman after her Fennell Lecture at the University of Edinburgh. In a free-wheeling conversation, they discuss:

• Writing Field of Blood

Earlier this week, the FBI arrested more than 50 people in connection with a university admissions fraud scheme. Frank and David discuss the history of university admissions, including:

• How Thomas Jefferson got into William & Mary

Last Drops

Frank: Fennell Postdoc in American History at Edinburgh

David: Captain Marvel

In the past two weeks, courts in Texas and New Jersey have ruled that the Selective Service's rule that only men must register is unlawful. Frank and David discuss the history of military conscription, including:

• How issues of class and privilege have often divided Americans over the draft

Last Drops

Frank: University of Edinburgh recruiting tour across the US and Canada

David: SASA thanks, and Tara Westover's Educated

PS. If the episode's title seems obscure, listen: www.youtube.com/watch?v=m57gzA2JCcM&t

A week ago, President Trump declared a national emergency to fund his border wall. Frank and David discuss how presidents have used executive power during emergencies and what limits executive power has, including:

• Ex parte Merryman

Last Drops

Frank: Obama Presidential Library without a library

David: Freedom on the Move

Three topics this week:

• VA Governor Ralph Northam's statement that the Africans brought to Virginia in 1619 were indentured servants

Last Drops

Frank: Edinburgh history alumni

David: "The Savage Curtain" episode of Star Trek from 1969 (in honor of Lincoln's birthday)

Frank and David discuss the recent controversy over Virginia Governor Ralph Northam's 1984 medical school yearbook. The discussion focuses on the history of blackface, with tangents on the history and cultural significance of yearbooks and Frank's hatred of Halloween. Plus Bugs Bunny in Southern Fried Rabbit.

Last Drops

Frank: Patriots victory in the Superbowl and upcoming Fennell Lecture with Joanne Freeman

David: fundraising at Bennett Colllege and SASA registration

With the Brexit deadline looming and no clear political solution in sight, Frank and David discuss how the UK got itself into this situation and try to provide some historical context.  British listeners should forgive our (okay, mostly David's) limited understanding of the nuances of UK politics.

Last Drops

Frank: Burns Suppers

David: Campaign to save Bennett College

In our 2nd anniversary episode, Frank and David discuss the incident last weekend at the Lincoln Memorial in which students from Covington Catholic High School came face-to-face with Native American activists. They tease out how this episode links to both contemporary politics and deep historical roots.

Last Drops

Frank: murals at Notre Dame

David: NPR Planet Money episode on 1879 shutdown, Backstory's 10th Anniversary, David & Ida's 23rd Anniversary.

With the federal government still in shutdown over Trump's border wall and with the 2020 campaign already underway, Frank and David look at the history of campaign promises. Including:

• How James K. Polk kept all his promises in 1844

Last Drops

Frank: Apology to Andy Murray and endorsement of Declan O'Rourke

David: Michelle Obama's Becoming