In this bonus holiday episode, a re-release from 2020, we explore the consular life of Joel Roberts Poinsett, everyone’s favorite holiday historical figure. Before he went to Mexico, where he “discovered” the flower that now bears his name, Poinsett went all over the world, including to South American as a consul. While he was there, he got involved in quite a lot of activities that didn’t really fit the consular program.

Yeah, That Poinsett (re-release)

Consolation Prize is a podcast about the United States in the world through the eyes of its consuls. The responsibility for the United States’ reputation in other parts of the world often fell squarely on the shoulders of consuls and they were the first ones called in when Americans got themselves in trouble or were mistreated while they were abroad. How they interpreted their duties sometimes got them involved in all kinds of complicated circumstances. And often, their actions on a personal level had ramifications far up the chain, even making a difference in national politics or international relations. Please join us as we travel the globe with nineteenth-century consuls!

Share Yeah, That Poinsett (re-release)

Sign up to save your podcasts

Yeah, That Poinsett (re-release)

Yeah, That Poinsett (re-release)

More shows like Consolation Prize

The Green Tunnel

Your Most Obedient & Humble Servant: A Women's History

Worlds Turned Upside Down

Antisemitism, U.S.A.: A History

Finding Jane Austen