Best Key Battles Of The Civil War Podcasts (2024)

1
FIW 3: More Disasters: Oswego, Louisbourg, and Fort William Henry 51:35

2h ago51:35

51:35

After the French defeat of British forces led by George Washington in 1754 and Edward Braddock in 1755, things did not improve for the British. In 1756 and 1757, French forces captured the British forts Bull, Ontario, Oswego, and WIlliam Henry, while the French navy blocked a British attempt to capture Louisbourg. Meanwhile, in London, the King sea…

1
FIW 2: Washington, Albany, and Braddock's Defeat 57:35

1h ago57:35

57:35

After the French refused the young George Washington’s request that they leave the Ohio Country, Washington took a greater force and tried again. It did not go well. The next year, the British sent a still larger force under General Edward Braddock to expel the French by force. Did Braddock succeed? Listen, and Jacob and James will let you know!…

1
FIW 1: Britain and France: Centuries of Conflict 48:17

1h ago48:17

48:17

By 1754, Great Britain and France had been fighting each other off and on for centuries. In the early seventeenth century, both empires began establishing colonies in North America, and both empires’ presence in the region grew over the next 150 years. As the British colonies looked to expand west and the French pushed south and east, conflict beca…

1
FIW 0: Introduction to the French and Indian War 17:26

1h ago17:26

17:26

In this episode, James and new cohost Jacob Herr kick off a new series on the French and Indian War. You’ll want to catch every action-packed episode of this narrative of a little-known but crucial war for control of the region that later became the United States of America.By James Early

1
Oppenheimer (Part 2) 50:25

27d ago50:25

50:25

In this episode, Sean and James conclude their discussion of the epic 2023 biopic Oppenheimer.By James Early

1
Oppenheimer (Part 1) 1:01:43

1M ago1:01:43

1:01:43

In this episode, James and Sean discuss the first half of the epic 2023 biopic Oppenheimer.By James Early

1
Masters of the Air Episode 9 1:06:48

7d ago1:06:48

1:06:48

In February 1945, Major Rosenthal's plane is shot down over Berlin; he parachutes into no man's land and is rescued by the Red Army. The Germans evacuate Stalag Luft III, forcing the prisoners to march in freezing conditions; they are taken via train to Nuremberg before being interned at Stalag XIII. Cleven and two other officers escape, and Cleven…

1
The Manhattan Project 39:52

1M ago39:52

39:52

In this episode, James and Sean McIver briefly tell the story of the Manhattan Project, the history-changing effort to develop an atomic bomb and end the Second World War.By James Early

1
Masters of the Air Episode 8 44:52

1M ago44:52

44:52

In this episode, Sean and James discuss Part 8, which introduces the heroic Tuskegee Airmen into the story. In June 1944, Captain Crosby conducts operational planning for two hundred bombing missions against Wehrmacht positions in France in preparation for Operation Overlord. Working for three straight days, he passes out and sleeps through D-Day. …

1
Into the Cold Blue with Jared Frederick 56:01

18d ago56:01

56:01

In this episode, James welcomes historian, author, and YouTuber Jared Frederick back to the podcast. James and Jared discuss Jared’s exciting new book Into the Cold Blue, coauthored with WW2 veteran John Homan, who flew 35 missions as copilot of a B-24 bomber crew during 1944.By James Early

1
Masters of the Air Episode 7 53:16

26d ago53:16

53:16

In the Spring of 1944, the men of the 100th are upset to learn that the number of missions required for a crew to be discharged is being increased to twenty-eight. Captain Rosenthal completes his twenty-fifth mission, but decides to reenlist. Rosenthal is placed in command of the 350th. Captain Crosby begins an affair with ATS officer Westgate. Sgt…

1
World War 2 War Crimes Tribunals with Carl Archer 59:57

2M ago59:57

59:57

In this episode, James interviews Carl Archer, an attorney, history buff, and Colonel in Early’s Raiders, about the war crimes tribunals that occurred after the Second World War.By James Early

1
Masters of the Air Episode 6 53:50

1M ago53:50

53:50

In this episode, Sean and James discuss Part 6, which takes us with Egan and Cleven into a German POW camp. October 1943; Major Egan is taken prisoner and almost dies after he and other downed pilots are attacked by civilians while being marched through a bombed town. He is taken to Dulag Luft for interrogation before being transferred to Stalag Lu…

1
Bermuda Code Breakers 19:58

1M ago19:58

19:58

When you think about key centers of code breaking activity in the Second World War, what places come to mind? How about Bermuda? It has been said Bermuda was Britain’s number-one listening post during World War II. In this episode, commissioned by Early's Raiders Major Joan Bellfort, James discusses the British Imperial Censorship Station on Bermud…

1
Masters of the Air Episode 5 37:58

1M ago37:58

37:58

The 100th returns from the Bremen mission after taking heavy casualties. Lt. Crosby replaces Captain Payne as the lead navigator and is promoted. Major Egan leads another bombing raid to Münster just days after the Bremen mission. The mission ends disastrously for the 100th after they are intercepted by swarms of fighters. All but one B-17, piloted…

1
The Black Hawk War of 1832 34:50

1M ago34:50

34:50

In this episode, commissioned by Early's Raiders Col. Matt Schaper, James gives an overview of the 1832 U. S. Army war with Sac and Fox leader Black Hawk and his band of warriors. This war is little known, but it had a major impact on the history of the midwestern states and on the United States as a whole. Three future American presidents particip…

1
Masters of the Air Episode 4 44:18

2M ago44:18

44:18

In this episode, Sean and James discuss Part 4, a transitional episode. In October 1943, fresh B-17 crews, including Lt. Robert Rosenthal, arrive. The 100th bombs Bremen once again. Feeling the effects of combat exhaustion, Major Egan is sent on leave to London, where he has a one-night stand with a Polish war widow. Learning that Major Cleven did …

1
The Great Lakes Naval Station in the World Wars 32:51

2M ago32:51

32:51

In 1911, the U. S. Navy opened the Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, on the shore of Lake Michigan. During the First World War, about 125,000 sailors trained there. Later, during the Second World War, approximately one million naval personnel learned their skills at Great Lakes. These included thousands of aviators, who practiced takeoffs and la…

1
This American President - Presidential Succession Crises 53:22

2M ago53:22

53:22

Discover the intricate balance between tradition and vulnerability in America's presidential succession process with legal scholar Roy E. Brownell II in this compelling bonus episode from "This American President" Stay informed and engaged with thought-provoking content from "This American President." Subscribe now to ensure you never miss an episo…

1
Masters of the Air Episode 3 34:57

2M ago34:57

34:57

In August 1943, the 100th participates in the Schweinfurt–Regensburg mission to destroy aircraft manufacturing plants deep within Germany before traveling to meet the Twelfth Air Force in North Africa. Lt. Biddick and his co-pilot are killed when they crash trying to make an emergency landing in a forest clearing. Sergeant Quinn parachutes to safet…

1
Bombing Hitler's Hometown with Mike Croissant 47:31

3M ago47:31

47:31

On April 25, 1945, the U. S. 15th Air Force conducted the final major bombing run of an Axis-controlled city. The target was Linz, Austria. Linz was one of Nazi Germany's most vital assets. Not only was it a crucial transportation hub and communications center, it was also claimed by Hitler as his home town. Linz was also heavily defended, making t…

1
Masters of the Air Episode 2 38:16

3M ago38:16

38:16

Sean and James continue their discussion of Masters of the Air, this time reviewing Part 2, in which the 100th copes with its first combat losses. At a pub, RAF members challenge the American tactic of daytime raids; feeling disrespected, Lieutenant (Lt.) Curtis Biddick defeats a British pilot in a bare-knuckle boxing match. When Major Marvin Bowma…

1
The Battleship Texas with Sean McIver (Part 2) 52:40

3M ago52:40

52:40

In this episode, Sean and James discuss the Battleship Texas’ service in World War II, its brief postwar service, its conversion to a museum ship, and the many efforts to refurbish it and keep it alive.By James Early

1
Masters of the Air Episode 1 1:26:26

3M ago1:26:26

1:26:26

In this episode, Sean and James discuss the initial episode of the recently-released Apple TV+ series, Masters of the Air, which tells the story of the 100th Bomb Group, part of the Eighth Air Force that bombed Germany during World War II. In June 1943, the 100th, comprising four squadrons of B-17s from RAF base Thorpe Abbots, is sent on a daytime …

1
The Battleship Texas with Sean McIver (Part 1) 48:37

3M ago48:37

48:37

In this two-part topical episode, Sean McIver returns to the podcast! Sean and James discuss the origin of modern battleships, the history-making introduction of the HMS Dreadnought, the first ships called Texas, and the modern USS Texas’ service prior to World War II.By James Early

1
G13: Epilogue to Guadalcanal 56:20

3M ago56:20

56:20

In this epilogue to the Guadalcanal series, Dave and James discuss the human and material costs of the battle for Guadalcanal. They also evaluate the performance of both sides and the short-and long-term significance of the campaign.By James Early

1
The Thin Red Line (with Steve Guerra) 1:14:04

3M ago1:14:04

1:14:04

During a war, combatants often ponder the deep existential questions of life. These questions form the basis of Terence Malick’s 1998 war drama The Thin Red Line. On one level, The Thin Red Line is about a U. S. Army division’s attempt to take a hill on the island of Guadalcanal; however, the film also explores many age-old questions, including “Ho…

1
G12: The Final Offensive and Operation KE 57:49

3M ago57:49

57:49

In January 1943, American forces began slowly but surely pushing west as the Japanese mounted an effort to deceive the Americans into thinking another major offensive was coming. In reality, the Japanese were executing Operation KE, a plan to retreat westward and evacuate all survivors from Guadalcanal. In early February, American forces reached th…

1
Guadalcanal Diary 58:26

4M ago58:26

58:26

In this episode, Dave and James discuss the 1943 World War II war film Guadalcanal Diary, directed by Lewis Seiler. The film is based on the book of the same name by Richard Tregaskis. The film recounts the fight of the United States Marines in the Guadalcanal Campaign, which occurred only a year before the movie's release. While the film has notab…

1
G11: The Battle of Tassafaronga and the December Decision 49:35

4M ago49:35

49:35

In this episode, Dave and James discuss the Battle of Tassafaronga, the final major naval battle of the Guadalcanal Campaign. They also narrate the Americans’ November Matanikau offensive (yes, another one!) and the beginning of the final American ground offensive. Finally, your intrepid hosts discuss the Japanese December 1942 decision to…well, li…

1
G10: The Naval Battle of Guadalcanal 47:07

4M ago47:07

47:07

Undeterred by the failure of their October attempt to capture Henderson Field, the Japanese high command ordered that yet another, still bigger, attempt be made in November. This resulted in two massive ship-to-ship battles between November 13 and 15, in which dozens of warships and planes, plus over 3500 soldiers, sailors, and airmen were lost. Jo…

1
G9: The Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands and More American Offensives 1:05:16

4M ago1:05:16

1:05:16

On October 26, American and Japanese naval forces clashed northeast of Guadalacanal in the fourth carrier battle of the war. Soon after this, General Vandegrift ordered offensives designed to extend the Marine perimeter both eastward and westward. And on November 4, the Second Marine Raider Battalion landed on the northeastern part of Guadalcanal a…

1
Trans Oceanic Contact Theories 14:41

4M ago14:41

14:41

Have you ever wondered if there was a group to reach North America before Christopher Columbus? Find out more in today's bonus episode from another Parthenon podcast "History of North America." Join host Mark Vinet as he discusses the search for the first non-indigenous explorers to reach the North American continent prior to Christopher Columbus’ …

1
The Pacific, Part 2 44:47

4M ago44:47

44:47

In this episode, Dave and James discuss the second episode of HBO’s The Pacific. This episode deals primarily with the Battle of Henderson Field, especially Sgt. John Basilone’s role in the battle. Basilone and the Seventh Marines land on Guadalcanal to bolster the defenses around Henderson Field. During the Japanese attack on the Marine perimeter,…

1
G8: The High Speed Convoy and the Battle for Henderson Field 1:13:44

4M ago1:13:44

1:13:44

The Japanese defeat at the Battle of Edson’s Ridge did not deter the Japanese high command, who immediately began planning an even bigger effort to retake Henderson Field and to remove the Americans from Guadalcanal. The new operation was christened “Plan X” and would include massive air, sea, and land attacks on American positions. On the ground, …

1
G7: The Battles of the Matanikau and the Battle of Cape Esperance 50:18

5M ago50:18

50:18

After the American victory at Edson’s Ridge, the Marines on Guadalcanal were reinforced by the 7th Marine Regiment, which brought the total US strength on the island to about 20,000. The American ground commander General Alexander Vandegrift decided to expand the Marines’ perimeter westward by attacking Japanese positions at the Matanikau River. In…

1
G6: The Battle of Edson’s Ridge 51:50

5M ago51:50

51:50

On September 12, a Japanese force of several thousand attacked the Marines’ perimeter from three directions. The most effect assault occurred south of the perimeter, near a position that became known as Edson’s Ridge. The Marine defenders, including the First Raider Battalion under Col. Merrit Edson, were greatly outnumbered but were on good ground…

1
G5: The Battle of the Eastern Solomons and the Tokyo Express 39:21

5M ago39:21

39:21

After the disaster at Alligator Creek, the Japanese decided to launch a larger effort to recapture Guadalcanal. The objective of this combined air, sea, and land operation was to wipe out the US carrier fleet and the Cactus Air Force and to land enough soldiers to defeat the Marines on the island. In this episode, Dave and James discuss the ongoing…

1
Silent Cavalry and Surprising Civil War Stories 50:49

5M ago50:49

50:49

Learn more about the Alabama Unionist soldiers in the Civil War with this exclusive interview from History Unplugged, hosted by Scott Rank. Continue listening to History Unplugged: Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Ysc7Zg Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3j0QRJy Parthenon: https://www.parthenonpodcast.com/history-unplugged-podcast…

1
The Pacific - Part 1 1:11:44

5M ago1:11:44

1:11:44

In this episode, Dave and James discuss and review Part 1 of the epic 2010 HBO miniseries The Pacific, which follows the lives and wartime actions of three well-known Marines who served in the Pacific Theater: John Basilone, Robert Leckie, and Eugene Sledge. In Episode 1 of The Pacific, we are introduced to the three main characters and we witness …

1
G4: Japan Strikes Back: Tojo Time and Alligator Creek 49:27

5M ago49:27

49:27

The Japanese realized that if the U. S. were able to hold and utilize the airfield on Guadalcanal, Japan’s strategic objectives in the South Pacific would be foiled. Consequently, Japanese air, naval, and land forces immediately began trying to retake the airfield, recently renamed Henderson Field by the Americans. In August, Japanese bombers began…

1
G3: Initial Landings and the Battle of Savo Island 51:16

6M ago51:16

51:16

On August 7, 1942, elements of the First Marine Division landed on Guadalcanal. They met little opposition and quickly captured their initial objective, an airfield that the Japanese had recently built. The Marines got to work establishing a perimeter and preparing for the inevitable Japanese counterattack. Soon after, Japanese and American naval f…

1
Midway (2019 – With Sean McIver) (ENCORE) 1:40:35

6M ago1:40:35

1:40:35

On June 4, 1942, a Japanese naval task force launched an attack on the American naval and air base at Midway Island. The task force then encountered an American carrier fleet, leading to an epic naval battle that helped change the course of the war in the Pacific. The 2019 action-war film Midway tells the story of the leadup to the battle, the batt…

1
G2: The Road to Guadalcanal 2: The Coral Sea and Midway 46:21

6M ago46:21

46:21

In early 1942, Japan’s leaders decided to capture the key Allied port of Port Moresby on the southern coast of New Guinea, in an attempt to threaten American shipping lanes to Australia. But on its way to the port, at the Coral Sea, the Japanese fleet arrived encountered an American naval force. A month later, a large Japanese naval and air force a…

1
Tora! Tora! Tora! (with Sean McIver) (ENCORE) 1:33:57

6M ago1:33:57

1:33:57

In the late 1960s, a Japanese film production team joined forces with an American team in an effort to produce a balanced and accurate retelling of the December 7, 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The result is the classic 1970 film Tora! Tora! Tora! which after more than 50 years still remains the definitive Pearl Harbor film. Join James and …

1
G1: The Road to Guadalcanal 1: Pearl Harbor to The Doolittle Raid 47:03

6M ago47:03

47:03

On December 7, 1941, Japanese air and naval forces attacked the American naval and air base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, killing 2400 Americans and heavily damaging the US Pacific Fleet. Over the next 5 months, Japan conquered several European and American possessions in southeast Asia, including Guam, Malaya, Wake Island, Hong Kong, Burma, Singapore, …

1
Band of Brothers, Episode 10: Points 1:09:44

6M ago1:09:44

1:09:44

In this episode Sean and James discuss Band of Brothers Episode 10: Points. Easy captures the Eagle's Nest in Berchtesgaden without resistance, and the end of the war in Europe is announced. Finding a collection of 10,000 bottles of liquor, wine and champagne in a cellar at Hermann Göring's house, Winters allows the company to celebrate before they…

1
JFK in WW2 26:52

6M ago26:52

26:52

In this special episode, commissioned by Early's Raiders Colonet Daniel Fisher, James discusses John F. Kennedy's service in the Second World War.By James Early

1
Band of Brothers, Episode 9: Why We Fight 51:25

6M ago51:25

51:25

In this episode Sean and James discuss Band of Brothers Episode 9: Why We Fight. While on patrol, some of the men of Easy Company stumble across a concentration camp near Landsberg and free the surviving prisoners. The sight of the victims leaves the soldiers horrified and disgusted, and Liebgott serves as a German interpreter for Winters as they l…

1
US Involvement in the Boxer Rebellion 36:33

7M ago36:33

36:33

In this topical episode, commissioned by Early’s Raiders Colonel Lee Beaumont, James discusses the Boxer Rebellion, focusing on American involvement in the conflict, especially the role of US Marines. If you would like to commission an episode on a topic of your choosing, you can do so by joining Early’s Raiders at the Major level or higher. For mo…

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Key Battles Of The Civil War Podcasts

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