War has played a key role in the history of the United States from the nation’s founding right down to the present. Wars made the U. S. independent, kept it together, increased its size, and established it as a global superpower. Understanding America’s wars is essential for understanding American history. In the Key Battles of American History, host James Early discusses American history through the lens of the most important battles of America’s wars. James is an Adjunct Professor of Histo ...
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Historians have ranked U.S. presidents on leadership, economic management, and pursuing justice, but they have never asked themselves which one could beat up all the others. This show will change that. Hosted by two history professors—James Early and Scott Rank—this is an NCAA-style tournament in which all presidents fight each other one-on-one until there is one champion. You'll see Barack Obama fight William Howard Taft (who literally weights twice as much), Abraham Lincoln try to knock th ...
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Join us as we explore the rich tapestry of America through conversations with guests from around the U.S. Each episode dives deep into the invaluable work of state and local Museums, Historical and Genealogical Societies. These dedicated organizations are the unsung heroes, preserving our heritage and culture one community at a time. From bustling cities to small towns, they safeguard our collective past for future generations. Discover how these vital institutions, our ”Preservation Oaks,” ...
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FIW 4: Victory and Defeat: Louisbourg (again) and Fort Carillon
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Beginning in 1758, the British war effort would be run by the brilliant and aggressive Member of Parliament William Pitt. Pitt opened up the government’s purse to properly fund the war effort and sent a cadre of new, younger, and more aggressive generals to try and turn the tide in North America. They kicked off the 1758 campaigning season with bol…
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In this episode, Jacob and James conclude their discussion of the 1992 film The Last of the Mohicans, concluding the review (as always!) by rating the film on a scale of 0 to 5.By James Early
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In this episode Jacob and James discuss the epic 1992 film The Last of the Mohicans, which provides a fictionalized account of the 1757 French siege of Fort William Henry.By James Early
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EP076 S03E024 Flat River Historical Society & Museum
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Preservation Oaks is all about showcasing the coolest Museums, Genealogical and Historical Societies across the U.S. Recently, we featured the Flat River Historical Society and Museum in Greenville, Michigan! In this episode, Sean Radcliff, the creator of Preservation Oaks, chats with President Keith Hudson who let us know all the amazing stuff the…
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FIW 3: More Disasters: Oswego, Louisbourg, and Fort William Henry
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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…
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FIW 2: Washington, Albany, and Braddock's Defeat
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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!…
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EP075 S03E023 Friends of Historic Meridian
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Preservation Oaks is all about showcasing the coolest Museums, Genealogical and Historical Societies across the U.S. Recently, we featured the Friends of Historic Meridian and the Meridian Historical Village in Okemos, Michigan! In this episode, Sean Radcliff, the creator of Preservation Oaks, chats with Ms. Holly Cordill. She let us know all the a…
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FIW 1: Britain and France: Centuries of Conflict
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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…
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FIW 0: Introduction to the French and Indian War
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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
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EP074 S03E022 Copper Range Historical Society and Museum
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Preservation Oaks is all about showcasing the coolest Museums, Genealogical and Historical Societies across the U.S. Recently, we featured the Copper Range Historical Society and Museum in South Range, Michigan! In this episode, Sean Radcliff, the creator of Preservation Oaks, chats with awesome guests Jean Pemberton, Janet Kokko, and Donna Laux. T…
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In this episode, Sean and James conclude their discussion of the epic 2023 biopic Oppenheimer.By James Early
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In this episode, James and Sean discuss the first half of the epic 2023 biopic Oppenheimer.By James Early
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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…
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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
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EP073 S03E021 Fighting Falcon Military Museum - Megan Smith
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Preservation Oaks highlights Museums, Cultural and Heritage Institutions, Historical and Genealogical Societies, and history focused Media Creators across the United States. Recently the Fighting Falcon Military Museum and the town of Greenville Michigan were highlighted. Mrs. Megan Smith was interviewed by Sean Radcliff, creator of Preservation Oa…
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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. …
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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
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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…
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World War 2 War Crimes Tribunals with Carl Archer
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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
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EP072 S03E020 Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
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Preservation Oaks highlights Museums, Cultural and Heritage Institutions, Historical and Genealogical Societies, and Media Creators across the United States. Recently the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum were highlighted. The Director, Brooke Clement was interviewed by Sean Radcliff, creator of Preservation Oaks. Have fun and find out…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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EP071 S03E019 Historic Ottawa Beach Society - Dan Aument
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Preservation Oaks highlights Museums, Cultural and Heritage Institutions, Historical and Genealogical Societies, and historic media Creators across the United States. Recently the Historic Ottawa Beach Society, the Historic Pump House Museum and the town of Holland Michigan were highlighted. The President, Mr. Dan Aument was interviewed by Sean Rad…
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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 …
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The Great Lakes Naval Station in the World Wars
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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…
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This American President - Presidential Succession Crises
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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…
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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…
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Bombing Hitler's Hometown with Mike Croissant
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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…
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EP070 S03E018 Hillsdale County Historical Society
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Preservation Oaks highlights Museums, Cultural and Heritage Institutions, Historical and Genealogical Societies, and Media Creators across the United States. Recently the Hillsdale County Historical Society and the town of Hillsdale Michigan were highlighted. Member of the Board JoAnne Miller and Curator Darin Sheffer were interviewed by Sean Radcl…
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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…
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The Battleship Texas with Sean McIver (Part 2)
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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
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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 …
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The Battleship Texas with Sean McIver (Part 1)
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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
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EP069 S03E017 Port Hope Area Historical Society
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Preservation Oaks highlights Museums, Cultural and Heritage Institutions, Historical and Genealogical Societies, and Media Creators across the United States. Recently the Port Hope Area Historical Society and the town of Port Hope Michigan were highlighted. Mr. Garth Kriewall was interviewed by Sean Radcliff, creator of Preservation Oaks. Have fun …
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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
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The Thin Red Line (with Steve Guerra)
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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…
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G12: The Final Offensive and Operation KE
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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…
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EP068 S03E016 Frankenmuth Historical Association and Museum
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1:46:57
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Preservation Oaks highlights Museums, Cultural and Heritage Institutions, Historical and Genealogical Societies, and Media Creators across the United States. Recently the Frankenmuth Historical Association and the town of Frankenmuth Michigan were highlighted. The Director, Heidi Chapman was interviewed by Sean Radcliff, creator of Preservation Oak…
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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…
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G11: The Battle of Tassafaronga and the December Decision
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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…
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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…
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Preservation Oaks highlights Clubs, Cultural and Heritage Institutions, Historical and Genealogical Societies, and Media Creators across the United States. Recently the Ford Genealogy Club was highlighted. The President, Alex Tolksdorf was interviewed by Sean Radcliff, creator of Preservation Oaks. Have fun and find out more about the Club, the hel…
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G9: The Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands and More American Offensives
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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…
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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,…
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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’ …
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G8: The High Speed Convoy and the Battle for Henderson Field
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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, …
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EP066 S03E014 Cedar Springs Historical Museum
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1:57:39
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Preservation Oaks highlights Museums, Cultural and Heritage Institutions, Historical and Genealogical Societies, and Media Creators across the United States. Recently the Cedar Springs Historical Museum and the town of Cedar Springs Michigan were highlighted. The Historical Museum Director, Sharon Jett was interviewed by Sean Radcliff, creator of P…
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G7: The Battles of the Matanikau and the Battle of Cape Esperance
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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…
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