S8 Ep1094: Professor William Taubman, guest author, describes how McNamara's loyalty to LBJ even extended to acting as a political spy, reporting on the Kennedys' private intentions during the 1964 election to soothe the president's insecurities. Meanwhile, he maint
Professor William Taubman, guest author, describes how McNamara's loyalty to LBJ even extended to acting as a political spy, reporting on the Kennedys' private intentions during the 1964 election to soothe the president's insecurities. Meanwhile, he maintained a loving relationship with Jackie Kennedy, who viewed him as a father figure for her children while simultaneously pounding on his chest...
8m Jul 06
8m
S8 Ep1094: Professor William Taubman, guest author, explains that LBJ deeply admired McNamara's efficiency, often summoning his family to the White House for "barbecue" meetings or demanding his presence while swimming. During the 1964 Gulf of Tonkin incidents, McNa
Professor William Taubman, guest author, explains that LBJ deeply admired McNamara's efficiency, often summoning his family to the White House for "barbecue" meetings or demanding his presence while swimming. During the 1964 Gulf of Tonkin incidents, McNamara and Johnson withheld the full truth from Congress regarding the lack of evidence for a second attack, using the resulting resolution as a...
10m Jul 06
10m
S8 Ep1094: Professor William Taubman, guest author, recounts how the assassination of JFK forged a deep, "opaque" bond between McNamara and Jackie Kennedy, as he spent the night following the murder sitting at her feet while she recounted the tragedy. Despite his gr
Professor William Taubman, guest author, recounts how the assassination of JFK forged a deep, "opaque" bond between McNamara and Jackie Kennedy, as he spent the night following the murder sitting at her feet while she recounted the tragedy. Despite his grief, he immediately transitioned to serving Lyndon Johnson, who relied on McNamara's "tone for action" to justify the escalation of the Vietna...
8m Jul 06
8m
S8 Ep1094: Professor William Taubman, guest author, describes how, after the war, McNamara joined the "Whiz Kids" at Ford Motor Company, rising to become president through his mastery of data and safety innovations like seat belts. In 1960, he was recruited by the K
Professor William Taubman, guest author, describes how, after the war, McNamara joined the "Whiz Kids" at Ford Motor Company, rising to become president through his mastery of data and safety innovations like seat belts. In 1960, he was recruited by the Kennedy administration, initially resisting the call before accepting the role of Secretary of Defense on the condition that he could manage th...
11m Jul 06
11m
S8 Ep1094: Professor William Taubman, guest author, explains that McNamara's intellectual journey began at Berkeley and Harvard Business School, where he was consistently recognized as the "smartest guy" in his class, excelling in economics and mathematics. During a
Professor William Taubman, guest author, explains that McNamara's intellectual journey began at Berkeley and Harvard Business School, where he was consistently recognized as the "smartest guy" in his class, excelling in economics and mathematics. During a 1939 trip to Europe, he notably failed to realize that WWII was imminent even after hearing Hitler speak in Berlin, an admission that contras...
8m Jul 06
8m
S8 Ep1094: Professor William Taubman, guest author, recounts how, in March 1945, Robert McNamara served on Guam as a statistical advisor to General Curtis LeMay, where he played a pivotal role in shifting B-29 bombing tactics to low-altitude strikes. This strategy l
Professor William Taubman, guest author, recounts how, in March 1945, Robert McNamara served on Guam as a statistical advisor to General Curtis LeMay, where he played a pivotal role in shifting B-29 bombing tactics to low-altitude strikes. This strategy led to the devastating firebombing of Tokyo, killing approximately 100,000 civilians and prompting McNamara to later admit that they would have...
9m Jul 06
9m
S8 Ep1093: George Black, guest author, concludes with the ongoing effort to address the war's legacy, which reached a milestone in 2019 with a bipartisan gathering at Bien Hoa airbase to launch a massive cleanup project. This initiative, supported by figures like
George Black, guest author, concludes with the ongoing effort to address the war's legacy, which reached a milestone in 2019 with a bipartisan gathering at Bien Hoa airbase to launch a massive cleanup project. This initiative, supported by figures like Patrick Leahy and Charles Bailey, demonstrates that aid for disabled victims should be a humanitarian rather than a political issue. The human i...
7m Jul 06
7m
S8 Ep1093: George Black, guest author, describes how, in the late 1990s, the Canadian organization Hatfield Associates collaborated with the Vietnamese 1080 Committee to conduct a comprehensive study of dioxin contamination. They chose the A Shau Valley as a study s
George Black, guest author, describes how, in the late 1990s, the Canadian organization Hatfield Associates collaborated with the Vietnamese 1080 Committee to conduct a comprehensive study of dioxin contamination. They chose the A Shau Valley as a study site because its lack of industrialization proved that any dioxin found must have originated from Agent Orange. The study revealed that while d...
13m Jul 06
13m
S8 Ep1093: George Black, guest author, explains that the mid-1990s marked a turning point as Bill Clinton moved toward diplomatic normalization with Vietnam in 1995, supported by key veteran senators like John McCain and John Kerry. This political cover was essentia
George Black, guest author, explains that the mid-1990s marked a turning point as Bill Clinton moved toward diplomatic normalization with Vietnam in 1995, supported by key veteran senators like John McCain and John Kerry. This political cover was essential to overcome fierce opposition in Congress. During this time, Chuck Searcy returned to Vietnam and co-founded Project RENEW to address the pe...
8m Jul 06
8m
S8 Ep1093: George Black, guest author, recounts how, in the aftermath of the war, the United States struggled with the trauma of its first major defeat, often looking for scapegoats like the media or "faithless civilians." This bitterness manifested in the MIA/POW i
George Black, guest author, recounts how, in the aftermath of the war, the United States struggled with the trauma of its first major defeat, often looking for scapegoats like the media or "faithless civilians." This bitterness manifested in the MIA/POW issue, which became a massive political obstacle to normalizing relations with Vietnam. A legend persisted that living American prisoners were ...
10m Jul 06
10m
S8 Ep1093: George Black, guest author, describes how Manus Campbell's experience in the mountains of I Corps was defined by the arbitrariness of death and survival. His unit frequently walked into triangular ambushes set by elite North Vietnamese regulars, resulting
George Black, guest author, describes how Manus Campbell's experience in the mountains of I Corps was defined by the arbitrariness of death and survival. His unit frequently walked into triangular ambushes set by elite North Vietnameseregulars, resulting in horrific firefights where survival had little to do with skill. Campbell witnessed companions die in his place due to random movements, a p...
7m Jul 06
7m
S8 Ep1093: George Black, guest author, introduces two central protagonists, Manus Campbell and Chuck Searcy, who arrived in Vietnam in June 1967. Campbell, a young Marine from New Jersey, was driven by a desire to prove himself to his demanding father and joined the
George Black, guest author, introduces two central protagonists, Manus Campbell and Chuck Searcy, who arrived in Vietnam in June 1967. Campbell, a young Marine from New Jersey, was driven by a desire to prove himself to his demanding father and joined the elite Marines to become a hero. He was assigned to the first battalion of the fourth Marines and deployed to I Corps, the most dangerous comb...
13m Jul 06
13m
S8 Ep1093: George Black, guest author, explains that by 1965, the United States escalated the conflict by deploying Marines to Da Nang to protect the airfield. This period marked the expansion of Operation Ranch Hand, a campaign focused on using technology to defeat
George Black, guest author, explains that by 1965, the United States escalated the conflict by deploying Marines to Da Nang to protect the airfield. This period marked the expansion of Operation Ranch Hand, a campaign focused on using technology to defeat the natural advantages of the Vietnamese terrain. The American military utilized herbicides to defoliate the dense triple-canopy jungles and ...
7m Jul 06
7m
S8 Ep1093: George Black, guest author, recounts how, in May 1959, the North Vietnamese leadership held a critical meeting in Hanoi to determine the future of their revolutionary struggle. While figures like Ho Chi Minh and Vo Nguyen Giap were cautious about provokin
George Black, guest author, recounts how, in May 1959, the North Vietnamese leadership held a critical meeting in Hanoi to determine the future of their revolutionary struggle. While figures like Ho Chi Minh and Vo Nguyen Giapwere cautious about provoking the United States, Le Duan, the rigorous head of the Vietnamese Communist Party, pushed for a more militant approach to liberate the South. T...
11m Jul 06
11m
S8 Ep1092: Geoffrey Wawro, guest author, concludes that after the 1973 peace deal, the NVA rebuilt their forces, confident that a distracted US government—weakened by Watergate and the oil crisis—would not intervene again. When the final 1975 offensive beg
Geoffrey Wawro, guest author, concludes that after the 1973 peace deal, the NVA rebuilt their forces, confident that a distracted US government—weakened by Watergate and the oil crisis—would not intervene again. When the final 1975 offensive began, President Ford did not react, and the ARVN, suffering from slashed funding and ammunition shortages, rapidly collapsed. President Thieu's decision t...
9m Jul 06
9m
S8 Ep1092: Geoffrey Wawro, guest author, describes how Nixon's "Vietnamization" policy aimed to prepare the South Vietnamese army (ARVN) to fight independently through massive equipment transfers. However, the 1971 invasion of Laos (Lam Son 719) proved a disaster, r
Geoffrey Wawro, guest author, describes how Nixon's "Vietnamization" policy aimed to prepare the South Vietnamesearmy (ARVN) to fight independently through massive equipment transfers. However, the 1971 invasion of Laos (Lam Son 719) proved a disaster, revealing that the ARVN lacked the leadership and staff work to execute complex operations without American ground support. In 1972, Nixon respo...
11m Jul 06
11m
S8 Ep1092: Geoffrey Wawro, guest author, explains that in 1970, Nixon ordered an incursion into Cambodia to destroy NVA supply dumps and the Ho Chi Minh Trail extensions. While US forces captured significant materiel, the NVA simply withdrew deeper into the interior
Geoffrey Wawro, guest author, explains that in 1970, Nixon ordered an incursion into Cambodia to destroy NVA supply dumps and the Ho Chi Minh Trail extensions. While US forces captured significant materiel, the NVA simply withdrew deeper into the interior and rebuilt their supply lines shortly after the Americans left. This widening of the war triggered unprecedented domestic protests, most not...
7m Jul 06
7m
S8 Ep1092: Geoffrey Wawro, guest author, details how Richard Nixon derailed peace talks in 1968 through Anna Chennault, promising South Vietnamese President Thieu a "better deal" to prevent a "November surprise" for Hubert Humphrey. This move resulted in the war con
Geoffrey Wawro, guest author, details how Richard Nixon derailed peace talks in 1968 through Anna Chennault, promising South Vietnamese President Thieu a "better deal" to prevent a "November surprise" for Hubert Humphrey. This move resulted in the war continuing for four more years, costing 28,000 additional American lives for essentially the same peace terms available in 1968. Under Nixon, the...
11m Jul 06
11m
S8 Ep1092: Geoffrey Wawro, guest author, recounts how, in January 1968, the Tet Offensive was launched by the NVA and Viet Cong to deliver a knockout blow to the South Vietnamese government. While the communists suffered massive tactical losses, they achieved a stra
Geoffrey Wawro, guest author, recounts how, in January 1968, the Tet Offensive was launched by the NVA and Viet Cong to deliver a knockout blow to the South Vietnamese government. While the communists suffered massive tactical losses, they achieved a strategic victory in information warfare by shattering the American public's illusion of progress. This shift was cemented by Walter Cronkite's br...
9m Jul 06
9m
S8 Ep1092: Geoffrey Wawro, guest author, describes how Westmoreland's strategy consisted of three phases: a massive logistical buildup, crushing search-and-destroy operations, and eventually handing the war over to a capable South Vietnamese army. However, the plan
Geoffrey Wawro, guest author, describes how Westmoreland's strategy consisted of three phases: a massive logistical buildup, crushing search-and-destroy operations, and eventually handing the war over to a capable South Vietnamesearmy. However, the plan faltered because the vast majority of operations never made contact with the enemy, who chose to protract the war to exhaust American patience....
10m Jul 06
10m
S8 Ep1092: Geoffrey Wawro, guest author, explains that General Westmoreland introduced the "search and destroy" concept, aiming to use superior US mobility and technology to annihilate North Vietnamese Army (NVA) forces. The Battle of Ia Drang in November 1965 becam
Geoffrey Wawro, guest author, explains that General Westmoreland introduced the "search and destroy" concept, aiming to use superior US mobility and technology to annihilate North Vietnamese Army (NVA) forces. The Battle of Ia Drang in November 1965 became a pivotal test for this strategy, featuring Hal Moore's 7th Cavalry. As US troops deployed, the NVA responded by escalating to regular regim...
8m Jul 06
8m
S8 Ep1092: Geoffrey Wawro, guest author, explores the Gulf of Tonkin incident in August 1964, which served as a political catalyst for the Vietnam War. Lyndon Johnson and Robert McNamara sought an incident to galvanize domestic support against conservative critics a
Geoffrey Wawro, guest author, explores the Gulf of Tonkin incident in August 1964, which served as a political catalyst for the Vietnam War. Lyndon Johnson and Robert McNamara sought an incident to galvanize domestic support against conservative critics accusing them of a "no-win" policy. Though the attack was largely concocted or provoked by covert CIA operations, it provided the "blank check"...
10m Jul 06
10m
S8 Ep1091: Colonel Jeff McCausland reflects on how, following the battle, the war's brutality is mirrored by civil unrest, specifically the deadly 1863 draft riots in New York City, highlighting deep internal divisions within the North. While General Meade celeb
Colonel Jeff McCausland reflects on how, following the battle, the war's brutality is mirrored by civil unrest, specifically the deadly 1863 draft riots in New York City, highlighting deep internal divisions within the North. While General Meade celebrates his victory, President Lincoln remains despondent over the missed opportunity to end the war by failing to capture Lee's army. In November 1...
9m Jul 05
9m
S8 Ep1091: Colonel Jeff McCausland recounts how, on July 3, Robert E. Lee initiates a bold assault aimed at the Union center on Cemetery Ridge, though faulty assumptions regarding troop strength and coordination plague the plan. A massive two-hour artillery barrage—
Colonel Jeff McCausland recounts how, on July 3, Robert E. Lee initiates a bold assault aimed at the Union center on Cemetery Ridge, though faulty assumptions regarding troop strength and coordination plague the plan. A massive two-hour artillery barrage—the largest in North American history—precedes the infantry advance but proves largely ineffective due to defective fuses and heavy smoke obsc...
12m Jul 05
12m
S8 Ep1091: Colonel Jeff McCausland explains that by July 2, the Union Army establishes a formidable "fishhook" defensive formation from Culp's Hill to the Round Tops, benefiting from interior lines that allow General Meade to reposition forces much faster than Gener
Colonel Jeff McCausland explains that by July 2, the Union Army establishes a formidable "fishhook" defensive formation from Culp's Hill to the Round Tops, benefiting from interior lines that allow General Meade to reposition forces much faster than General Lee. Lee seeks to break this line, but delays in General Longstreet's advance push the primary assault into late afternoon. A significant t...
10m Jul 05
10m
S8 Ep1091: Colonel Jeff McCausland describes how, on the morning of July 1, 1863, Union General John Buford's cavalry identifies Confederate infantry advancing from the west toward the vital crossroads of Gettysburg. Recognizing the critical nature of the terrain, B
Colonel Jeff McCausland describes how, on the morning of July 1, 1863, Union General John Buford's cavalry identifies Confederate infantry advancing from the west toward the vital crossroads of Gettysburg. Recognizing the critical nature of the terrain, Buford deploys his men on McPherson's Ridge and Oak Hill to delay the advance, sending an urgent request to General John Reynolds for infantry ...
9m Jul 05
9m
S8 Ep1090: Patrick K. O'Donnell, guest author, describes how, in the war's final hours, Robert E. Lee faced a monumental decision: follow Jefferson Davis's orders to scatter his army into the mountains to conduct guerrilla warfare, or surrender. Lee chose to put "
Patrick K. O'Donnell, guest author, describes how, in the war's final hours, Robert E. Lee faced a monumental decision: follow Jefferson Davis's orders to scatter his army into the mountains to conduct guerrilla warfare, or surrender. Leechose to put "America first," rejecting the insurgency path to avoid subjecting the South to generations of further destruction. This act of statesmanship led ...
6m Jul 05
6m
S8 Ep1090: Patrick K. O'Donnell, guest author, explains that following Blazer's capture, Harry Harrison Young took command of the Union's special forces assets under Phil Sheridan. Only 5'5" but "absolutely fearless," Young transformed the Jesse Scouts into a vital
Patrick K. O'Donnell, guest author, explains that following Blazer's capture, Harry Harrison Young took command of the Union's special forces assets under Phil Sheridan. Only 5'5" but "absolutely fearless," Young transformed the Jesse Scouts into a vital strategic asset. These scouts, often operating in Confederate uniforms, conducted suicide missions and used elaborate disguises—such as peddle...
14m Jul 05
14m
S8 Ep1090: Patrick K. O'Donnell, guest author, details the final confrontation between Richard Blazer and Mosby's Rangers at Cabletown (or Meyerstown). After Blazer's scouts had embarrassed the Rangers twice, Mosby orchestrated a massive 300-man ambush. During a run
Patrick K. O'Donnell, guest author, details the final confrontation between Richard Blazer and Mosby's Rangers at Cabletown (or Meyerstown). After Blazer's scouts had embarrassed the Rangers twice, Mosby orchestrated a massive 300-man ambush. During a running gun battle across farmland, Lewis Powell, a Ranger known as "Terrible Powell," personally captured Blazer. The significance of Powell's r...
4m Jul 05
4m
S8 Ep1090: Patrick K. O'Donnell, guest author, recounts how, by August 1864, General Ulysses S. Grant had grown enraged by the disruption caused by irregular partisans and ordered Phil Sheridan to initiate "total war" in the Shenandoah Valley. Grant's instructions w
Patrick K. O'Donnell, guest author, recounts how, by August 1864, General Ulysses S. Grant had grown enraged by the disruption caused by irregular partisans and ordered Phil Sheridan to initiate "total war" in the Shenandoah Valley. Grant's instructions were severe: hang captured Rangers without trial, destroy all crops and livestock, and take all men under 50 as prisoners. While Sheridan did n...
14m Jul 05
14m
S8 Ep1090: Patrick K. O'Donnell, guest author, explains that in the summer of 1864, Confederate General Jubal Early, known as Lee's "mean old dog," launched a bold campaign that brought the war to the gates of the nation's capital. After repelling Union forces at Ly
Patrick K. O'Donnell, guest author, explains that in the summer of 1864, Confederate General Jubal Early, known as Lee's "mean old dog," launched a bold campaign that brought the war to the gates of the nation's capital. After repelling Union forces at Lynchburg, Early marched through the Shenandoah Valley and into Maryland, winning a time-consuming victory at Monocacy against Lew Wallace. This...
10m Jul 05
10m
S8 Ep1090: Patrick K. O'Donnell, guest author, describes how, in early 1864, the Union launched the Dahlgren Raid, a daring "decapitation raid" aimed at infiltrating Richmond to burn the city and kill or capture Jefferson Davis. Led by Ulric Dahlgren and General Kil
  Patrick K. O'Donnell, guest author, describes how, in early 1864, the Union launched the Dahlgren Raid, a daring "decapitation raid" aimed at infiltrating Richmond to burn the city and kill or capture Jefferson Davis. Led by Ulric Dahlgren and General Kilpatrick, the mission disintegrated in the Richmond suburbs, and Dahlgren was killed. Orders found on his body—initially dismissed as a South...
10m Jul 05
10m
S8 Ep1090: Patrick K. O'Donnell, guest author, recounts how, in 1863, Richard Blazer emerged as an unlikely Union hero, leading "Blazer's Scouts," also known as the Legion of Honor. A former barge driver who was often disheveled on the parade ground, Blazer possesse
Patrick K. O'Donnell, guest author, recounts how, in 1863, Richard Blazer emerged as an unlikely Union hero, leading "Blazer's Scouts," also known as the Legion of Honor. A former barge driver who was often disheveled on the parade ground, Blazer possessed a unique talent for "hunting people." His unit functioned as the first modern hunter-killer team in the U.S. Army, specifically tasked with ...
7m Jul 05
7m
S8 Ep1090: Patrick K. O'Donnell, guest author, introduces Captain John Charles Carpenter and the origins of the Jesse Scouts, a Union special operations group formed in Missouri in 1861. Named after Jesse Fremont, wife of General John C. Fremont, these scouts utiliz
Patrick K. O'Donnell, guest author, introduces Captain John Charles Carpenter and the origins of the Jesse Scouts, a Union special operations group formed in Missouri in 1861. Named after Jesse Fremont, wife of General John C. Fremont, these scouts utilized 21st-century tradecraft, such as wearing Confederate uniforms to infiltrate enemy lines and conduct daring reconnaissance missions at sites...
11m Jul 05
11m
S8 Ep1089: Robert Cwiklik, guest author, explains that the ultimate turning point came when Grant decided to back down from Sheridan's aggressive mission. As the news reached New Orleans, telegraph operators shouted, "Grant backs down," a moment celebrated by the Wh
Robert Cwiklik, guest author, explains that the ultimate turning point came when Grant decided to back down from Sheridan's aggressive mission. As the news reached New Orleans, telegraph operators shouted, "Grant backs down," a moment celebrated by the White League as a definitive victory. Although Republicans attempted to pass new enforcement legislation, the effort was stalled by Democrats wh...
7m Jul 05
7m
S8 Ep1089: Robert Cwiklik, guest author, describes how, following the legislative intervention, Sheridan sent his infamous "Banditti" telegrams to Secretary of War William Belknap. He proposed that Congress declare the White League ringleaders "Banditti" so they cou
Robert Cwiklik, guest author, describes how, following the legislative intervention, Sheridan sent his infamous "Banditti" telegrams to Secretary of War William Belknap. He proposed that Congress declare the White Leagueringleaders "Banditti" so they could be tried by military commissions and executed. Sheridan's blunt call for military justice against "respectable" white citizens sparked natio...
13m Jul 05
13m
S8 Ep1089: Robert Cwiklik, guest author, explains that Sheridan arrived in New Orleans in late 1874, but his presence immediately sparked suspicion and sarcasm from the local white press. On January 4, 1875, the situation reached a breaking point during the organiza
Robert Cwiklik, guest author, explains that Sheridan arrived in New Orleans in late 1874, but his presence immediately sparked suspicion and sarcasm from the local white press. On January 4, 1875, the situation reached a breaking point during the organization of the Louisiana legislature at the St. Louis Hotel. Democrats staged a violent takeover of the House floor, installing their own speaker...
8m Jul 05
8m
S8 Ep1089: Robert Cwiklik, guest author, recounts how, in the wake of the 1874 White League coup, President Grant felt compelled to take decisive action, despite the 1874 midterm elections flipping the House of Representatives to Democratic control. Grant initially
Robert Cwiklik, guest author, recounts how, in the wake of the 1874 White League coup, President Grant felt compelled to take decisive action, despite the 1874 midterm elections flipping the House of Representatives to Democratic control. Grant initially used massive military force—including warships and infantry—to restore Governor Kellogg, but he realized a permanent solution was needed as wh...
9m Jul 05
9m
S8 Ep1089: Robert Cwiklik, guest author, describes how, by 1874, the Crescent City White League, an armed vigilante group, emerged to violently intimidate Republican officials and Black voters in Louisiana. Their aggression was fueled by a circuit judge's opinion su
Robert Cwiklik, guest author, describes how, by 1874, the Crescent City White League, an armed vigilante group, emerged to violently intimidate Republican officials and Black voters in Louisiana. Their aggression was fueled by a circuit judge's opinion suggesting that federal Enforcement Acts might be unconstitutional, which white Southerners interpreted as a "green light" for resistance. In Se...
6m Jul 05
6m
S8 Ep1089: Robert Cwiklik, guest author, explains that following the 1866 massacres, Congress passed the Reconstruction Act of 1867, imposing military rule and requiring new state constitutions that enfranchised Black men. This era saw the rise of "carpetbaggers"—No
Robert Cwiklik, guest author, explains that following the 1866 massacres, Congress passed the Reconstruction Act of 1867, imposing military rule and requiring new state constitutions that enfranchised Black men. This era saw the rise of "carpetbaggers"—Northern Republicans who moved south and were elected by newly empowered Black voters—and the implementation of progressive policies like public...
13m Jul 05
13m
S8 Ep1089: Robert Cwiklik, guest author, recounts how, in July 1866, New Orleans became the site of a brutal police-led riot against a constitutional convention aimed at securing Black voting rights. Following Lincoln's death, President Andrew Johnson's lenient Reco
Robert Cwiklik, guest author, recounts how, in July 1866, New Orleans became the site of a brutal police-led riot against a constitutional convention aimed at securing Black voting rights. Following Lincoln's death, President Andrew Johnson's lenient Reconstruction policy empowered former Confederates, who enacted "Black Codes" to essentially re-enslave African-Americans through vagrancy laws a...
7m Jul 05
7m
S8 Ep1089: Robert Cwiklik, guest author, discusses the pivotal moments following Lee's surrender on April 9, 1865. President Lincoln, addressing a jubilant crowd, tentatively endorsed voting rights for African-Americans, specifically those who served in the Union Ar
Robert Cwiklik, guest author, discusses the pivotal moments following Lee's surrender on April 9, 1865. President Lincoln, addressing a jubilant crowd, tentatively endorsed voting rights for African-Americans, specifically those who served in the Union Army or demonstrated "intelligence." This stance was influenced by his 1864 meeting with New Orleans intellectuals John Baptist Roudanez and Arn...
10m Jul 05
10m
S8 Ep1088: Ronald White, guest author, describes how, in his final decades, Chamberlain served as the surveyor of the port in Portland, a position that allowed him to continue writing and speaking while undergoing repeated surgeries for his Petersburg wound. Even in
Ronald White, guest author, describes how, in his final decades, Chamberlain served as the surveyor of the port in Portland, a position that allowed him to continue writing and speaking while undergoing repeated surgeries for his Petersburg wound. Even in his 80s, his intellectual curiosity remained boundless; he traveled to Egypt and the Holy Land, reading the Bible in Greek and the Quran in A...
8m Jul 04
8m
S8 Ep1088: Ronald White, guest author, recounts how, in 1880, Maine faced an armed insurrection following a disputed election known as the "Great Count-out," where the Democratic governor manipulated ballot results. Chamberlain was summoned to Augusta to maintain or
Ronald White, guest author, recounts how, in 1880, Maine faced an armed insurrection following a disputed election known as the "Great Count-out," where the Democratic governor manipulated ballot results. Chamberlain was summoned to Augusta to maintain order and famously faced down an enraged mob at the state house, opening his coat and daring them to kill him. This 12-day stand preserved the p...
12m Jul 04
12m
S8 Ep1088: Ronald White, guest author, explains that after his governorship, Chamberlain returned to Bowdoin College as its president, determined to modernize the institution. He introduced progressive reforms, including science, a medical school, and co-education,
Ronald White, guest author, explains that after his governorship, Chamberlain returned to Bowdoin College as its president, determined to modernize the institution. He introduced progressive reforms, including science, a medical school, and co-education, though these changes faced significant resistance from traditional alumni and faculty. His tenure was further complicated by religious tension...
7m Jul 04
7m
S8 Ep1088: Ronald White, guest author, describes how, returning home as a hero, Chamberlain overcame a stutter to become one of the nation's most eloquent orators, focusing on the themes of national reconciliation. He was drafted by the Republican Party and served f
Ronald White, guest author, describes how, returning home as a hero, Chamberlain overcame a stutter to become one of the nation's most eloquent orators, focusing on the themes of national reconciliation. He was drafted by the Republican Party and served four one-year terms as Governor of Maine, where he championed economic reconstruction, railroads, and the founding of an agricultural college. ...
11m Jul 04
11m
S8 Ep1088: Ronald White, guest author, recounts how, in June 1864, Chamberlain led a perilous frontal assault at Petersburg, where he was struck by a minié ball that traveled through his hips, shattering internal blood vessels and his bladder. Surgeons gave him only
Ronald White, guest author, recounts how, in June 1864, Chamberlain led a perilous frontal assault at Petersburg, where he was struck by a minié ball that traveled through his hips, shattering internal blood vessels and his bladder. Surgeons gave him only a 10% chance of survival, and he wrote a heart-wrenching final farewell to Fanny from his hospital bed. Defying medical expectations, he surv...
8m Jul 04
8m
S8 Ep1088: Ronald White, guest author, explains that the 20th Maine's early service was defined by the grim realities of warfare, from the massacre at Fredericksburg to a debilitating smallpox outbreak caused by defective vaccination serum within the camp. By June 1
Ronald White, guest author, explains that the 20th Maine's early service was defined by the grim realities of warfare, from the massacre at Fredericksburg to a debilitating smallpox outbreak caused by defective vaccination serum within the camp. By June 1863, the regiment was forced on grueling 30-mile marches toward Gettysburg under oppressive summer heat. On the second day of the battle, Cham...
12m Jul 04
12m
S8 Ep1088: Ronald White, guest author, describes how Chamberlain began his academic career at Bowdoin College in 1855, seeking to instill critical thinking in his pupils rather than treating them as mere boys to be regimented. His tenure was marked by encounters wit
Ronald White, guest author, describes how Chamberlain began his academic career at Bowdoin College in 1855, seeking to instill critical thinking in his pupils rather than treating them as mere boys to be regimented. His tenure was marked by encounters with significant historical figures, including visiting senator Jefferson Davis and neighbor Harriet Beecher Stowe, whose readings of Uncle Tom's...
7m Jul 04
7m
S8 Ep1088: Ronald White, guest author, recounts how, in 1848, Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, known as Lawrence, entered Bowdoin College after years of intensive home preparation in classics and Greek. Raised in Brewer, Maine, by parents who valued the "life of the min
Ronald White, guest author, recounts how, in 1848, Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, known as Lawrence, entered Bowdoin College after years of intensive home preparation in classics and Greek. Raised in Brewer, Maine, by parents who valued the "life of the mind," he grew up with a deep Christian faith and intellectual curiosity. His youth balanced physical activities like sailing and riding bareback...
11m Jul 04
11m