About Those Hessians: Realities of the Revolution

It’s easy to forget that Hessians were people too, with the way they are discussed in history. A bit about the German “mercenaries” for the British Side in the Revolution in this episode. We discuss their true purpose and story, the impact on the Revolution and American motives. How some Hessians switched sides, or just settled down in…

What Would Cicero Say? Interview with Professor Rob Goodman of Ryerson University on Speech Issues, Modern and Ancient

Through most of American history, calling someone a “Cicero” was the highest democratic honor. John Adams wrote of the Roman orator, that “as all the ages of the world have not produced a greater statesman and philosopher united in the same character, his authority should have great weight.” Thomas Jefferson said Cicero was “the father of…

Lincoln on Infrastructure

Known in history for his role in ending slavery and prosecuting the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln’s most important issue in his time as an elected official was infrastructure. And in that, he was little different than his pioneer constituents. In this episode, we talk about Lincoln’s roots, his arguments countering objections to improvement projects (that…

Harris and the Vice Presidency in a Historical Context

Office or incumbent? The office has been described as a nullity and a spare tire. The historic incumbents include many ‘also-rans’ and some did very little to speak of in office, or anywhere.. A few did not speak to the President while in office. One VP was described as a “smiling mediocrity” (and that was…

Imperialism Just Happened: The 1890’s Part IV

It was almost like imperialism just sort of came to America, the way events transpired. An empire reluctantly acquired, annexations made for lack of choice, a fight chosen for us. That was at least the spin in American government 1890-1899. But behind that surface were more powerful forces, ones that we shun, and embrace today….