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…
Author: Bruce Carlson
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….
The 1890’s Part III: No, Not That Winston Churchill
A look at the cultural 1890’s decade. Science fiction, A new form of voiced patriotism, Exploding growth in cities. And an American Winston Churchill (not the future prime minister). Horatio Alger and some unknown authors, including George Abe and an American Winston Churchill are all the reading rage. It is a country with issues when…
The 1890’s Part II: Tin Man
In this second look at the decade of the 1890’s. Economic disaster and marching citizens. Pitchfork and tin making rebellion. Competing metals and ideas. An election only makes clearer the divisions in socie In this second look at the decade of the 1890’s. Economic disaster and marching citizens. Pitchfork prairie populists and industrial workers revolt…..
The 1890’s – Part I: Mauve Decade
A look at the 1890’s, a decade where America developed in many ways. This is part of a FOUR PART series of podcasts on My History Can Beat Up Your Politics. X-rays, flying machines, oyster pirates and basketball. Also strikes, war, populism and long-forgotten literature. How did things get modern in America? The popularity of…
Inflation Gardens and Other Stories
Some economic stats are the concern of governments. Inflation is personal. In a sense, it’s all on us. Inflation has turned Presidents into crusaders. And sometimes turned the American people into the critical actors, volunteers or even “the problem.” We may or may not be there yet, but it’s worth a walk through the inflation…
Follow Jon Blackwell’s Feed on Twitter for News From 100 Years Ago
Just a note, if you want to keep following Jon Blackwell, the WSJ editor who was featured on our podcast Nov 1, 2021 – do so at https://twitter.com/100YearsAgoNews I’ve been amazed with the news that comes in every day from that source. And yes, Jon will be continuing to cover the news into 2022.
News Stories From 1921 That Matter Today – with Jon Blackwell
Jon Blackwell, Wall Street Journal Production Editor and news of the past maven [follow him on Twitter at @100YearsAgoNews] comes on the program to discuss some significant news stories of one hundred years ago. Auctioning people for paid jobs, Resisting smoking and liquor bans, Actors in trouble, Fistfight in Congress, Prosperity around the corner and…
Ashamed in the Day of Judgment – Resistance to Jackson Indian Removal Policy in its Time
This photo shows an example of an Anti-Removal petition from Ohio in the 1830’s. Andrew Jackson and Martin Van Buren’s policy of Indian population removal, which lead to the Trail of Tears and thousands of deaths, was not uncontested or passively allowed at the time. Nearly half of Congress opposed it, as did petition writers…
The Anti-Masonic Party and Conspiracy Theory Politics Old & New
We look at the Anti-Masonic Party of the 1820s and 1830s from backwater movement to national stage and its lasting influence on one of the two major parties today, and on political conventions. Was it truly a conspiracy theory-based movement? What can it say about today’s politics. And a candidate who didn’t want to run…
My History Can Beat Up Your Politics 
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