

Empire: World History
Goalhanger
The rise and fall of empires and the events that shaped world history.
William Dalrymple and Anita Anand explore the intricate stories of revolutions, imperial wars, and the people who built and lost empires.
From the British Empire to the Ottomans to Ancient India, history is shaped by power struggles and territorial conquests. How does it continue to affect the world today?
Empire Club: Become a member of the Empire Club to receive early access to miniseries, ad-free listening, early access to live show tickets, bonus episodes, book discounts, our exclusive newsletter, and access to our members’ chatroom on Discord! Head to empirepoduk.com to sign up.
For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.
William Dalrymple and Anita Anand explore the intricate stories of revolutions, imperial wars, and the people who built and lost empires.
From the British Empire to the Ottomans to Ancient India, history is shaped by power struggles and territorial conquests. How does it continue to affect the world today?
Empire Club: Become a member of the Empire Club to receive early access to miniseries, ad-free listening, early access to live show tickets, bonus episodes, book discounts, our exclusive newsletter, and access to our members’ chatroom on Discord! Head to empirepoduk.com to sign up.
For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books

52 snips
Jul 3, 2024 • 51min
165. A Massacre at Dawn
Join Karl Jacoby, author of 'Shadows at Dawn', as he delves into the Camp Grant Massacre that tragically occurred in 1871. Discover how nearly 500 Apache individuals sought refuge at Camp Grant, only to face violence driven by settlers' fears. Jacoby unpacks the disturbing historical context, societal influences, and narratives of protection versus violence. He also highlights how these events shaped contemporary Native American relations and the ongoing socio-economic challenges faced by indigenous communities.

56 snips
Jul 1, 2024 • 50min
164. How the West was Won: The Truth Behind the Westerns
Karl Jacoby, author of "Shadows at Dawn," provides a deep dive into the violent realities of westward expansion. He discusses how horse culture transformed Native American societies and reveals the complexities of tribal identities affected by colonialism. Jacoby sheds light on the Gadsden Purchase and its implications for U.S. territorial ambitions. He also critiques Hollywood's portrayal of the Apache, particularly the myths surrounding Geronimo, while addressing the brutal military campaigns waged against them, challenging popular narratives of this tumultuous era.

33 snips
Jun 26, 2024 • 42min
163. The Tattooed Girl: From Mormon to Native American
Katie Hickman, author and expert on the American West, dives deep into the remarkable life of Olive Oatman, who was captured as a child and embraced by the Mojave tribe. She discusses Olive's journey from captivity to community, highlighting the cultural clash between her Mormon upbringing and her new identity. The conversation also touches on Olive's transformation into a media sensation, the complexities of her nickname in Mojave culture, and themes of resilience and survival that pervade her extraordinary story.

53 snips
Jun 24, 2024 • 47min
162. The Oregon Trail & the Gold Rush
Katie Hickman, author of "Bravehearted," dives into the untold stories of women in the American West. She discusses the historical significance of Fort Laramie, a meeting ground for settlers and Native Americans, and uncovers the vital roles women played during westward expansion. The conversation reveals the escalating conflicts initiated by a seemingly minor incident involving a cow, leading to tragic repercussions for Native communities. Hickman's insights highlight the complexities of migration, coexistence, and the deep injustices faced by indigenous peoples.

69 snips
Jun 19, 2024 • 41min
161. The Trail of Tears
Kathleen DuVal, author of "Native Nations, A Millennium in North America," sheds light on the complex history of Native Americans and Andrew Jackson's policies. She discusses how Jackson deceived the Cherokee, leading to the tragic Indian Removal Act of 1830. Exploring the resilience of the Cherokee under John Ross, DuVal highlights their struggles against forced removal. The conversation connects this dark chapter to broader themes of ethnic cleansing, urging a reevaluation of historical narratives surrounding Native sovereignty.

65 snips
Jun 17, 2024 • 46min
160. Native Nations vs Thomas Jefferson
In this engaging discussion, Kathleen DuVal, an author specializing in Indigenous history, shares a fresh perspective on the rich tapestry of Native Nations in North America. She challenges misconceptions about Indigenous peoples before European contact, highlighting civilizations like Cahokia. The conversation dives into the consequences of the Louisiana Purchase and how it altered the Native landscape. DuVal also explores the resilience of Native societies post-Revolution and their complex relations with early American leaders, painting a vivid picture of history often left untold.

48 snips
Jun 12, 2024 • 39min
159. The American Revolution: Building The New Rome (Ep 4)
Maya Jasanoff, a Harvard history professor and author of Liberty's Exiles, joins the discussion on the aftermath of the American Revolution. She highlights the daunting task of uniting the diverse 13 states into a cohesive nation. The conversation delves into the impact of loyalist migration and the complex identity struggles post-revolution. Maya also explores the drafting of the Constitution and the influences of Roman history on American identity. Additionally, the intricate friendship between Adams and Jefferson reveals intriguing ideological conflicts.

40 snips
Jun 10, 2024 • 59min
158. The American Revolution: Life, Liberty & The Pursuit of Happiness (Ep 3)
Maya Jasanoff, a history professor and author of "Liberty's Exiles," joins the discussion about the American Revolution, highlighting the contradictions in the Declaration of Independence. The conversation dives into the complexities of equality and the struggles of women and enslaved individuals. Jasanoff examines key battles, like Saratoga and Yorktown, and the crucial alliances formed with France and Spain. The exploration of these historical events reveals the shifting tides of loyalty and conflict during this transformative time.

45 snips
Jun 5, 2024 • 51min
157. The American Revolution: The Shot Heard Around the World (Ep 2)
Maya Jasanoff, a Harvard history professor and expert on the American Revolution, joins the discussion to unpack pivotal events like the Boston Tea Party. She reveals how this iconic protest ignited colonial resistance against British rule. Jasanoff highlights the complex nature of the War of Independence, revealing it as a civil war of sorts. The conversation also touches on the Dunmore Proclamation, showcasing the struggle for freedom among enslaved individuals and illustrating the conflicting ideals during this transformative period in American history.

83 snips
Jun 3, 2024 • 47min
156. The American Revolution: No Taxation Without Representation (Ep 1)
Maya Jasanoff, a Harvard historian and author, joins the discussion on the American Revolution's fiery beginnings. She reveals how a series of taxes, from the Sugar Act to the Stamp Act, incited colonial outrage. The podcast dives into Harvard's role in shaping revolutionary thought and the stark cultural differences between New England and Virginia. Jasanoff also highlights Indigenous perspectives during this tumultuous time and examines the tragic events leading up to the Boston Massacre, emphasizing the complexities of 'No Taxation Without Representation'.


