American History Hit
History Hit
Join Don Wildman twice a week for your hit of American history, as he explores the past to help us understand the United States of today. We’ll hear how codebreakers uncovered secret Japanese plans for the Battle of Midway, visit Chief Powhatan as he prepares for war with the British, see Walt Disney accuse his former colleagues of being communists, and uncover the dark history that lies beneath Central Park. From pre-colonial America to independence, slavery to civil rights, the gold rush to the space race, join Don as he speaks to leading experts to delve into America’s past. New episodes every Monday and Thursday. Brought to you by History Hit, the award-winning podcast network and world’s best history channel on demand, featuring shows like Dan Snow’s History Hit, Not Just The Tudors and Betwixt the Sheets.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.
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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 29, 2026 • 55min
The Annexation of Hawaiʻi
Noah Dolim, Assistant Professor of History at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, specializes in 19th-century Hawaiʻi. He traces the overthrow of the Hawaiian kingdom, the role of U.S. military and businessmen, and the delayed path to annexation. Short segments cover land privatization, sugar and strategic interests, cultural suppression, and ongoing sovereignty and community priorities.
Jan 26, 2026 • 44min
America's Worst General
Who was the worst American army general of all time? We round off our month of military history by looking at the leaders who standout for all the wrong reasons. Don's guest is the wonderful Cecily Zander author of the upcoming 'Abraham Lincoln and the American West', and 'The Army Under Fire: Antimilitarism in the Civil War Era'. Edited by Aidan Lonergan, produced by Sophie Gee. Senior Producer was Freddy Chick.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. All music from Epidemic Sounds.American History Hit is a History Hit podcast.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 22, 2026 • 45min
Origins of the First Amendment
Michael Haddam, a historian specializing in the American Revolution, delves into the fascinating journey of the First Amendment. He reveals its historical roots in European upheavals and Enlightenment thought. The discussion explores the significance of the Zenger trial in early press freedom and the anti-federalists' push for a Bill of Rights. Haddam also examines how the 14th Amendment shaped free speech protections and the impact of World War I on civil liberties. The conversation illustrates the Amendment's evolving definition of freedom in America.
14 snips
Jan 19, 2026 • 47min
America's Greatest General
Major Jonathan Bratten, a National Guard officer and military historian, joins to explore America's greatest generals. They dive into what makes a general great, discussing traits like charisma and care for troops. The conversation highlights Eisenhower's logistical genius during D-Day and the indispensable role of Nathaniel Greene in the Revolutionary War. They also debate George Washington's strategic evolution and Ulysses S. Grant's relentlessness, ultimately revealing their picks for who deserves the title of America's greatest general.
Jan 15, 2026 • 38min
The Truth about the Two-Term Limit
Historian Jeremi Suri, a professor at the University of Texas at Austin and author of 'Civil War by Other Means,' dives into the intriguing history of the two-term limit for U.S. presidents. He discusses its origins with George Washington's voluntary choice to set a precedent, and how this evolved into a constitutional mandate. Suri explores pivotal figures like FDR, who challenged this norm during the Great Depression, and the broader implications of the 22nd Amendment. He also argues that congressional dynamics, rather than term limits, fuel current political polarization.
Jan 12, 2026 • 37min
America's Most Innovative General
Cecily Zander, a Civil War historian and author known for her insights on military history, explores the evolution of warfare through innovative American generals. She highlights George Crook's humanitarian tactics with Native scouts, Sherman’s total war strategy that targeted civilian infrastructure, and Patton's pioneering use of armored warfare. Zander argues for Norman Schwarzkopf as the most innovative general due to his integration of high-tech tactics in Desert Storm, showcasing how these leaders reshaped modern military strategies.
Jan 8, 2026 • 57min
How Revolutionary was the Declaration of Independence?
In this enlightening discussion, historian Michael Hattem explores the revolutionary nature of the Declaration of Independence. He highlights how Enlightenment ideas shaped its creation and the significance of grievances against British rule. Hattem also dives into the surge of popular support for independence in 1776 and the political motivations behind Jefferson's authorship. The conversation reveals the Declaration’s global legacy, its paradox of slavery, and how it has inspired various movements for justice and rights throughout history.
Jan 5, 2026 • 36min
America's Bloodiest General
Major Jonathan D. Bratten, command historian for the Maine National Guard and author of 'To The Last Man', dives into the grim legacy of America's bloodiest generals. He discusses the moral weight of command, contrasting Robert E. Lee's relentless tactics with Ulysses S. Grant's approach to ending conflict. Bratten also examines John Bell Hood's aggressive assaults, the technological shifts in modern warfare, and John Pershing's high-casualty decisions in the Meuse-Argonne offensive. Ultimately, Lee earns the title of the bloodiest general for his costly offensive strategies.
Jan 1, 2026 • 41min
How Dangerous Was The Oregon Trail?
Matt Beat, a former history teacher and the creative force behind the YouTube channels Mr. Beat and The Beat Goes On, dives into the perilous journey of the Oregon Trail. He shares gripping tales of the pioneers who faced disease, river crossings, and difficult interactions with Native American tribes. Discover the significance of the Oregon Trail in shaping American identity and values like individualism. Beat also discusses the cultural impact of the Oregon Trail video game and its place in today’s education, framing the trail as a timeless story of hope and perseverance.
Dec 29, 2025 • 36min
How Much Power Does the President Have?
In this engaging discussion, Graham G. Dodds, an Associate Professor of History and author of 'The Unitary Presidency,' dives into the murky waters of presidential power in the U.S. He examines the origins of the unitary executive theory and its implications for democracy. Topics include the risks of centralized power, historical Supreme Court cases, and how past presidents like Cheney and Bush have shaped this theory. Graham also warns of contemporary threats like Project 2025, highlighting how the unitary approach could jeopardize checks and balances.
