Historic Voices: Global History and Culture

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(Bonus PDF Transcript) General Eisenhower Addresses the D-Day Invasion Troops on June 6, 1944 Jun 12, 2017

Show notes

This is a PDF transcript of a short speech by General Dwight D. Eisenhower to the allied troops who were to land on the Normandy beaches during D-Day.

(S01-E25) HV General Eisenhower - "Order of the Day" Speech to D-Day Troops - June 6, 1944 Jun 12, 2017

Show notes

In this podcast episode, we feature a short speech by General Dwight D. Eisenhower to the allied troops who were to land on the Normandy beaches during D-Day in just a few hours. Nearly 10,000 of these brave troops will lose their lives during the invasion against fierce German resistance.

Separately, I provide several PDF documents: first, a transcript of this speech, secondly an overview of the D-Day invasion, and finally, the diversion plan headed by General Patton to shift German attention away from the Normandy beaches. Next week, I provide the farewell speech of President Eisenhower to the American people.

(Bonus Video) WWII D-Day Invasion - Archival Film Newsreel - June 6, 1944 Jun 08, 2017

Show notes

I thought you would enjoy a short archival film newsreel of the D-Day landing. I was preparing some upcoming history lessons for my students and ran across this public domain item. It fits our purpose for historic voices, in this case it is the voice of the narrator recorded at that time with the film footage. I will include these newsreel items when I can find appropriate public domain items that relate to the topic of the previous speech episode.

Let me know what you think of these occasional short video episodes. I also received feedback about shortening the introductions to this podcast and also the Paul Harvey Podcast. With this podcast, I had Nicole shorten her introduction and I will do the same. I will move some of my previous introductory comments and place that after the speech recording so you can decide whether to listen to them. I will still keep them to a few minutes and continue to include followup episodes with PDF documents that provide additional information for those that are interested. I guess is is the history teacher in me coming through with that addition. Send email to arendale@umn.edu

(Bonus PDF) Life of Former President Ronald Reagan Jun 06, 2017

Show notes

This short article from Wikipedia provides an overview of former President Ronald Reagan's life.

(Bonus PDF Transcript) President Ronald Reagan - D-Day 40th Anniversary Speech Jun 06, 2017

Show notes

In this podcast episode, we feature a speech by President Ronald Reagan on the 40th anniversary of the Normandy Landings on D-Day during World War Two. The speech was given on the cliffs above the Normandy beach where the U.S. Rangers successfully scaled the wall despite heavy German fire. More than half the Rangers lost their lives during the assault. This short speech is considered by many historians as one of Reagan's best.

(S01-E24) HV President Ronald Reagan - "D-Day 40th Anniversary Speech" - June 6, 1984 Jun 06, 2017

Show notes

Separately, I provide two PDF documents: first a transcript of this speech, and secondly a short history of Ronald Reagan. Next week, I will provide the short speech given by General Eisenhower to the troops in preparation for their landing on the beaches.

(Bonus PDF) Backstory on Firing of General Douglass MacArthur by President Truman May 29, 2017

Show notes

President Harry Truman made a number of controversial decisions as president. One was dropping of the atomic bombs to end World War Two. Another was the unpopular firing of General Douglass MacArthur as commander of the United Nations forces during the Korean War. This document provides part of the backstory for the president's difficult decision. Many historians cite this event as a turning point for avoiding the use of nuclear weapons that would have started World War Three between the U.S. and China.

(Bonus PDF) Life of General Douglass MacArthur, General of the U.S. Army May 29, 2017

Show notes

This PDF document provides a short history of the personal life and military career of one of America's great military leaders, General Douglass MacArthur

(Bonus PDF Transcript) General Douglass MacArthur - "Farewell to Congress" - April 19, 1951 May 29, 2017

Show notes

This is a transcript of a speech by General Douglass MacArthur to Congress and the American people. The date was April 19, 1951. The dramatic timing of the speech was that President Harry Truman had relieved General MacArthur of military command of the United Nations forces during the Korean War the previous week. MacArthur explained in the speech his concerns about the Chinese and a retrospective of a lifetime of service to the nation as a member of the military. This seemed to me an appropriate speech to post of Memorial Day as we remember the sacrifices made by the U.S. military on behalf of the nation.

(S01-E23) HV General Douglass MacArthur - "Farewell to Congress" Speech - April 19, 1951 May 29, 2017

Show notes

In this podcast episode, we feature a speech by General Douglass MacArthur to Congress and the American people. The date was April 19, 1951. The dramatic timing of the speech was that President Harry Truman had relieved General MacArthur of military command of the United Nations forces during the Korean War the previous week. MacArthur explained in the speech his concerns about the Chinese and a retrospective of a lifetime of service to the nation as a member of the military. This seemed to me an appropriate speech to post of Memorial Day as we remember the sacrifices made by the U.S. military on behalf of the nation

There are many comparisons and contrasts between two of America's greatest generals: George Patton and Douglass MacArthur. Those were extraordinary military commanders who are credited with helping to end World War Two more quickly. Both were deeply devoted to the defense of America and its people. And both were frustrated with political leaders who they perceived as stopping a war prematurely before it should be ended. Patton was relieved of command at the end of World War Two since he disagreed with Washington politicians since he believed the Russians were the future enemy and should be engaged militarily and pushed out of Eastern Europe. During the Korean War, MacArthur wanted to continue the war in Korea by invading China and engaging them in war. He even wanted to use tactical, short-range nuclear missiles if necessary during the war against China. President Truman could no longer tolerate the public statements by MacArthur disagreeing with Washington policies and threat to invade China. As a result, President Truman met with General MacArthur and relieved him of command on April 11, 1951

The speech you are about to hear was given to a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress and broadcast to the American people. MacArthur explains his concerns for future Chinese aggression in the Pacific and why he felt that military confrontation was needed by the U.N. troops against them. The speech is also a defense of his lifetime of service to the nation and loyalty to the American people. Another version of this speech will be delivered at West Point.

Separately, I provide follow-up podcast episodes which provide three PDF documents: first a transcript of this speech, next some historical background on General MacArthur, and the final PDF with additional information why President Truman relieved this beloved military commander of his command.

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