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73: Reconstruction (Part 1): The Impeachment of Andrew Johnson Sep 14, 2020

Show notes

“You are placed in a position where you have the power to save or destroy us; to bless or blast us--I mean our whole race.”

This is the story of the first US Presidency to end in impeachment. This is the story of Andrew Johnson.

The post-Civil War government of the United States faces difficult decisions. Should it be lenient to former Confederate states? Or should it take a hard hand? Should the Federal government play a role in reconstructing state governments (Reconstruction)? Or should it leave the states to their own devices? Slavery’s over, but does that mean black Americans are equal citizens with white Americans? Or can states enact laws, called “Black Codes,” that only apply to its black residents? Can states deny them the vote?

These are the questions facing VP-turned-President Andrew Johnson, and he doesn’t seem to agree with Congress on much. Can Congress impeach and convict him for firing War Secretary Edwin Stanton? Or will the case fall apart? We’ll find out.

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72: The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln Aug 31, 2020

Show notes

“Sic semper tyrannis!”

This is the story of deception. Conspiracy. Assassination.

The handsome, 26-year-old successful actor John Wilkes Booth has sympathized with the Confederacy since the war began. So when Abraham Lincoln wins reelection as President of the United States amid several crucial late-1864 victories, John becomes enraged. He decides to kidnap President Lincoln.

But as John’s attempts at kidnapping fail, things go worse for the CSA. By April 1865, it’s over for the Confederacy. Then Lincoln says something in a speech that throws John completely over the edge: the gangly president suggests that the United States enact limited, black male suffrage.

John’s ready to go far further than kidnapping. And so, on the night of April 14, the famous actor will take on the biggest, most consequential role of his life … at Washington City’s Ford Theatre.

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71: Revisiting the Hamilton/Burr Duel: An Affair of Honor Aug 17, 2020

Show notes

"Adieu best of wives and best of women."

We’re interrupting our usual chronological walk through US history today to bring you a remastered, new sound design take on Episode 22, “An Affair of Honor: Alexander Hamilton & Aaron Burr.” In these last few months, cellist Buffi Jacobs and violinist Austin Burket, both of whom usually perform with the Hamilton musical’s “Philip” Tour, contributed their talents to the new music you’ve been hearing since Airship took on our sound design. Given that connection, we thought it would be a fun homage to these new partnerships to let Airship redo the sound design on the most Hamilton of HTDS episodes.

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70: Epilogue: The Civil War Comes to a Close Aug 03, 2020

Show notes

After nearly a full year of covering only four years of US history, we are done with the Civil War. It’s time for an epilogue! Greg and Cielle talk big picture and bring in some intriguing stories that just didn’t quite make the cut for regular episodes (including the Civil War origins of Coca-Cola, and the tale of Confederates who immigrate to Brazil, where slavery is still legal).

Ready to decompress and gear up for Reconstruction? Here we go.

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69: Surrender at Appomattox: The Last Days of the Civil War Jul 20, 2020

Show notes

“I feel that it is … my duty to shift from myself the responsibility of any further effusion of blood, by asking you to surrender … the army of Northern Virginia. Very respectfully, U. S. Grant.”

This is the story of one army surrendering to another. Of foes becoming brothers once more. This is the Surrender at Appomattox.

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68: Sherman's March to the Sea and the Thirteenth Amendment Jul 06, 2020

Show notes

“I can make the march, and make Georgia howl!”

This is the story of the March to the Sea and the 13th Amendment.

William Tecumseh “Cump” Sherman describes war as two things: “cruel” and “hell.” Acting under this philosophy, he takes 60,000 of his toughest, most battle-hardened men, and marches from Atlanta to the Peach State’s coast in a show of force meant to break the Confederacy of its will to fight. Cump’s effective--but does he go too far? Americans North and South will debate whether he’s a hero or a villain for generations to come.

Meanwhile, President Abraham Lincoln has grown tired of the fact that the Constitution legally protects the institution of slavery. But the Constitution hasn’t been amended in 60 years; not since Thomas Jefferson was president! Can the Illinois Railsplitter really push through a 13th amendment? We’ll find out.

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67: Ending 1864: The Battles of the Crater, Mobile Bay, Centralia, and Franklin Jun 22, 2020

Show notes

“Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!”

This is the story of the Civil War in late 1864. Battles of significance are happening all across the country, and many of them are quite odd or unique: Pennsylvania miners are secretly digging under Confederates to blow them up from below; Admiral David Farragut is fighting in the torpedo-filled waters of Alabama’s Gulf Coast; Bushwacker “Bloody Bill” Anderson is fighting the war as a brutal gun-slinger; and one-legged Confederate General John Bell Hood is making a Hail Mary play and taking Tennessee. It’s a quick-paced tour around the country as we inch toward the final culmination of the Civil War.

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or become an HTDS premium member for bonus episodes and other perks.

66: The Election of 1864: Lincoln's Bid for Reelection Jun 08, 2020

Show notes

“Johnson is either drunk or crazy,”

This is the story of the fight for the presidency in 1864.

No US President since Andrew Jackson has seen a second term. Few are even nominated by their party for a second term. Will the Republicans choose Abraham Lincoln again? More to the point--will war-weary American voters, including moderates who disapprove of Lincoln making the abolition of slavery a war aim, choose Lincoln again?

The Democrats have a strong candidate: General George B. “Little Mac” McClellan. He might be out of the war, but he’s certainly ready to fight the man who fired him. Welcome to a presidential election amid an actual Civil War.

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Connect with us on HTDSpodcast.com and

go deep into episode bibliographies and book recommendations
join discussions in our Facebook community
get news and discounts from The HTDS Gazette
come see a live show
get HTDS merch
or become an HTDS premium member for bonus episodes and other perks.

65: Sherman’s Atlanta Campaign & The Free State of Jones May 25, 2020

Show notes

“War is war, and not popularity-seeking.”

This is the story of the fall of Atlanta. William Tecumseh “Cump” Sherman is leading three armies in an attack against this vital city in the Peach State. His forces are formidable, but so are his opponents: Confederate master of defense, Joseph E. “Joe” Johnston; and the far more aggressive Confederate General John B. Hood. The loss of life will be staggering and include prominent figures on both sides.

There’s also rebelling brewing within the rebellion. Care to meet secessionists who’ve seceded from the secession? Welcome to Mississippi’s “Free State of Jones.”

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Connect with us on HTDSpodcast.com and

go deep into episode bibliographies and book recommendations
join discussions in our Facebook community
get news and discounts from The HTDS Gazette
come see a live show
get HTDS merch
or become an HTDS premium member for bonus episodes and other perks.

Bonus: A New Sound for HTDS (Farewell to Josh, Hello to Lindsay Graham & Airship) May 18, 2020

Show notes

After more than two years of putting his blood, sweat, and tears into HTDS, Sound Designer Josh Beatty is moving on. We'll miss him! But we're also excited to have history podcasting legend Lindsay Graham and his audio production company Airship (https://airship.fm/) stepping in.

Why is Josh leaving? In what ways will this change the sound of HTDS? Join Greg, Josh, Cielle, and Lindsay as they discuss those dynamics, reflect on Josh's time at HTDS, and explain how the four of them met through Podcast Movement.

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Connect with us on HTDSpodcast.com and

go deep into episode bibliographies and book recommendations
join discussions in our Facebook community
get news and discounts from The HTDS Gazette
come see a live show
get HTDS merch
or become an HTDS premium member for bonus episodes and other perks.

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