Key Battles of American History - Key Battles of American History

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The Alamo and Independence Nov 23, 2022

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In early 1836, Santa Anna personally led an army into Texas to put down the rebellion. His first target was San Antonio, particularly the fortified mission called the Alamo, in which nearly 200 Texians and Tejanos were holding out. After a 13-day siege, Santa Anna’s army stormed the Alamo and captured or killed all its defenders. During the siege, the acting Texas government declared Texas to be an independent Republic. In this episode, Sean and James tell the fascinating but tragic story of the fall of the Alamo, as well as discuss the Texas Declaration of Independence.

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Bonus Episode - The New Mexico Campaign in the Civil War Nov 19, 2022

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In early 1862, a Confederate force consisting mainly of Texans launched an invasion of the New Mexico territory. After a quick and largely unopposed march, they ran into a Union force defending the territory. Would the Confederates succeed in their quest to make New Mexico part of the Confederacy, or would the Union defenders drive them away? Listen to this special bonus episode, and you will find out!

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The Revolution Begins Nov 16, 2022

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Further restrictive measures passed by Santa Anna’s government motivated many Texians to mount a full-scale rebellion in October 1835 at the town of Gonzales. For some, the goal was statehood for Texas within the Mexican republic, but for others, the goal was full independence. A newly formed Texian army attacked Mexican positions at Goliad, Concepcion, and San Antonio, driving the Mexican army back across the Rio Grande. Some Texians believed the revolution was over and that they had won. But had they? “Come and take” in Sean and James’ narration of the beginning of the Texas Revolution.

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The Road to Revolution Nov 09, 2022

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By 1830, immigration of Americans to Texas had become a flood, and the Mexican authorities became alarmed. To stop the rapid growth of Anglo settlers, the Mexican government passed a law that banned further Anglo immigration to Texas. Three years, later, Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna became President of Mexico and began stripping away the Mexican states’ rights. These measures motivated many Texians to engage in minor acts of rebellion, but for the time being, Texas remained part of Mexico. But would that last? In this episode, Sean and James discuss Texas’ gradual descent into revolution.

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Spanish Texas, Mexican Independence, and American Settlement Nov 02, 2022

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Long before Texas was a U. S. state, it was a part of Mexico, which in turn was part of the massive Spanish Empire. When Mexico gained its independence from Spain in 1821, it became the northeastern most province of the new nation. At about that same time, large numbers of Americans began settling in Mexico, both legally and illegally. Join Sean and James as they narrate these early years of Texas history, focusing on the challenges faced by both the Mexican government and the early Anglo settlers of Texas.

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Introduction to the Texas Revolution Oct 26, 2022

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In this episode, cohost Sean McIver and James introduce the upcoming mini-series on the Texas Revolution. Sean and James make the case that all Americans, not just Texans, should study the Texas Revolution. Why, you ask? Listen and find out!

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Bonus Episode - Sam Houston and Texas Secession Oct 22, 2022

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In 1860 and early 1861, desire for secession grew to a fever pitch in Texas. But there was one man who tried to stop it...Governor Sam Houston. Join James as he tells the story of Houston's heroic but ultimately unsuccessful efforts to keep Texas in the Union.

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The Buccaneer Oct 19, 2022

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In this joint Beyond the Big Screen and Key Battles of American History episode, Steve and James discuss the 1958 movie The Buccaneer, a highly fictionalized telling of the role of the pirate Jean Lafitte and his men in the Battle of New Orleans. The film stars Yul Brynner as Lafitte and Charlton Heston as Andrew Jackson. As always, Steve and James do much more than just talk about the movie; they also do a fairly deep dive into the real story behind the film's events.

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Epilogue to the War of 1812 Oct 12, 2022

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Many of the key figures of the War of 1812 went on to have long and distinguished careers, with no fewer than four becoming President of the United States. Others went into retirement, while still others’ lives were tragically cut short by disease or dueling. In this final episode of the series, Steve and James discuss the post-war lives and careers of the top political and military leaders of the War of 1812.

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The Treaty of Ghent and the War's Legacy Oct 05, 2022

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From the very beginning of the war, both sides expressed a desire to end it. Soon, each side reached out to the other to discuss terms of peace. But the British were in no hurry, and as a result, serious negotiations did not begin until 1814. After several months of haggling, the British and American peace delegations finally produced the Treaty of Ghent, which formally ended the war. But what exactly changed as a result of the treaty? Also, what was the war’s legacy? We’re glad you asked! Join us, and you will find out.

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