Professor Buzzkill History Podcast

Latest Episodes:

The Atomic Bombs: Flashback Friday 2023 Jul 28, 2023

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The recent Oppenheimer film has prompted interest in the events surrounding the building and dropping of the atomic bombs. This Flashback Friday episode addresses whether there was an actual decision to use atomic bombs in World War II. If not, what were the questions and issues about using the bomb? Why did the US choose Hiroshima and Nagasaki as targets? Did Truman do it to scare the Soviets? Did dropping the bomb actually save lives compared with how many would have died during an invasion of Japan? Professor Philip Nash enlightens us.

Religious Conversions in Modern America Jul 25, 2023

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In the mid-twentieth century, certain private religious choices became lightning rods for public outrage and debate. In talking about “public confessions,” Dr. Rebecca Davis reveals some of the controversial religious conversions that shaped modern America. She explains why the new faiths of notable figures, including Clare Boothe Luce and Muhammad Ali, riveted American public opinion. Unconventional religious choices charted new ways of declaring an "authentic" identity amid escalating Cold War fears of brainwashing and coercion. Episode 520.

Lawyers in Japanese-American Concentration Camps during World War II Jul 18, 2023

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The US government placed white lawyers at Japanese-American concentration camps during World War II. These lawyers were given contradictory instructions: provide legal counsel to the prisoners, and keep the place running. Within that job description are a vast array of tasks, and an enormous amount of discretion they can use for good or for ill. Professor Eric Muller explains this complicated and compelling aspect of the home front during the war. Episode 519.

Absalom Markland and Freedom's Mail Jul 17, 2023

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During the Civil War, his movements from battlefield to battlefield were followed in the North and in the South nearly as closely as those of generals. He was Absalom Markland, special agent of the United States Post Office, and his work was crucial to morale in the US military. He was also an important player in strategy and intelligence work. General Grant thought he was absolutely crucial to the Union’s victory. Listen to Candice Shy Hooper explain why he’s our Man Crush Monday! Episode 518.

All the Beauty in the Metropolitan Museum of Art: Patrick Bringley Interview Jul 11, 2023

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Patrick Bringley’s new book, All the Beauty in the World: the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Me, is one of the most popular books of the year. In this episode, he tells us about his experiences as a guard at the Met and his interactions with visitors there. Their reactions to the art on display, and their encounters with all the cultures in the museum, have given him a greater understanding of the place of beauty in the world. He conveys that to us in a marvelous interview! Episode 517.

Julius Streicher: Piece of Sh*t Saturday Jul 08, 2023

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Julius Streicher was the founder and publisher of the virulently antisemitic newspaper “Der Stürmer” – a central element of the Nazi propaganda machine. He was such a Piece of Sh*t that many Nazis thought he was too extreme. Professor Philip Nash explains why Steicher was so vile, and why he was very important in fostering and shaping German antisemitism. Episode 516.

Symbols of Freedom: Slavery and Resistance Before the Civil War Jul 04, 2023

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In a time when the US flag, the Fourth of July, and historical sites have never been more contested, Professor Matthew Clavin reminds us that symbols are living artifacts whose power is derived from the meaning with which we imbue them. And he shows us in great detail how American symbols inspired enslaved people and their allies in the abolition movement to fight for true freedom. His conclusions have enduring meaning for US history. Episode 515.

The Many Myths About the Declaration of Independence: 4th of July Special! Jul 03, 2023

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Every July, American Buzzkillers get inundated with chain emails, Facebook posts, and Tweets that spread more myths about the Declaration of Independence. No matter how many times they’ve been disproved, they seem to crop up every year. John Hancock signed his name so large that “King George can read it without his spectacles.” And “The Price They Paid” -- the undying email myth about what happened to the signers of the Declaration. We explain these, and a lot more!

How the South Won the Civil War: Heather Cox Richardson Interview Jun 27, 2023

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Dr. Heather Cox Richardson explains the historical issues that have underpinned oligarchy, democracy, and the continuing fight for the soul of America. She traces the story of the American paradox – the competing claims of equality and subordination woven into the nation's fabric and identity. One of our very best shows, and essential listening for every engaged citizen! Encore Episode!

Charlie Brown's America: the Popular Politics of Peanuts Jun 20, 2023

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Professor Blake Scott Ball discusses his new book on the history of the Peanuts comic strip! Despite--or perhaps because of--its huge popular culture status, Peanuts enabled cartoonist Charles Schulz to offer political commentary on the most controversial topics of postwar American culture through the voices of Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the whole Peanuts gang. Encore Episode.

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