The History Guy

Latest Episodes:

Counterfactuals: The Duels of Alexander Hamilton Oct 08, 2024

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On today’s episode, we talk about the series of events that connect several duels in the life of Alexander Hamilton, and about how the history of the early American republic could have hinged on the choices of a series of prominent men who couldn’t keep their guns in their pockets.

Counterfactuals: Death of a President Part 2 Sep 24, 2024

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Welcome to the second episode of our new take on the podcast: Counterfactuals. This is part 2 of our season opener, talking about what might have happened if a significant president died at a moment where in real life he narrowly escaped death. After talking about Franklin Pierce and Teddy Roosevelt, we turn to the only president who was elected to four terms, who might have been killed before he was inaugurated to his first.

Counterfactuals: Death of A President Part 1 Sep 10, 2024

Show notes

In 1902, Teddy Roosevelt was involved in a carriage accident which nearly killed him. In 1853, President-Elect Franklin Pierce watched hs son die in a train accident mere weeks before his inauguration. But what if those events went differently, and those presidents were killed?
What is a counterfactual? In the context of studying history, it is a kind of analysis where we examine what might have happened had historical events gone differently. As a thought experiment, the goal is too learn and understand history as it is by talking about what it could have been.

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid Jun 11, 2024

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On today’s episode the History Guy tells the story of Butch Cassidy and the Sudnance Kid, examining the long history to figure out what we know about the two legendary outlaws, and very often, what we don’t.
As the History Guy is out of the country for the month of June for Travel with the History Guy in England and Germany, we will be taking a short hiatus on the podcast! If you have any comments, advice, or ideas for the podcast please feel free to email me (Josh) at jgeiger@thehistoryguy.net . We'll be back soon!

A History of Making the Perfect Smile May 28, 2024

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On today’s episode, the History Guy tells two stories of dental health, examining humanities long relationship with our teeth. First, he tells the story of toothpaste and basic dentistry, and the many ways that dental care has changed. Then he turns to orthodontics, and our centuries-long quest for the perfect smile.

The American Civil War on the Water May 14, 2024

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On today’s episode, the History Guy tells two stories of the forgotten naval war of the American civil war. First, he talks about the CSS Albermarle, and its brief but successful career against the Union navy. Then he tells the story of the Black Terror, one of the most successful union navy ships of the war.

Modern Marvels: Celluloid and Transistors Apr 30, 2024

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On today’s episode, The History Guy tells two stories about important inventions that have become part of the foundation of modern life. First he tells the story of celluloid, the material that jumpstarted the plastic revolution. Then he tells the story behind nearly all of our modern electronics: Transistors.

Hurricanes that Made History Apr 16, 2024

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On today’s episode, the History Guy tells two stories of how hurricanes affected history in dramatic ways. First he tells the story of the ill-fortuned 1715 treasure fleet, meant to rescue Spain from economic distress. Then he tells the story of the Samoan Crisis, how the US and European powers threatened to go to war over the tiny islands of Samoa, and the hurricane that determined Samoa’s fate.

Volcanoes: Vesuvius & Tambora Apr 02, 2024

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On today’s episode, The History Guy tells two stories of volcanic eruptions, and the dramatic ways these eruptions affected human history. First, he remembers the lesser known victims of Vesuvius in 79AD, and then he discusses one of the most powerful eruptions in human history, Mount Tambora.

Movie Stars in WWII Mar 19, 2024

Show notes

On today’s episode, The History Guy tells three stories of movie stars and their service during World War II. First he tells the story of Hedy Lamarr, the beautiful and brilliant film star who had personal connections to the war and patented an idea that has become the basis for lots of modern technology. Then he tells the stories of Douglas Fairbanks Jr, and Eddie Heimberger, famous men who chose to serve in combat roles and performed significant acts of wartime bravery. Without further ado, let me introduce the History Guy.

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