A Historian Learns About

On Wednesday, June 15, 1904, a group of mostly German Immigrants from the St. Mark's Evangelical Church in New York boarded the PS General Slocum for their parish's yearly outing. Within hours, 1,100 of the 1,300 people on board would be dead. What happened? Join me as I find out about the General Slocum Disaster! Sources: O'Donnell, Edward T. Ship Ablaze: The Tragedy of the Steamboat...

The case of Sacco and Vanzetti is famous in American history. But why? I decided to learn about the two men and their trial so I could figure out just what makes this case so fascinating. Join me as I discuss what he learned about Sacco and Vanzetti. Also, sorry for the voice. This cold will not go away Sources: Avrich, Paul. Sacco and Vanzetti: The Anarchist Background : Princeton University Pres...

At its height in the 15th century, the Medici Bank could claim to be one of the most powerful financial institutions in the world. It was the bank of Pope! However, by the end of the century, it no longer existed. So what happened? How did the bank rise and how did it fall? Join Ryan as he talks about what he learned about this once great bank that belonged to a legendary Italian family. Follow al...

In 1850, there was a gang so vicious that Cormac McCarthy chose to use them as characters in his book Blood Meridian. But who were these men? What did they do? And finally, what happened to them? Join Ryan as he talks about what he learned about this villainous gang. Follow along as he covers what he learned. Sources: All information about Samuel Chamberlain and his life is taken from his personal...

George Washington had a daring plan in the winter of 1776. His idea was to strike back against the British and give his army a much-needed morale boost, since they were still reeling from major defeats. However, to succeed, he needed to keep the enemy forces to a manageable number. He turned to Colonel Samuel Griffith and his militia men to help save his plan. These men fought bravely in Mount Hol...

The election of 1912 featured the incumbent President, the former President and his new party, a relatively new politician who suddenly became the front-runner, and a socialist. It may be one of the most unique elections in American history. Join Ryan as he talks about what he learned about this crazy election. Hear him discuss the split of the Republican Party and the quick rise of Woodrow Wilson...

They guarded trains, hunted outlaws and robbers, and acted as strikebreakers. The Pinkertons are possibly the most famous private detective company in history. So who were they? Why did they get so famous? And was it right for Red Dead Redemption to make them the villains? Ryan talks about what he learned while researching the Pinkertons, from their successful career in train protection to their d...

While researching the brutal Glanton Gang, I came across Samuel Chamberlain. Chamberlain's memoir turned out to be one of the best things I have ever read. I learned that no one loved Samuel Chamberlain more than Samuel Chamberlain. Please join me while I tell you all about Chamberlain's My Confession: Recollections of a Rogue. Since this is a book review, all information is taken from the...

In a change of pace, Ryan reviews the new Netflix show, Death by Lightning. He also talks about the book the show is based on, Candice Millard's Destiny of the Republic. Ryan compares the two and discusses what he liked, didn't like, and learned while watching the show. Tune in to find out Ryan's opinions, and if you like this show, Ryan may do more of these. Millard, Candice. Destiny...

One of the first Wild West Outlaws in American history, Jesse James holds a special place in pop culture. The mythology around him is strong enough that Brad Pitt played him in a movie. So who was Jesse James, and how did he become so popular? Join Ryan as he discusses what he learned during his reading and research. Find out what he has to say about this American legend. Sources: Gardner, Mark Le...

How does a man get the nickname the "financier?" How does he get credit for funding the American Revolution? These are the questions Ryan had about Robert Morris, a man known as the "Financier of the Revolution." While learning about Robert Morris, Ryan learned about the American War of Independence and some events he had little knowledge of. Tune in as he discusses what he lea...

For one month in 1907, America's financial industry stood on the brink of disaster. There were bank runs, and the New York Stock Exchange stood poised to collapse. The financial industry needed help. Luckily, help arrived in the form of John Pierpont Morgan. Ryan learned how J.P. Morgan saved the economy from collapse in 1907. Ryan also learned how the Panic of 1907 led to the creation of the...

Why did a group of pacifists feel the ire of their fellow colonists during the American Revolution? What led people to dislike them? Why were the Quakers outsiders in the colonies they helped found? Ryan aims to learn more as he discovers the Quakers and the American Revolution. Follow along as Ryan discusses what he learned about this fascinating man and his most significant failure. Quick Editor...

How does a man known as a successful banker, businessman, and "Financier of the Civil War" fail so badly that he gets accused of starting a global depression? Ryan aims to find out as he learns about Jay Cooke and his failed attempt to build the Northern Pacific Railroad. Follow along as Ryan discusses what he learned about this fascinating man and his most significant failure. Sources:...

The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act is one of the most infamous pieces of legislation in American History. So what was it? Ryan sets out to learn about the act's origins, purpose, and most importantly, repercussions. Listen in as Ryan goes over everything he learned. Hopefully you enjoy learning about Smoot-Hawley too! Sources: Archibald, Robert B., and David H. Feldman. "Investment During the Gr...

Did you know there was a series of violent clashes between West Virginia miners and the mining companies between 1912 and 1922? Ryan sure didn't before starting his research. Ryan goes over all he learned about this wild time. Never did he imagine he'd be reading about actual battles, aerial combat, and a kindly old figure named Mother Jones. The West Virginia Mining Wars would make a perf...

A short introduction on what you can expect from Here for History.