American Tales with Dustin Bass

The Dutch began their colony 400 years ago, but it would not last long. While other imperial powers accumulated colonies, the Dutch found power through a different method, and it was one that would greatly assist the new country of America. The incidental arrival of one statesman ensured the United States received what it needed, while also establishing a first for the nation. Recommended reading:...

As Alexander Graham Bell’s company continues to grow, its research and development division continues to draw scientists from around the country to innovate and invent. One young optical physicist has an idea that will transform the way the world communicates. A high-profile American is selected to demonstrate history altering technology. Recommended reading: The Columbia History of American Telev...

Immediately after the Revolution, America makes its first trade agreement in Asia with China. Attempting to do the same with the closed country of Japan looks to be impossible. A timely opportunity and the right naval officer enables America to do what no other western power could. Recommended reading: Narrative of the Expedition to the China Seas and Japan by Commodore Matthew Perry Cited sources...

Differing political philosophies instigated the American Revolution, but after defeating the British, new, yet familiar philosophies butted heads. As Federalists and Antifederalists faced off in literary and verbal spars, a most important Founding Father switched sides. The ongoing political conflicts would soon result in one of the most controversial and enduring political maneuvers in American h...

On a Monday morning in 1831, it is discovered that approximately $245,000 is missing from the City Bank of New York. In a city without a police force, a Manhattan constable takes on a brilliantly executed bank heist conducted by professional thieves who escaped from Australia’s penal colony. Recommended reading: The Irresistible Invitation of High Constable Jacob Hays by Patrick Bringley Most info...

As the American Revolution nears its end, the question of compensation for the Continental Army remains in question. Strongly worded demands to Congress and mutinies regiments spell potential disaster. While peace negotiations are underway, a conspiracy among the officers unfolds. Only one man can stop it. Recommended reading: A Crisis of Peace by David Head Cited sources: The Continentalist - htt...

In England, Scotland, and Ireland, religiously and politically charged civil wars were fought, which led to the execution of a king and a short-lived English republic. With the restoration of the monarchy, a land grant was issued to a young English Quaker. It was a grant that would not only provide religious freedom in America, but would change the course of history. Recommended reading: William P...

Aviation boomed in 1920s America, as US pilots scored firsts for endurance and transcontinental flights. As aviation advanced and planes became faster and more powerful, the next challenge was to attain perpetual flight. With the end of World War II, America seemed to have just what they needed to accomplish the seemingly impossible. Recommended reading: Flight: The Complete History of Aviation by...

The Space Race between the US and the USSR had only intensified the Cold War, and the Soviets proved to be well ahead of the Americans. A Senator from Texas pushed for new legislation that would enable the US to compete. The first initiative was to catch up with the USSR by putting a man in space and then to orbit the Earth. The next step was to win the race. International Geophysical Year - https...

When Leonardo da Vinci died, he bequeathed his manuscripts and unpublished works to his favorite student. Over the centuries, some were stolen, some were purchased, and some were lost. While researching in a Spanish library, an American professor finds a historic manuscript he wasn’t even looking for. Recommended reading: The Leonardo da Vinci Codices in the Biblioteca Nacional of Madrid translate...

As New York City’s population boomed throughout the 19th century, Cornelius Vanderbilt’s empire moved from steamboats to railroads. While the Vanderbilt railroad empire struggled to keep pace with the bustling society into the 20th century, a disaster and an idea led to an architectural and engineering marvel.  Recommended reading: Grand Central: How a Train Station Transformed America by Sam Robe...

Six ships and 346 men led by Lt. Charles Wilkes embarked on a four-year expedition that would change the way we see the world. From geographic, zoologic and ethnographic discoveries, the United States Exploring Expedition of 1838-1842 provided so much information that it was enough to establish the core of nearly every collection in every scientific department in the Smithsonian Institute’s Nation...

A Swiss physicist challenges the world’s heights and depths with imaginative creations fit for Jules Verne. After reaching record heights, the physicist plans to tackle the depths of the seas. The US Navy aims to make those plans a success with the deepest dive possible. ecommended reading: Seven Miles Down: The Story of the Bathyscaph Trieste by Jacques Piccard and Robert Dietz Cited sources: Sou...

The peace from the Great War proves fragile as European diplomats work to make agreements on militarism, reparations, and land. A veteran French minister seizes opportunities to bring nations to the table. His sly bilateral proposal to America is countered with a savvy response from a farmer-turned-lawyer. Peace in Their Time: The Origins of the Kellogg-Briand Pact by Robert Ferrell Washington Tim...

Caught between two revolutions, the Age of Aeronautics begins. In England, an American Loyalist and surgeon connects with a young French inventor and struggling aeronaut. Together, Europe and America reap the benefits of their daring. “The First Air Voyage in America” by Jean Pierre Blanchard Cited sources: Blanchard bio - https://lewis-clark.org/sciences/age-of-enlightenment/blanchards-balloon/  ...

While the world awaits a potential doomsday, America’s greatest cartoonist prepares his own ending. In more than 2,600 newspapers around the world, a globe-shaking announcement is made and an American icon comes to an end. Recommended reading: “Schulz and Peanuts: A Biography” by David Michaelis , or the 32-book series of the Peanuts comic strips. Cited sources: Schulz bio - https://schulzmuseum.o...

Celebrating Christmas used to be against the law during the Puritan era of the 1600s. Slowly, but surely Americans began to warm to the idea of Christmas. The journey of the Christmas tree in America travels a long and rather surprising road. But now Christmas is the nation’s biggest holiday, and tree lighting ceremonies have become a national annual tradition. Recommend reading: “The Christmas Tr...

Belle Starr grew up in the chaos of the Civil War. Classically educated and trained to shoot and ride, she became an anomaly among the ruffians she surrounded herself with in Indian Territory. As her star rose and she yearned for the straight life, a Christmas party proved a turning point for both good and ill. Recommended reading: “Belle Starr and Her Times: The Literature, the Facts, and the Leg...

Thomas Edison believed he had found a solution to the incandescent lightbulb. Now he just needed his invention to work. While the press followed his every move, an old theater in Boston and a famous librettist/composer duo in London would soon coincide to make history. Recommended reading: “Edison” by Edmund Morris Cited sources: Bijou - ⁠https://cinematreasures.org/theaters/11085⁠   Bijou - ⁠http...

When Charles Dickens made his first visit to America in 1842, he left with a sour taste in his mouth. What began as a hero’s welcome ended in what became known as “The Quarrel with America.” Twenty-five years later, Dickens returned. This time he returned to America for a very special reason, and just in time for the holidays. Recommended reading: “American Notes” by Charles Dickens. Or you could...

How much do you know about American history? Well, if your historical interests brought you here, then there’s probably a lot you do know, and even more that you’ve forgotten. Hello, I’m Dustin Bass and this is American Tales — a podcast designed to explore the world through American history.  Back to my original question, you probably know that Christopher Columbus is credited with discovering Am...