Civics & Coffee: A History Podcast

Join me for this BONUS episode where I welcome Dr. Andrew Sillen to discuss his latest book, Kidnapped at Sea: The Civil War Voyage of David Henry White. You can learn more about Dr. Sillen by checking out his website:  https://kidnappedatsea.com/ Support the show

Frances Harper was an abolitionist, author, and activist who spent her life in the pursuit of a better nation. Risking her safety to tour on the anti-slavery lecture circuit before the war, Harper became one of the loudest critics of Andrew Johnson during Reconstruction. Tune in this week as I dive into her life, motivations, and legacy.  Support the show

Join me this week as I dive into the life of Eliza McCardle Johnson. In this episode I dive into McCardle's early years, her relationship with Andrew Johnson, and how she chose to run the house as First Lady.  Support the show

Joining me this week is historian and author Dr. Alexis Peri. In this episode we discuss her latest book Dear Unknown Friend, which tells the story of the Soviet and American women who traded correspondence toward the end of World War II and during the Cold War.  Support the show

Join me this week as I wrap up my coverage of the life and presidency of 17th President Andrew Johnson. In this episode, I dive into Johnson's meeting with Black abolitionists and his impeachment - the first in United States history.  Support the show

Join me this week as I dive into the early life of 17th President Andrew Johnson. Learn how a man born to poor, illiterate parents beat the odds to become Vice President then President of the United States.  Support the show

In this episode, historian and author Salina Baker discusses her latest book, The Line of Splendor: A Novel of Nathaneal Greene and the American Revolution. Tune in to learn who Greene was, what role he played in the American Revolution, and how historical fiction can make the past come alive. You can find out more about Salina by going to her website at www.salinabbaker.com Support the show

Considered by some historians to be the most important amendment to the Constitution, the 14th Amendment sought to codify the protections provided by the 1866 Civil Rights Act. Tune in to learn why Senators felt an amendment was necessary, how it impacted women's push for the vote, and how it has been used to secure freedom for generations of Americans.  Support the show

For a period of three days in May of 1866, the city of Memphis was plagues with violence as racial tensions exploded. The first race riot to happen after the Civil War, the massacre demonstrated how ineffective local governments were in responding to lawless, prompting Congress to push for a "radical" reconstruction. Tune in to find out just what happened and how it was used to forge the...

After President Andrew Johnson's initial attempts at "reconstruction" demonstrated his hostility toward Black Americans, Republican members of Congress focused their energies on forging a new path for reconstruction. Join me this week where I talk about their efforts, including their work to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1866, the Reconstruction Act of 1867, and so much more.   Suppo...

Join me on the 83rd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor where I dive into why Japan attacked, how the United States responded, and what the legacy the attack left behind.  Support the show

Joining me this week is Dr. Katie Singer who recently wrote Alien Soil: Oral Histories of Great Migration Newark. Our conversation covers everything from the importance of oral history to the lived experiences of Black Americans in Newark. When you are finished with the episode, be sure to pick up a copy for you and your friends.  Support the show

At the end of the Civil War, Andrew Johnson faced quite the task in assessing how to reunite the country after years of bloody conflict. A man not known for his political acumen, Johnson moved quickly in establishing his vision for reconstruction. Tune in this week to learn about what Johnson did and why it led to a showdown with Congress.  Support the show

The boys and I are back again with another Friendsgiving Spectacular! Tune in as Jerry, Kenny, Howard, and I ask each other questions and dive into the weird and unusual story of the American past.  Support the show

Join me this week as I dive into how Black Americans entered the political arena in the years immediately after the Civil War. In this episode, I discuss the history of Union Leagues, Black Codes, and what role the Ku Klux Klan played in diminishing African American political participation.  Support the show

Robert Smalls was one of millions of Black American born into slavery in 1839. With the outbreak of the Civil War, Smalls embarked on one of the most daring escapes imaginable by commandeering a confederate transport ship. Join me this week as I dive into the life of Robert Smalls.  Support the show

Joining me this week is Dr. Donna Nichol to discuss her latest book Black Woman on Board: Claudia Hampton, the California State University, and the Fight to Save Affirmative Action. Her work traces this life and legacy of the first Black woman to serve on the California State University Board of Trustees, Dr. Claudia Hampton. Tune in to learn about Dr. Hampton and how her work left tangible impact...

Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds is one of the most iconic horror movies in the history of cinema. Filmed in Bodega Bay, California in the 1960s, the terrifying story was plagued with production issues and questionable behavior from its director. Tune in this week as I dive into the history of making The Birds.  Support the show

Join me this week as I dive into the mysterious story of America's first female serial killer, Belle Gunness. Learn how her meager beginnings in Norway motivated her to seek prosperity in the United States, why she took in children, and how she managed to escape punishment for her crimes.  Support the show

Join me this week as I sit down with authors Andrea Balis and Elizabeth Levy to discuss their new book, With Hunt: The Cold War, Joe McCarthy, and the Red Scare.  Support the show

In the earliest months of Reconstruction, several Black Americans were elected to political offices throughout the south. The first man to serve in the Senate, Hiram Revels, hailed from the state of Mississippi. Join me this week as I dive into the life of Hiram Revels.  Support the show

What was the Freedmen's Bureau, and how did it shape the post-Civil War South? Join me this week as I dive into the triumphs and trials of this historic agency. Learn how the Freedmen's Bureau worked to provide support and equality for newly freed African Americans and learn about its pivotal role in education, attempted land distribution, and legal assistance.  Support the show

As the dust settled in the aftermath of the Civil War, the United States had several challenges to address. How should formerly seceded states be reintroduced to the Union? What punishment, if any, should former Confederate officials face? And what did freedom for Black Americans mean? Reconstruction is a complicated, nuanced period in American history. Join me this week as I introduce Reconstruct...

Joining me this week is Dan Slater. He is an author whose work has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, and GQ. Slater recently wrote the book The Incorruptibles: A True Story of Kingpins, Crime Busters, and the Birth of the American Underworld which tells the story of the origins of the Jewish criminal underworld in the early twentieth century.  To learn more about Dan, head over to...

As news of end of the Civil War spread, officials made arrangements to get former POWs home. For union men, this meant traveling via steamship. A frequent method of travel, steamships had a reputation for bad accidents. A reputation that would prove true with the Sultana.  Join me this week as I dive into one of the most devastating maritime disasters in U.S. history: the sinking of the Sultana. O...