Dave Does History

On a cold December evening in 1935, a fearless journalist stepped out of his car, groceries in hand, and into a storm of bullets that would end his life in an instant. Walter Liggett wasn’t just any journalist—he was a muckraker, a truth-teller, and a relentless critic of corruption in the highest echelons of power. From exposing mobsters to taking on a sitting governor, Liggett made enemies in bo...

In this gripping episode of Dave Does History , we set sail for the South Atlantic to recount the dramatic events of December 8, 1914 —the Battle of the Falkland Islands. After a humiliating defeat at Coronel, the British Royal Navy was out for revenge, and Admiral Doveton Sturdee’s squadron wasn’t about to let Germany’s Maximilian von Spee escape unscathed. Join us as we dive into the chaos and c...

Born into one of America’s most storied families, Hamilton Fish III carved his own legacy through military valor, political service, and a relentless dedication to honoring veterans. In this episode, we dive into Fish’s remarkable life, from leading the Harlem Hellfighters during World War I to his pivotal role in establishing the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Explore how his advocacy helped shape...

On December 6, 1917 , the USS Jacob Jones became the first American destroyer sunk by enemy action during World War I, torpedoed by the German submarine U-53. In this gripping episode, we dive into the harrowing story of the ship’s final moments, the heroic actions of her crew, and the surprising humanity displayed by the German commander, Hans Rose. From the icy waters of the North Atlantic to th...

In this electrifying episode of  Dave Does History , we step into the tense and turbulent world of Ancient Rome as Cicero delivers his Fourth Catiline Oration. With the Republic hanging by a thread and conspiracy in the air, Cicero’s masterful rhetoric rallies the Senate to decisive action. What was at stake? Who were the players? And how did this moment shape Rome’s history—and its downfall? Join...

In this episode of Dave Does History , we dive into the dramatic impeachment trial of Supreme Court Justice Samuel Chase. It’s 1804, and the young American republic is grappling with questions of power, partisanship, and the independence of its judiciary. Chase, a brash Federalist with a sharp tongue, finds himself targeted by Thomas Jefferson and his Democratic-Republican allies. Was his trial a...

In this episode of  Dave Does History , we dive into the bold proclamation that shaped the destiny of the Americas: the Monroe Doctrine. Delivered by President James Monroe on  December 2, 1823 , this policy warned European powers to keep their hands off the Western Hemisphere. But what drove the United States—a young nation still finding its footing—to make such a daring statement? We explore the...

In this episode, we delve into the remarkable life of Leon Wachholz, a Polish pioneer in forensic medicine whose groundbreaking innovations continue to shape the field today. From his early years in Kraków and his rise as a renowned professor at Jagiellonian University to his groundbreaking contributions like the Wachholz-Sieradzki test for detecting carbon monoxide poisoning, Wachholz's life was...

In this gripping episode of Dave Does History , we uncover the shocking story of U-852 and its infamous commander, Kapitänleutnant Heinz-Wilhelm Eck. This German U-boat became a symbol of wartime brutality when Eck ordered the massacre of survivors from the British steamer SS Peleus . We explore the harrowing events leading to this unprecedented war crime, the daring capture of U-852 off the Somal...

On November 29, 1963 , President Lyndon B. Johnson established the Warren Commission to investigate the assassination of John F. Kennedy. In this episode, we explore the reasons behind the commission’s creation, the key figures involved—like Chief Justice Earl Warren, Gerald Ford, and Allen Dulles—and the ambitious goals they set out to achieve. How did this group of leaders attempt to uncover the...

Join us as we explore the fierce clash at Cane Hill, Arkansas, during the American Civil War. On November 28, 1862 , Union forces under Brigadier General James G. Blunt launched a daring surprise attack on Confederate troops led by Brigadier General John S. Marmaduke. Discover how this dramatic battle, fought in the rugged terrain of the Ozarks, became a pivotal moment in the struggle for control...

In this episode, we delve into the life and legacy of Richard Strauss, one of the most celebrated composers of the 20th century, whose iconic  Also Sprach Zarathustra  continues to captivate audiences worldwide. But Strauss’s story is more than music—it's a tale of moral ambiguity, artistic brilliance, and survival under the Nazi regime. Join us as we explore the triumph of  Also Sprach Zarathustr...

In this powerful episode, we explore the gripping and controversial trials of John Demjanjuk, the retired Ohio autoworker accused of being a Nazi war criminal. Beginning with the 1986 trial in Israel, we uncover the accusations that linked Demjanjuk to atrocities at the Sobibor extermination camp and of being the notorious "Ivan the Terrible" of Treblinka. We delve into the historical and cultural...

In this episode, we go where no man had gone before, covering the remarkable life and career of Jeffrey Hunter, the actor who left an indelible mark on Hollywood and science fiction history. Best known for his roles as Captain Christopher Pike in  Star Trek  and Jesus Christ in  King of Kings , Hunter's story is one of talent, ambition, and untapped potential. From his Midwestern upbringing and ea...

In this episode of  Dave Does History , we delve into one of the most pivotal and dramatic standoffs in early American history: the Nullification Crisis of 1832-1833. This was no ordinary political disagreement—it was a high-stakes showdown that brought the United States to the brink of disunion. At the center of it all were two towering personalities: President Andrew Jackson, the tough-as-nails...

In this episode, we explore the life and presidency of Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States. From his humble beginnings in New Hampshire to his meteoric rise in politics, Pierce seemed destined for greatness. Yet, his time in office is often regarded as one of the most tumultuous and divisive in American history. We’ll delve into the personal tragedies that haunted Pierce, the...

In this episode, we delve into the extraordinary life and legacy of Voltaire, the French Enlightenment thinker who wielded his pen like a sword. From his early battles with censorship and imprisonment to his exile in England and his rise as one of Europe's most influential voices, we trace Voltaire's journey as a champion of reason, freedom, and justice. Discover the stories behind his scathing sa...

In this captivating episode, we delve into the extraordinary life and legacy of Abigail Adams—wife, mother, advisor, and revolutionary thinker. From her modest upbringing in colonial Massachusetts to her pivotal role as the wife of President John Adams, Abigail’s story is one of resilience, intellect, and advocacy. Through her vivid letters and unwavering partnership with John, Abigail emerges as...

In this episode of Dave Does History , we delve into the life and legacy of Emperor Diocletian, a transformative figure in Roman history. Proclaimed emperor on November 20, 284 CE, Diocletian inherited a fractured empire on the brink of collapse. From his humble beginnings in Dalmatia to his meteoric rise through the ranks of the Roman military, we explore the man behind the reforms that redefined...

In this special episode of  Dave Does History  on  Bill Mick Live , Dave Bowman takes us on a journey to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, revisiting the battlefield, the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, and the timeless significance of Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. Through vivid storytelling, personal anecdotes, and deep historical insight, Dave brings to life the events of July and...

Born in rural Georgia in 1883, Carl Vinson’s half-century in Congress reshaped America’s military and secured its naval dominance for generations. Known as the "Father of the Two-Ocean Navy," Vinson’s tireless advocacy for shipbuilding, naval aviation, and military preparedness laid the foundation for victories in World War II and Cold War dominance. In this episode, we dive into Vinson’s early li...

Denver wasn’t always the Mile High City. In this episode, we journey back to November 17, 1858, to explore how a rough-and-tumble patch of land at the confluence of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River became the beating heart of Colorado. Discover the determination of General William Larimer Jr., the gold rush fever that drove settlers westward, and the fierce rivalry with Auraria that shaped...

On November 16, 1907 , Oklahoma officially became the 46th state in the Union, bringing together the Oklahoma and Indian Territories into one proud state. In this episode, we dive into the rich history of these two distinct regions, the leaders who fought for statehood, and the struggles and compromises that shaped the new state’s identity. We’ll explore the Land Run of 1889, the Native American p...

In this episode, we’re traveling back to the early 1900s, where baseball rivalries ran hot, double plays stung, and a poet named Franklin Pierce Adams captured it all in a few simple lines. Baseball’s Sad Lexicon may be short, but this poem has become part of baseball’s soul, memorializing the heartbreak that Giants fans felt every time the legendary trio—Tinker, Evers, and Chance—turned a would-b...

In this episode of Dave Does History , we dive into one of the most remarkable moments of Alexander the Great’s campaign: his crowning as Pharaoh in Egypt. Join us as we explore the young Macedonian conqueror’s journey into the ancient land of Egypt, his reception as a liberator, and the symbolic gestures that earned him the loyalty of the Egyptian people. We'll recount the Siege of Gaza, the crow...