HI101

In this episode, we discuss the further expansion of the United States into the formerly Spanish territories of Texas and California, as well as their involvement in the Spanish-American War and the political crises caused by its effects. Paul McGeown returns as guest.

In this episode, we discuss the first 60 years of the United States’ history in the framework of territorial expansion, largely in terms of the Louisiana Purchase and the Oregon Territory. We also address what makes the United States different, as well as specific policies on Native Americans. Paul McGeown joins as guest.

In this episode, we talk about the true founding of the country of Germany under the guidance of Otto von Bismarck, as well as the decades of delicate peace created by his leadership, and the systematic dismantling of his system by Wilhelm II. Dan McGinnis returns as guest.

In this episode, we talk about the fragmentation of the Holy Roman Empire during the Napoleonic Wars and the almost immediate movement toward the creation of a unified German state. Both the groundswell revolutions of the 1840s and the grand master’s precision of Bismarck’s intrigues are examined as efforts toward the new Germany. Dan McGinnis joins as guest.

In this episode, we focus on the life of Nikola Tesla and his significant contribution to technology in the late 19th and early 20th century, as well as the unique role he currently plays in popular culture. Kevin Miller returns as guest for this episode.

In this episode, we talk about the rivalry – or lack thereof – between Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison in the War of the Currents, the marketing campaign to determine the shape or electrical infrastructure in the late 19th century. We also talk briefly about how our perceptions of these two figures throughout time says as much about those passing judgement as it does about those being judged. Kevin...

In this episode we discuss the long-lasting effects the Mongol invasion of Europe had on the nascent Russian people, from two centuries of subjugation through to a consolidation of power under several great leaders that would create the modern Russian state. Phil Downey returns as guest.  

In this episode we examine the earliest development of Russian political and cultural identity in the region near the Black Sea, beginning with various nomadic tribes and ending with the establishment of Kievan Rus – the original Russia. Phil Downey joins this show as guest.