Presidencies of the United States

Year(s) Discussed: 1815-1898 In the first part of this conversation, I am joined by Joe Pascone of the Turning Tides Podcast to trace Puerto Rico’s history from the post-Napoleonic era through the rise of nationalism, rebellion, and colonial resistance. We explore the island’s shifting political status, the legacy of piracy and slavery, and how Puerto Rico became a crucial but often overlooked part of larger Atlantic world struggles. This opening half sets up the central question of the episode: how did Puerto Rico’s fight for autonomy get eclipsed by empire? More information can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Year(s) Discussed: 1945-2026 This episode explores how leadership can be shaped by fear, strategy, and the deliberate projection of strength. It traces the ideas behind the Madman Theory, showing how Cold War thinking, presidential power, and public perception collided to influence some of the most consequential decisions in modern politics. Along the way, it asks what happens when a leader tries to turn unpredictability into control. More information can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Year(s) Discussed: 1776-2026 In this episode, we explore how the US Declaration of Independence has been interpreted and reinterpreted by presidents, reformers, and political movements over time. My conversation with author Tony Williams traces how leadership shapes the meaning of founding principles, especially in debates over equality, justice, and America’s role in the world. It’s a compelling look at how political history continues to influence the way we understand national identity today and the role the Declaration of Independence can play in the future of the United States. More information can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Year(s) Discussed: 1813-1817 Most of what you think you know about early 19th-century American expansion is incomplete. A renegade naval captain, a privateer turned rogue, and a series of clandestine operations reshaped the Western Hemisphere’s borders — and the U.S. presidency’s approach to sovereignty, power, and diplomacy. This episode explores the complex history of early American foreign policy, filibustering expeditions, and key figures like Joel R. Poinsett and Jean Lafitte, revealing how these events shaped the nation's expansion and international relations in the early days of Monroe's presidency. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Year(s) Discussed: 1773-1841 In this episode, Callie Perrone shares how a playful idea about William Henry Harrison grew into a full musical that blends comedy, research, and political insight. The conversation explores the research, creativity, and persistence behind Callie's creative efforts as well as how public figures are shaped by image as much as ideology and why civic engagement depends on people willing to ask deeper questions about the stories we inherit. More information can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Year(s) Discussed: 1817 At the start of his presidency, James Monroe embarked on a nearly 3,000-mile journey which transformed from a planned strategic military inspection of national defenses to a powerful mission of national conciliation. During the course of his travels, he used his Revolutionary War experience to bridge partisan divides in an aim to define a new era of American political history in the post-war nation. As he would learn as he traveled through New England and the Midwest, however, despite the many changes in the United States, the divisions of the past would still cloud the path forward. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Year(s) Discussed: 1924-2018 Uncover the profound leadership qualities of George H. W. Bush that still resonate today—trust, humility, and an unwavering respect for institutions. My discussion with historian Laurence Jurdem about his new biography of Bush dives deep into the life and legacy of a man often underrated in our modern political landscape, revealing how his personal diplomacy and commitment to service forged extraordinary relationships at home and abroad. Whether you’re in politics, business, or community leadership, you’ll find invaluable lessons here that challenge the way you think about influence and legacy. More information can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Year(s) Discussed: 1817 - 2025 This episode examines the complex leadership dynamics of the Monroe family as Elizabeth Monroe and her daughter Eliza Monroe Hay navigated the high expectations of U.S. First Ladies in the wake of Dolley Madison's time as hostess of the President's Mansion. Joined by my special guest, Ann Foster of the Vulgar History podcast, we explore the contrasting roles and reputations of the Monroe daughters: Eliza, described as an "obstinate little firebrand" who served as an unofficial First Lady, and Maria, whose exclusive White House wedding ignited a social firestorm. The narrative follows the family from the heights of political influence to the financial scandals that shadowed their later years, offering a poignant look at the personal sacrifices and challenges behind early American power. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Year(s) Discussed: 1768-1817 Join me and my special guest, Ann Foster of the Vulgar History podcast, as we dive into the life of Elizabeth Kortright Monroe, a woman whose leadership was defined by elegance, resilience, and strategic diplomacy during a formative era of American political history. As we explore the evolution of U.S. First Ladies, you will see how Elizabeth and her daughters, Eliza and Maria, navigated the high-stakes world of international diplomacy while also coping with loss and immense personal sacrifice that contributed to health issues that would follow Elizabeth into the President’s House. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dive into the second act of Samuel L. Southard’s career as he navigated the fractious politics of the Adams administration and a high-stakes personal vendetta with Andrew Jackson. This episode highlights his leadership in pushing for ambitious naval innovations and his pivotal role in American political history, eventually serving as President pro tempore and standing next in line for the presidency. With my special guests, Jamie and Rob from Totalus Rankium, we evaluate Southard's career and legacy and determine whether he has what it takes to join the ranks of the Cabinet All-Stars. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tenure of Office: September 16, 1823 - March 4, 1829 Rising from his beginnings as a young New Jersey jurist to become Secretary of the Navy under James Monroe, Samuel L. Southard emerged as a "diligent and durable" figure in American political history. With my special guests, Rob and Jamie of Totalus Rankium, we explore how Southard utilized family connections to end up involved in high-stakes political maneuvering that turned this "restless spirit" into a cornerstone of the executive branch on the eve of John Quincy Adams’s inauguration. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Year(s) Discussed: 1960-1975 In a landscape where Confederate flags, Lincoln quotes, and Civil War symbols are woven into modern politics, how did history become a tool for political identity and culture wars? Historian Tim Galsworthy uncovers for us the surprising ways Civil War memory has shaped the Republican Party and American politics from 1960 through the first half of the 1970s - from Eisenhower’s cautious leadership to Goldwater's subtle references and the strategic use of Lincoln's legacy. Discover in our conversation in this episode how these historical narratives influence today's polarization, racial dynamics, and campaign strategies. More information can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tenure of Office: December 28, 1832 - March 4, 1833 How did a man praised for his "patience, industry and excellent judgment" find himself at the center of a national power struggle? Known for being at his desk by dawn, Hugh Lawson White built a reputation in his career of public service and business leadership which positioned him to take up the role of President pro tem when the Senate rostrum was vacant. However, his sense of duty led this lifelong Jackson ally to break ranks and become the face of the opposition in the South. Listen in to learn more about this one-time presidential contender who was for a brief time a heartbeat away from the presidency. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Year(s) Discussed: 1816-1817 Explore the dawn of the Monroe administration, a pivotal moment in American political history often branded as the "Era of Good Feelings" though the reality on the ground was far more fractious. This episode examines the leadership of the incoming president, James Monroe, as he attempted to act as a head of the nation rather than a faction in an era defined by underlying contention and "imminent danger" regarding national unity in a rapidly expanding and increasingly conflicted country. Sources used in this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Year(s) Discussed: 1838-1905 Uncover the hidden depths of Abraham Lincoln's speechwriter, John Hay, and how his poetic touch shaped American history in this captivating episode featuring Jan Cigliano Hartman, author of Lincoln's Speechwriter: John Hay and the Friendship That Inspired American Eloquence. This episode reveals why Hay’s ability to translate Lincoln’s vision into poetic, relatable language was crucial for rallying a nation in crisis and how his work continues to shape perceptions of Lincoln in the public mind. Whether you are a history buff or someone who admires the art of speechwriting, this conversation helps us to better understand the poetic power that made Lincoln’s words iconic. More information can be found on the website at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Year(s) Discussed: 1789-current Most of us are unaware that the fight over healthcare in America is a century-long battle filled with surprising twists, political cycles, and personal stories that have shaped policy — and presidents — throughout history. In my discussion with David Blumenthal and Jim Morone about their new book, Whiplash: From the Battle for Obamacare to the War on Science, they reveal how healthcare has been a defining, often contentious, issue from Theodore Roosevelt’s early calls for national insurance to the Affordable Care Act. They unravel the cyclical dance between Democrats and Republicans, showing how ideas cycled back, often repurposed and rebranded, with private industry and ideological fears shaping the debate for decades. With lessons from the past and eye-opening truths about the present, Jim and David equip you with a deeper understanding of the forces that shape health policy and how resilience and leadership can steer us toward reform. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Year(s) Discussed: 1787-1819 This episode tracks James Monroe’s "fits and starts" through early American political history, from his courageous dissent at the Virginia Ratification Convention to his pivotal role as a leadership figure in the burgeoning Democratic-Republican faction. We delve into the immense personal and financial costs of his public service, including his challenging diplomatic missions to Europe, his tenures as governor of Virginia, and his years in the Madison administration. Listen to learn how this future U.S. President navigated intense political rivalries and heavy family burdens to secure his place among the nation's founding elite to become the 5th chief executive. Sources can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Year(s) Discussed: 1731-1821 Join me and my special guest, Richard Vague, as we delve into the life of Thomas Willing, a pivotal yet often overlooked leader in America's financial revolution. Discover how his strategic foresight and adaptability in leadership helped shape the nation's early economic landscape, navigating complex political tides and forging influential relationships. This episode discussing Richard's book, The Banker Who Made America: Thomas Willing and the Rise of the American Financial Aristocracy, 1731-1821, uncovers the lessons of compromise and resilience that remain relevant in today's leadership challenges. More information can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tenure of Office: January 1, 1819 - August 31, 1823 Explore the life of Smith Thompson, a transitional figure in American political history who served as Secretary of the Navy under U.S. President James Monroe before ascending to the Supreme Court. This episode analyzes his leadership style, contrasting his role as a trusted lieutenant focused on political patronage with his independence as a jurist who often challenged Chief Justice John Marshall. Discover how Thompson’s principled dissents and persistent political ambitions shaped the evolving legal landscape of the Early Republic. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Year(s) Discussed: 1866-2026 Delve into the art of crisis management with insights from an expert PR consultant and journalist, Edward Segal. This episode uncovers the leadership strategies of US presidents, including insights on the importance of communication and information gathering for successful crisis managers like Franklin D Roosevelt and John F Kennedy. Our conversation also reveals how historical figures like Andrew Johnson and Richard Nixon faced self-inflicted disasters and what modern leaders can learn from presidential triumphs and failures. Listeners will leave this episode understanding how adaptable crisis plans have shaped political history and gain practical tools to build resilience and emerge stronger from life's inevitable challenges. Additional information can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Year(s) Discussed: 1758-1787 What does it take to rise from being a 16-year-old orphan to a central figure in the American founding? This episode explores the early leadership journey of James Monroe, a man driven by a profound aversion to "insignificance". We trace Monroe’s evolution from a courageous young lieutenant who nearly bled to death at the Battle of Trenton to a strategic thinker under the mentorship of Thomas Jefferson. You will learn how Monroe’s "substantial qualities of judgment" allowed him to build vital connections with figures like Washington and Lafayette, while his time as an aide-de-camp provided him with the "big-picture" perspective necessary for high-level statesmanship. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Year(s) Discussed: 1913-1945 One of the most pivotal figures in 20th century history, as my guest David T Beito shares with us, Franklin D Roosevelt was also a complex figure who leaves a complicated legacy. Learn more about his rise to political prominence, the policies he pursued while in office, and the central role that politics played in his life. More information can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tenure of Office: December 8, 1817 - March 4, 1825 (as Secretary of War); March 4, 1825 - December 28, 1832 (as Vice President); April 1, 1844 - March 10, 1845 (as Secretary of State) Though we come to the end of Calhoun's life and career in this episode, as I and my special guests, Alycia of Civics and Coffee and Alex of the Vice Presidencies series, learn, Calhoun was on the go to the very end with a stint as Secretary of State followed by a return to the US Senate. In our final evaluation of his legacy, will we deem him to be a Cabinet and/or Vice Presidential All-Star? Listen in to find out! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tenure of Office: December 8, 1817 - March 4, 1825 (as Secretary of War); March 4, 1825 - December 28, 1832 (as Vice President); April 1, 1844 - March 10, 1845 (as Secretary of State) In the contested presidential election of 1824, Calhoun was without question elected as Vice President. In this episode, I am joined by Alycia of Civics and Coffee and Alex of the Vice Presidencies series to explore his tenure during his nearly (but not quite) two terms in office, how he navigated (and facilitated) the changeover in presidents, and his move from the rostrum to a Senate seat in the midst of a national crisis. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tenure of Office: December 8, 1817 - March 4, 1825 (as Secretary of War); March 4, 1825 - December 28, 1832 (as Vice President); April 1, 1844 - March 10, 1845 (as Secretary of State) Few figures loom as large in the annals of American history or have left such a challenging legacy with which to grapple than John Caldwell Calhoun of South Carolina. In this episode, I am joined by Alycia of Civics and Coffee and Alex of the Vice Presidencies series to explore Calhoun's early life, his rise to prominence in the US House of Representatives, and his tenure as Secretary of War in the Monroe administration. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your friendly neighborhood podcaster will be speaking at the virtual Intelligent Speech Conference on February 28th, 2026, and I'd love to see you there! Tickets are currently on sale at intelligentspeechonline.com, and you can use the special promo code "USA" to get 10% off. Be sure to get your ticket today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

History: the final frontier. These are the voyages of four podcasting friends. Their ongoing mission: to explore strange moments in history, to seek out historical narratives to share with their listeners, to boldly go where no podcasters have gone before! That's right, it's time for the annual Friendsgiving episode where I get together with Alycia from Civics & Coffee, Kenny from [Abridged] Presidential Histories and Democricide, and Howard from Plodding Through the Presidents to talk history, podcasting, and life. More information can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Year(s) Discussed: 1935-2025 How presidents utilize the facilities put at their disposal can reveal much about the individual and their approach to the office. In my conversation with Charles Ferguson about his new book, Presidential Seclusion: The Power of Camp David, we explore tales from the history of the presidential retreat and the impact of the spirit of Camp David on the world leaders, families, and special guests who visit. Links to more information can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Year(s) Discussed: 1682-2025 Philadelphia is at the heart of American history from before there was even a United States, but how did this region come to play such a large role in the Revolution and Early Republic periods and what influence has it had in building the present-day nation? Historian Howard Gillette joins me in this episode to answer these questions and to discuss his work on the three-volume Greater Philadelphia: A New History for the Twenty-First Century. More information can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tenure of Office: March 4, 1817 - March 4, 1825 Despite talking about resigning shortly after he took office, Daniel D Tompkins managed to serve out two full terms as Vice President. His tenure, however, was filled with financial difficulties and fighting the state of New York and the federal government to resolve debts incurred during the War of 1812. Despite winning reelection, Tompkins's reputation and his health would suffer in his eight years in office. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tenure of Office: March 4, 1817 - March 4, 1825 The only 19th century Vice President to serve two full terms (spoiler alert), in this episode, we cover Daniel D Tompkins's political rise in New York and transformation from the Clinton political machine's "Farmer's Boy" to a wartime governor who acted in his own right to ensure his state's defense admirably enough to be pushed forward to the second highest office in the land. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Year(s) Discussed: 1789-2025 The president is responsible for administering the federal budget, but how have our chief executives handled their personal finances? My guest for this episode researched each and every one to find out. Listen to my conversation with Megan Gorman, author of All the Presidents' Money: How the Men Who Governed America Governed Their Money, to learn what diving deep into the financial history of the presidents can tell us about each of them as well as the lessons we can learn from their example for our financial well-being. More information can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tenure of Office: November 13, 1817 - March 4, 1829 In this third and final part, we examine Wirt's life after leaving the Cabinet which included a presidential campaign, arguing two monumental cases before the Supreme Court, and his bid to become the first Florida snowbird in history. At the end, I and my special guest, Howard from Plodding Through the Presidents, evaluate Wirt's career and Cabinet tenure to determine whether he deserves a seat at the table of the Cabinet All-Stars. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tenure of Office: November 13, 1817 - March 4, 1829 After making a name for himself in some high profile cases as well as his literary endeavors, William Wirt became the 9th US Attorney General and would ultimately prove to be the longest-serving person in that post to date. What did he contribute to the two administrations that he served and how did he transform the office of Attorney General? Join me and my special guest, Howard Dorre of Plodding Through the Presidents, as we explore Wirt's Cabinet tenure. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Year(s) Discussed: 1750 - 1801 To kick off our minisodes series looking at some of the lesser-known figures in our presidential narrative, we begin with the life and career of Frederick Muhlenberg, the first Speaker of the House and first Dean of the House. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tenure of Office: November 13, 1817 - March 4, 1829 After a childhood marred by tragedy and drunken nights of Shakespearean recitations in a state of undress as a young adult, William Wirt went on to become one of the most well respected lawyers of the Early Republic, serving as legal counsel in some of the highest-profile cases of the time including the trial of George Wythe's alleged murderer and the treason trial of Aaron Burr. Why then isn't he better known in the modern day? Join me and my special guest, Howard Dorre of Plodding Through the Presidents, as we try to answer that question! Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Year(s) Discussed: 1817 - 1963 With two presidents who made it their home, one who passed away there, and many others who have visited over the years, Buffalo has a special role in presidential history. In this episode, I am joined by John Fagant of the Buffalo Presidential Center to discuss some of the presidents with Buffalo connections as well as the Center's work in sharing the presidential and political history of New York state's second most populous city. More information can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You asked and I answered! As we close the book on the Madison presidency series, listeners sent in questions about topics ranging from the War of 1812 to Madison's views on the judiciary to differences between his two vice presidents. Listen in to learn a little more about the Father of the Constitution and his tenure as president. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Year(s) Discussed: 1935-2025 Like all of us, presidents need a place where they can relax and unwind. Having served as its commanding officer under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W Bush, Michael Giorgione shares with us some of the history of the presidential retreat, Camp David, and what it takes behind the scenes to have it ready for the president, the first family, and their guests at a moment's notice. Links to more information about Michael and his book, Inside Camp David, can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tenure of Office: September 22, 1817 - March 3, 1825 Though his tenure as President was not as long as he would have liked, John Quincy Adams went on to have an impactful career after leaving the Cabinet (and the Presidency) by serving in the US House of Representatives. Will this earn him a seat at the table of Cabinet All-Stars? Listen to this final episode in the series to learn what I and my special guests, Åsa and Chris of A Flatpack History of Sweden and Kingdöm, thought of Adams's life and legacy. Sources used for this episode can be found on the website at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tenure of Office: September 22, 1817 - March 3, 1825 Not long after his arrival in Russia, tensions between the US and Britain resulted in war, and John Quincy Adams was called on to help negotiate the peace. Following eight years in Europe, Adams got his chance to shape American foreign policy with his appointment to Secretary of State. Join me and my special guests, Åsa and Chris of A Flatpack History of Sweden and Kingdöm, as we examine this key period in the life of JQA. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tenure of Office: September 22, 1817 - March 3, 1825 Few figures from the post-Revolutionary generation of American politicians loom as large as John Quincy Adams, but how did he become Old Man Eloquent? Joined by my special guests, Åsa and Chris of A Flatpack History of Sweden and Kingdöm, we explore Adams's early life including his early travels to Europe, his early diplomatic career, and his tenure in the US Senate. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Year(s) Discussed: 1789-2025 In this episode, I talk with Dan Scudder about his magazine, Presidents for Kids, and his work in educating the next generation about US presidential history. More information can be found on the website at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Year(s) Discussed: 1817-1836 If James Madison hoped for a retirement from public life in the final years of his life, he would find it to be anything but. From helping found and lead the University of Virginia to serving in a state constitutional convention to writing articles and coordinating with presidents to defeat the menace of nullification, Madison remained a national figure after returning to Montpelier after his second term. When not serving others, the former President worked to get his personal finances in order and dealt with numerous family tragedies. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Year(s) Discussed: 1815-1817 As Madison prepared to hand off the presidency to James Monroe, numerous matters - both foreign and domestic - came to his desk. From revolutions in South America to internal improvement bills, the President continued to chart a course for his administration, even issuing a veto on his last full day in office, while other political leaders positioned themselves for a post-Madison political environment. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Year(s) Discussed: 1815-1816 While Madison's administration in its latter days worked to secure peace with Native peoples in the Gulf South, General Andrew Jackson decided to act unilaterally in Florida against a fortified settlement of people seeking their freedom from enslavement. Meanwhile, a volcanic eruption in southeast Asia had climatic impacts on the eastern seaboard of the US while the nation prepared for its 8th presidential election. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tenure of Office: November 25, 1814 - March 3, 1817 With the death of VP Elbridge Gerry, the Senate had to choose someone from their ranks who could preside over them so that they could carry out business for the next two and a half years. Luckily, they knew a guy who was already familiar with the view from the rostrum. Join us to learn more about John Gaillard of South Carolina's rise in politics and what he got up to in his lengthy tenure as President Pro Tem. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Year(s) Discussed: 1861-1871 Most of us were taught that the Civil War ended with Lee's surrender at Appomattox. However, as my special guest, Michael Vorenberg, points out, pinpointing the end of the War is not quite as simple as standard history accounts would have us believe, and there is much more insight and knowledge to be gained by exploring an expanded timeline and scope of the Civil War. More information can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Year(s) Discussed: 1813-1816 In the aftermath of the War of 1812, the Madison administration is faced with multiple lingering issues. Looming large is how to support the recovery of the national economy, and Treasury Secretary Alexander J Dallas's proposed solution of a new national bank meets with determined opposition in Congress. Meanwhile, as the administration works to restore relations with Spain, the plans of American filibusters and the Mexican independence movement threaten those diplomatic efforts. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Year(s) Discussed: 1809-1865 What seems at first glance to be a simple question - What is democracy? - is one that many have pondered over the ages. In my discussion with Allen C Guelzo on his new book, we explore how Abraham Lincoln approached that question, what influences led to the crafting of the concept of the "Lincolnian democracy," and what we can learn from this to carry forward into the present day. More information can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices