The History You Forgot

This episode features a grab bag array of topics! The guys engage in a lively panel discussion on a wide range of historical topics, from the Battle of Hastings and the history of potatoes to apartheid and economic theories like trickle-down economics. We’ll share insights, stories, and humorous takes, making history engaging and accessible.

Explore the foundational ideas of social contract theory through a lively discussion on Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau, connecting their philosophies to modern governance and personal rights.Key  topics:The impact of the English Civil War on political philosophyThe contrasting views of human nature by Hobbes, Locke, and RousseauThe development of the social contract and its influence on modern democracy

Explore the pivotal events of 1989, including the fall of the Berlin Wall, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of reform movements in the Soviet Union and China. This episode offers a comprehensive look at a year that reshaped global politics and society.

In the 17th episode of the podcast, the guys cover the year 1968.  Explore the tumultuous events surrounding this year, covering Cold War tensions, civil rights, protests, and cultural shifts. Gain insights into key events, figures, and the global impact of this pivotal year.

This podcast episode explores the complexities of the Cold War, its key events, and the significant figures involved. The guys discuss the ideological battle between democracy and communism, the impact of McCarthyism, the arms race, and pivotal moments such as the Cuban Missile Crisis. They also reflect on the lasting effects of these historical events on modern society and politics, emphasizing the importance of understanding this era in history.

In this episode, the guys dive into the Cold War, exploring its origins, key events, and the ideological divide between communism and capitalism.  The hosts discuss significant post-war conferences, the rise of the Iron Curtain, the impact of the Marshall Plan, and the Berlin Airlift.  They also examine the nuclear age and the Korean War, highlighting the complexities of U.S. foreign policy during this tense period in history.

Imperialism: Does Might Make Right? In this episode of The History You Forgot, we delve into the complex history of imperialism, sovereignty, and how notions of power have shaped global conflicts. This conversation explores the evolution from ancient city-states tomodern nation-states, highlighting key frameworks, historical treaties, and the philosophical debates around might versus right in international relations.KeyTopicsThe origins and evolution of sovereignty from ancient Greece to the 17th-century Westphalia treatyHow imperialism, colonization, and mercantilism fueled European expansionism from the Renaissance onwardThe roles of nationalism, imperial rivalries, and technology in shaping 19th and 20th-century conflictsTheories of realism versus liberalism in international relations, and their influence on foreign policyModern issues of territorial disputes, interventionism, and the balance of hard and soft powerHistorical perspectives on American expansionism, decolonization, and international cooperation (NATO, UN)GRAB A COCKTAIL AND JOIN US!!

In this episode of the History You Forgot podcast, the guys delve into the second part of their discussion on World War II, covering significant events from 1942 onwards. They explore key battles in the European and Pacific Theaters, including the Eastern Front, the Italian Campaign, and the pivotal D-Day invasion. The conversation also addresses the decision to use the atomic bomb and the aftermath of the war, including the impact on international relations and the onset of the Cold War.

In this episode of the History You Forgot Podcast, the guys delve into the complexities of World War II, starting with the aftermath of World War I and the Treaty of Versailles, which set the stage for Adolf Hitler's rise to power. They discuss the impact of the Spanish Civil War, the aggressive expansion of fascism in Europe, and the non-aggression pact between Germany and the Soviet Union. The conversation also covers Japan's imperial ambitions leading to Pearl Harbor, the phony war, the Battle of Britain, and the eventual entry of the United States into the conflict. The episode concludes with reflections on the significance of these events and their implications for the future.

This episode explores the economic issues between World War I and World War II, focusing on the Great Depression. The hosts discuss the context of the Weimar Republic, the misconceptions of the Roaring Twenties, the role of the United States in post-war economics, the stock market crash, and the subsequent government responses, including the New Deal. They also examine the rise of authoritarianism in Europe as a consequence of economic turmoil, drawing connections between the economic struggles of the time and the political shifts that followed.

In this episode, the guys turn to the global rise of authoritarian governments. From the calculated return of Lenin in Russia to the rise of Hitler and Mussolini, the atmosphere is ripe for international affairs to enter a new level.  Add the threat of an Imperial Japan, and the table is set for a second World War. 

In this episode, the guys delve into the second part of World War I, discussing its major battles, the strategies employed, and the eventual entry of the United States into the conflict. They explore the Schlieffen Plan, the significance of the Battles of the Marne, Verdun, and the Somme, and the impact of the Russian Revolution. The conversation culminates in a discussion about the Treaty of Versailles and its long-term consequences, highlighting the complexities and failures of the peace process that followed the war.

In this episode of 'The History You Forgot' podcast, the guys delve into the complex causes of World War I, exploring themes such as militarization, alliances, imperialism, and nationalism. They discuss the rapid militarization of Europe, the intricate web of alliances formed in the late 19th century, and the imperial ambitions that fueled tensions. The conversation culminates in the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, which served as the catalyst for the war, leading to a discussion on the subsequent outbreak of hostilities among the major powers.

This conversation delves into the complexities of the American Civil War, exploring its causes, key events, and significant figures. We discuss the economic and social contexts leading up to the war, the impact of federalism and states' rights, and the consequences of the Mexican-American War. We analyze pivotal moments such as the Compromise of 1850, Bleeding Kansas, and the Dred Scott case, culminating in Lincoln's election and the war's outbreak. The discussion also covers major battles, Sherman's March to the Sea, and the immediate aftermath of the war, including Lincoln's assassination and its implications for the nation.

This episode explores the era of Andrew Jackson, focusing on the War of 1812, the rise of nationalism in both the United States and Europe, and the emergence of Jackson as a populist leader. The discussion covers the formation of the Democratic Party, Jackson's controversial policies, including the Indian Removal Act, and the political tensions surrounding tariffs. The episode concludes with reflections on Jackson's legacy and the lead-up to the Civil War, highlighting the ongoing struggle for rights and representation in both America and Europe.

In this episode of the History You Forgot podcast, we explore the concept of whether history repeats itself, guided by the Strauss-Howe theory which suggests that history follows cyclical patterns. We discuss historical cycles through the lens of seasons—spring, summer, fall, and winter—illustrating these concepts with examples from European and American history. The conversation also touches on the impact of social media on historical discourse and current global tensions, leading to reflections on what a new spring might look like in the future. The episode concludes with a call for understanding history to better navigate contemporary challenges.

In this episode of the History You Forgot podcast, we delve into the life and legacy of Napoleon Bonaparte, exploring his rise from a military leader during the French Revolution to Emperor of France. We discuss the impact of nationalism on his success, the failures of the Continental System, and the challenges he faced during the Peninsular War and the Russian Campaign. The conversation also touches on his exile, return, and final defeat at Waterloo, concluding with reflections on his complex legacy.

In this episode, we delve into the complexities of the French Revolution, exploring its social, economic, and political dimensions. We discuss the strict class system, the economic turmoil that fueled discontent, and the pivotal events such as the Tennis Court Oath and the storming of the Bastille. The conversation highlights the roles of key figures, including Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, and examines the transition from a moderate phase to a radical phase characterized by terror and upheaval. The episode concludes with a look at the Directory and the implications of the revolution on French society.

In this episode of the History You Forgot podcast, we explore the early stages of American history, focusing on the Treaty of Paris, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitutional Convention. We discuss the contributions of key figures such as George Washington, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and Thomas Jefferson, and the implications of their decisions on the formation of the United States. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by the fledgling nation and sets the stage for future developments, including the French Revolution.

Welcome to the History You Forgot Podcast! The podcast where three veteran teachers with nearly 90 years of combined experience try to catch you up on the stuff you might have slept through in high school. In this episode, we consider the American Revolution. We discuss the Enlightenment's influence, the economic system of mercantilism, and the key events leading to the revolution, including taxation without representation and the Boston Tea Party. We highlight significant battles such as Lexington, Concord, and Saratoga, emphasizing Saratoga as a turning point due to French involvement. The episode concludes with reflections on the implications of the revolution and the future of the newly formed nation.