America Prepares for War: FDR & WW2

American History Hit

Join Don Wildman twice a week for your hit of American history, as he explores the past to help us understand the United States of today.

We’ll hear how codebreakers uncovered secret Japanese plans for the Battle of Midway, visit Chief Powhatan as he prepares for war with the British, see Walt Disney accuse his former colleagues of being communists, and uncover the dark history that lies beneath Central Park.

From pre-colonial America to independence, slavery to civil rights, the gold rush to the space race, join Don as he speaks to leading experts to delve into America’s past.

New episodes every Monday and Thursday.

Brought to you by History Hit, the award-winning podcast network and world’s best history channel on demand, featuring shows like Dan Snow’s History Hit, Not Just The Tudors and Betwixt the Sheets.

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Was the USA already a superpower when it joined the Second World War? How did it turn from an isolationist nation to a force ready for action?

Today Don is joined by Craig Nelson to find out how President Franklin D. Roosevelt manoeuvred the country from the isolationism of the interwar years to supplying an arsenal and, eventually, manpower to its European allies.

Craig’s new book is ‘V Is For Victory: Franklin Roosevelt’s American Revolution and the Triumph of World War 2’.

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Operation Downfall: What if the Allies Invaded Japan?

How would the Allied forces have forced the surrender of Japan had they not dropped the bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki?

Operation Downfall was the planned invasion of Japan. It was expected to be a massive two part operation; bigger than D-Day and enormously costly.

To find out more about the proposed invasion, its projected outcomes and why it wasn't implemented, Don spoke to D. M. Giangreco, an award winning author who served as an editor at Military Review, US Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, for 20 years. His book on this subject is 'Hell to Pay: Operation Downfall and the Invasion of Japan, 1945-1947'.

Produced by Sophie Gee. Edited by Aidan Lonergan. Senior Producer was Charlotte Long.

Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Dan Snow, James Holland, Mary Beard and more.

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benjbcorbetNov 30, 2023

President William Henry Harrison: 32 Days in Office

The ninth President of the United States holds two unique records. William Henry Harrison delivered the longest inaugural address in US Presidential history. He also served the shortest term, dying on his 32nd day as Commander-in-Chief.

In this episode, Don speaks to Dr Robert Owens of Wichita State University. How did Harrison win the presidency? What were his goals? And did he really die of pneumonia?

Produced and edited by Sophie Gee. Senior Producer was Charlotte Long.

Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Dan Snow, James Holland, Mary Beard and more.

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You can take part in our listener survey here.

benjbcorbetNov 27, 2023

Napoleon in America

Napoleon Bonaparte. From military leader to revolutionary to Emperor of the French, his conquests and reforms have had a lasting impact across the world. But what impact did he have on the United States? And what if he had completed the journey across the Atlantic?

Don speaks to author Shannon Selin, whose new book 'Napoleon in America' imagines Napoleon's life in the United States. Together, they discuss Napoleon's relationship with and reputation in the United States, and the French people who did make the journey.

Produced by Sophie Gee. Edited by Aidan Lonergan. Senior Producer was Charlotte Long.

Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Dan Snow, James Holland, Mary Beard and more.

benjbcorbetNov 23, 2023

Related Posts

Operation Downfall: What if the Allies Invaded Japan?

President William Henry Harrison: 32 Days in Office

Napoleon in America

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