This is America: A History in the Making, where we discuss the biggest stories and breaking news from the USA. On this episode, we react to the Democratic National Convention, which has just wrapped in Chicago, where Kamala Harris and Tim Walz officially accepted the Democratic nomination for President and VP respectively. We discuss the highs, the lows, the speeches, and if, with less than 80 days until the election, this changes the race to the White House. Special Guests: Emma Long,...

In 1959, toy entrepreneur Ruth Handel changed her life forever. Her new product, a doll named after her Daughter Barbara, would become one of the biggest toy franchises in history. Despite the criticisms and its problems, a recent Oscar-winning movie adaptation has won over a whole new generation of fans that guarantees this toy is going nowhere. So in this episode, I want to know… how is Barbie still relevant? Special Guests: Jon Mitchell, an Associate Professor of American Studies at the...

In America: A History in the Making, host Liam Heffernan is joined by show regulars and special guests to discuss the breaking news and biggest stories from the USA. This week, as the US election rages on, we discuss Kamala Harris' running mate Tim Walz, and recent polls suggesting they now have a lead over Trump. Is the momentum shifting in one of the weirdest Presidential election cycles ever? Special guests on this episode... Emma Long, our resident US politics and law expert from the...

This week, with the Republican National Convention been and gone, and the Democratic National Convention happening over the next few days, the Presidential race is about to be set in stone. If Donald Trump wins, he will be only the second President to serve non-consecutive terms in office. But why is there a time limit? When did this start? And can, or should, there be an exception? In this episode, I dive into all of this as I ask… Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms? Special...

Exactly 79 years ago to the day this episode is released, the USA changed the course, not just of World War II, but of global history, by using nuclear weapons. The bombs that hit Hiroshima and, three days later, Nagasaki, killed an estimated 200,000 people, and swiftly prompted Japan’s surrender. But how did it get to this? What were Japan and America even doing in a war triggered by Nazi Germany? And when there were so many other courses of action, why did the USA drop atomic bombs on...

This week, we are taking a closer look at the unidentified, the unexplained, and the stuff that, until recently, have been some of the most closely-guarded secrets of the US government. From E.T. to the X-Files via American Dad and Futurama, the existence of extraterrestrial beings has captured the imagination of the American public for decades, and as we edge closer to finding out if the truth really is out there, I want to know… why do Americans love aliens? Special Guests: Stephen Diener...

In the first of our new strand of episodes, America: A History in the Making, Liam is joined by show regular Emma Long to discuss the breaking news and biggest stories from the USA. It's been a rollercoaster in American politics, as Joe Biden announced he is not seeking re-election in November, just over three months before the election, but within just 48 hours, Vice President Kamala Harris secured enough delegates to become the presumptive nominee. So what does all this mean? Is Trump still...

In just a few days, the Olympic flame will make its way to the Seine River, where tens of thousands of athletes converge to mark the opening of another summer games. The biggest sporting event in the world has not been on American soil for nearly 30 years, so in this episode we’re going to look back to Atlanta 1996, and I ask… when did the USA last host the Olympics? Special Guests: David Wallechinsky, a historian, TV commentator, and co-founder & former President of the International...

This week we are celebrating the 55th anniversary of the Apollo 11 space shuttle launch, but it’s greatest moment was when Neil Armstrong took his famous leap onto the surface of the moon. The live broadcast to millions of people around the world is one of the greatest moments of television, indeed history, of the 20th century, and yet many millions today still believe it never happened. So on this episode, I want to know… was the Moon landing a hoax? Special Guests on this Episode: Charles...

This week we are shining a light on one of the greatest figures in American history. Born Araminta Rossin, she began her in bondage, later escaping to become a conductor on the Underground Railroad and one of the most important figures in the fight for abolition. So in this episode we are going to discuss her life, her work, and her legacy as I ask… who is Harriet Tubman? Special Guests: Professor Rebecca Fraser, a historian of 19th century America at the University of East...

DISCLAIMER: there may be small patches of slightly weird sound in this episode. Please bear with us! On July 2nd 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed one of the most transformative and, for its time, controversial pieces of legislation into American law - the Civil Rights Act. So, on its 60th anniversary, we discuss exactly what it is, the impact it's had, and how exactly it came to be, as Liam asks... what is the Civil Rights Act? To answer this question, he is joined by two super...

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! America: A History Podcast returns with brand new episodes from Tuesday 2nd July, so make sure you follow and share this podcast with all of your fellow US history fans. PLUS You can now support the show on Patreon We know times are tough, but running a podcast ain't cheap. We want to keep bringing you the best content, and we want to build a global community, so we're asking for your support. Join our movement and become a Patreon supporter today for loads of awesome perks,...

This week we are literally discussing the theme song to this podcast. It became synonymous with the Civil War, and in the years and centuries since it has been adapted, sampled, covered and repurposed in just about every way possible, by musicians, politicians, sports teams and more. So today I am asking… what is the Battle Hymn of the Republic? To discuss this I am joined by Thomas Smith, Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of Area Studies at the University of...

On this episode, as America’s foreign relations once again dominates headlines, I want to explore just how powerful the country really is, and whether we should be understanding it as more than just a single nation, as I ask… Is America An Empire? And to discuss this I am joined by two very excellent guests: Dr. Nicholas Grant, a historian of twentieth century United States and author of Winning Our Freedoms Together: African Americans and Apartheid, 1945-1960. His research focuses on race,...

We are recording this week’s episode on Monday 4th March, 2024. This weekend Donald Trump continued his near clean sweep of caucus and primaries, and in a few hours, polls will open for Super Tuesday, where Trump is widely expected to secure the delegates needed to win the Republican nomination for a third consecutive Presidential election. However, his journey has not been smooth sailing. Just four days ago Illinois became the third state, after Colorado and Maine, to kick Trump off the...

This week, as the who’s who of entertainment descend on Hollywood for the glitziest night on the calendar, I want to know if anyone still cares about film awards, and when viewing figures continue to decrease, why do they still generate so many headlines, as I ask… are the Oscars still relevant? And to discuss this I am joined by Vaughn Joy, a PhD candidate at UCL studying mid-century Hollywood, politics, and their cross-section through a case study on Christmas films. Useful Resources: The...

This week, I find out more about how one of America’s most popular first ladies turned her office, and residence of three years, into a living museum of US political history, as we ask… how did Jackie Kennedy transform the White House? We discuss how Jackie Kennedy used her platform to champion one of the most radical projects ever undertaken by the First Lady, and in doing so, she redefines exactly what the role of First Lady means, and setting the blueprint for all that follow. Special...

America may be gearing up for Trump versus Biden already, but it remains in the middle of a nomination campaign... if only as a formality. So in this episode we speak with Dr. Emma Long to understand exactly how the nominations work, and what the heck a primary and caucus even is. Guest this week: Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East Anglia If you like this episode, you might also...

Your favourite American history podcast is coming back! America: A History Podcast has taken a little winter hiatus, but we are back with a new look and sound and we are READY for a huge year. As Donald Trump and Nikki Haley battle it out to determine who goes to the Presidential polls against Joe Biden, we have been hard at work doing what any good politician should be doing... listening. That's right. We paid attention to your feedback and we have given the show a revamp, so that we can...

It all started with (a now public domain) Mickey Mouse, but today Disney is a cultural behemoth. A global household name. Walt Disney is synonymous with childhood, nostalgia, and joy. Recently, their multi-billion dollar empire continues to grow, with a string of high-profile and big money acquisitions. So is the magic still there? And why does everyone love Disney? Special guests: Janet Wasko, an author and professor in Communication Research at the University of Oregon, whose book...

Christmas is a season of goodwill... or so we thought. Conservative pockets of America would argue that Christmas is now a battleground, where the Christian traditions of the holidays are under threat. It is, in the words of Fox News anchor Bill O'Reilly, a 'War on Christmas'. So what exactly is it, what is being fought, and will it ever be won? To help me answer this question, who else but Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of...

From Home Alone to Love Actually, Hollywood Christmas movies are as much a part of the festivities as Santa Claus and Christmas trees. There’s nothing quite like watching your favourite seasonal film to get you in the spirit. But what makes them so watchable? In this episode, we unpick some of our favourite festive treats as we find out… how to make a Hollywood Christmas movie. Guests on this episode: Thomas Ruys Smith, a Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of...

In the words of Andy Williams, It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but do we really know why we celebrate Christmas? Do our modern day traditions of Santa, trees and TV specials blind us from the real history of the holidays? This episode is definitely NSFK - not safe for kids - as we answer… what is the history of Christmas in America? Guests on this episode: Thomas Ruys Smith - a Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of Area Studies at the University of...

The Presidency is considered one of the most important jobs in the world, and as the saying goes, with great power comes great responsibility. But where’s the line? How much power is too much power? In this episode, we look at Presidents past and present to figure out… are they really above the law? To help me answer this question, who else but Dr. Emma Long, Associate Professor of American History and Politics and Head of the Department of American Studies at the University of East...

In America, Thanksgiving is comparable to Christmas on the holiday calendar. It’s when everyone gets together with turkey, football, and the Macy’s parade to be thankful for what they have. But where did this holiday really come from? In this episode we explore the history and the real meaning of America’s favourite holiday as we answer… what is Thanksgiving? Our guest this week is David Silverman, a Professor of history a George Washington University. He specializes in Native American,...