Episode 13: 1776 - The year America was born (and nearly died)

Americans remember 1776 with feelings of patriotism, fireworks, and celebration. Few know how desperately close the Continental Army came to losing the war in the months after the Declaration of Independence.

In the summer and fall of 1917, one of the most horrifying battles in human history took place on the slopes of Passchendaele Ridge northeast of Ypres, Belgium. The final assault on the village over a two week period cost four Canadian divisions nearly 16,000 men and produced nine recipients of the Victoria Cross.

In December 1914, as the "War to End All Wars" raged across Europe, men spontaneously laid down their arms and shook hands with men they'd been trying to kill a few hours earlier. This is the real story of the Christmas Truce.

Over 300 men were executed by the British Army for desertion and cowardice during the first World War. In today's podcast, we explore the process for executions and the stories of the men involved.

The most prestigious decoration for acts of valor under fire in the United States Military is the Medal of Honor. Created during the American Civil War, the medal has a long and sometimes complicated history. Join me as we explore that history.

In the United States, there are few who are idolized, mythologized, or even demonized quite like those who have held the office of President of the United States. It is easy to forget these men were husbands and fathers, and had lives that existed outside of their role as President. In this episode, we look at the tragic stories in the lives of Martin Van Buren, William Henry Harrison, and John Tyler.

In the United States, there are few who are idolized, mythologized, or even demonized quite like those who have held the office of President of the United States. It is easy to forget these men were husbands and fathers, and had lives that existed outside of their role as President. In this episode, we look at the tragic stories in the life of Andrew Jackson.

The Battle of Gettysburg is often described as the turning point of the American Civil War. From July 1-3, 1863, there were a number of key decisions that led to the decisive Union victory. The decision that may have won the battle, however, took place before it even started, and it was made by a 37-year-old cavalry officer from Kentucky.

In the United States, there are few who are idolized, mythologized, or even demonized quite like those who have held the office of President of the United States. It is easy to forget these men were husbands and fathers, and had lives that existed outside of their role as President. In this episode, we look at the tragic family lives of James Madison, James Monroe, and John Quincy Adams.

In the United States, there are few who are idolized, mythologized, or even demonized quite like those who have held the office of President of the United States. It is easy to forget these men were husbands and fathers, and had lives that existed outside of their role as President. In this episode, we look at the tragic family lives of our first three Presidents - George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson.