We are going to take a break from the war on land and see what the Continental Congress was up to as it attempted to create an American navy. Naval actions occurred on the inland waterways of the northeast, American frigates and converted civilian vessels attempted to distract the Royal Navy with varying degrees of success, and privateers roamed the Atlantic and waters around North America preying on British merchant shipping. The roots of the United States Navy reach back to the revolution, so ...
Feb 13, 2017•27 min
The Continental Army was defeated and running out of steam in December, 1776. With the British on their tail, Washington put the Delaware River between himself and the British. Thinking that the Continental Army was done, the British went into winter quarters. Goaded by militia raids in New Jersey, Washington chose a plan of action and raided the Hessian garrison in Trenton, New Jersey. Defeating the Hessian's at Trenton, Washington's victory convinced the British to abandon New Jersey. It was a...
Feb 03, 2017•23 min
In this episode we conclude with a British victory. Howe was able to maneuver George Washington's forces out of Manhattan Island and then across the Hudson River into New Jersey. While failing to destroy the Continentals, Howe was certain the rebels were on the ropes and could be dealt with decisively in the 1777 campaign season. While Washington's army shrank before his eyes, with the barrier of the Delaware River to protect him, he began to plan a raid that would keep the British off balance i...
Jan 18, 2017•17 min
After the evacuation of Boston, the British set their eyes on New York City. In the summer of 1776, the Howe brothers attacked George Washington's troops through the western end of Long Island. Washington was forced out of his position and had to evacuate Long Island to Manhattan. Rather than vigorously pursue the Continental Army, Howe waited, not wanting to alienate the Americans as he held out hope for a negotiated settlement. If you enjoy this pod cast, post a review on ITunes or leave a com...
Jan 03, 2017•15 min
As we continue telling the story of the beginning of the American Revolution, we take our narrative up to the pivotal events that broke the British occupation of Boston. As George Washington was managing the siege, several of his subordinates went north, hoping to export the revolution to Canada. It failed to take. Once the British left Boston, both the British and Continentals began to consider next steps.......the invasion of New York City. If you enjoy this podcast, consider leaving a review ...
Dec 08, 2016•19 min
December 7, 2016 is the 75th anniversary of Japan's surprise attack on the United States' Pacific fleet, at anchor in their chief anchorage in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. This is the audio broadcast of news coverage of the President's speech. President Roosevelt spoke before a joint session of Congress. We rarely get opportunities to listen to what President's have to say. Let's take a listen on this solemn occasion. Have a question, comment, or compliment? Contact us at americawarpodcast@gmail.com . ...
Dec 07, 2016•23 min
We begin where we left off with the previous episode - the British march to Lexington and Concord. After defeating the militia on the village green of Lexington, the British continued their march to Concord. Failing to find a great deal of munitions, the militia struck back. As the British began their retreat back to Boston, their column was met with constant sniping from local militia all the way back to the city. News spread quickly through the colonies, galvanizing a movement toward revolutio...
Nov 20, 2016•22 min
In the spring of 1775, tensions between the British and Colonists had risen to a fever pitch. As the inhabitants of Boston grew restive over British restrictions, General Thomas Gage was left with few choices. While not wanting to spark an insurrection, he chose to remove munitions that could be used against the British soldiers. On a raid to Concord, they were met by American militia on the village green of Lexington. Shots were fired. An insurrection had begun. If you have any questions, comme...
Nov 05, 2016•16 min
We have finally arrived at the American Revolution. The origins are complicated, but seem to come down to one question - who had the right to rule? The British wanted to govern the Empire with clarity and efficiency. The colonists wanted to continue to have a voice in how they governed their lands. Both were right, but could not come to a consensus on how to share power. Grumbling led to protests, protests led to violence. Join us as we explore the origins of this important event. Follow us on f...
Oct 24, 2016•20 min
1763 was a pivotal year, the end of one period of our history and the beginning of another. The capture of Montreal and the subsequent Treaty of Paris in 1763, brought the bloodiest war in colonial history to an end. Subsequent clashes with native peoples on the frontier would result in the Empire closing the west to settlement. These two events would sow the seeds for the next chapter in our nation's history, the American Revolution. If you like this podcast, please give us a review on ITunes. ...
Oct 10, 2016•21 min
1758 and 1759, relatively speaking, was the height of British success. Fort Duquense had finally fallen to the British, freeing the Ohio Valley from the French. With the fall of Fortress Louisbourg, the British continued had an open pathway to the heart of French Canada, resulting in the campaign to capture the city of Quebec. While the war would continue, the North American possessions of France were slipping from their hands. If you like this podcast, review it on ITunes or join the discussion...
Sep 27, 2016•20 min
1758 was a special year. After nearly three years of misfortune and less than spectacular results, the British marked the year with a victory and a defeat. The great French fortress at Louisbourg fell to the British, but their assault of Fort Carillon met with disaster. Join us in our continuing discussion of the Seven Years War. If you would like more information, please join the discussion on Facebook or drop a line at americawarpodcast@gmail.com . Thanks for listening!...
Sep 12, 2016•23 min
Episode number thirteen is up! Time didn't stand still for mourning the losses incurred by Edward Braddock in the Ohio. Campaigning continued as new leaders and more troops came from Great Britain. In spite of the grand plans of British Generals and colonial elites, 1756-1757 was met with more frustrations as the French continued to hold the upper hand. Join us in exploring the nadir of British opportunities in North America as we continue our series on the Seven Years War. Take a look at the po...
Aug 11, 2016•17 min
In this episode we follow the trials and tribulations of General Edward Braddock. After George Washington's debacle at Fort Necessity, King George II and his cabinet sent two regiments of British soldiers to North America to boot the French out of their fort. Unfortunately, General Braddock met his match just short of his objective - the forks of the Ohio and it cost him his life. Join us in our continuing exploration of American Military History. For more information, visit the podcast website ...
Aug 01, 2016•21 min
George Washington had a mission - convince the French to stay out of the Ohio River Valley. Unfortunately, after clashing with a French patrol, he was blamed for the killing of a French officer. The French struck back, trapping Washington's command in a small fort called Necessity. Forced to surrender, he was able to return to Virginia with his reputation battered but intact. Regardless, the event triggered the Seven Years War. Join us on the podcast's facebook page. If you would like to send an...
Jul 03, 2016•23 min
We have made it to the most pivotal event of the eighteenth century in the North American colonies of France and Great Britain: The Seven Years War or The French and Indian War. What would start as a localized conflict, would shatter the tenuous peace between the two great powers. The long war would finally decide which European power would control what would become the United States. Moreover, the results of this war would create the conditions that ultimately lead to the American Revolution. I...
Jun 18, 2016•16 min
As we reach the middle of the eighteenth century, France and Great Britain are at it again! Militia and volunteers from New England, in one of their greatest feats of arms, captured the great French fortress at Louisbourg. While the victory was abrogated with the peace treaty between Britain and France, it set the stage for the greatest conflict that colonies had ever seen - the Seven Years War. If you enjoy this podcast, write or review of help offset the costs. You can go to the podcast websit...
May 29, 2016•19 min
Our story continues with another chapter in the imperial wars of the eighteenth century. This episode takes our story south to the Florida Peninsula. British forces attempt to take the center of Spanish power in Florida, St. Augustine, and are rebuffed yet again. Please join us! You can find the podcast on ITunes. We have a Facebook page - American At War Podcast, where we can keep the conversation going. If you would to e-mail me with your questions, comments, and concerns, drop a line at ameri...
May 05, 2016•17 min
As English colonies spread south, pressures over land and exploiting local Indian peoples as slaves, built up resentments and the desire to strike back. Hoping to put a stop to settlement, war broke out in the Carolinas. The destructive conflict upset colonial government in the Carolinas but diminished the Tuscarora and Yamasee power bases, allowing settlements to move west. Please join us!
Apr 25, 2016•18 min
We move deeper into the eighteenth century with the next major conflict between France, England, and Spain. Known as Queen Anne's War in North America, the roots of the conflict deal with issues on the continent related to who would occupy the Spanish throne. In the English colonies, many of the issues from the previous war remained unresolved and would fuel violence in New England and in the south. In spite of some success, after several failed expeditions into the heartland of New France, Cana...
Apr 10, 2016•22 min
As we move into the seventeenth century, North America became a battleground for the Empire. England and France battled for hegemony in North America using militia and, for the first time, professional forces from the continent. Join us!
Mar 26, 2016•18 min
One of the enduring traditions of our military past is the importance of militia. Without the benefit of professional soldiers, the first settlers depended on themselves to meet the security needs of the settlements in Virginia and Massachusetts. These institutions established organizations and traditions that are still with us today. Have a question, comment, or compliment? Contact us at americawarpodcast@gmail.com . You can also leave comments and your questions on Facebook at https://www.face...
Mar 13, 2016•17 min
In this episode we shift our story north to Massachusetts Bay and New England. Settled ten years after Jamestown, the establishment of Plymouth and other settlements in New England triggered some of the bloodiest conflicts in the colonial era. Have a question, comment, or compliment? Contact us at americawarpodcast@gmail.com . You can also leave comments and your questions on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/americaatwarpodcast/ . Thanks for listening!...
Mar 06, 2016•19 min
Establishing the English colony at Jamestown is where our story begins. Largely unprepared to build a sustainable colony and fearful of Spanish retaliation against the colony, the first decades of the settlement was beset with challenges. The Spanish threat never materialized, but conflicts with the local native populations did, establishing many of the patterns of warfare and institutions that govern American military history. Have a question, comment, or compliment? Contact us at americawarpod...
Feb 28, 2016•20 min
Welcome to the first episode of America at War. This episode provides a very broad overview of the importance of understanding the roots of our military institutions and some of the themes that we will encounter on our journey. Have a question, comment, or compliment? Contact us at americawarpodcast@gmail.com . You can also leave comments and your questions on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/americaatwarpodcast/ . Thanks for listening!...
Feb 20, 2016•20 min
Join us for a new podcast. Explore the currents of American military history from the very beginning to the present. Future episodes will cover more than battles and leaders but the ideas that govern our collective past.
Feb 10, 2016•2 min
