Congress declared war on Great Britain in June, 1812. The United States was ill-prepared to initiate a campaign against British Canada but was optimistic nevertheless. President Madison wanted to bring the British back to the bargaining table by using force. Preoccupied with the war in Europe, the British had a thin crust of Red Coats and local militia along the border to defend their interests. As Madison would find out in the ensuing months, it was easy to declare war, but exceedingly difficul...
Oct 11, 2018•21 min
The War of 1812 was symptomatic of the ongoing struggle between Britain and France in central and western Europe. The United States of America endeavored to stay above the fray, but saw its rights as a neutral carrier attacked by both the French and the English. This issue, along with the impressment of American sailors and the perceptions of British interference along the western frontier all contributed to the origins of the war. It was by means inevitable, but once the ball got rolling, it wa...
Sep 26, 2018•20 min
Thomas Jefferson easily won a second term at President of the United States. Unfortunately, as the war between Napoleonic France and Great Britain flared up, the United States was caught in the middle. The British impressed American sailors in the Royal Navy and restricted American merchants from trading as a neutral power. Desperate to avoid war, Jefferson attempted to coerce Britain through an embargo to gain concessions from the crown. His policies failed and set up the conditions for another...
Sep 08, 2018•19 min
Well, we've reached 50 episodes! This is a short podcast thanking you dear listeners and touching on where we've been and where we are going for the next 50 episodes. Thanks for listening!
Aug 09, 2018•9 min
Thomas Jefferson was upset. Rather than pay tribute and ransom for American sailors held by the Barbary States of North Africa, Jefferson went to war. Taking advantage of the navy, he blockaded the port of Tripoli, hoping to extract some concessions. While the war ultimately failed in its stated purpose, the conflict fostered the continued professionalism of the US Navy and established a precedent of the American navy protecting the country's interests overseas. Thanks for listening! Have a ques...
Jul 25, 2018•23 min
Zebulon Pike's explorations of the upper reaches of the Mississippi River, the Rocky Mountains, and the southwest are not as well know as his peers, Lewis and Clark. Pike's career was tied to James Wilkinson, the highest ranking officer in the Louisiana Purchase. Wilkinson was an unsavory character whose long shadow has obscured the importance of Pike's accomplishments. Taken together, Lewis, Clark, and Pike cemented the Army's reputation for their professionalism and the role the Army would pla...
Jul 04, 2018•22 min
One of the most memorable events of Thomas Jefferson's administration was the expedition to the Pacific Ocean led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. Jefferson took advantage of a unique opportunity and purchased from France what today we know as the Midwest - the drainages of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. The expedition established American sovereignty over the new lands as well as exploring the Pacific Northwest and the Columbia River drainage. The expedition reminds us of the role t...
Jun 10, 2018•28 min
With the election of Thomas Jefferson, the era of the Federalists was over. Jefferson immediately began to distance himself from federalist policies. This is the first of several episodes that will explore Jefferson's relationship with the military. Jefferson made several changes, shrinking the size of the standing army and reducing the size of the officer corps. Jefferson established a politically neutral officer corps, removing officers not committed to the new administration. He also establis...
May 14, 2018•20 min
In less than a generation, France went from an ally to an enemy. Tired of the violations of American neutrality, John Adams mobilized the navy to stop French commerce raiding. The new navy was very successful and created a fleet that was here to stay. The success of the war at sea is in stark contrast to what happened on land. The fear of French interference in American affairs gave Alexander Hamilton the necessary justification to create an army loyal to him. The political uproar that ensued em...
Apr 18, 2018•24 min
In our last episode we began our conversation about the founding of the United States Navy. We continue this story in this episode. With a temporary cessation of the depredations of the Barbary States and British commerce raiding, there was a push to end the navy before it began. Thanks to George Washington, the was granted a reprieve, resulting in the completion of three ships. Unfortunately, as Europe became engulfed in war, tensions rose between France and the United States which would result...
Apr 05, 2018•18 min
In this episode we continue to explore the Federalist's military legacy by turning our attention to the creation of the first coastal fortifications and the establishment of the United States Navy. With Napoleon on the offensive in Europe and the Barbary states capturing American merchant ships, Congress took action to protect our shores and American interests overseas. Take a listen! Have a question, comment, or compliment, contact us at americawarpodcast@gmail.com . You can also leave comments...
Mar 13, 2018•20 min
In our last episode we spoke of the creation of the American Legion under the command of Anthony Wayne. We continue that story in this episode. Wayne was ready to meet the British and Indians in the Ohio Valley. Today, the 'battle' of Fallen Timbers would be called a skirmish. Nevertheless, Wayne's efforts broke the back of British power in the American interior. Wayne's victory set precedent's over how the American military would be organized for the next century. Please, take a listen! Have a ...
Feb 27, 2018•19 min
George Washington needed good news. After the failure of the Harmar and St. Clair expeditions, Anthony Wayne was convinced to return to the Army. A veteran of the American Revolution, for two years Wayne recruited and drilled a unique formation - the American Legion. Inspired by the Roman Legions of old, this combined arms unit was seen as the Washington administration's best hope for success. This episode introduces Wayne's labors in building a force that could secure the Northwest Frontier for...
Feb 02, 2018•19 min
One of the most pressing issues that George Washington had to solve was the security of the new frontier. The western borders stretched from the Appalachians to the Mississippi River. British outposts, still staffed with soldiers in violation of the Treaty of Paris, fomented unrest. Many of the Indian Tribes did not recognize the United States and were angry that settlers were moving into their lands. Washington sent two expeditions west, one under Josiah Harmar and the other under Arthur St. Cl...
Jan 17, 2018•20 min
In this episode we explore the origins of the Constitution through the lens of national security. The Challenges facing the newly independent United States were many. Faced with a weak central government and, for some, a dangerous level of internal unrest, in the summer of 1787 a Constitutional Convention was called. The document would ultimately form the basis of our current system of government and was meant to insure domestic tranquility and see to the country's common defense. Have a questio...
Jan 01, 2018•19 min
The Revolution was over. The newly minted United States had to face their future. The key questions facing the new government revolved around the character of their new institutions. Living up to the legacy revolution, the central government was left small, the army and the navy non-existent. While certainly living up to the legacy, only the future would reveal if it sidelining the Continental Army was the right thing to do. Have a question, comment, or compliment, contact us at americawarpodcas...
Dec 16, 2017•23 min
In the fall of 1781, the Continental Army and their French Allies had succeeded in trapping the British Army in Virginia in Yorktown. Unable to break the siege, General Cornwallis surrendered his force to Washington. Little did the General know, this was the last major battle of the American Revolution. Unwilling to continue the war, the British and Americans negotiated a peace treaty. The war was over. Independence was achieved, but now the hard work began. Have a question, comment, or complime...
Nov 28, 2017•21 min
After General Cornwallis reestablished his base of operations from the Carolinas to Virginia, little did he know that he was setting up the conditions that would be lead to the end of the American Revolution. Ordered to hold a small port in Virginia, Cornwallis chose Yorktown. The French turned the tables on the Royal Navy, defeating the squadron sent to keep Cornwallis supplied. Hemmed in by the Continental Army on land and the French Navy at sea, Cornwallis had little choice but to sit tight a...
Nov 14, 2017•19 min
With General Cornwallis' departure to Virginia opened the door for the wholesale liberation of South Carolina. Rather than defend everything, the British and Greene clashed several times in 1781. While Greene technically came out as a loser, the British lost men they could not readily replace. To his credit, Green was successful in succeeded in pinning the British in several coastal enclaves where they would remain until the end of the war. If you have any questions, drop us a line at americawar...
Oct 25, 2017•22 min
As the southern campaign continues, Nathanael Greene entices British General Cornwallis deep into North Carolina. Cut of from a reliable supply line, it was Greene's hope to defeat a desperate and starving British column. Cornwallis indulges Greene and battles the Continentals and militia at Guilford Court House in the spring of 1781. While technically a draw, Cornwallis' force was too depleted to continue and regrouped with a new plan to attack Virginia. We also take the time to begin to explor...
Sep 28, 2017•19 min
The war in the south continues......Nathanael Greene took over the reigns of command in the south at the end of 1780. With the assistance of Daniel Morgan, he began pursuing British General Cornwallis. While Morgan secured a victory over the British at Cowpens, South Carolina, it marked the beginning of a long campaign that would ultimately lead to the siege at Yorktown and the end of the revolution. We also touch on the war in the north as George Washington dealt with the difficult challenges o...
Sep 12, 2017•19 min
Bonus episode! In late July and early August I visited the United Kingdom with my family. I thought I would share my thoughts about some of the attractions that we were drawn to. I am a firm believer that to understand history, we have to experience the places the events took place in. Great Britain certainly provides plenty of institutions and places that are compelling and meaningful. Take a listen! If this is something you would like to hear more of, drop me a line at americawarpodcast@gmail....
Aug 18, 2017•21 min
The fall of Charleston, South Carolina emboldened the British. Recruiting Loyalists and insisting on loyalty oaths, divided the colony and triggered a bitter internal conflict, if you will, a Civil War. In spite of the relative success of partisan leaders such as Francis Marion and Thomas Sumter, they could not win the war without the help of the Continental Army. Unfortunately, the hero of Saratoga, Horatio Gates was defeated at Camden, South Carolina, marking the lowest point of the war in the...
Aug 14, 2017•18 min•Season 2Ep. 32
In this episode we turn our attention south. When Henry Clinton assumed command of British forces in North America, he turned his attention to the southern states. Governed by the assumption that British troops could break the revolution by appealing to the Loyalist sentiment in the South, Clinton moved into Georgia and captured Charleston South Carolina. We also briefly touch on the struggle to control the western frontiers. Take a listen. If you have any questions, drop a line at americawarpod...
Jul 04, 2017•19 min
In the aftermath of France's entry into the war, Great Britain's resources were stretched thin. General Howe's replacement, Henry Clinton, could not be everywhere at once, so he evacuated Philadelphia to consolidate his forces in New York City. As the British marched across New Jersey, George Washington moved to intercept them. The two columns met at Monmouth Court House and fought for nearly an entire day in hot and humid weather. While for all intents and purposes this was draw, Washington dem...
Jun 07, 2017•18 min
Valley Forge, Pennsylvania is remembered as a patriotic sacrifice for the revolution. In fact, the iconography, as compelling as it, blurs the facts. The encampment was not the coldest that the Army ever endured, but it does allow us to examine three issues of equal importance - the break down of supply, attacks on George Washington's character, and the institutionalization of a training regime under the watchful eye of Baron von Steuben. If you enjoy this podcast, write a review on ITunes or go...
May 17, 2017•21 min
In our last episode we spoke of the John Burgoyne's advance down the Hudson River Valley. After being repulsed at the Battle of Bennington and the failure of the siege of Fort Stanwix, Burgoyne was in trouble. Electing to continue his advance, he met Horatio Gates and his Continentals near Saratoga, New York. After two failed attempts to carry the American position, Burgoyne had no choice but to surrender. This was a pivotal point in the revolution. The victory convinced France to recognize the ...
Apr 24, 2017•19 min
One of the pivotal battles of 1777 took place in the Hudson River valley near the small town of Saratoga where John Burgoyne's forces met their match in the early fall of 1777. While not predestined for failure, by the last summer of 1777, Burgoyne's forces met some unexpected challenges that would, in hindsight, prevent him from achieving victory. This episode will concentrate on the prelude to this epic battle. If you enjoying listening to this podcast, please consider writing a review on ITun...
Apr 09, 2017•16 min
In the mind of General Howe and his subordinates, 1777 offered another opportunity to end the rebellion in the thirteen colonies. In spite of a sound plan to cut off New England with a pincer movement from Canada and New York City, Howe's plans were derailed with his move to Pennsylvania. While he was successful in capturing the city, the Continental Army survived to fight another day. Moreover, his insistence on moving south deprived John Burgoyne's advance from Canada of mutual support. If you...
Mar 14, 2017•18 min
In our last episode, we spoke of the trials and tribulations of the Continental Navy. We continue the war at sea in this episode with a brief exploration of the Continental Marines. The United States Marine Corps traces their roots back to the American Revolution, so it seems appropriate to talk briefly about their legacy. If you enjoy this podcast, write a review on ITunes. Questions? Send them to americawarpodcast@gmail.com . Thanks for listening!...
Mar 08, 2017•11 min
