America: A History

Oct 14 2024 4

America: A History Podcast artwork

Welcome to America: A History, where every week we answer a different question about US history, politics, culture, and more, alongside academics, experts and special guests. From the US election to slavery, no topic is off the table, as we help you understand the people, places and events that shape America. America: A History is hosted by Liam Heffernan, in collaboration with the University of East Anglia. Universities, colleges, and HE institutions can become an academic partner now - https://www.canva.com/design/DAGRMpYL5dY/tCDPbTHN81d9EeaFfBXcnQ/view?utm_content=DAGRMpYL5dY&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=GSDp9Wwx6A If you're an individual, you can support the show here: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/support

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What is the History of Hawai'i?

Oct 14 2024 42 mins

In this milestone 50th episode of the main podcast, we delve into the complex history of Hawai'i, exploring its journey from an independent kingdom to becoming the 50th state of the United States in 1959.We discuss the significant cultural, political, and economic changes that have shaped Hawaii's identity over the years, including the impact of American missionaries, the sugar ind

What is Medicare?

Oct 07 2024 38 mins

Medicare, a national health insurance program for individuals over 65, has been a pivotal part of American social policy since its inception in 1965 under President Lyndon B. Johnson.Despite its significance, the program remains a contentious topic in U.S. politics, often debated in the context of broader healthcare reforms and federal tax implications.In this episode we explore wh

Why Is Huck Finn Banned?

Sep 30 2024 33 mins

Mark Twain's "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" continues to stir debate over a century after its publication, primarily due to its racial themes and language. In this episode, we delve into the book's historical context, examining its use of vernacular and portrayals of race.The book continues to face scrutiny for its depiction of race and its frequent use of racial slurs, prompting

Will America Ever Elect a Woman for President?

Sep 23 2024 43 mins

Since 1779, the United States have sworn in 46 Presidents. All very different - some democrat, some republican, even whigs, and federalists. Northern, southern, white, black, old, young. And each one has carved a different road to the White House, and left behind a unique legacy. But there is one common factor between them. All 46, without exception, are men. So in this episode, I

What Makes Country Music So American?

Sep 16 2024 35 mins

This week we are donning our stetsons and grabbing a cold one, as we discuss the most rootin’ tootin’ American music genre of them all. From Dolly Parton to Taylor Swift with a little bit of Footloose, country has come to epitomise the US, but as the genre’s popularity booms internationally, does its Americanness still endure? So in this episode I’m asking… what makes cou

ITM 4: Debates, Dog Food, and Taylor Swift, Reaction to Harris vs Trump

Sep 10 2024 36 mins

If June 27th is remembered as the night that ended the Biden re-election campaign, then September 10th may just be remembered as the night that derailed Trump's.It was memorable, it was full of talking points, and it may have just put the momentum firmly back in Harris' camp. So what exactly went down at the debate?With reaction and insight to everything that happened, this is Amer

Who Cares About Presidential Debates?

Sep 09 2024 43 mins

Presidential debates are a staple of the election cycle, but in recent years the drama of deciding who gets to host a debate and when can often be more exciting than the event itself. In a world where news is instant and everyone is connected, do they have the same impact and influence on elections as they once did? So in this episode, I want to know… who cares about Presidential

What Are the Projects?

Sep 02 2024 45 mins

In Britain, council estates are a standard part of the housing ecosystem. That is, government-built housing for those who lack the means to house themselves.But the US also has a long-standing public housing system, used by millions, but the challenges are unique and, reportedly, their future is uncertain. So in this episode, I want to understand this a lot more, as I ask… what a

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

Aug 26 2024 44 mins

This week, as the 2024 Presidential election draws nearer, the possibility of a second Trump term looms larger, and the very question of what is and isn’t constitutional becomes increasingly divisive, I want to go all the way back to where it all began. So in this episode, I want to know… what was the Constitutional Convention? Special Guests: Emma Long, Associate Professor

ITM 3: Reaction to the Democratic National Convention

Aug 23 2024 45 mins

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