American History Hit

The ninth President of the United States holds two unique records. William Henry Harrison delivered the longest inaugural address in US Presidential history. He also served the shortest term, dying on his 32nd day as Commander-in-Chief.

In this episode, Don speaks to Dr Robert Owens of Wichita State University. How did Harrison win the presidency? What were his goals? And did he really die of pneumonia?

Produced and edited by Sophie Gee. Senior Producer was Charlotte Long...

Napoleon Bonaparte. From military leader to revolutionary to Emperor of the French, his conquests and reforms have had a lasting impact across the world. But what impact did he have on the United States? And what if he had completed the journey across the Atlantic?

Don speaks to author Shannon Selin, whose new book 'Napoleon in America' imagines Napoleon's life in the United States...

On November 22nd 1963, President John F. Kennedy was shot dead. The ensuing years have been filled with questions and conspiracy about the events of that day, and the weeks, months and years leading to it.

In the second of our special series, Don meets Paul Landis, a former secret service agent who was feet from the presidential limousine when the assassination happened...

Who was JFK? How popular was he in his lifetime? And how did his untimely death impact the world's memory of him?

In this first of two episodes to mark 60 years since President John F Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, we are exploring his personality and popularity.

Don is joined by Fredrick Logevall, Laurence D. Belfer Professor of International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School. Fredrick's most recent book is 'JFK: Coming of Age in the American Century'...

What makes the Gettysburg Address one of the most famous speeches in history? Did Lincoln really write it on the train? How did the audience in the Soldiers' National Cemetery respond?

In this episode, Don is joined once again by Glenn LaFantasie to examine the words, circumstances and reception of this much quoted oration.

Professor Glenn LaFantasie is the Richard Frockt Family Professor of History at Western Kentucky University

Produced by Sophie Gee...

The 'Little Magician', the 'Sly Fox' or - to our expert guest - a 6.5/10 president. We're onto President number 8, Martin Van Buren.

Don is joined by Edward Widmer - historian, writer, librarian, and musician who served as a speechwriter in the Clinton White House. One of Ted's many books is a biography of Martin Van Buren, published by Times Books in 2005...

What is a Viking? Did they really make it to the United States? And if so, how far did they get?

Don speaks to Martyn Whittock about the norse landings in North America. From the Icelandic sagas to the archaeological evidence that supports them, listen as we separate the truth from the myths.

Martyn's new book, American Vikings, is out now.

Produced and edited by Sophie Gee. Senior Producer was Charlotte Long...

During the first half of the 20th century, dozens of murders plagued the oil-rich Osage Nation. The question of who killed them, and why, spread beyond the borders of the nation, eventually being picked up by the fledgling FBI.

In this episode, Don speaks to David Grann, author of the silver-screen adapted 'Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI'...

If you've ever watched a Voodoo scene in a horror movie, you might be forgiven for envisioning zombies, dolls and witchcraft when asked what it is. But in this episode of American History Hit, Don speaks to Elizabeth James to find out the truth about the New Orleans strand of this misunderstood religion and spiritual practice...

The seventh person to hold the position of President is arguably one of the most divisive.

A strong-willed military hero, whilst President from 1829-1837, Andrew Jackson pushed American democracy forwards. But his policies on Native American removal remain some of the darkest in US history.

To untangle this presidential history, Don is joined by David Brown...