This week, In The Past Lane is in Chicago to check out a cool history exhibition and speak with John Russick of the Chicago History Museum. The exhibition, "Spies, Traitors, and Saboteurs: Fear and Freedom in America," was originally created by the International Spy Museum in Washington, DC in the … [Read more...]
Episode 028 The Crises of the 1790s and the Making of US National Identity
In this episode, we dive into the tumultuous and critically important years of the 1790s, a time when the very fate of the new republic hung in the balance. First, I’ll do a short set-up segment on the really perilous political scene in the United States in the 1790s. It's a lively period when … [Read more...]
Episode 027 JFK at 100 – The Legacy and Memory of a President
In this episode, in recognition of John F. Kennedy's 100 birthday – I know, 100?, Really? – we dive into the life and legacy of the nation's 35th President. Every couple of years, we read about a poll that ranks the presidents of the United States from best to worst. These surveys generally attract … [Read more...]
Episode 026 The Spanish American War & The Birth of US Imperialism
In this episode, we take a close look at a small war that had a massive impact on American history - the Spanish American War that began in 1898. In fact, the US is still dealing with its effects at this very moment, since there are thousands of American military personal stationed all around the … [Read more...]
Episode 025 Who Was Thomas Jefferson?
In this episode, we take a close look at another Founding Father - Thomas Jefferson (Episode 23 focused on Alexander Hamilton). And why not? Jefferson was born in the month of April – April 13th to be precise – and he’s Thomas Jefferson, maybe the most multi-talented of the Founders. He was part … [Read more...]