Episodes

This week I am going to talk about a woman who literally wrote her way to freedom, Phillis Wheatley. Kidnapped from Africa as a small child, Wheatley would gain fame and notoriety as a result of creative writing capabilities. Wheatley was able to meet some of the most infamous men of her time including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and John Hancock. So why is it we know so little about her? Listen to this weeks episode and find out. Sources Used This Episode: Phillis Wheatley Historical S...

I asked - you answered! This week I am going to give you a run down of the history of political debates in American History. Did you know the first televised presidential debate was between two women and was 4 years before the infamous 1960 Kennedy / Nixon debates? Listen for this and much more on this week's listener requested episode of the history of debates. Sources Used This Episode: The Commission on Presidential Debates: Debate History LINK: https://www.debates.org/debate-history/1960-deb...

This week I am telling the story of a female shopkeeper - Elizabeth Murray Campbell Smith Inman. A Scot by birth, Murray would cross the Atlantic and set herself on a path of economic security not typical for the women of her time. Elizabeth's story is fascinating - from her multiple voyages across the ocean, to her multiple prenuptial agreements and her mentorship of other women - Murray's story is one of independence, fortitude and service. Sources Used This Episode: Elizabeth Murray: A Woman'...

This week I am talking about the French and Indian war - a conflict seen as one of the catalysts for the American Revolution a few years later. This conflict over desired land expansion would lead to Great Britain's increase in territory, but see the beginnings of Britain's loss of colonial support. Also - did you know the French Indian War is known by many different names? Grab your coffee and enjoy. Sources Used This Episode: The People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn These Truth...

This week - by special request from a listener - I take a deep dive into the most infamous witch hunt in United States history - the Salem Witch Trials. I talk about how the accusations started, how the hysteria spread and one of the methods used to test whether someone was bewitched - be warned; it's gross. Grab your coffee - let's do it! Sources Used in This Episode: Entertaining Satan: Witchcraft and the Culture of Early New England by John Demos Narratives of the Witchcraft Cases, 1648-1706 ...

This week I am talking about the Bacon Rebellion. Nathaniel Bacon, a Virginia planter focused on unlimited expansion, would go on to lead the first popular revolt in the colonies. The rebellion itself was short, but in this episode I talk about who Bacon was and why his revolt is viewed as important in American History. Sources Used This Episode: You Don't Know Much About History: Everything You Need to Know About American History but Never Learned by Kenneth C. Davis

This week I am talking about Mary Dyer - one of the first activists in colonial America. I will talk about who Dyer was, why she is infamous and what the Boston Martyrs were. Enjoy your cup of coffee with a side of history. Sources Used in Episode: Making Heretics by Michael P Winship

This week, I talk about the emergence of slavery in the new colonies. I review the transition of desired labor from indentured servants to slave labor and a how court case and early laws helped codify chattel slavery into the fabric of the nation. Sources in this Episode: These Truths: A History of the United States by Jill Lepore A People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn You Don't Know Much About History: Everything You Need to Know About American History but Never Learned by Kenne...

This week I tackle the first attempts at English colonization in the new world including the mysteries surrounding Roanoke and the beginnings of Jamestown. I also touch on a few key players made famous like John Smith and Pocahontas. Grab your coffee and enjoy! Sources for this Episode: A People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn You Don't Know Much About History: Everything You Need to Know About American History but Never Learned By Kenneth C. Davis

Welcome to Civics and Coffee! In my premiere episode, I talk about the "beginnings" of America as it is commonly taught in school - including the discovery of North America, the indigenous people who were here before European contact and why Columbus gets so much credit. All in the time it takes to enjoy your morning coffee! Sources for this Episode: Changes in the Land by William Cronon 1491 by Charles C. Mann