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Tenure of Office: March 4, 1801 - March 4, 1805 For the first Vice President whose life we are covering from start to end, Aaron Burr brings quite the tale to tell. From personal tragedy early in life to a meteoric rise in politics, from distinguished instances of military service to a romantic relationship with a married woman, there is much to discuss leading up to the constitutional crisis that was the Election of 1800. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Year(s) Discussed: 1865-1877 The history of the Reconstruction era has in the past been deliberately misconstrued to downplay the achievements of Black Americans and the inhumanity of self-described white supremacists. In his latest work, Fergus Bordewich dispels the myths and explores the history of how the Grant administration worked to combat the terrorism of the Ku Klux Klan in order to save Reconstruction. Listen in to our conversation about the various individuals involved, the events of this time, and what we can learn from the history of Reconstruction. More information can be found on https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Content Note: There is a brief mention of extreme violence and rape around the 29 minute mark in this episode. Please feel free to skip ahead about a minute if you would prefer not to listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Year(s) Discussed: 1812-1813 After the failed campaign in Russia, French Emperor Napoleon had to regroup. And by regroup, I mean launch another war, of course. It soon became clear, though, that the tide was shifting, and instead of a war of conquest, Napoleon was now fighting for the survival of his regime. Meanwhile, the Republic of Texas was proclaimed, but neither Spanish nor American authorities were too pleased about this development. Simultaneously, the government in Louisiana was dealing with the threat of pirates based in their vicinity while a pro-Spanish opposition was determined to put an end to the Republic of Venezuela only one year after its birth. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Year(s) Discussed: 1824 and 1876 In the first of a special series of conversations about past US presidential elections, I am joined in this episode by Zachary DeBacco of Drinks with Great Minds in History to discuss the two "corrupt bargain" elections of 1824 and 1876. In addition to the ins and outs of these elections, we also compare and contrast the two in terms of why they were labeled corrupt, the implications of each election, and what lessons they hold. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Year(s) Discussed: 1813 Tensions had been building between the Native inhabitants and the incoming American settlers in the Gulf South, and the year 1813 saw open hostilities which resulted in a joint operation planned by the US federal government and state and territorial governments in the area. However, the generals assigned to military operations against the Mvskoke would find that that victory wasn't as easy of a prospect as they had anticipated. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tenure of Office: February 9, 1814 - October 5, 1814 The successor of Albert Gallatin as Secretary of the Treasury was always going to have big shoes to fill, but coming in while the nation was at war and with a nearly empty treasury, George Campbell of Tennessee had quite a challenge ahead of him from day one. Join me and my special guest, Kenny Ryan of [Abridged] Presidential Histories, as we explore Campbell's life and career and determine if he was able to turn things around in order to earn a seat at the table of the Cabinet All-Stars. Note: There is a brief mention of adult situations around the 1 hour 13 minute mark. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Year(s) Discussed: 1812-1815 Thanks to all of the listeners and social media followers who sent in their suggestions for a new name for the War of 1812! Listen to hear all of the suggestions and learn more about how we'll choose what should be the new name for this conflict that has been a major focus of the Madison presidency series. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Year(s) Discussed: 1850-1924 US presidential history is filled with notable friendships and partnerships, and arguably one of the most impactful was that between President Theodore Roosevelt and Senator Henry Cabot Lodge. In this episode, I am joined by Laurence Jurdem, author of The Rough Rider and the Professor: Theodore Roosevelt, Henry Cabot Lodge, and the Friendship that Changed American History, to discuss these two fascinating figures and their respective roles in shaping the United States in the late 19th and early 20th century. More information can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tenure of Office: March 4, 1797 - March 4, 1801 Though Thomas Jefferson's four years in the nation's second highest office doesn't always get as much attention as other points in his career, as my co-host Alex and I explored in this episode, the man from Monticello was doing more than twiddling his thumbs while presiding over the Senate. However, we'll have to see if his actions during this tenure earn him a place among the VP All-Stars. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Year(s) Discussed: 1933-1945 The presidency of Franklin D Roosevelt was faced with major challenges in terms of the Great Depression and World War II, and over the years, many decisions had to be made in order to navigate the political waters of the time with some involving questionable methods and solutions. In this episode, I am joined by David T Beito to discuss his research on FDR's tenure of office and how administration officials (including Roosevelt himself) and supporters at times during his presidency worked to the detriment of civil liberties in order to advance agendas. More information can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Year(s) Discussed: 1813 The 1812 ground campaign in the north may have been a bust, but with a new year and a new Secretary of War in place, surely the invasion of Canada would go better in 1813, right? Meanwhile, President Madison had to deal with trying to work with a contentious Congress as well as a bout of ill health that started to lead folks to pulling out the order of presidential succession, especially when Vice President Gerry took to his sickbed around the same time. On the seas, the USS Chesapeake faced off against a British ship in an encounter that inspired the unofficial Navy motto that is the title of this episode. Sources used for this episode can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tenure of Office: February 5, 1813 - September 27, 1814 When Armstrong assumed office in 1813, he found a War Department facing serious challenges. Would Madison's fifth choice for the post be the person who could turn the American war effort around? Join me and my special guests, Eric and Matt from the Ranking '76 Podcast, as we explore Armstrong's Cabinet tenure as well as his later life and determine whether the legacy that he left behind earns him a seat at the table of the Cabinet All-Stars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices