PragerU
Season 4
PragerU, short for Prager University, is an American non-profit organization founded by talk show host and writer Dennis Prager, and screenwriter and producer Allen Estrin.
Where to Watch Season 4
111 Episodes
- The Middle East ProblemE1
The Middle East ProblemThe Middle East conflict is framed as one of the most complex problems in the world. But, in reality, it's very simple. Israelis want to live in peace and are willing to accept a neighboring Palestinian state. And most Palestinians do not want Israel to exist. As Dennis Prager explains, this is really all you need to know. In 5 minutes, understand how Israel was founded, and how, since that auspicious day in 1948, its neighbors have tried to destroy it, again and again. - Hoover and the Great DepressionE2
Hoover and the Great DepressionA new history of the Great Depression is emerging. One that acknowledges the role that government played in causing and prolonging it, and the constructive role that free enterprise could have played, if it were given the chance. In this video, UCLA economist Lee Ohanian explains how Herbert Hoover, widely misunderstood as a champion of the free market, actually turned what should have just been a recession into a depression due to his mistrust of the market. - The Truth about the Vietnam WarE3
The Truth about the Vietnam War SHARE: Did the United States win or lose the Vietnam War? We are taught that it was a resounding loss for America, one that proves that intervening in the affairs of other nations is usually misguided. The truth is that our military won the war, but our politicians lost it. The Communists in North Vietnam actually signed a peace treaty, effectively surrendering. But the U.S. Congress didn't hold up its end of the bargain. In just five minutes, learn the truth about who really lost the Vietnam War. - Do You Pass the Israel TestE4
Do You Pass the Israel TestWould you believe us if we said that the best litmus test of any society's success is its attitude towards Israel? Well, it's true. As George Gilder explains, whether a society envies and resents Israel's success or celebrates and tries to replicate it is indicative of that society's progress. Countries that "pass" the "Israel Test" tend to rise. Those who don't tend to sink. So, does your society pass the "Israel Test"? In five minutes, find out. - Was it Wrong to Drop the Atom Bomb on JapanE5
Was it Wrong to Drop the Atom Bomb on JapanIn recent years, many academics and others have condemned President Truman's decision to use the atomic bomb on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki as unnecessary and immoral. Yet this interpretation relies on a poor understanding of history that both lacks perspective and ignores context. Dropping the bomb shortened the war and saved countless lives -- both American and Japanese. In five minutes, Professor of History at Notre Dame, Father Wilson Miscamble, explains. - How Dark Were the Dark AgesE6
How Dark Were the Dark AgesWere the Middle Ages, also known as the Dark Ages, characterized by oppression, ignorance, and backwardness in areas like human rights, science, health, and the arts? Or were they marked by progress and tolerance? Anthony Esolen, an English Literature professor at Providence College, explains. - Israel's Legal FoundingE7
Israel's Legal FoundingWhen the state of Israel was founded in 1948, it was done so with the approval of the United Nations. But today, Israel's enemies routinely challenge the legitimacy of its very existence. So, under international law, who's right? Israel? Or its enemies? - Is This the Most Important Date in U.S. HistoryE8
Is This the Most Important Date in U.S. HistoryWhat was perhaps the most determinative date in American history? July 4, 1776? Pearl Harbor? September 11? How about...July 28, 1588. Richard McMillan, Professor of History at Pierce College, explains why that seemingly random date is so important. - Why America Invaded IraqE9
Why America Invaded IraqWhy did America invade Iraq in 2003? Was it for oil? Or was it because Saddam Hussein was a mass-murdering dictator who harbored terrorists and threatened the region with Weapons of Mass Destruction? If it was the former, wouldn't it have been a lot easier to just buy Iraq's oil on the open market? And if it was the latter, why did Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden and John Kerry support President Bush? Noted British historian, Andrew Roberts, has the answers. - Coolidge- The Best President You Don't KnowE10
Coolidge- The Best President You Don't KnowAmericans today place enormous pressure on presidents to "do something"...anything, to get the economy going. There was one president, though, Calvin Coolidge, who did "nothing" -- other than shrink government. What happened? America's economy boomed. Is there a lesson to be learned? Award-winning author, historian, and biographer Amity Shlaes thinks so. - Was the Civil War About SlaveryE11
Was the Civil War About SlaveryWhat caused the Civil War? Did the North care about abolishing slavery? Did the South secede because of slavery? Or was it about something else entirely...perhaps states' rights? Colonel Ty Seidule, Professor of History at the United States Military Academy at West Point, settles the debate. - Rockefeller - The Richest American Who Ever LivedE12
Rockefeller - The Richest American Who Ever LivedWas America's first billionaire, John D. Rockefeller, a greedy robber baron, a generous philanthropist, or both? And did the oil tycoon exploit America's poor or give them access to much-needed energy? Historian and Hillsdale College professor Burt Folsom, author of "The Myth of the Robber Barons," reveals the truth about the Rockefeller empire. - Did Bush Lie About IraqE13
Did Bush Lie About IraqDid George W. Bush lie to America about Saddam Hussein having weapons of mass destruction? Judith Miller, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, covered the lead up to the Iraq War for The New York Times, and settles once and for all the big lie about the war in Iraq. - Why Did America Fight the Korean WarE14
Why Did America Fight the Korean WarWhat was the Korean War? And why was America involved in such a faraway conflict? Was the United States' sacrifice--35,000 killed, over 100,000 wounded--worth it? Historian Victor Davis Hanson, Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, shares the fascinating story of the transformative war that many have forgotten. - Were the Founders ReligiousE15
Were the Founders ReligiousWhat did the Founding Fathers believe about religion? Were they Christians, or just deists? Did they believe in secularism, or did they want Americans to be religious? Joshua Charles, New York Times bestselling author and researcher at the Museum of the Bible, explains. - The Inconvenient Truth About the Democratic PartyE18
The Inconvenient Truth About the Democratic PartyDid you know that the Democratic Party defended slavery, started the Civil War, founded the KKK, and fought against every major civil rights act in U.S. history? Watch as Carol Swain, professor of political science at Vanderbilt University, shares the inconvenient history of the Democratic Party. - How Iraq Was Won and LostE22
How Iraq Was Won and LostWhat if people have the war in Iraq backwards? What if George W. Bush and the U.S. military won it, and Barack Obama and the Democrats gave it away? Well, we don't have to wonder what if, because Pete Hegseth, who served in Iraq, explains what happened. - If You Live in Freedom, Thank the British EmpireE23
If You Live in Freedom, Thank the British EmpireWas the British Empire a good or bad thing for the world? To put it another way, is freedom a good or bad thing for the world? Historian and author H.W. Crocker III explains why we may want to rethink the British Empire's bad rap. - What's the Truth About the First ThanksgivingE25
What's the Truth About the First ThanksgivingShould Americans celebrate Thanksgiving as a day of gratitude? Or should they mourn it as a day of guilt? Michael Medved, author of The American Miracle, shares the fascinating story of the first Thanksgiving. - The Inconvenient Truth About the Republican PartyE26
The Inconvenient Truth About the Republican PartyWhen you think of the Republican Party, what comes to mind? If you’re like many Americans, you may associate the GOP with racism, sexism, and general inequality. It’s a commonly pushed narrative by left-leaning media and academia, but as former Vanderbilt Professor of Political Science Carol Swain explains, the Republican Party was actually responsible for nearly every advancement for minorities and women in U.S. history—and remains the champion of equality to this day. - Eye for an Eye: One of the Greatest Ideas in HistoryE29
Eye for an Eye: One of the Greatest Ideas in HistoryNowadays, many people, particularly those living in Western civilization, no longer regard their society as morally superior to any other. In this video, Dennis Prager lays out how this view does not spring from intellectual rigor, but from intellectual laziness. - America's 2nd War of IndependenceE31
America's 2nd War of IndependenceIn this video, author Brian Kilmeade sheds light on the largely and unfortunately overlooked War of 1812. Kilmeade explains how this war got started, the daunting odds against a nation in its infancy, and the unlikely hero who secured America’s young nation’s future by pulling off one of the greatest upsets in military history. - The Amazing Life of Ulysses S. GrantE32
The Amazing Life of Ulysses S. GrantNo American led a more eventful life than Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States and the Union Army's most celebrated general. Garry Adelman, director of history and education at the Civil War Trust, tells Grant’s amazing story in this inspiring video. - Why the 3/5ths Compromise Was Anti-SlaveryE33
Why the 3/5ths Compromise Was Anti-SlaveryIs racism enshrined in the United States Constitution? How could the same Founding Fathers who endorsed the idea that all men are created equal also endorse the idea that some men are not? The answer provided in this video by Carol Swain, professor emeritus of political science and law at Vanderbilt University, may surprise you. - What Was the Cold WarE34
What Was the Cold WarThe decades-long “Cold War” (1947-1989) between the United States and the Soviet Union was so named because the two global powers never came to direct blows. Yet, the war was not without its victims. In fact, millions of Cubans, Koreans and Vietnamese suffered under Communist tyranny. In this video, Renowned British historian Andrew Roberts explains why “The Cold War” could just as easily be called “The Third World War.” - Who Is Karl MarxE35
Who Is Karl MarxWhen writing The Communist Manifesto, Karl Marx thought he was providing a road to utopia, but everywhere his ideas were tried, they resulted in catastrophe and mass murder. In this video, Paul Kengor, Professor of Political Science at Grove City College, illuminates the life of the mild-mannered 19th Century German whose ideas led to the rise of some of the most brutal dictators in world history. - Goodbye, Columbus DayE36
Goodbye, Columbus DayEven though it remains a national holiday, many cities no longer celebrate Columbus Day. They celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day instead. What’s behind the switch? Contrary to what you might think, it’s not about paying homage to America’s original inhabitants. Steven Crowder, host of Louder with Crowder, explains. - Lincoln and Thanksgiving: The Origin of an American HolidayE38
Lincoln and Thanksgiving: The Origin of an American HolidayThe very first Thanksgiving happened almost 400 years ago—long before the nation was born. How did it evolve into America’s quintessential national holiday? Credit largely goes to two people—one, a name you know; the other, you’ve probably never heard—but should. Melanie Kirkpatrick, senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, gives us the run-down on how a harvest party between Pilgrims and Indians became our oldest national tradition. - How the Reformation Shaped Your WorldE39
How the Reformation Shaped Your WorldCan one man change the world? The life and work of Martin Luther prove the answer to that question is an unqualified, “yes.” Stephen Cornils of the Wartburg Theological Seminary details the rebellion that fractured a centuries-old religion and changed the course of history. - WWI - The War That Changed EverythingE40
WWI - The War That Changed EverythingThink of all the horrors of the 20th Century: The Holocaust. The Bolshevik Revolution. The Cold War. Were it not for the assassination of one Austro-Hungarian archduke in 1914, none of those events would have ever happened. Historian and author Andrew Roberts explains. - What Made George Washington Great?E41
What Made George Washington Great?There would have never been a United States of America without George Washington. John Rhodehamel, author of George Washington: The Wonder of the Age, details how Washington successfully guided the budding nation through war and nurtured her in peace. - The Chicago Fire: America at Its BestE42
The Chicago Fire: America at Its BestThe most famous fire in American history happened in Chicago on October 8, 1871. But it’s not the fire that was so remarkable; it’s what happened afterwards. Lee Habeeb, host of the nationally syndicated radio show “Our American Stories,” explains. - D-DayE43
D-DayOn June 6, 1944, Allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy in northern France. Their goal: to liberate Western Europe from Nazi tyranny. From a distance, it might seem that victory was pre-ordained, but no one felt that way at the time. British military historian Peter Caddick-Adams tells the incredible story of what happened on that monumental day. - Reconstruction: The Good, the Bad and the UglyE44
Reconstruction: The Good, the Bad and the UglyThe period immediately following the Civil War (1865 -1877) is known as Reconstruction. Its promising name belies what turned out to be the greatest missed opportunity in American history. Where did we go wrong? And who was responsible? Renowned American history professor Allen Guelzo has the surprising answers in this eye-opening video. This video was made in partnership with the American Battlefield Trust. - Goodbye, AmericaE45
Goodbye, AmericaHow is America to be defined? By its failures or its triumphs? Today, there seems to be an obsession with the former and a dismissal of the latter. Is this dark vision of the freest and most prosperous nation on earth an accurate narrative or a cynical distortion? James Robbins, columnist for USA Today and author of "Erasing America," considers that question in this video. How we view America's past will very much shape America's future. - Frederick Douglass: From Slave to StatesmanE46
Frederick Douglass: From Slave to StatesmanFrederick Douglass was born into slavery, but through his own heroic efforts became one of the most influential advocates for freedom in American history. His journey, a tale both agonizing and inspiring, should be known by everyone. Timothy Sandefur, author of "Frederick Douglass: Self-Made Man," guides us through Douglass’ amazing life. - The Amazing History of ChristmasE47
The Amazing History of ChristmasHow much do you know about Christmas—about its origins and its many beloved traditions? Do you know where the idea of stocking-stuffers comes from? Or how lights found their way onto the Christmas tree? Or why we all have the jolly, red-suited, white-haired image of Santa Claus in our heads? In this video, historian William Federer explores the holiday’s rich and unique history. - @realNapoleonBonaparteE48
@realNapoleonBonaparteHe was the most famous man of his time – so much so that his name still defines his age. Born on an obscure island into humble circumstances, he rose to conquer a continent. Yet most today know little of him beyond their impression from popular caricature. His improbable story and its far-reaching consequences – both positive and negative – are the subject of this video from renowned historian and Napoleon scholar Andrew Roberts. - What Was the Enlightenment?E49
What Was the Enlightenment?The European Enlightenment of the 18th century introduced the world to modern science, economics, medicine, and political freedom – or so we’re told. But is what we’re told accurate? Political philosopher Yoram Hazony explores this question and offers some surprising answers in this truly enlightening video. - Margaret Thatcher: The Woman Who Saved Great BritainE50
Margaret Thatcher: The Woman Who Saved Great BritainYou’ve heard her name. You might even have seen a film about her. But do you know the whole story of Margaret Thatcher – where she came from, what she stood for, and the impact she had on Great Britain and the world? Renowned historian Niall Ferguson explains how the Iron Lady earned her status as one of the most important and influential women of the 20th century. - Why the West WonE51
Why the West WonFor the past few centuries, Western Civilization has dominated the world both culturally and economically. Why? Some point to imperialism, slavery, and colonial wars. But those sins are common to all empires throughout history. What separates the West from the rest? Stanford historian Niall Ferguson has the answer in this highly informative video. - What Was Revolutionary About the American Revolution?E52
What Was Revolutionary About the American Revolution?Everyone knows the basics of the American Revolution: thirteen North American colonies revolted against British rule and won their independence. But there’s much more to the story: the American Revolution, of all revolutions, was a game-changer for the entire world. How so? And most importantly, why? Renowned historian Allen Guelzo explains. - What Does Separation of Church and State Mean?E54
What Does Separation of Church and State Mean?Nearly every American knows the phrase “separation of church and state.” Do you know where it's from? Here’s a hint: it’s not in the Constitution. John Eastman, professor of law at Chapman University, explains how and why this famous phrase has played such an outsized role in American life and law. - Who Is Booker T. Washington?E55
Who Is Booker T. Washington?In the years following the Civil War, Booker T. Washington devoted his life to helping blacks transition out of slavery and into freedom. While his ideas were never fully embraced in his time, today, more than a century later, they remain strikingly relevant. Derryck Green from Project 21 explains. - If We Lose John Locke, We Lose AmericaE56
If We Lose John Locke, We Lose AmericaMost of us learned the key ideas of the Declaration of Independence in school: that "all men are created equal," "endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights," that government's job is "to secure these rights." This was a radical departure from the way things had always been. Where did these revolutionary ideas come from? Ben Shapiro explains in this illuminating video. - Celebrating ColumbusE58
Celebrating ColumbusChristopher Columbus, the most famous explorer in history, was once a celebrated hero. Now, many consider him a villain, a despoiler of paradise. So which version of Columbus is true? Michael Knowles answers this question and offers some much-needed historical perspective. - What's Wrong With The 1619 Project?E59
What's Wrong With The 1619 Project?In August of 2019, the New York Times published The 1619 Project. Its goal is to redefine the American experiment as rooted not in liberty but in slavery. In this video, Wilfred Reilly, Associate Professor of Political Science at Kentucky State University, responds to The 1619 Project’s major claims. - WatergateE62
WatergateIf you ask most people to explain what Watergate was all about, they might say that it was about a bungled break-in that brought down a president. That’s true, but the break-in is the least significant part of the scandal. What else should you know? Radio host and columnist Hugh Hewitt has the real story. - John Adams: American Founder and Second PresidentE63
John Adams: American Founder and Second President“The man to whom the country is most indebted for the great measure of independence is Mr. John Adams.” That was from a delegate to the Continental Congress. But how much do you know about this influential thinker and second president of the United States? Brad Thompson, Professor of Political Science at Clemson University, tells Adams’ remarkable story. - The Great Thomas SowellE64
The Great Thomas SowellHe’s an economist, a historian, a philosopher, and one of the greatest social theorists America has ever produced. His name is Thomas Sowell, and he might be the most important scholar you’ve never heard of. Jason Riley, Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute, tells his inspiring story. - Who Celebrates Che Guevara?E65
Who Celebrates Che Guevara?Che Guevara is the face that launched a billion T-shirts. Even now, more than fifty years after his death, he inspires would-be revolutionaries and social justice warriors. Why is his appeal so enduring? Guatemalan radio and TV host Gloria Alvarez explains. - Alexander Hamilton and Capitalism: Making AmericaE68
Alexander Hamilton and Capitalism: Making AmericaAlexander Hamilton, the first treasurer of the United States, knew there was a better way for countries to become prosperous than by conquering others. What was his plan, and did it work? Dinesh D’Souza offers an assessment. - Thomas Jefferson and Equality: Making AmericaE70
Thomas Jefferson and Equality: Making America“All men are created equal…” So says the Declaration of Independence, eloquently penned by Thomas Jefferson. But how do we reconcile the obvious contradiction between Jefferson's words about freedom and his actions as a slave owner? Dinesh D’Souza answers this question. - John Adams and Virtue: Making AmericaE71
John Adams and Virtue: Making AmericaLife, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness is the shared goal of every American. We all have a pretty good idea about what life and liberty mean, but what about pursuit of happiness? John Adams, our second president, understood how crucial this concept was to the American idea. Dinesh D’Souza explains. - Benjamin Franklin and the Self-Made Man: Making AmericaE72
Benjamin Franklin and the Self-Made Man: Making AmericaBenjamin Franklin was a scientist, inventor, diplomat, writer, and publisher. But he is best remembered for being the guiding spirit behind the founding of the United States. Dinesh D’Souza describes the key role Franklin played in America’s beginning. - Pearl Harbor: A Day That Lives in InfamyE73
Pearl Harbor: A Day That Lives in InfamyOn December 7, 1941, the Japanese Imperial Navy bombed the US Naval base at Pearl Harbor. The surprise attack shocked the nation and brought it into a world war. To this day, it remains seared in America’s historical memory. Renowned historian Victor Davis Hanson explains why. - Ronald Reagan: The Great CommunicatorE75
Ronald Reagan: The Great CommunicatorFew presidents have connected with the American people like Ronald Reagan did. Through a combination of persuasion and policy, our 40th president turned a depressed nation into a confident one. Scott Walker, former governor of Wisconsin and president of Young America's Foundation, explains how he did it. - The Constitution: Why a Republic?E76
The Constitution: Why a Republic?Winning the War of Independence brought a new challenge to the American people: what sort of government should they choose for their new nation? Robert George, Professor of Jurisprudence at Princeton University, explores the problems the founders faced at this pivotal moment in history. - Warren Harding: The Least Appreciated PresidentE77
Warren Harding: The Least Appreciated PresidentWarren Harding is not regarded as one of our most successful presidents. He’s more likely to be remembered for his scandals than his accomplishments. But given the problems he had to confront — massive war debt, high unemployment, and skyrocketing inflation — is this harsh appraisal fair? Renowned historian Amity Shlaes takes a fresh look at our 29th president. - Herbert Hoover: Success or Failure?E78
Herbert Hoover: Success or Failure?Herbert Hoover, the 31st President of the United States, succeeded at almost everything he did. Yet he is best remembered for one failure: the Great Depression. Is that legacy justified? Historian Kenneth Whyte examines the evidence. - Calvin Coolidge: The Best President You Don't KnowE79
Calvin Coolidge: The Best President You Don't KnowAmericans today place enormous pressure on presidents to do “something" when there is a national crisis. But our 30th president Calvin Coolidge did “nothing” ...other than shrink the government. The result? America's economy boomed. Is there a lesson to be learned? Renowned historian Amity Shlaes thinks there is. - Writing the Constitution: Miracle in PhiladelphiaE80
Writing the Constitution: Miracle in PhiladelphiaSpring 1787. The American Revolution had been won, but no one seemed to know how to govern the new nation. There was no chief executive, no agreement on taxes, or even how they should be collected. The country was teetering on the edge of anarchy. Something clearly had to be done, and quickly. What happened next is nothing short of a miracle. Historian Jay Cost tells the incredible story. - The Genius of Thomas JeffersonE81
The Genius of Thomas JeffersonAbraham Lincoln admired him. So did Franklin Roosevelt. So did John F. Kennedy. Dozens of other presidents expressed similar sentiments. They were talking about Thomas Jefferson, America’s third president. Carol Swain explores why their praise was so well deserved. - James Madison: The Great PragmatistE83
James Madison: The Great PragmatistFrom the day he joined the Continental Congress in 1780 through his second term as the fourth President of the United States, James Madison was in the middle of everything. Many patriots contributed to the country’s success, but few, if any, did as much as James Madison. Historian Jay Cost explains. - George Washington: A General without an ArmyE84
George Washington: A General without an ArmyIf George Washington helped to shape America, what shaped George Washington? Historian Edward Lengel explores Washington’s early history: the events that defined him and ultimately made him America’s “indispensable man.” - The Constitution: The Limited Powers of CongressE85
The Constitution: The Limited Powers of CongressThe Framers of the United States Constitution wanted to give more power to the people and less power to the government. This was a radical new idea, and it started with the Legislative Branch: the House of Representatives and the Senate. John Yoo, Professor of Law at the University of California, Berkeley, explains. - The Constitution: Presidential PowersE86
The Constitution: Presidential PowersAmericans fought a long and bloody war to get rid of one tyrant, the English King, George III. They didn’t want to install a new one of their own making. So how did the Framers ensure that the President would have enough power to be an effective chief executive, without making him a dictator? John Yoo, Professor of Law at the University of California, Berkeley, has the answer. - The Constitution: The Supreme CourtE87
The Constitution: The Supreme CourtThe Supreme Court seems to have the final say over every controversial issue from abortion to gun control to same-sex marriage. But is that what the Framers of the Constitution intended? Sherif Girgis, Associate Professor of Law at the University of Notre Dame, has the answer. - Franklin Roosevelt: The Great DepressionE88
Franklin Roosevelt: The Great DepressionTo rescue America from the Great Depression, President Franklin Roosevelt attempted to steer the country on a new economic course. He called his plan the New Deal. Did it succeed, or did it make matters worse? Amity Shlaes, author of The Forgotten Man, explores this critical question. - Franklin Roosevelt: Preparing for WarE89
Franklin Roosevelt: Preparing for WarIn 1940, Nazi Germany overran France. Britain looked to be the next target. President Franklin Roosevelt knew he had to prepare America for war. But how? Arthur Herman, senior fellow at the Hudson Institute and author of Freedom's Forge, tells the amazing story. - The Constitution: Our Bill of RightsE90
The Constitution: Our Bill of RightsDid you know that freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the right to bear arms were not in the original Constitution, drafted in Philadelphia in the summer of 1787? So where did they come from? Sherif Girgis, associate professor of law at the University of Notre Dame, has the answer. - The Constitution: A Nation of StatesE91
The Constitution: A Nation of StatesHow did thirteen separate colonies become the United States of America? The answer is found in the second half of the American Constitution—Articles IV through VII. Kurt Lash, Professor of Law at the University of Richmond, explains. - The Constitution: The Civil Rights AmendmentsE92
The Constitution: The Civil Rights AmendmentsAfter the Civil War ended in 1865, Americans began the business of reconstructing their country, and along with it, their Constitution. Kurt Lash, Professor of Law at the University of Richmond, analyzes the three amendments that ushered in a new era of freedom for all. - John Quincy Adams: Dedicated to AmericaE93
John Quincy Adams: Dedicated to AmericaJohn Quincy Adams, the son of the second President of the United States, became the sixth President of the United States. But the road to that prize was anything but smooth. Jane Hampton Cook, author of American Phoenix, tells how this formidable and intimidating man overcame every obstacle in his path. - Andrew Jackson: The People’s PresidentE94
Andrew Jackson: The People’s PresidentBoth revered and reviled in his own time, the seventh President of the United States Andrew Jackson never backed down from a fight. His “my way or the highway” approach made “Old Hickory” as ruthless with his veto pen as with his dueling pistol. Allen Guelzo, Distinguished Research Scholar in the James Madison Program at Princeton University, tells Jackson’s story. - Martin Van Buren: Political MagicianE95
Martin Van Buren: Political MagicianThe first person to fully realize the value of organizing around a political party was the eighth President of the United States, Martin Van Buren. The party he helped to create is still thriving today. Wilfred McClay, professor of history at Hillsdale College and author of Land of Hope, explains how Van Buren shaped America’s political destiny. - William Henry Harrison: President for 31 DaysE96
William Henry Harrison: President for 31 DaysWilliam Henry Harrison, the first Whig president, died shortly after taking office. Though he didn’t live long enough to enact his ambitious agenda, it would be a serious mistake to underestimate his contribution to the American story. Richard Lim, host of the This American President podcast, explains why Harrison matters. - John Tyler: President without a PartyE97
John Tyler: President without a PartyThe year was 1841. No president had ever before died in office. And then one did. Who would take over as chief executive? The Constitution was surprisingly vague on this question—until Vice President John Tyler took a firm stance. His actions changed the direction of American history. Jared Cohen, author of Accidental Presidents: Eight Men Who Changed America, tells Tyler’s little-known story. - The Constitution: Taxes, Voting Rights, and ProhibitionE98
The Constitution: Taxes, Voting Rights, and ProhibitionThe Constitution has been amended 27 times. The most famous amendments are the first ten: the Bill of Rights. But what do you know about the others? John Yoo, Professor of Law at the University of California, Berkeley, breaks them down. - James K. Polk: Manifest DestinyE99
James K. Polk: Manifest DestinyJames K. Polk believed that America was destined to expand west. Did this make him an imperialist or an agent for freedom and opportunity? Wilfred McClay, professor of history at Hillsdale College, sets the record straight about the 11th President of the United States. - Zachary Taylor: The Man Who Might Have Prevented the Civil WarE100
Zachary Taylor: The Man Who Might Have Prevented the Civil WarHe was a slave owner who opposed the expansion of slavery; a president who despised politics and politicians. That was Zachary Taylor—“Old Rough and Ready.” Joseph Fornieri, Professor of Political Science at the Rochester Institute of Technology, tells the story of this walking contradiction. - The Constitution: A Moral ChallengeE101
The Constitution: A Moral ChallengeUnlike any governing document in history, the U.S. Constitution inscribed liberty and individual rights into law. But how could America espouse freedom at its founding and also permit slavery? Robert George, Professor of Jurisprudence at Princeton University, examines this moral conundrum. - Millard Fillmore: The Last Whig PresidentE102
Millard Fillmore: The Last Whig PresidentIs Millard Fillmore, the 13th President of the United States, the least significant of all the commanders in chief? Or the most underestimated? Jared Cohen, author of Accidental Presidents: Eight Men Who Changed America, has the answer. - Franklin Pierce: A Torn President in a Torn CountryE103
Franklin Pierce: A Torn President in a Torn CountryFranklin Pierce, America’s 14th President, had two simple goals: keep his party together and keep his country calm through the storm of the slavery debate. Simple, but not easy. Joseph Fornieri, Professor of Political Science at the Rochester Institute of Technology, explains how Pierce’s leadership (or lack thereof) pushed America toward civil war. - Are We Living on Stolen Land?E104
Are We Living on Stolen Land?Are Americans living on stolen land acquired by nefarious means? Jeff Fynn-Paul, professor of economic and social history at Leiden University and author of Not Stolen: The Truth About European Colonialism in the New World, dispels this misleading and destructive myth. - Young Abe: From Log Cabin to White HouseE106
Young Abe: From Log Cabin to White HouseAbraham Lincoln was born in a log cabin in the middle of nowhere. He had almost no formal schooling but rose to become the 16th President of the United States. Allen Guelzo, author of Abraham Lincoln: Redeemer President, shares the remarkable journey of this remarkable man. - Abraham Lincoln: The President We NeededE107
Abraham Lincoln: The President We NeededWhen Abraham Lincoln became the 16th President of the United States, he did not believe the country would soon be embroiled in a costly and bloody civil war. Allen Guelzo, author of Abraham Lincoln: Redeemer President, explains why Lincoln’s steely resolve and moral leadership were exactly what the country needed during its darkest days. - Andrew Johnson: The President Who Wasn’t LincolnE108
Andrew Johnson: The President Who Wasn’t LincolnAbraham Lincoln had been assassinated. To take the reins of power at this tumultuous moment required a man of compassion, discernment, and discipline. Was Lincoln’s vice president, Andrew Johnson, that man? Allen Guelzo of Princeton University has the answer. - Ulysses S. Grant: The General Who Saved the UnionE109
Ulysses S. Grant: The General Who Saved the UnionNo American led a more eventful life than Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States and the Union Army's most celebrated general. Civil War historian Garry Adelman tells Grant’s amazing story. - Did Europe Destroy Native American Culture?E110
Did Europe Destroy Native American Culture?It is undeniable that Native Americans suffered terribly after the arrival of European settlers, but was this the result of malice or tragic inevitability? Jeff Fynn-Paul, professor of economic and social history at Leiden University and author of Not Stolen: The Truth About European Colonialism in the New World, explores what happened when the Old World met the New. - Rutherford B. Hayes: The Most Disputed PresidentE111
Rutherford B. Hayes: The Most Disputed PresidentThe election of Rutherford B. Hayes remains the single most disputed presidential outcome in American history—even more than the elections of the 21st century. What happened, and what were the consequences?