Would you throw yourself over Niagara Falls in a barrel? Well, this week, we’re talking about the man who, allegedly, did just that. His performances have become the stuff of legend, including the one he did on this very day in 1907, escaping from chains underwater in San Francisco. So I want to know more about the life, career, and legacy of one of the greatest showmen in American history, as I ask… who is Harry Houdini?

...

Special guest for this episode:

• John Cox, a lifelong Houdini fan and founder of Wild About Harry, who has written extensively about him, and is currently working on a definitive chronology of Houdini's life and career.

...

Highlights from this episode:

• Harry Houdini, born as Eric Weiss, transformed his life from modest beginnings in Hungary to becoming one of America's most legendary entertainers.
• His innovative approach to escapology combined athleticism with theatricality, creating a unique style that captivated audiences everywhere.
• Houdini's understanding of media and publicity was exceptional, making him a master of self-promotion and audience engagement.
• The relationship with his wife, Bess, played a significant role in his life and career, providing him with both personal and professional support throughout their time together.
• Despite his fame, Houdini struggled with the loss of his mother, which deeply affected his motivations and sense of purpose in life.
• Houdini's legacy endures today, as his name has become synonymous with magic and impossible feats, reflecting his lasting impact on performance art.

...

Additional Resources:

WILD ABOUT HARRY

Escaping Obscurity - The Travel Diary of Harry Houdini, 1897-1899 by John Cox

Houdini!!!: The Career of Ehrich Weiss by Ken Silverman

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Makes Country Music so American?

Are the Oscars Still Relevant?

Why Does Everyone Love Disney?

Could Friends BE Any Bigger?

How Accurate is Forrest Gump?

...

SUPPORT THE SHOW

Individual Supporters: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/support

University Partners: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/partnerships

Brand Sponsors: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Are you a University or college? Become an academic partner and your name will appear right here.

This bonus episode delves deeper into the intriguing subject of Emperor Norton, a figure who declared himself the Emperor of the United States, and the cultural implications of such a declaration.

We touch on the unique nature of America’s relationship with monarchy and whether such a concept could ever take root in the country, and discuss how Emperor Norton's self-appointment was not one of narcissism but rather a call for unity and order during a time of tumult.

We reflect on Norton’s legacy and his genuine desire to serve the public, which resonates through stories of his life and the impact he had on those around him.

...

Special guest for this episode:

• John Lumea, the founder of The Emperor Norton Trust, who describes himself as a ‘champion of beautiful losers’. He studied philosophy and religion at St. Andrews in Scotland, and now resides in Boston. Today he is a writer and activist and his work has been covered in major publications including the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and the LA Times

...

Highlights from this episode:

• This bonus episode deepens the discussion on Emperor Norton, a unique figure in American history.
• Emperor Norton declared himself ruler to address perceived chaos, not to establish a monarchy.
• The public's affection for Emperor Norton is evident, as thousands attended his funeral in 1880.
• We explored the notion of leadership and authority in the context of American democracy.
• Emperor Norton aimed to unite people and bring order during turbulent times in the nation.
• Despite his self-declaration, Emperor Norton was not a typical monarch, but rather a visionary for change.

...

Additional Resources:

The Emperor Norton Trust | Research, Education, Advocacy

Emperor Norton: San Francisco's Beloved Eccentric Ruler of the Gold Rush Era - Sick History

Who is Joshua Norton, a South African immigrant who once declared himself emperor of the United States? - The Economic Times

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Makes Country Music so American?

Are the Oscars Still Relevant?

Why Does Everyone Love Disney?

Could Friends BE Any Bigger?

How Accurate is Forrest Gump?

...

SUPPORT THE SHOW

Individual Supporters: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/support

University Partners: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/partnerships

Brand Sponsors: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Are you a University or college? Become an academic partner and your name will appear right here.

On this day in 1848, the New York Herald published an article that would change America forever.

They reported on a man named James Marshall who, while building a saw mill in California, just outside what we now know as Sacramento, found gold flakes in the river. What followed was a stampede of opportunistic Americans moving west to chase their American dreams, in what became the largest gold rush in the country’s history.

This week, I want to know why it was so significant, and how it changed the United States, as I ask… what was the California gold rush?

...

Special guest for this episode:

• Stephen Tuffnell, a historian of the global and imperial history of the 19th century United States from the University of Oxford, whose research interests include American emigration and the history of commodities such as gold and ice. He’s also the co-editor of A Global History of Gold Rushes.

...

Highlights from this episode:

• The California Gold Rush of 1848 marked a pivotal moment that transformed American society and economy significantly.
• James Marshall's discovery of gold initiated a massive migration and an unprecedented pursuit of wealth across the country.
• The rush not only shaped California's demographics but also had profound implications for indigenous populations and their displacement.
• Media played a crucial role in stimulating the gold rush, creating a frenzy that spurred thousands to seek fortune in California.

...

Additional Resources:

A Global History of Gold Rushes (Volume 25) by Benjamin Mountford and Stephen Tuffnell

https://dayhist.com/events/california-gold-rush-1848

https://www.mininghalloffame.org/hall-of-fame/james-wilson-marshall

https://americanhistory.si.edu/explore/stories/striking-it-rich-american-gold-rushes-early-19th-century

An American Genocide: The United States and the California Indian Catastrophe, 1846-1873 by Benjamin Madley

Calisphere: The deeper you look, the more you discover.

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

When Did the 50 States Become the 50 States

Is America an Empire?

...

SUPPORT THE SHOW

Individual Supporters: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/support

University Partners:...