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.

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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.

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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

...

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...

SUPPORT THE SHOW

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

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

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Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

...

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

...

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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:...

In this bonus episode, UCL's Professor Iwan Morgan, author of Nixon, discusses why the President refused to destroy the Oval Office tapes - the most incriminating piece of evidence that ultimately led to his resignation from the White House.

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Special guest for this episode:

• Iwan Morgan, an emeritus professor of US Studies at University College London, and an expert on the US Presidency. His most recent books are Reagan: American Icon and FDR: Transforming the Presidency and Renewing America

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Highlights from this episode:

• Nixon's downfall was significantly influenced by his desire to maintain a favorable legacy, which ironically led to his undoing.
• The investigation into Watergate involved many key figures beyond Woodward and Bernstein, including the FBI and Congress.
• Nixon's reluctance to destroy the incriminating tapes stemmed from his aspirations for greatness and historical legacy.
• The role of the FBI in uncovering the Watergate scandal was crucial, as they were pivotal in tracing the hush money involved.
• Deep Throat's identity remained a secret for over thirty years, revealing the complexities of the investigation into Watergate.
• Ultimately, Nixon's actions during the Watergate scandal overshadowed his significant achievements in foreign policy and environmental protection.

...

Additional Resources:

Nixon (Reputations Series) by Iwan Morgan

President Nixon and Watergate - Political change 1960-2000 - Eduqas - GCSE History Revision - Eduqas - BBC Bitesize

John Dean's Watergate Testimony 50 Years Later | Teaching American History

Burdick v. United States | 236 U.S. 79 (1915) | Justia U.S. Supreme Court Cente

...

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

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

Is the President Above the Law?

How Are Presidents Elected?

What is the US Constitution?

...

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 1869, self-proclaimed Emperor Norton of the USA issued an order, abolishing the Democratic and Republican parties.

Confused? I’m not surprised. So this week we’re going to unpack one of the more bizarre and lesser talked about individuals in America, and why he still, to this day, has left an indelible mark on the country’s history, as I ask… who was the Emperor of the United States?

...

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:

• Emperor Norton, originally Joshua Abraham Norton, declared himself Emperor of the United States in 1859, a title that was never officially recognized.
• His early life in South Africa and migration to the U.S. remain largely a mystery, with few records detailing his journey and experiences.
• Norton’s financial decline began after a series of poor business decisions in the commodities market, leading to his eventual bankruptcy.
• Despite his eccentric self-declaration, Norton became a beloved figure in San Francisco, advocating for social justice and civil rights in a progressive manner.
• The Emperor Norton Trust aims to preserve and promote the legacy of Norton, highlighting his contributions to American history and culture.
• Records indicate that Norton's proclamations often addressed social issues of the time, showcasing him as a surprisingly progressive figure for his era.

...

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.

In this bonus episode, linguistics professor Valerie Fridland discusses her favourite American accents, invents a new slang word, and chats with Liam about some of the everyday differences between American and English.

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Special guest for this episode:

• Valerie Fridland, a Professor of Linguistics at the University of Nevada, Reno. She is an expert on the relationship between language and society, and is co-author of the book Sociophonetics. Her latest book, Like, Literally, Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English is available to buy now.

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Highlights from this episode:

• The perception of accents in America often reflects cultural stereotypes that can be misleading.
• Southern accents evoke a sense of warmth and home for many, despite negative stereotypes associated with them.
• Linguists focus on the descriptive nature of language rather than enforcing strict grammar rules, emphasizing authenticity in speech.
• The organic evolution of slang often reflects the emotional experiences of younger generations and their unique social contexts.
• Accents are often judged based on social class and education, leading to a complex relationship between language and identity.
• Expressions like 'mumforia' highlight the evolving nature of language, as new terms emerge to describe contemporary experiences.

...

Additional Resources:

Like, Literally, Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English by Valerie Fridland

Sociophonetics (Key Topics in Sociolinguistics) by Tyler Kendall, co-authored by Valerie Fridland

Why We Talk Funny by Valerie Fridland

ValerieFridland.com

Language in the Wild | Psychology Today

...

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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.

The short answer is no (sorry MAGA), at least not without a change to the constitution. So in this episode of America: A History in the Making, I explore the main constitutional barriers to a Trump third term, and why changing this would be almost impossible in just three years.

Let us know in the comments what you think:

Do you want Trump to run again in 2028?

Should he be allowed?

Who do you think the Republican nominee contenders are?

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Highlights from this episode:

• In this episode, we delve into the implications of Donald Trump's potential third presidential run in 2028 and the constitutional barriers that exist.
• We clarify that the 22nd Amendment restricts any individual from being elected for more than two terms as president, creating significant legal challenges.
• Our discussion includes Trump's recent comments suggesting JD Vance as a likely Republican nominee, highlighting the shifting dynamics within the MAGA movement.
• We explore the argument that Trump could run for vice president, but we detail why this is constitutionally problematic and unlikely to succeed.
• The episode emphasizes that there is no legal route for Trump to regain the presidency, addressing concerns among both supporters and critics alike.
• We conclude that unless significant legal changes occur, Donald Trump will not be president after 2028, which is a critical point for understanding future elections.

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Additional Resources:

12th Amendment - Election of President and Vice President | Constitution Center

Can Donald Trump run for a third term? Constitution sets two-term limit despite 'Trump 2028' merch

Trump touches on the 22nd Amendment and that is bad news for US history

...

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

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

Is the President Above the Law?

How Are Presidents Elected?

What is the US Constitution?

...

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 week marks the 51st anniversary of a truly unique event in American history. The one and only time a President left the White House by choice. Not due to death or the 22nd amendment, but resignation. Never before and not yet since has any other President done this, so this week, I want to know… why did Richard Nixon resign?

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Special guest for this episode:

• Iwan Morgan, an emeritus professor of US Studies at University College London, and an expert on the US Presidency. His most recent books are Reagan: American Icon and FDR: Transforming the Presidency and Renewing America

...

Highlights from this episode:

• This episode commemorates the 50th anniversary of Richard Nixon's resignation, marking a unique moment in U.S. presidential history.
• Nixon's resignation was not due to death or a constitutional amendment, but rather a voluntary choice amid the Watergate scandal.
• The discussion highlights Nixon's insecurities and the political context that ultimately led to his decision to resign from office.
• The establishment of CREEP, Nixon's re-election committee, played a significant role in the events that led to the Watergate break-in and subsequent cover-up.
• The Watergate scandal revealed a pattern of cover-ups and dishonesty at the highest level of government, leading to a loss of public trust in presidential integrity.
• Nixon's resignation set a precedent in American politics, shaping future expectations of presidential accountability and the ethical standards expected from elected officials.

...

Additional Resources:

Nixon (Reputations Series) by Iwan Morgan

President Nixon and Watergate - Political change 1960-2000 - Eduqas - GCSE History Revision - Eduqas - BBC Bitesize

John Dean's Watergate Testimony 50 Years Later | Teaching American History

Burdick v. United States | 236 U.S. 79 (1915) | Justia U.S. Supreme Court Cente

...

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

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

Is the President Above the Law?

How Are Presidents Elected?

What is the US Constitution?

...

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

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