The Whiskey Rebellion

The United States (along with many other nations) has imposed severe economic sanctions on Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine. Frank and David discuss the use of sanctions in American history.

Last Drops

Frank: Getting Word Project at Monticello

David: SASA this Saturday

Frank and David discuss the history of open letters, including those from Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, and Bill Gates.

Last Drops

Frank: Rutherford Falls

David: Heather Cox Richardson's Letter from an American, Nat Geo on underwater archaeology of the Atlantic slave trade. 

Frank and David discuss fads in American history, including bloomers, dance marathons, and streaking.

Last Drops

Frank: Rory Stewart article in Foreign Affairs

David: New Yorker article on Margaret Wise Brown

With the looming crisis in Ukraine, Frank and David revisit the topic of US-Russian relations, focusing on the period before the Cold War.

Last Drops

Frank: RIP Richard Dunn

David: Burns Cottage in Atlanta

Frank and David discuss forgeries in American history.

Ben Park on Mark Hofmann

Last Drops

Frank: RIP Dr. Jennifer Steenshorn

David: WaPost project on slaveholders in Congress 

 

Recent polls by NPR, ABC, and others suggest that many Americans think that democracy in the United States is in danger. Frank and David discuss.

Last Drops

Frank: Congratulates Fabian Hilfrich, Di Paton, and Jason Herbert

David: Drafting the Past podcast

On New Year's Day, Frank and David look back at 2021, assessing its historical significance. (Episode inspired in part by this Politico article). 

Last Drops

Frank: Lost Hills podcast (2nd series)

David: Lee statue time capsules

 

For the first time in four decades, inflation is in the headlines. Frank and David discuss the history of inflation in the United States and whether it's something to worry about. 

Last Drops

Frank: PosCast on Buck O'Neil and Jimmy Carter at Chalk River

David: Rebecca Brenner Graham's Hustling to Get By

Thanks to listener Ian for suggesting this topic!

With recent debates over masking and the 1619 Project have shown, America's schools are at the heart of the national culture war. Frank and David discuss the history of schools in the United States and how they have intersected with religion, race, and class. 

Last Drops

Frank: Brendan McConville, The Brethren

David: UCU and Columbia strikes, Starbucks unionization 

Frank and David discuss recent court cases that raise questions about self-defense, vigilante justice, and taking the law into your own hands.

Last Drops

Frank:  Martha Jones on Abigail in Paris

David: Thanksgiving in Liberia