The Whiskey Rebellion

With record setting high temperatures in the United States (and elsewhere), Frank and David discuss how Americans have coped with the summer heat.

Last Drops

Frank: Ken Burns on Ernest Hemingway

David: The Imagineering Story on Disney+

The United States military recently and unceremoniously withdrew from Bagram Air Base last week, signally the beginning of the end of the nearly 20 year war in Afghanistan. Frank and David discuss how this compares to the ends of other wars in American history.

Last Drops

Frank: copy of the Declaration of Independence found in Scotland, auctioned 

David: slavery documents found in Maryland attic, auctioned 

Yesterday C-SPAN released its latest rankings of US Presidents. Frank and David look at the history of presidential rankings, critique C-SPAN's list, and examine Trump's place near the bottom.

Last Drops

Frank: biannual rant on the Declaration of Independence and Declaration of Arbroath.

David: Bobby Bonilla Day 

The US Conference of Catholic Bishops has taken preliminary steps to prohibit Catholic politicians who support abortion rights (including President Biden) from receiving communion. Frank and David discuss how this controversy fits into the history of church and state relationship.

Last Drops

Frank: Texas elementary school to be named after Annette Gordon-Reed

David: article on Rosenberg sons and Radiolab's Vanishing of Harry Pace miniseries

With the imminent release of a government report on UFOs, Frank and David discuss the history of UFOs, including the Kentucky Meat Shower. 

Last Drops

Frank: Paul Finkelman on John Marshall and Slavery

David: why there are two National Donut Days

Frank and David discuss the history of the filibuster, including why you should never drink eggnog in June. 

Last Drops

Frank: David Blight, Fog of History War's

David: Newbie, the History Bird

(Apologies for the construction noise in the background during the second half of the episode.)

Now that a majority of Americans have been vaccinated, things in much of the United States have begun to return to "normal." Frank and David discuss what returning to normal means and if "normalcy" is actually a word.

Last Drops

Frank: latest season of Slow Burn on the Iraq War

David: Now & Then podcast 

In more than 20 states, Republican AGs and legislators have taken steps to prohibit "Critical Race Theory". Frank and David discuss what CRT actually is, what some conservative pundits claim it is, and what this moment says about the state of American politics and education.

Last Drops

Frank: Revolution 250 podcast

David: Alamo relics and Flamin' Hot Cheetos 

As Americans increasingly embrace vegan/vegetarian diets, meat has become the next frontier in the ongoing culture war. Frank and David discuss meat in American history. 

Last Drops

Frank: Annette Gordon-Reed On Juneteenth Fennell Lecture

David: NYPL Menu project

President Biden has announced that the US will be removing its remaining combat troops from Afghanistan by September 11, 2021. Frank and David look back on nearly 20 years of war.

Last Drops

Frank: Fennell Lecture with Annette Gordon-Reed

David: New England towns debate Hannah Duston statues