The Whiskey Rebellion

Whiskey Rebellion 129: A Crisis in Federalism

The Covid-19 crisis has revealed profound tensions between the federal and state governments over who has authority to direct the response to the crisis and set the timetable for reopening the country. Frank and David talk about how federalism has shaped American history and how similar fights have played out in the past.

Last Drops

Frank: Serena Zabin's new book, The Boston Massacre: A Family History

David: Caleb McDaniel winning Pulitzer for Sweet Taste of Liberty and OxEARS 

 

Whiskey Rebellion 128: The Unemployment Line

With more than 30 million Americans filing for unemployment over the past 6 weeks, the United States faces unemployment levels not seen since the Great Depression. Frank and David talk about the history of unemployment in the US, seeing what (if any) lessons can be learned.

Last Drops

Frank: Virtual tours and talks from Doug Bradburn at Mount Vernon

David: Ask Historians on Reddit

 

Whiskey Rebellion 127: Kingdom of Nauvoo (w/ Ben Park!)

This week, Frank and David are joined by Ben Park, author of the recently published Kingdom of Nauvoo. They talk about Mormon history, writing for different audiences, and the upcoming History Summit.

Whiskey Rebellion 126: Neither Wind Nor Rain Nor Heat Nor Gloom of Night

President Trump is rejecting requests from the United States Postal Service for financial relief in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis. Frank and David talk about the history of the post office dating back to the revolution and discuss the role it has played in American life. 

Last Drops

Frank: Bosch

David: Living New Deal

Whiskey Rebellion 125: Washington's Cabinet (w/ Lindsay Chervinsky)

Frank and David talk to Lindsay Chervinsky about her new book, The Cabinet: George Washington and the Creation of an American Institution,and her work at the White House Historical Association.

Whiskey Rebellion 124: Scots in the California Gold Rush (w/ Devin Grier)

In honor of Tartan Day, Frank and David are joined by University of Edinburgh doctoral student Devin Grier, whose research examines the Scots in the California Gold Rush.

Last Drops

Frank: Joanne Freeman's new venture with the National Council for History Education, History Matters 

David: Heather Cox Richardson's new book, How the South Won the Civil War

Devin: RIP Bill Withers

Whiskey Rebellion 123: Lockdown

A few days into our Covid-19 lockdown, Frank and David discuss how their lives have changed. In a wide ranging discussion, they talk about teaching online, what they are reading, watching, and listening to during the lockdown, and how they are staying sane. 

Last Drops

David: Grace Hale's Cool Town

Frank: new song from Bob Dylan

 

Whiskey Rebellion 122: Crisis Management

With the Covid-19 emergency entering a new phase, Frank and David look at how administrations have dealt with crises in the past, including:

• The secession crisis
• The Great Depression
• The Cuban Missile Crisis

In lieu of Last Drops, we'd love to hear how listeners are dealing with life during this crisis. What are you reading, listening to, and watching? 

Stay safe, everybody!

Whiskey Rebellion 121: Wash Your Hands

With the COVID-19 virus causing panic around the world, Frank and David talk about the history of disease and public health, including:

• The Revolutionary Era smallpox epidemic
• Typhoid Mary
• 1918 Flu Pandemic
• AIDS crisis

Last Drops

Frank: Hilary Mantel's The Mirror and the Light and Richard Ben Cramer's What It Takes

David: Ben Park's The Kingdom of Nauvoo

 

 

Whiskey Rebellion 120: Summer of George

George Washington seems to be having something of a renaissance, with historians reinterpreting his life and legacy. 

Frank and David discuss:

• A George Washington letter at the University of Edinburgh's Centre for Research Collections
• Alexis Coe's new biography, You Never Forget Your First
• The History Channel's miniseries, Washington

Last Drops

Frank: David Laing Collection at CRC

David: Mount Vernon removes Washington Teeth Magnet from gift shop