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Key Battles of American History by James Early
War has played a key role in the history of the United States from the nation’s founding right down to the present. Wars made the U. S. independent, kept it together, increased its size, and established it as a global superpower. Understanding America’s wars is essential for understanding American history. In the Key Battles of American History, host James Early discusses American history through the lens of the most important battles of America’s wars. James is an Adjunct Professor of History at San Jacinto College in Pasadena, TX. He has published one book and two scholarly articles. He is also the cohost (with Scott Rank) of the Presidential Fight Club, Key Battles of the Civil War, Key Battles of the Revolutionary War, and Key Battles of World War I podcasts.
This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4747725/advertisement
This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4747725/advertisement
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Twelve O’Clock High
June 3, 2023 - 48 min
World War II pilots were often pushed to the limit of human endurance, especially in the early years of the war. The classic 1948 film Twelve O’Clock High tells the story of a fictional air group based in the UK that conducted hundreds of daytime bombing raids over Germany. Even the tough, no-nonsense Group Commander (played by Gregory Peck) is not immune from the stress of combat. Join Sean and James as they discuss this fascinating and highly psychological film.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4747725/advertisement
The Desert Fox and the Desert Rats: North Africa 1941-1943
May 31, 2023 - 49 min
At the beginning of 1941, Italian forces had suffered a catastrophic defeat in North Africa at the hands of the British Army in Egypt. Il Duce’s fortunes were on the wane, but the arrival of a capable German commander and a small Panzer Korps would radically change the situation in North Africa. Join Sean and James as they tell about the epic battle between Field Marshal Erwin Rommel (the “Desert Fox”) and the British forces in North Africa (the “Desert Rats”).This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4747725/advertisement
Stalingrad
May 27, 2023 - 39 min
The epic Battle of Stalingrad was one of the most horrific and bloody battles of the Second World War. Several movies have tried to capture the horror of the war, but none does so better than the 1993 German-Russian production. Few, if any, movies in this series are more realistic and brutal than this one. In this episode, Sean and James break down the movie for you.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4747725/advertisement
The Soviets Stand Firm: Stalingrad and Kursk
May 24, 2023 - 46 min
Before the German Army Group South could capture the oil fields of the Caucasus, it needed to secure the key city of Stalingrad. The fight for Stalingrad turned into one of the most brutal and nasty battles of the war. In this episode, Sean and James do their best to tell the story of Stalingrad, as well as to describe the Battle of Kursk, the largest tank battle in history.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4747725/advertisement
Eyewitness History - Feed Drop (Nick Sanza)
May 20, 2023 - 20 min
In this clip from the Eyewitness History Podcast, former Vietnam War veteran & "tunnel rat" Nick Sanza discusses his experience overseas, what it's like coming from a long lineage of military service, and what he learned from the tunnels in this interview from the Eyewitness History podcast. Continue listening to Eyewitness History: Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/44jShCiSpotify: https://spoti.fi/3LPfaXdThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4747725/advertisement
Hitler Turns East: Operations Barbarossa and Typhoon
May 17, 2023 - 49 min
In June 1941, Hitler launched Operation Barbarossa, the largest invasion in world history. Three massive German armies targeted Leningrad, Moscow, and the Caucasus oil fields. One army put Leningrad under siege, another swept through Ukraine, and the third another reached the outskirts of Moscow. The USSR appeared doomed. But was it? Listen,and you will find out!This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4747725/advertisement
The Big Red One
May 13, 2023 - 43 min
The US First Infantry Division is one of the US Army’s most storied units, due largely to the crucial role it played in World War II. The 1980 film The Big Red One, Starring Lee Marvin and Mark Hamill, follows one squad of soldiers from the invasion of North Africa to the end of the war. Join Sean and James as they discuss this exciting and realistic film.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4747725/advertisement
Securing Hitler's Flank: The Balkans, 1940-1941
May 10, 2023 - 56 min
Prior to launching his massive attack on the Soviet Union, Hitler wanted to make sure his flanks were secure. He secured his “left flank” (Finland) and part of his “right flank” (the Balkans) through a combination of threats and diplomacy. However, Yugoslavia and Greece refused to knuckle under, and so Hitler invaded them. In this episode, Sean and James discuss the status of Finland and the Balkans in 1940 and 1941 and Hitler’s efforts to bring them under Axis control.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4747725/advertisement
Il Duce’s Gamble: Italy’s Struggles, 1938-1941
May 3, 2023 - 40 min
Italian dictator Benito Mussolini desired to create a “New Roman Empire.” In the 1920s, he strengthened Italy’s control over Libya, and in 1935, he ordered the invasion of Ethiopia, adding it to his empire the next year. Between 1939 and 1941, Italy conquered Albania and then tried to take over parts of France, Yugoslavia, and Greece. But did Mussolini bite off more than he could chew? Join Sean and James as they tell the story of Mussolini’s attempt to expand his empire.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4747725/advertisement
Sink the Bismarck!
April 29, 2023 - 44 min
Naval combat played a major role throughout the European Theater of the Second World War. Without constant supply convoys from the United States to Great Britain and the Soviet Union, the Allies could not have defeated Hitler. But those convoys had to be protected from attacks by German U-boats and other warships. In this episode, Sean and James narrate the early years of the naval war around Europe, including the epic story of the search for and destruction of the massive German battleship Bismarck.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4747725/advertisement
Meet Your Host
Meet Your Host
James is an Adjunct Professor of History at San Jacinto College in Pasadena, TX. He has published one book and two scholarly articles. He is also the cohost (with Scott Rank) of the Presidential Fight Club, Key Battles of the Civil War, Key Battles of the Revolutionary War, and Key Battles of World War I podcasts.
