Key Battles of American History  By  cover art

Key Battles of American History

By: James Early
  • Summary

  • 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.
    Copyright James Early
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Episodes
  • G8: The High Speed Convoy and the Battle for Henderson Field
    Mar 27 2024
    The Japanese defeat at the Battle of Edson’s Ridge did not deter the Japanese high command, who immediately began planning an even bigger effort to retake Henderson Field and to remove the Americans from Guadalcanal. The new operation was christened “Plan X” and would include massive air, sea, and land attacks on American positions. On the ground, this time an entire division would assault the American perimeter. The American defenders were spread thin and outnumbered. Would the heroic efforts of Col. Chesty Puller, Sgt. John Basilone, Sgt. Mitchell Paige, and countless other Marines and soldiers be enough to stop the Japanese onslaught? Join Dave and James as they tell this exciting story.
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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • G7: The Battles of the Matanikau and the Battle of Cape Esperance
    Mar 20 2024
    After the American victory at Edson’s Ridge, the Marines on Guadalcanal were reinforced by the 7th Marine Regiment, which brought the total US strength on the island to about 20,000. The American ground commander General Alexander Vandegrift decided to expand the Marines’ perimeter westward by attacking Japanese positions at the Matanikau River. In addition, an American naval force met a Japanese fleet at Cape Esperance, near the site of the disastrous American defeat at Savo Island. How did these engagements turn out? Dave and James will let you know!
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    50 mins
  • G6: The Battle of Edson’s Ridge
    Mar 13 2024
    On September 12, a Japanese force of several thousand attacked the Marines’ perimeter from three directions. The most effect assault occurred south of the perimeter, near a position that became known as Edson’s Ridge. The Marine defenders, including the First Raider Battalion under Col. Merrit Edson, were greatly outnumbered but were on good ground and were supported by highly effective heavy artillery. Join Dave and James as they discuss this latest chapter in the struggle for control of Guadalcanal.
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    52 mins

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Great Storytelling about real history!

I have been listening to this WW2 Pacific series over the last several weeks. I thought I already knew quite a bit about the Pacific theater, but James and Scott delve into the unfolding events with a conversational enthusiasm that makes each episode a fun, educational listen: Perfect for walking the dog, working in the yard, or working out at the gym. The anecdotes and humorous asides - as well as the interaction between the two hosts - add so much to the factual narrative. It's all about the stories. Their style engages the listener's imagination more that would a dry recitation of facts and events.
I had the privilege to hear the advance "extra episode" on the Marine Raider battalions, including Carlson's Raiders, which was extraordinary!
Even if you have a passing interest in American History or the War in the Pacific after watching old movies, you should check this out on whatever podcast catcher is your favorite and give this a listen!

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Dope podcast.

Been listening to yall for a bit down in brasil and barcelona and sandiego teaching english. All the bus rides, metro rides, walks to/fro work etc that i had your podcasts on made life a bit more interesting. Good work!

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