This is the true mystery of an American Hero turned Traitor. Over a hundred years ago, David Fagen fought side-by-side with Theodore Roosevelt’s Rough Riders, only to be left for dead in the midst of a Yellow Fever contagion. David was then sent to the Philippines war-front, but he chose to defect rather than risk killing civilians. For nearly two years, Fagen organized a Filipino resistance unit and led raids against his former regiment. He personally searched for vengeance against his old officers as a unit of elite American Scouts and Sharpshooters hunted him down. On the eve of a presidential election, the New York Times published a front-page article about ‘General Fagen’ and David became America’s Most Wanted soldier. ‘American Traitor’ is a dramatic retelling of David Fagen’s escape from the US military and the mystery of his capture.
In Spring of 1902, a US fugitive named David Fagen disappeared around a Volcano in Central Luzon. His "war crimes" and manhunt helped kick off some of the greatest power struggles in the 20th century. This podcast uncovers the Fagen mystery and searches for answers in 'the American Century'.
David Fagen and Theodore Roosevelt are caught in a stampede to war and must race to get out of Tampa before transport ships leave. Volunteers soldiers fight for space and recognition in the new American Military.
Battleships led by Commodore George Dewey square off against the Spanish Armada in Cavite Harbour. Generals Antonio Luna and Jose Alejandrino are betrayed by American troops on the ground.
This is an action scene where David Fagen and Theodore Roosevlt storm San Juan hill and encounter fierce Spanish resistance.
Full sample of intro music and accompanying clips.
A flash-forward to 1902, when David Fagen was hunted deep in the forests on Central Luzon. Featuring Title music at the end of the clip.
Frederick Funston watches the explosion and carnage of the Battleship Maine in real time
Episode one introduces David Fagen and American dual wars at the turn of the 20th century. Before Fagen was hunted the United States, he enlisted to fight for Cuban freedom in 1898. This pilot explores WHY the US declared war and how a Florida teenager fought alongside the Rough Riders to become an American hero.
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