Henry Wilson & The Civil War

Follow Henry Wilson & The Civil War
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

Henry Wilson & The Civil War explores the life of Henry Wilson through key events in the Civil War with input from historians and authors. Born into abject poverty, Henry Wilson, the little known Radical Republican senator of Massachusetts and later Vice

Lincoln Anniballi


    • Feb 16, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 26m AVG DURATION
    • 36 EPISODES


    Search for episodes from Henry Wilson & The Civil War with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from Henry Wilson & The Civil War

    Bonus - Benjamin Franklin Butler: Interview with Elizabeth Leonard

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2023 49:55


    This bonus episode features my interview with Professor Elizabeth Leonard on her book Benjamin Franklin Butler: A Noisy, Fearless Life. Ben Butler is one of the most interesting figures of this period. Wilson and Butler shared many similarities in their careers, politics, and service. You can find Professor Leonard's book here.

    butler benjamin franklin fearless life ben butler elizabeth leonard
    22 - Henry Wilson's Legacy

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2022 30:36


    In the final episode of the series we discuss the end of Reconstruction and the racial violence that followed, Eva Wilson, Wilson's marble bust in the US Capitol, the Wilson Desk that was used by President Johnson, Nixon, and Ford, and the lasting legacy of Henry Wilson. Thank you so much for listening and exploring the life of Henry Wilson! The series will continue to be updated and bonus interviews and episodes will regularly be released. Sign up for the Henry Wilson newsletter and find more research resources on www.HenryWilsonHistory.com

    Bonus - Visiting Every Vice Presidential Gravesite: Interview with TJ Fallon

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2022 22:57


    This bonus episode features my full discussion with TJ Fallon who traveled to every Vice Presidential grave in 2020. Fallon posts history videos on his YouTube channel Dead History. I encourage you to check out his videos on https://www.youtube.com/c/DeadHistory.

    21 - Vice President Henry Wilson

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2022 32:37


    In today's episode we discuss the vice presidency of Henry Wilson, his sudden illness, the writing of his three volume history of slavery, and his death in the US Capitol. We have just one episode left!

    Bonus - Reconstruction & President Grant: Interview with Joan Waugh

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2022 55:53


    This bonus episode features my interview with Professor Joan Waugh.

    reconstruction joan waugh
    20 - Grant & Wilson

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2022 31:20


    In today's episode we discuss the growing terrorism in the south against Black citizens, Wilsons trip to Europe, the republican convention of 1872, the re-election of Grant, the election of Wilson to the Vice Presidency, and the Credit Moblier scandal. Only 2 episodes left!

    Bonus - George Boutwell: Interview with Jeffrey Boutwell

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2022 46:01


    This bonus episode features my full discussion with Jeffrey Boutwell, author of the forthcoming biography, Redeeming America's Promise: George S. Boutwell and the Politics of Race, Money and Power, 1818-1905 Learn more about George Boutwell and Jeffrey Boutwell on www.JeffreyBoutwell.com

    19 - Renewed Reconstruction: The Election of 1868

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2022 30:41


    In today's episode we discussed the 14th amendment, the death of Harriet Wilson, The 1868 presidential election and Wilson's application to be a part of the Grant cabinet, the advancements of racial equality and suffrage, and Wilson's support of women's suffrage. We also covered the debate around Santo Domingo and the split within the Republican Party.

    Bonus - Reconstruction, Frederick Douglass, Andrew Johnson: Interview with Robert S Levine

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2022 30:26


    This bonus episode features my full discussion with Professor Robert S Levine. You can find The Failed Promise: Reconstruction, Frederick Douglass, and the Impeachment of Andrew Johnson, everywhere books can be purchased, and you can learn more about Professor Levine on his site, https://blog.umd.edu/robert-s-levine/

    18 - Change in Character: The Impeachment of Andrew Johnson

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2022 38:10


    In today's episode we cover the polarized relationship between Republicans and Johnson, the violent and oppressive Black Codes that Wilson fought to end, Wilson's devastating loss, the 14th Amendment, and the impeachment of President Johnson.

    17 - President Lincoln's Assassination & Andrew Johnson

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2022 28:29


    In this episode we cover the assassination of President Lincoln, Lincoln's successor Andrew Johnson, the relationship between Johnson and Radical Republicans, the Freedmen's Bureau, and Wilson's advocacy for Black suffrage.

    16 - Surrender & Reunion

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2022 18:53


    In today's episode we discuss Wilson's re-election to the senate, the results of the election of 1864, Lee's surrender at Appomattox, the varying political views of reunion, the 13th Amendment, and the assassination of President Lincoln.

    Bonus - Using the Library of Congress for Research: Interview with Michelle Krowl

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2022 21:56


    In today's bonus episode, I spoke with Michelle Krowl, the Civil War and Reconstruction manuscript specialist at the Library of Congress. Learn more about the Library of Congress and begin your own research at LOC.gov

    15 - Victory in Sight: The Gettysburg Address & The Election of 1864

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2022 21:07


    In today's episode we discuss the Gettysburg Address, Wilson's advocacy for the use of Black soldiers and for their improved conditions, Shermans March to the Sea, Henry Hamilton, and the election of 1864.

    Bonus - The National Academy of Science: Interview with Daniel Kevles

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2022 41:09


    This bonus episode is my full interview with Yale Professor Emeritus, Daniel Kevles on the founding of the National Academy of Science.

    14 - 1863: The Defining Year

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2022 35:32


    In today's episode we discuss the events of 1863; Wilson's conscription act forming the national draft, Wilson's grueling schedule as Military Affairs Chair, Wilson's work with Clara Barton, the founding of the National Academy of Science, and finally the Battle of Gettysburg.

    Bonus - Slavery, The Underground Railroad, and Revolt

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2022 9:01


    In this bonus episode we discuss the vile treatment of enslaved Black people and their passionate attempts towards freedom. This episode contains intense descriptions and language.

    13 - Military Affairs & Emancipation

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2022 24:26


    In this episode we discuss Wilson's alleged affair with Confederate spy Rose O'Neal Greenhow, Wilson's organization and leadership of the Massachusetts 22nd Regiment, Wilson's tireless work as chair of the Military Affairs Committee, and his advocacy for emancipation and equal rights. We also look at Wilson's 1862 DC Emancipation Act and the Emancipation Proclamation.

    12 - Secession & Fort Sumter

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2022 24:47


    In today's episode we discuss the early crisis of disunion and Wilson's work putting together an army as new chair of the Military Affairs Committee, the Lincoln Administration, and the first shots of the Civil War at Fort Sumter.

    11 - The Election of 1860

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2022 21:53


    In this episode we discuss the hanging of John Brown, the election of 1860, the departure of southern states over the cause of slavery, and the impending Civil War.

    10 - Abe Lincoln, Stephen Douglas, & John Brown

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2022 29:13


    In this episode we discussed Wilson's oratory rebuttal "Are Working Men Slaves?", the Lincoln-Douglass debates of 1858, and Wilsons re-election to the Senate. With the help of Kevin Pawlack and Jon-Erik Gilot we also discussed John Brown and his raid in Harpers Ferry Virginia.

    Bonus - Bleeding Kansas: Interview with Nicole Etcheson

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2022 35:30


    Today's bonus episode is a discussion with Professor Nicole Etcheson, an historian on the history of the midwest and Kansas. The discussion delves into the history of Kansas and the Bleeding Kansas affair. Thank you to Professor Etcheson for her time and insight!

    9 - The Republican Party & Dred Scott

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2022 28:46


    In this episode we cover the election of 1856, Garrisonian criticisms of Wilson, Wilson's work at organizing a free Kansas, and the infamous Dred Scott case.

    8 - Bloodshed in Congress

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2022 26:47


    In todays episode we discuss some of the major figures and perspectives representing the anti-slavery movement at the time. We cover Wilsons first days in the Senate and the infamous Brooks-Summner incident and Henry Wilson's actions launching him to be hailed as an icon of the North and an enemy of the South.

    7 - Senator Henry Wilson

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2022 20:20


    In todays episode we discuss the Kansas Nebraska Bill, the forming of a new political party; The Know Nothings, and Henry Wilsons election as the senator of Massachusetts.

    massachusetts senators henry wilson know nothings
    6 - Loss & Failure

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2022 16:55


    In today's episode we cover Wilsons ambitions for the governors office and his work to revive the Democratic-Free Soil Coalition through a state constitutional convention.

    5 - Free Soil-Democratic Coalition

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2022 20:17


    In today's episode we continue to discuss Henry Wilsons formation of the Free Soil Party, and also his clever idea to form a coalition to fight the slave powers hold on Massachusetts politics and beyond!

    massachusetts democratic coalition free soil
    4 - Free Soiler

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2022 19:53


    In this episode we discuss Henry Wilsons dramatic departure from the Whig party and his work at forming the Free Soil Party.

    Bonus - The Mexican American War: Interview with Sam W Haynes

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2022 43:17


    Todays bonus episode is a discussion with Professor Samuel W Haynes, a researcher and author of the history of Texas and the Mexican American War. You can find his work at www.samwhaynes.com.

    3 - The Texas Question

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2022 28:57


    In today's episode we cover the lead up to the Mexican-American War, and the great debate over the annexation of Texas.

    Bonus - The Henry Wilson Shoe Shop

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2022 5:09


    In today's second bonus episode, we delve into the history of the iconic red shoe shop in Natick Massachusetts. If you're interested in seeing pictures of the ten-footer throughout the past century, head to www.henrywilsonhistory.com/shoe-shop.

    shop shoes henry wilson
    Bonus - Slavery In Politics & The Nullification Crisis

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2022 6:43


    In the first bonus episode of the series we cover some background to slavery's policy roots in the United States and the Nullification Crisis leading to the Civil War. CORRECTION: The Constitutional Convention occurred in 1787, not 1788 asstated. The Constitution was ratified in 1788. Read more about the 1787 Constitutional Convention here.

    2 - The Natick Shoemaker

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2022 22:02


    In today's episode we cover Wilsons journey to Natick Massachusetts, his budding career as a shoemaker, and his jump into politics. We also cover slavery's standing and the treatment of enslaved people, and the major political parties of Massachusetts and the United States. CORRECTION: Constitutional Convention occurred in 1787, not 1788 as stated at time stamp 13:09. The Constitution was ratified in 1788. Read more about the 1787 Constitutional Convention here.

    1 - Jeremiah Jones Colbath

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2022 21:52


    In this first full episode of Henry Wilson & the Civil War, we'll start the journey of Henry Wilsons life from his youth in Farmington New Hampshire. If you have a question of comment please reach out to HenryWilsonPodcast@gmail.com. If you're interested in Henry Wilson be sure to subscribe and learn more at HenryWilsonHistory.com.

    civil war henry wilson jeremiah jones
    0 - Who was Henry Wilson?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2022 12:49


    In this introductory episode of the series explore who Henry Wilson was and get introduced to some of the many voices youll be hearing throughout the over 20 epsiode series. Thank you to all of those who helped make the show possible, especially those featured in this episode; Joe Weisse, John L Meyers, Betty Koed.

    henry wilson
    Henry Wilson & The Civil War Trailer

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2021 3:25


    In the Spring of 2022, Henry Wilson & The Civil War will explore the life of Henry Wilson through key events in the Civil War with input from historians and authors. Born into abject poverty, Henry Wilson, the little known Radical Republican senator of Massachusetts and later Vice President, played an enormous role in shaping America during and after the war, serving as the Chair of the Senate Military Committee. Not only was Wilson's service as a politician dynamic and nuanced, he lived a unique life working as a farmer, cobbler, journalist, teacher, and general. Listen as we explore Henry Wilson & The Civil War. Sign up to get notified when new episodes are releases: HenryWilsonHistory.com Facebook: Henry Wilson & The Civil War Facebook Have a question or comment, send an email to HenryWilsonPodcast@gmail.com

    Claim Henry Wilson & The Civil War

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel