The American History Podcast

Follow The American History Podcast
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

The American History Podcast presents the history of the United States in an engaging, scholarly and entertaining way. Each season we take a topic in American history and dive deep to discover the roots of the issue, and provide our listeners with a lot of history they don't know. Follow the American History Podcast on Twitter: @americanhiscast. Feel free to email me with questions and comments: shawn@theamericanhistorypodcast.com

Shawn Warswick

Donate to The American History Podcast


    • Apr 21, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 30m AVG DURATION
    • 182 EPISODES

    4.4 from 530 ratings Listeners of The American History Podcast that love the show mention: shawn gives, europeans, shawn does a great job, native americans, important events, outraged, us history, american history, mexican, historians, history podcast, fact based, empire, myths, digestible, objective, texas, draft, unbiased, presents.


    Ivy Insights

    The American History Podcast is a fantastic podcast for anyone interested in American history. Hosted by Shawn Warwick, the podcast provides an in-depth and engaging exploration of various topics in American history. From colonial America to the modern era, Shawn covers a wide range of historical events, figures, and themes. What sets this podcast apart is that Shawn does an excellent job of clearly stating when he is sharing his opinion, ensuring that listeners are aware of any biases. This transparency adds a level of authenticity and nuance to the discussions.

    One of the best aspects of The American History Podcast is Shawn's thorough analysis and research before drawing conclusions. As a historian, he takes the time to delve into the data and evidence, providing a well-rounded perspective on each topic. This approach allows listeners to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the complexity of American history. Additionally, Shawn's use of sources such as William Appleman Williams adds credibility to his analyses and demonstrates his familiarity with foundational works in the field.

    Another positive aspect of this podcast is its ability to present American history in an accessible manner. While covering a broad range of topics, Shawn maintains a clear structure and organization that makes it easy for listeners to follow along. Whether discussing warfare, food, European interactions, Native Americans, or important events throughout history, each episode provides a comprehensive overview that brings these elements to life.

    As for criticisms or potential improvements, one aspect that could be addressed is the occasional lack of chronological sequencing in episodes. While not a major issue, some listeners may prefer a more linear approach to help them better understand how different events connect and unfold over time.

    In conclusion, The American History Podcast is an informative and engaging resource for anyone interested in delving deeper into American history. Shawn Warwick's dedication to presenting unbiased content shines through in each episode as he skillfully explores various topics with thorough research and analysis. This podcast serves as an accessible platform for individuals of all backgrounds and ages to learn and understand the rich history of the United States. Overall, Shawn's passion for the subject matter is evident, making The American History Podcast a must-listen for history enthusiasts.



    Search for episodes from The American History Podcast with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from The American History Podcast

    Bonus Episode: 1983 Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2025 30:08


    Send us a textWe are getting close to the conclusion of the series.Support the show

    Bonus Episode: 1983 Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2025 27:40


    Send us a textFinally we delve into the events of the year 1983. Support the show

    Bonus Episode: 1983: the Year the World Almost Ended: Ronald Reagan

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2025 23:34


    Send us a textRonald ReaganSupport the show

    Bonus: 1983: The Year the World Almost Ended: American Decline to American Resurgence

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2025 22:42


    Send us a texttitle says it all. In the 1970s it seemed like the United States was on the decline, but the story wasn't over. Support the show

    Bonus Episode: 1983, the Year the World Almost Ended: Jimmy Carter and the Cold War

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2025 21:31


    Send us a textWe continue with Jimmy Carter and the Cold War. Support the show

    Bonus Episode: 1983 The Year the World Almost Ended: The Soviet Union in WWII

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2025 30:45


    Send us a textThe title sort of says it all. EnjoySupport the show

    Bonus: 1983: The Year the World Almost Ended: The Workers State 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2025 24:10


    Send us a textSupport the show

    Bonus: 1983, the Year the World Almost Ended: The Workers State 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2025 21:45


    Send us a textWelcome back to 1983: The Year the World Almost Ended. In this episode, or miniseries of episodes within the main series, I want to take a look at the Worker's state, specifically the Soviet Union, but also some of the “workers paradises” that were built in Eastern Europe in the aftermath of World War II. Support the show

    Bonus: 1983: The Year the World Almost Ended: The Cold War in the 1960s

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2025 39:03


    Send us a textThis bonus episode covers the Cold War in the 1960sSupport the show

    Bonus Episode: The Cold War in the 1970s

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2025 62:03


    Send us a textAnother bonus episode from our now discontinued Patreon. Enjoy☀️ Awaken Your Inner Sun ☀️ Through Stories of Wisdom

    Bonus Episode: The Cold War Overview, the 1940s and 50's

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2025 33:59


    Send us a textPart two of what was a "Patreon only series" on the Cold War. EnjoySupport the show

    Bonus Episode: The Cold War

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2025 20:33


    Send us a textThis is a bonus episode introducing "1983" which was a pattern only show about how the world almost ended in 1983 and none of us really knew it. Support the show

    Bonus episode: Rednecks, Crackers and Donald Trump

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2024 72:24


    Send us a textToday's episode is a bonus one I did for Patreon members WAY back in 2020. I thought it had some relevance to today so here it is. Enjoy. Support the show

    1.15 The Road to the American Revolution part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2024 23:17


    Send us a textToday we discuss the road to the revolution. Support the show

    Bonus Episode: Quagmire in the Middle East part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2024 25:29


    This bonus episode was originally made available way back in 2021 to Patreon members and now it is available for you. EnjoySupport the Show.

    1.14 Colonial Wars

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2024 18:12


    Support the Show.

    1.13 Colonial Society II

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2024 15:37


    colonial society
    Bonus Episode: Quagmire in the Middle East

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2024 25:50


    It was January 16, 1991. Your humble host was an undergraduate in college, and like others in the dorms, watching events unfold live on TV. US media had begun broadcasting the start of the air campaign to “free Kuwait” from the clutches of the evil Saddam Hussein. Looking back on these events 3 decades later, I have to admit, it made for compelling, if disgusting, television. Why do I say disgusting? People were dying in front of our very eyes, and we were treating it like it was just some video game. But, at the age of 20, I was enthralled by all of this. And, embarrassingly enough now, I was for it.But how did the US get to that point? If you learn nothing else from this episode, you should come to realize that American foreign policy, at least when it comes to the Middle east over the last few decades, was characterized by incoherence and confusion. And believe it or not, this bouncing back and forth started with, of all presidents Ronald Reagan. You might find that hard to believe, as even his detractors tend to see him as consistent. Since Reagan, the US has been neither consistent nor has it been guided, when it comes to Iraq and the surrounding area, by shortsighted opportunism. However, he isn't the only guilty president. Carter, as we shall see, also bears some responsibility for the mess that is American policy in the Middle East.Before we go forward, let's discuss what was the purpose of all of this. Guided by opportunism, the purpose of our policy in the Middle East was twofold. First, it was to exercise dominion over the core of the Islamic World. But there was more. It was also about cheap oil and gas. In 1970, the year I was born, it was $.36 (or about $1.70 in 2015 dollars). By 1980 it was $1.18 or 2.95 in 2015 dollars. By today's standard that doesn't seem too awful, but in 1980, when you are a somewhat unpopular president, and you are facing reelection? That would not do. In fact, by 1984, in real dollars, the price of gas had decreased from $2.95/gal (in 2015 dollars) to $2.23/gallon. Plus, unemployment in the US, as well as inflation had declined. Inflation was 12.5% in 1980, but by 1983 it was down to less than 4%. Needless to say, the last thing Carter wanted in 1980 was increasing fuel costs.Support the Show.

    1.12 Colonial Society

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2024 16:46


    colonial society
    1.11 The Middle Colonies

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2024 24:19


    Support the show

    1.10 New England and the Indians

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2024 19:34


    Support the show

    1.09 Plymouth and Mass Bay

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2024 29:20


    The Great AntidoteAdam Smith said, "Science is the great antidote to the poison of enthusiasm and...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show

    1.08 Protestant Reformation and the Puritans

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2024 19:07


    1.07 Southern Culture

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2024 15:46


    Support the show

    1.06 The Southern Colonies II

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2024 14:27


    Support the show

    1.04 Overview of the British in North America

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2024 10:37


    Continuing our look at the "new world" we delve into British North AmericaSupport the show

    A Sort of Farewell

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2024 21:55


    Ok so this is the farewell episode that ISN'T really a "farewell." More of an update about the show moving forward. Support the show

    1.03 European Empires in the New World II

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2024 18:28


    Continuing our discussion on European empires in the new world. Help support the show! https://www.buzzsprout.com/1169162/supportSupport the show

    1.02 European Empires in the New World

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2024 38:21


    Season 1, episode 2. In this episode we discuss European empires in the new world. Support the show

    1.01 Americas Before Columbus

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2024 23:33


    Support the show

    Interview: Author Stuart A Reid

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2023 21:55


    Today we have a treat! Author Stuart A. Reid is here to talk about his just released book: "The Lumumba Plot" which is a fantastic Cold War era book .  Just click the title and you can order your copy via Amazon. Support the show

    4.34 WWII in China, part 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2023 31:07


    Finally, we are back into the narrative about WWII. In this episode we continue to look at the war in China. Enjoy!Support the show

    Interview Episode: Eli Merritt

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2023 33:06


    Today we have the last episode until September. This book is "Disunion Among Ourselves: The Perilous Politics of the American Revolution." It's the perfect book for this time of year, plus it's quite timely. Check it out here: https://amzn.to/3rasdKB Support the show

    4.33 WWII in China part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2023 36:16


    Welcome back to the main narrative. Today we continue our look at China in WWII. Support the show

    Bonus Episode: Historian Katherine C. Mooney

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2023 31:07


    Today we have an interview with Dr. Katherine C. Mooney. She is a professor at Florida St. University and the author of the fantastic new book, Isaac Murphy: The Rise and Fall of a Black Jockey. Get your copy of this fantastic new book here.  Check out the Luxurious bastard and all of the fantastic products he has here (use coupon code American10 for 10% off each and every order!)History Nerds UnitedLet's make history fun again! Come listen to interviews with today's best authors.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show

    Bonus Author Interview: Craig Nelson

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2023 21:40


    We have a special treat today. Historian Craig Nelson has a new book coming out on May 23. V is for Victory: Franklin Roosevelt's American Revolution and the Triumph of World War II. I think this is a great book for listeners who are fans of WWII (or even if your aren't). I don't agree with everything the author states (his take on FDR's New Deal is one), but overall the book is well written and quite enjoyable.Follow the link to have your copy delivered via Amazon and help support the show. https://amzn.to/3pqwxELSupport the show

    4.32 WWII in China part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2023 29:22


    Last episode we spent our time looking at the final aspect of Guadalcanal and that was the naval battles that took place in November 1942. It's been a while since we discussed China, but I don't want us to forget that aspect of the war, so we will spend several episodes talking about what was the Second Sino Japanese War. Now before I confuse anyone, let me remind you that yes, we did two episode on that conflict this season: episode 5 and 9. However, we left off with December 1941. So what's been going on since then? I think it's time we found out!Support the show

    4.31 The Naval Battle of Guadalcanal

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2023 21:20


    Today we wrap up our look at Guadalcanal by discussing the naval battle that took place in and around the waters of that island. Enjoy. Support the show

    4.30 The Santa Cruz Islands

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2023 19:24


    Today we delve into the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands and a few other issues as we FINALLY leave the Battle of Guadalcanal. Support the show

    Bonus episode: Interview with author Kathy Joseph

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2023 42:10


    Today we have one more interview (last for a while). This is author Kathy Joseph, author of the book The Lightning Tamers. It's one of my favorite books of the last few years and I think you will love it as well. Get your copy here. Support the show

    4.29 Guadalcanal part 5

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2023 31:18


    Today we finally get to the worst fighting (or some of the worst) on the 'canal. Enjoy!Support the show

    Bonus Interview: Author Debra Yates

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2023 26:57


    Here is an interview episode with author Debra Yates, the author of "Woman of Many Names" a book about her 7th great grandmother. EnjoSupport the show

    Bonus Episode: Interview with historian Matthew Delmont

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2022 32:00


    The last in our series of bonus author interviews features historian Matthew Delmont of Dartmouth. In this episode we discuss his latest book which deals with African Americans and World War II titled Half American: The Epic Story of African Americans Fighting World War II at Home and Abroad. This is another fine work of history and I think it's another book you really should add to your collection. Check it out at the link below. Half AmericanThis episode is sponsored by the Grey History podcast. Check them out here:GreyHistoryProof Of Concept Podcast An exciting tech show that explores real-life use cases in the field of Data Science & AI!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show

    home african americans world war ii historians abroad dartmouth matthew delmont african americans fighting world war ii half american the epic story
    Bonus Episode: Interview with author Alexander Rose

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2022 35:51


    Today we have a special treat, an interview with Author Alexander Rose about his just released book, The Lion and the Fox. This is a true story about two spies during the Civil War, and it's one you won't be able to put down. Grab a copy for yourself or the history buff in your life (it is Christmas!) and I assure you, you will thank me later. Follow the link below. The Lion and the FoxSupport the show

    Bonus Episode: Author William Inboden

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2022 39:00


    Today we have a very special bonus episode featuring scholar William Inboden, the author of a fantastic new book on Ronald Reagan and his foreign policy. There has not been a comprehensive survey (believe it or not) of this subject until now. This fantastic new book is available now, so after you hear the interview, click on the link below. This book is not to be missed!The PeacemakerSupport the show

    4.28 Guadalcanal part 4

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2022 25:57


    Today we get into some fierce fighting on the 'canal. The Marines will have their hands full trying to hold on to their gains. Queens On A RollThis podcast was created to educate & inspire people about the ably different...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show

    Bonus Episode: Scott Horton

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2022 54:46


    It's my birthday week so you all get a special bonus episode. It's been 10 months since we last had Horton on the show, and a LOT has happened in that time. Just an FYI: I don't listen to many podcasts these days. Mainly because I don't want to be influenced by anyone, but, I ALWAYS listen to Horton. So here ya go. Enjoy.Someone Talked! The Official National D-Day Memorial podcast with Host Dr. John C. McManus.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Queens On A RollThis podcast was created to educate & inspire people about the ably different...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show

    4.27 Guadalcanal, part 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2022 27:51


    Today we continue our deep dive into the Guadalcanal campaign. This promises to be a long "series" within the overall series, possibly as long as 6-8 episodes by the time we finish our discussion. Enjoy. Someone Talked! The Official National D-Day Memorial podcast with Host Dr. John C. McManus.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show

    4.26 The Guadalcanal Campaign part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2022 33:03


    Today we get even more into the weeds of the Guadalcanal campaign. This time the action is focused on the fight at sea, and the USS Enterprise is in the thick of it. This famous ship takes a beating, and the question is, will she survive? Listen to find out. Queens On A RollThis podcast was created to educate & inspire people about the ably different...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show

    4.25 The Guadalcanal Campaign part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2022 32:19


    Today we being a multi part look at the Guadalcanal campaign. There is a lot to it, hopefully I can keep it interesting without making it too complicated. Support the show

    4.24. Summer 1942

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2022 33:24


    It is summer, 1942. Midway was a disaster for the Japanese, but the war is far from over. The Americans, at the insistence of Admiral King, have decided to challenge the Japanese in the Solomons.Smells Like HumansLike spending time with funny friends talking about curious human behavior. Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show

    Claim The American History Podcast

    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