Napoleon Bonaparte is reported to have said. “The policies of all powers are inherent in their geography. Is he correct? How much does geography determine the character of a nation in its politics and culture? 
To explore this question is today’s guest, Paul Richardson, author of “Myths of Geography.” 

Napoleon Bonaparte is reported to have said. “The policies of all powers are inherent in their geography. Is he correct? How much does geography determine the character of a nation in its politics and culture?  To explore this question is today’s guest, Paul Richardson, author of “Myths of Geography.”

For history lovers who listen to podcasts, History Unplugged is the most comprehensive show of its kind. It's the only show that dedicates episodes to both interviewing experts and answering questions from its audience. First, it features a call-in show where you can ask our resident historian (Scott Rank, PhD) absolutely anything (What was it like to be a Turkish sultan with four wives and twelve concubines? If you were sent back in time, how would you kill Hitler?). Second, it features long-form interviews with best-selling authors who have written about everything. Topics include gruff World War II generals who flew with airmen on bombing raids, a war horse who gained the rank of sergeant, and presidents who gave their best speeches while drunk.

A show about American history, world history, World Wars 1 & 2, the Civil War, and much more.

History Unplugged Podcast

For history lovers who listen to podcasts, History Unplugged is the most comprehensive show of its kind. It's the only show that dedicates episodes to both interviewing experts and answering questions from its audience. First, it features a call-in show where you can ask our resident historian (Scott Rank, PhD) absolutely anything (What was it like to be a Turkish sultan with four wives and twelve concubines? If you were sent back in time, how would you kill Hitler?). Second, it features long-form interviews with best-selling authors who have written about everything. Topics include gruff World War II generals who flew with airmen on bombing raids, a war horse who gained the rank of sergeant, and presidents who gave their best speeches while drunk.

History Unplugged

How Much of a Nation’s Fate is Bound Up In Its Geography?

In this final episode of our series on the Barbary Wars, we look at the fates of the Barbary States. After 1815, the Barbary States lost their independence, with Algiers, Tunis, Tripoli, and Morocco succumbing to European powers through military defeats and colonization, culminating in French and Spanish protectorates by the 19th century. We also look at how the Barbary Wars placed the United States on a pathway to global naval hegemony.

In this final episode of our series on the Barbary Wars, we look at the fates of the Barbary States. After 1815, the Barbary States lost their independence, with Algiers, Tunis, Tripoli, and Morocco succumbing to European powers through military defeats and colonization, culminating in French and Spanish protectorates by the 19th century. We also look at how the Barbary Wars placed the United States on a pathway to global naval hegemony.

Key Battles of the Barbary Wars, Episode 9: The End of North African Piracy and the Beginning of American Global Naval Hegemony

When news reached Parliament of the Boston radicals’ destruction of the Royal East India Company’s tea, it passed the Coercive Acts, a collection of punitive measures designed to rein in that insubordinate seaport town. The Coercive Acts unleashed a political firestorm as communities from Massachusetts to Georgia drafted resistance resolutions condemning Parliament’s perceived encroachment upon American liberty. Local leaders also directed colonists to refrain from purchasing British merchandise and forego the theater, horse racing, and other perceived debauched traditions. Local activists next convened the Continental Congress to coordinate a pan-colonial resistance movement to pressure Parliament into repealing the Coercive Acts and settling American rights on a constitutional foundation. Once convened, Congress deftly drafted the Articles of Association. Traditionally understood as primarily an economic response by the colonies to Parliament’s actions, the Continental Association called for public demonstrations of commercial and cultural restraint, conduct delegates hoped would both heal the empire and restore colonial virtue.

Today’s guest is Shawn McGhee, author of No Longer Subjects of the British King: The Political Transformation of Royal Subjects to Republican Citizens, 1774-1776. We discuss the process by which the Continental Association organized American towns and counties into a proto-national community of suffering to protect political identities they felt were under threat. Those sacrificing for the common cause severed their bonds of allegiance to the British king and separated from the broader imperial nation. In this crucible of austerity, they formed an American political community, completing the political transformation from subject to citizen.

When news reached Parliament of the Boston radicals’ destruction of the Royal East India Company’s tea, it passed the Coercive Acts, a collection of punitive measures designed to rein in that insubordinate seaport town. The Coercive Acts unleashed a political firestorm as communities from Massachusetts to Georgia drafted resistance resolutions condemning Parliament’s perceived encroachment upon American liberty. Local leaders also directed colonists to refrain from purchasing British merchandise and forego the theater, horse racing, and other perceived debauched traditions. Local activists next convened the Continental Congress to coordinate a pan-colonial resistance movement to pressure Parliament into repealing the Coercive Acts and settling American rights on a constitutional foundation. Once convened, Congress deftly drafted the Articles of Association. Traditionally understood as primarily an economic response by the colonies to Parliament’s actions, the Continental Association called for public demonstrations of commercial and cultural restraint, conduct delegates hoped would both heal the empire and restore colonial virtue.
Today’s guest is Shawn McGhee, author of No Longer Subjects of the British King: The Political Transformation of Royal Subjects to Republican Citizens, 1774-1776. We discuss the process by which the Continental Association organized American towns and counties into a proto-national community of suffering to protect political identities they felt were under threat. Those sacrificing for the common cause severed their bonds of allegiance to the British king and separated from the broader imperial nation. In this crucible of austerity, they formed an American political community, completing the political transformation from subject to citizen.

When Did Americans Become Americans? 1945, 1865, 1787, or 1776?

The conclusion of the War of 1812 elevated America's naval reputation and marked the start of the "Era of Good Feelings," a period of national pride. With peace restored, President Madison redirected attention to the Barbary pirates, who had exploited American merchant ships during the war. Furious at the enslavement of American sailors, Madison secured Congressional approval to wage war against Algiers in early 1815. Naval leaders like Stephen Decatur achieved swift victories, leveraging military strength to negotiate treaties that ended tribute payments and secured favorable terms for the U.S. Decatur's diplomacy extended to Tunis and Tripoli, compelling restitution for captured ships and releasing enslaved Europeans, bolstering America’s global standing. The Second Barbary War showcased the growing might of the U.S. Navy, earning respect from European powers and silencing earlier British doubts about American resilience. Celebrations of naval triumphs at home solidified national identity, while the treaties reflected America's emergence as a formidable maritime force.

The conclusion of the War of 1812 elevated America's naval reputation and marked the start of the "Era of Good Feelings," a period of national pride. With peace restored, President Madison redirected attention to the Barbary pirates, who had exploited American merchant ships during the war. Furious at the enslavement of American sailors, Madison secured Congressional approval to wage war against Algiers in early 1815. Naval leaders like Stephen Decatur achieved swift victories, leveraging military strength to negotiate treaties that ended tribute payments and secured favorable terms for the U.S. Decatur's diplomacy extended to Tunis and Tripoli, compelling restitution for captured ships and releasing enslaved Europeans, bolstering America’s global standing. The Second Barbary War showcased the growing might of the U.S. Navy, earning respect from European powers and silencing earlier British doubts about American resilience. Celebrations of naval triumphs at home solidified national identity, while the treaties reflected America's emergence as a formidable maritime force.

How Much of a Nation’s Fate is Bound Up In Its Geography?

In 1 playlist(s)

History Unplugged

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips