Episodes
The U.S. Supreme Court’s Dred Scott Decision
March 6, 1857. In the landmark case of Dred Scott v. Sandford, the US Supreme Court rules that African Americans, free or enslaved, are not entitled to citizenship.
Saturday Matinee: History Tea Time
On today’s Saturday Matinee: some of the most shocking incestuous relationships and tragically inbred individuals in royal history. King Tut, Queen Juana the Mad of Castile, King Charles II of Spain, Queen Victoria and more. Link to History Tea Time: …
Rockefeller Donates His Fortune to Charity
March 3, 1910. John D. Rockefeller commits to donating the bulk of his fortune to charity, leading to the creation of the Rockefeller Foundation and turning the oil tycoon into one of the biggest philanthropists in American history.
Queen Victoria Survives Assassination For An Eighth Time
March 2, 1882. At a train station in Windsor, England, Queen Victoria narrowly escapes the eighth and final attempt on her life.
Yellowstone Becomes the World’s First National Park
March 1, 1872. President Ulysses S. Grant signs the Yellowstone National Park Protection Act into law, making Yellowstone the world’s first national park.
Britain’s Working Class Finds Victory in the 1972 UK Miners’ Strike
February 28, 1972. After six weeks of struggle, the 1972 UK Miners’ Strike ends in victory for Britain’s working class.
The Reichstag Fire Expands Nazi Power
February 27, 1933. Exactly eight years after he relaunched the Nazis as a political party, German Chancellor Adolf Hitler uses an arson attack on Berlin’s parliamentary building to seize power and purge his political opponents.
Saturday Matinee: 1001 Heroes, Legends, Histories & Mysteries
On today’s Saturday Matinee, we try to pick fact from fiction with an episode on the pirate Blackbeard from the podcast 1001 Heroes, Legends, Histories & Mysteries. Link to 1001 Heroes, Legends, Histories & Mysteries: https:/...
The Zimmermann Telegram
February 24th, 1917. The British present the Zimmermann Telegram to US President Woodrow Wilson, an intercepted message that reveals new threats against the United States and persuades the nation to enter World War I.
The Cato Street Conspiracy
February 23, 1820. An agent provocateur helps British police foil a plot to assassinate the Prime Minister and his entire cabinet.
“Moose Murders” Becomes the Biggest Flop in Broadway History
February 22, 1983. After opening and closing on the same night, the play "Moose Murders" becomes the most catastrophic flop in Broadway history.
The Assassination of Malcolm X
February 21, 1965. Civil rights leader Malcolm X is assassinated while giving a speech in New York.
The Storm that Saves Japan
February 20, 1281. The Japanese Imperial Court orders all temples and shrines to pray for victory in the face of a Mongol invasion and, in an unlikely twist, a massive typhoon saves the country.
Saturday Matinee: Infamous America
On today’s Saturday Matinee, Chris Wimmer and the podcast Infamous America tells the story of the largest hotel robbery in American history, netting the thieves an estimated 28-million dollars worth of stolen jewelry and cash. Link to Infamous America: https://podfollow.com/1437525441 …
The Rise of the Volkswagen Beetle
February 17, 1972. The Volkswagen Beetle becomes the world's best-selling car, breaking a record held for decades by the Ford Model T.
The Antwerp Diamond Heist
February 16, 2003. The Antwerp World Diamond Centre is robbed of over $100 million in loose diamonds, gold and jewelry in what is considered the biggest heist of all time.
Socrates Goes on Trial
February 15, 399 BC. Athenian philosopher Socrates is sentenced to death for impiety and corrupting the city’s youth.
The Strasbourg Massacre
February 14, 1349. After being blamed for the spread of the Black Death, hundreds of Jews are executed in the Strasbourg Massacre.
The Lindbergh Baby’s Killer is Convicted
February 13, 1935. Carpenter Bruno Hauptmann is convicted of the abduction and murder of the 20-month old son of famous American aviator, Charles Lindbergh – a case that will make kidnapping a federal crime.
Saturday Matinee: The Road to Now
On today’s Saturday Matinee, Bob & Ben speak with Author Amy Argetsinger about Miss America’s origins, how the pageant both shaped and was shaped by American society, and why it might be okay that the pageant’s significance in American culture …
The Cold War Spy Swap
February 10, 1962. At the height of the Cold War, America and the Soviet Union agree a spy exchange.
The Benin Punitive Expedition
February 9, 1897. In response to the massacre of a trade delegation, a British army invades Benin in a campaign known as the Punitive Expedition, overthrowing Oba Ovonramwen and marking the end of his independent kingdom.
Black Nationalist Marcus Garvey Goes To Prison
February 8, 1925. Leader of the Pan-Africanism movement, Marcus Garvey, enters federal prison for mail fraud, initiating a steep decline in his influence.
Ellen MacArthur Is the Fastest to Sail Around the World
February 7th, 2005: British sailing sensation Ellen MacArthur smashes the world record for the fastest solo circumnavigation of the globe.