Key Battles of American History

In this episode, James and Audrey examine the Saratoga campaign of 1777, in which British General John Burgoyne led an army south from Canada in an effort to cut New England off from the rest of the rebelling colonies. As Burgoyne’s supply problems mounted and the promised support from Barry St. Leger, William Howe, and Henry Clinton failed to materialize in time, American forces under Horatio Gates, Benedict Arnold, John Stark, and Daniel Morgan steadily gained the advantage. The hard-fought battles of Freeman’s Farm and Bemis Heights trapped Burgoyne’s army near Saratoga and forced its surrender on October 17. The victory persuaded France to enter the war as an American ally, transforming the Revolution from a colonial rebellion into a global conflict.
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In this special episode, James is joined by Michael Troy, host of the American Revolution Podcast, to review the 2000 film The Crossing, starring Jeff Daniels as George Washington. Together, we discuss the film's historical accuracy, memorable performances, and its portrayal of one of the most pivotal moments of the American Revolution, separating cinematic drama from the historical record.
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By Christmas 1776, the American Revolution stood on the brink of collapse. In this episode, we follow George Washington's daring crossing of the ice-choked Delaware River, his stunning victory over the Hessians at Trenton, and his masterful escape from Cornwallis before delivering another decisive blow at Princeton. Along the way, we separate fact from legend, explore the courage and hardships endured by both sides, and examine the leadership and operational brilliance that made these ten days one of the greatest military turnarounds in history. Discover how Washington's bold gamble revived the Patriot cause and gave a struggling army—and a young nation—new reason to believe victory was still possible.
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In this episode, James and Audrey follow George Washington and the Continental Army through the disastrous New York and New Jersey campaign of 1776, as the British launch the largest overseas expedition in their nation's history to crush the rebellion. We examine the pivotal Battle of Long Island, Washington's remarkable nighttime escape from Brooklyn Heights, the loss of New York City, and the desperate retreat across New Jersey that brought the American cause to the brink of collapse. Along the way, we explore the failed Staten Island Peace Conference, Nathan Hale's famous mission, the capture of Fort Washington, and the leadership lessons Washington learned through defeat. By Christmas 1776, with enlistments expiring, morale at its lowest point, and the Revolution seemingly on the verge of failure, Washington knew that one bold stroke might be all that stands between American independence and total defeat.
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In the first half of 1776, the Patriot cause gained momentum as Thomas Paine's Common Sense inspired thousands, Patriot forces repelled a British assault on Charleston, and the Continental Congress debated the question of independence. In this episode, James and Audrey follow the events that transformed thirteen rebellious colonies into the United States of America. Your hosts also examine the drafting and meaning of the Declaration of Independence. From Sullivan's Island to Philadelphia, this episode explores one of the most consequential periods in American history.
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