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American History Hit

American History Hit

By: History Hit
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Join Don Wildman twice a week for your hit of American history, as he explores the past to help us understand the United States of today.

We’ll hear how codebreakers uncovered secret Japanese plans for the Battle of Midway, visit Chief Powhatan as he prepares for war with the British, see Walt Disney accuse his former colleagues of being communists, and uncover the dark history that lies beneath Central Park.

From pre-colonial America to independence, slavery to civil rights, the gold rush to the space race, join Don as he speaks to leading experts to delve into America’s past.

New episodes every Monday and Thursday.

Brought to you by History Hit, the award-winning podcast network and world’s best history channel on demand, featuring shows like Dan Snow’s History Hit, Not Just The Tudors and Betwixt the Sheets.


Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Episodes
  • When Was the Revolutionary War Won?
    May 25 2026

    In 1775, revolutionaries went to war against the British. Seeking independence from colonial ties, they fought more than 150 battles over eight years.


    A relatively new nation of just 2.5 million people facing off against the greatest military power on the planet at that time, it seemed like a tall order. So when did the tide turn? When did it become certain that the revolutionaries would gain their independence?


    In this episode from the archive with podcast host Dan Snow and Major Jonathan Bratten of the National Guard, Don is pitting the British against the Americans once more. Join us to find out when the Revolutionary war was won.


    Edited by Aidan Lonergan, produced by Sophie Gee. The Senior Producer was Charlotte Long.


    Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.


    All music from Epidemic Sounds.


    American History Hit is a History Hit podcast.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    48 mins
  • America's War Against Pirates
    May 21 2026

    Just twenty years after independence, the United States fought a lesser-known war against the Barbary States of North Africa... some use the term 'Corsairs', others referred to them as 'Pirates'. But why was America there? How was diplomacy conducted during this time? And how did these conflicts help transform a fragile republic into an emerging naval power?


    Our guest today is Dr. Abby Mullen, professor at the United States Naval Academy. Her work includes hosting the ‘Consolation Prize’ podcast, and her book ‘To Fix a National Character: The United States in the First Barbary War, 1800–1805’, which won the ‘John R. Lyman Book Award’ in 2024.


    All opinions expressed here are Abby's, and not those of the US Naval Academy, US Department of Defense or the US Government.


    Edited by Tim Arstall. Produced by Tomos Delargy. Senior Producer was Freddy Chick.


    Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.


    All music from Epidemic Sounds.


    American History Hit is a History Hit podcast.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    54 mins
  • King Phillip's War
    May 18 2026

    This is one of the deadliest conflicts in North American History. But who was King Philip? What started the war? And how did it change history?


    Don is joined by Professor David Silverman from George Washington University to head back to the late 17th century.


    Edited by Aidan Lonergan. Produced by Sophie Gee. Senior Producer was Freddy Chick.


    Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.


    All music from Epidemic Sounds.


    American History Hit is a History Hit podcast.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    48 mins
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All stars
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Don Wildman's enthusiastic thoughtful engagement with his subject and his relaxed agreeable voice make this my favourite historical podcast.

Excellent

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Like most Brits I thought that the United States had a limited history, but how wrong i was, even with the subjects I knew about Don and his crew provided me new and more detailed information. A must for all fans of American history.

Brilliant podcast

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