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Key Battles of American History

Key Battles of American History

Key Battles of American History 424 Episodes Sep 19, 2026

War has played a key role in the history of the United States from the nation’s founding right down to the present. Wars made the U.S. independent, kept it together, increased its size, and established it as a global superpower. Understanding America’s wars is essential for understanding American history. In the Key Battles of American History, host James Early discusses American history through the lens of the most important battles of America’s wars. James is an Adjunct Professor of History at San Jacinto College in Pasadena, TX.

Episodes

The Patriot with Michael Troy
The Patriot with Michael Troy Sep 19, 2026 4777 In this episode, Michael Troy, host of the American Revolution Podcast, joins James to discuss and review the controversial 2000 film The Patriot. Is The Patriot so historically inaccurate that it is not worth watching? Or does it have enough positive traits to merit a viewing? Join Mike and James as they discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly of this much talked about film.See omnystudio.com/lis
RW12: The War Moves South
RW12: The War Moves South Sep 16, 2026 3547 In this episode, James and Audrey follow the British Southern Campaign from its stunning victories at Savannah, Charleston, and Camden to the beginning of its dramatic unraveling. Your hosts then take a brief detour to examine Benedict Arnold's infamous treason, and then they introduce the brilliant commanders who would shape the fighting in the South, while also discussing the brutal civil war th
RW11: The Rhode Island Campaign
RW11: The Rhode Island Campaign Sep 9, 2026 2772 The British occupation of Newport, Rhode Island, in late 1776 set the stage for one of the Revolutionary War's most important—and most overlooked—campaigns. In this episode, James and Audrey examine the American attempts to recapture the strategic port, culminating in the first major combined military operation between the United States and its new French ally under Admiral d'Estaing.
RW10: The Philadelphia Campaign
RW10: The Philadelphia Campaign Sep 2, 2026 3319 In this episode, James and Audrey examine the Philadelphia Campaign of 1777–78, as British General William Howe captured the American capital but failed to destroy George Washington's army. We follow the campaign through the Battles of Brandywine, Germantown, White Marsh, and Monmouth, while also exploring the dramatic defense of Forts Mifflin and Mercer and the Marquis de Lafayette's daring
RW9: The Tide Turns: Saratoga
RW9: The Tide Turns: Saratoga Aug 26, 2026 2901 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 Horat
The Crossing with Michael Troy
The Crossing with Michael Troy Aug 22, 2026 4125 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.See omn
RW8: Ten Crucial Days: Trenton and Princeton
RW8: Ten Crucial Days: Trenton and Princeton Aug 19, 2026 2431 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 end
RW7: The New York and New Jersey Campaign
RW7: The New York and New Jersey Campaign Aug 12, 2026 3006 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 de
RW6: Common Sense, Charleston, and Independence
RW6: Common Sense, Charleston, and Independence Aug 5, 2026 3723 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 dra
RW5: Quebec and the Noble Train of Artillery
RW5: Quebec and the Noble Train of Artillery Jul 29, 2026 2931 In the aftermath of Bunker Hill, both Britain and the Continental Congress took decisive steps that pushed the colonies closer to a complete break with the mother country. Meanwhile, American forces under Richard Montgomery and Benedict Arnold launched a daring invasion of Canada, only to suffer a devastating defeat before the walls of Quebec. As the northern campaign collapsed amid disease, hunge
RW4: Bunker Hill; Washington Takes Command
RW4: Bunker Hill; Washington Takes Command Jul 22, 2026 3245 In this episode, James and Audrey follow the American Revolution from the meeting of the Second Continental Congress to the bloody Battle of Bunker Hill. We explore the capture of Fort Ticonderoga, the growing siege of Boston, and the desperate struggle on Breed's Hill that proved colonial militiamen could stand against Britain's professional army. We also examine the staggering cost of Britain's
RW3: British and Continental Soldiers
RW3: British and Continental Soldiers Jul 15, 2026 3173 What was life really like for the men who fought in the Revolutionary War? In this episode, James and Audrey step away from the battlefield narrative to explore the everyday experiences of British redcoats, Patriots, Loyalists, Hessians, Native Americans, and Black Americans who served in the war. From enlistment and training to uniforms, weapons, food, discipline, and camp life, they examine the

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