American History Hit
History Hit
SummaryJoin host Don Wildman twice a week as he peels back the layers of the American story, moving far beyond the standard textbook narrative. American History Hit is an immersive journey through the complex, often contradictory, and deeply human experiences that have defined the United States over the last two and a half centuries. Whether exploring the intellectual contributions of the Harlem Renaissance, the logistical pressure of Eisenhower’s D-Day preparations, or the dark, predatory ingenuity of 19th-century con artists, the show brings the past into sharp focus. A standout feature is the recurring series, What Made America, which invites leading historians to dissect foundational turning points—from the rise of the professional military to the transformative impact of the abolitionist movement. The podcast excels at grounding grand historical shifts in individual lives. You will hear about the struggles of Jane Franklin Mecom alongside the prominence of her brother Benjamin, and learn how marginalized figures like Sacagawea and York were the true engines behind expeditions that reshaped the map. By challenging romanticized myths and confronting the persistent gap between the nation’s egalitarian ideals and its systemic realities, American History Hit offers a nuanced, thought-provoking examination of the American experiment. Each episode is a bridge to the past, helping us better understand the pressures, policies, and people that continue to influence the United States today.
Updated Jul 6, 2026
Episodes
What Made America? Birth Of A Superpower
The United States transitioned from an anti-colonial republic to an imperial superpower at the dawn of the 20th century.
The Nazi Ship that Became a US Flagship
Discover the remarkable history of the USCGC Eagle, a tall ship built by Nazi Germany that became a US flagship.
What Made America? The Abolitionists
The abolitionist movement challenged the nation to confront the brutal hypocrisy of slavery amid American ideals.
Lewis & Clark & Sacagawea's Expedition
Sacagawea and the Corps of Discovery navigate the uncharted American West, encountering indigenous nations and marvels.
What Made America? Victory in the Civil War
Union victory in the Civil War was the essential stress test that preserved American democracy and made it possible.
The Harlem Renaissance
The Harlem Renaissance was a vibrant flowering of identity and culture that redefined the Black American experience.
What Made America? The Professional Military
The American founding fathers transformed a deep distrust of professional armies into the modern US military force.
Eisenhower's Countdown to D-Day
General Dwight D. Eisenhower navigates high-stakes politics and military planning to launch the historic D-Day invasion.
What Made America: The Constitution & The Franklins
Historian Jill Lepore explores the American experiment through the life and correspondence of Benjamin Franklin’s sister.
Inside a Serial Killer's 'Murder Castle'
Uncover the gruesome truth behind H.H. Holmes and the reality of his infamous Chicago Murder Castle during the Gilded Age.
How 'New Amsterdam' Became 'New York'
Discover how the Dutch colony of New Amsterdam transformed into the English stronghold of New York in 1664.
Worst Siege of the Civil War: Vicksburg
Union forces trap thousands in a forty-seven-day siege that turns the Confederate stronghold into a survival nightmare.
When Was the Revolutionary War Won?
Explore how a ragtag colonial force defied the odds to defeat the world’s greatest military power and win independence.
America's War Against Pirates
The United States forged its naval and diplomatic identity by taking on the Barbary States in a fight over tribute.
King Phillip's War
King Philip’s War was the bloody 17th-century contest that decided the fate of sovereignty in colonial New England.
US Presidents Who Escaped Assassination
Explore how failed assassination attempts against US presidents have shaped the course of American history.
California Gold Rush
Discover how the 1848 discovery at Sutter's Mill triggered a global migration that forever transformed California.
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