Seasons of Giving
As we head towards the holiday season, BackStory takes a look at the origins and effects of American generosity. When did we start giving to people we’ve never even met?
Sweet and Dangerous: A History of Sugar
In this episode, the History Guys will explore sweetness in American history. How has our national sweet tooth shaped our political and economic priorities?
Borrowed Times: A History of the National Debt
The History Guys explore why the national debt has continued to be so controversial in a country that was founded on borrowing.
“Borrowed Times”: Further Reading
The following links and documents relate to the BackStory episode “Borrowed Time: A History of the National Debt,” originally broadcast in June of 2011.
Love Me Did: A History of Courtship
In this Valentine’s Day special, BackStory delves into the history of courtship. From “bundling” to the back-seat, the History Guys explore three centuries of pre-marital intimacy.
“Love Me Did” — Further Reading
The following links and documents relate to the BackStory episode “Love Me Did: A History of Courtship,” broadcast in January/February of 2010. You can listen to the entire episode here. Valentine’s Day: Historian Stephanie Coontz sets the record straight on the history of Valentine’s Day Love, bon bons, and a brutal massacre The bidding is on for antique [...]
“Love Me Did” — Features and Highlights
The following are extended versions of interviews included in the BackStory episode “Love Me Did: A History of Courtship,” broadcast in January/February of 2010. You can listen to the entire episode here. Pam Epstein: 19th Century Personal Ads — Pam Epstein shares some of her favorite 19th century personal ads. [Audio clip: view full post [...]
Glorious Riches
The following audio clip is excerpted from the BackStory episode “Panic!: A History of Financial Crisis.” You can listen to the entire episode here. Historian Scott Nelson outlines the eerie similarities between 1873 and 2008, and explains how Christian fundamentalism is rooted in financial collapse. [Audio clip: view full post to listen] Excerpted from: Panic!: [...]
Boom & Bust
The following audio clip is excerpted from the BackStory episode “Panic!: A History of Financial Crisis.” You can listen to the entire episode here. Economic historian Michael Bernstein explains the difference between the Great Depression and the myriad financial panics of the 19th century, as well as the amnesia that ignores the realities of the [...]
The Great Migration
The following audio clip is excerpted from the BackStory episode “Looking for Work: A History of Unemployment.” You can listen to the entire episode here. William Brown moved north from Jacksonville, FL, during the Great Migration. He describes what happened when he asked a Philadelphia real estate agent for a job. Discussion of challenges for [...]
