Borrowed Times: A History of the National Debt [rebroadcast]
The History Guys explore why the national debt has continued to be so controversial in a country that was founded on borrowing.
Here to There: A History of Mapping
We’re devoting this episode of BackStory to maps – asking how the ways in which Americans have mapped geography illustrate the ways in which Americans have understood themselves socially.
Indian Country Virginia: Real & Imagined
In this live performance at Colonial Williamsburg’s Kimball Theatre, the History Guys take on the history of Indians in Virginia.
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.
“Black and White” — Further Reading
The following links and documents relate to the BackStory episode “Black and White: The Idea of Racial Purity,” broadcast in January of 2009. You can listen to the entire episode here. Read up on the origins and history of the idea of race. Peruse an excerpt from The Hemingses of Monticello: An American Family, by Annette [...]
“Black and White” — Features and Highlights
Thomas and Sally — Historian Annette Gordon Reed speaks with 18th Century History Guy Peter Onuf about Thomas Jefferson’s relationship with his slave, Sally Hemings. Reed proposes that historians have come to erroneous conclusions trying to “save” Jefferson’s reputation. Slavery & Science — Historian Daryl Scott discusses rise of scientific racism and how race has [...]
New Media & Objectivity
The following audio clip is excerpted from the BackStory episode “Just the Facts?: Partisanship & the Press.” You can listen to the entire episode here. Michael Kinsley, founding editor of Slate.com, talks about why he’s not worried about objectivity in the new media landscape. Excerpted from: Just the Facts?: Partisanship & the Press
Lunar Manbats
The following audio clip is excerpted from the BackStory episode “Just the Facts?: Partisanship & the Press.” You can listen to the entire episode here. Matthew Goodman tells the story of an elaborate hoax involving “lunar man-bats” in the early days of the penny press. Excerpted from: Just the Facts?: Partisanship & the Press
Jefferson and the Press
The following audio clip is excerpted from the BackStory episode “Just the Facts?: Partisanship & the Press.” You can listen to the entire episode here. The History Guys discuss Thomas Jefferson’s sometimes contradictory ideas about a free press. Excerpted from: Just the Facts?: Partisanship & the Press
