American History Hit

During the first half of the 20th century, dozens of murders plagued the oil-rich Osage Nation. The question of who killed them, and why, spread beyond the borders of the nation, eventually being picked up by the fledgling FBI.

In this episode, Don speaks to David Grann, author of the silver-screen adapted 'Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI'. Don and David explore the Osage Nation, why it fell victim to the greed of its neighbours, and how the truth was eventually discovered.

Produced by Sophie Gee. Edited by Aidan Lonergan. Senior Producer was Charlotte Long.

Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Dan Snow, James Holland, Mary Beard and more.

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An iconic signature on the Declaration of Independence - that is what John Hancock is best known for. But how did he come to be the first signatory? What was his role in the American Revolution?

Brooke Barbier joins Don in this episode to take us through the life and works of John Hancock, and to explain how he got the nickname, 'King Hancock'.

Brooke is the author of ‘Boston in the American Revolution’ and ‘King Hancock: The Radical Influence of a Moderate Founding Father’. She also founded 'Ye Old Tavern Tours', a private tour company in Boston.

Produced by Sophie Gee. Edited by Aidan Lonergan. Senior Producer was Charlotte Long.

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A far-right hate group known the world over, the Ku Klux Klan emerged in the aftermath of the Civil War. So why did it emerge? Where did it get its name from? And how has its size, focus and influence changed in the years since?

To demystify this terrorist organisation, Don spoke to Professor Kristofer Allerfeldt from the University of Exeter, England. Kristofer is the author of 'The Ku Klux Klan: An American History'.

Produced by Sophie Gee. Edited by Anisha Deva. Senior Producer was Charlotte Long.

Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for $1 per month for 3 months with code AMERICANHISTORY sign up at https://historyhit/subscription/

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On November 22nd 1963, President John F. Kennedy was shot dead. The ensuing years have been filled with questions and conspiracy about the events of that day, and the weeks, months and years leading to it.

In the second of our special series, Don meets Paul Landis, a former secret service agent who was feet from the presidential limousine when the assassination happened. He tells us his recollection of the event itself, the direction of the bullets and the experience of accompanying First Lady Jackie Kennedy into the Emergency Room alongside her husband.

Don is also joined by Jefferson Morley and Thomas Whalen to explore why we have so many unanswered questions despite the Warren Commission report of 1964 and the many other reports that have followed.

Jefferson Morley is a journalist and editor who has worked in Washington journalism for over thirty years. He has been researching the CIA files of the assassination since their release 3 decades ago, is the editor of the JFK Facts blog, and his books include 'Our Man in Mexico: Winston Scott and the Hidden History of the CIA' and 'Scorpions' Dance: The President, the Spymaster, and Watergate.'

Thomas J. Whalen is an associate professor of social science at Boston University. His books on JFK include 'JFK and His Enemies: A Portrait of Power' and 'Kennedy Versus Lodge: The 1952 Massachusetts Senate Race'.

Produced and edited by Sophie Gee. Senior Producer was Charlotte Long.

This podcast contains archive from NBC, 22 November 1963, and music and SFX from Epidemic Sound.

Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Dan Snow, James Holland, Mary Beard and more.

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The war between the Union and the Confederacy is a major turning point in the history of the United States. But why did it happen?

From slavery and states' rights, to economic, legislative, moral, and political issues, in this episode, Don and Professor Adam Smith explore how these intertwined issues triggered this devastating war.

Adam is a professor at the University of Oxford and Director of their Rothermere American Institute. He is also the host of podcast 'The Last Best Hope?' and author of 'The Stormy Present: Conservatism and the Problem of Slavery in Northern Politics, 1846-1865'.

Produced by Sophie Gee. Edited by Aidan Lonergan. Senior Producer was Charlotte Long

Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for $1 per month for 3 months with code AMERICANHISTORY sign up at https://historyhit/subscription/

You can take part in our listener survey here.