Shows
American History Archives - History with Mark BielskiThe Civil War in July of 1863Mark takes a quick look at two major Civil War events the took place in early July: the battles of Gettysburg and Vicksburg. He also discusses some of the characters who played key roles: Confederate General Henry Heth, the man who initiated the battle of Gettysburg and Union General Edward Sickles, one of the most controversial generals who took part in it, as well as Joe Johnston, the General who could have saved Vicksburg for the Confederacy. (Image: General Henry Heth)
The post The Civil War in July of 1863 appeared first on History with Mark Bielski.
2022-07-0120 min
American History Archives - History with Mark BielskiCivil War: What Potent Blood Has Modest MayMark takes a look at some significant events that took place in May from the American Civil War era. He considers these events in light of Ralph Waldo Emerson’s famous (yet unrelated) quote, “What potent blood hath modest May,” which Mark will show is an applicable description when considering the outcome of some such events from this time in history.
In May in 1856, Massachusetts Senator Charles Sumner, an outspoken abolitionist, gave an oration attacking not only the institution of slavery, but two Senators personally, Stephen Douglas of Illinois and Andrew Butler of South Carolina for supporting it in h...
2022-05-0225 min
American History Archives - History with Mark BielskiWomen in History MonthTo kick off Women’s History month, Mark takes a look at some of history’s notable women. Starting with Medieval times and jumping to the American Revolution, War of 1812, Civil War and World War II, he features a range of heroines from Joan of Arc, who at age 17 led a French army in the Hundred Years war, to Clara Barton, a nurse during the Civil War, to the women who served in the Women’s Army Corps in WWII. Stay tuned for a brief quiz at the end.
The post Women in History Month appeared first on His...
2022-03-0120 min
American History Archives - History with Mark BielskiJanuary: There’s a Lot of Historical Heat!Often we think that historically, not much has happened in the middle of winter. However, that’s far from the truth. From Charlemagne to Henry VIII, Secession in the Civil War to the Soviets battling the Finns in the snow during WWII, there has been a lot of historical heat generated in January over the centuries. Join Mark as he reviews some significant events that occurred during winter.
The post January: There’s a Lot of Historical Heat! appeared first on History with Mark Bielski.
2022-01-1627 minAmerican History Archives - History with Mark BielskiKick Off the New Year Learning About the Essential Qualities of LeadershipWhat essential leadership lessons can you learn from history’s greatest military commanders? Mark welcomes Professor Harry Laver, author of The Art of Command: Military Leadership from George Washington to Colin Powell, to answer this question. Laver and his editor Jeffrey J. Matthews assembled a list of contributors from military, academic, and professional circles, which allows the book to encompass diverse approaches to the study of leadership. Mark and Laver discuss the essential qualities of Leadership, including the nine core characteristics, such as integrity, determination, vision, and charisma.
Buy The Art of Command: Military Leadership from George Wa...
2022-01-0124 min
WWI Archives - History with Mark BielskiChristmas in Wartime – Part IWar brings few joyous moments. Over the years, Christmas time has provided a few glimmers of warmth. From a surprise victory for George Washington, to mules masquerading as reindeer in the Civil War, to a flare-lit soccer game between Brits and Germans in WWI, Mark shares some wartime Christmas memories.
The post Christmas in Wartime – Part I appeared first on History with Mark Bielski.
2021-12-1500 min
American History Archives - History with Mark BielskiPredicting Pearl HarborAs the 80th Anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor during WWII approaches, Mark revisits his interview with historian Ronald J. Drez. They discuss his book, Predicting Pearl Harbor: Billy Mitchell and the Path to War.
Gen. Billy Mitchell recognized the signs and foresaw the eventual showdown between the two nations―eighteen years before the tragedy of Pearl Harbor. Yet his predictions were dismissed out of hand. Mitchell’s attempts to have his theories taken seriously led to scorn and a subsequent court martialing.
Primary-source documents, memoirs, and firsthand testimonies deliver an exhaustive background to Mitc...
2021-11-3000 min
American History Archives - History with Mark BielskiCivil War: The Fall of New OrleansContinuing his discussion of the fall of New Orleans during the Civil War, Mark discusses the Union bombardment of Forts Jackson and St. Philip by David Dixon Porter’s mortar boats. The rest of the Union fleet under David Farragut is able to steam past the forts. After a duel with the few effective Confederate gunboats in action, they reach New Orleans and demand the city’s surrender on April 26, 1862.
A Mortal Blow to the Confederacy: The Fall of New Orleans, 1862
I am excited to announce that my new book, A Mortal Blow to the Confe...
2021-04-2100 minAmerican History Archives - History with Mark BielskiCivil War New OrleansMark discusses New Orleans during the Civil War. General Mansfield Lovell assumes military command of New Orleans and begins to shore up the defenses. He affirms that the threat will come upriver from the Gulf of Mexico, despite Richmond’s insistence that he transfer men and boats north. Construction begins on two super CSA gunboats, the Louisiana and Mississippi, said to surpass anything the Union had.
A Mortal Blow to the Confederacy: The Fall of New Orleans, 1862
I am excited to announce that my new book, A Mortal Blow to the Confederacy: The Fall of Ne...
2021-04-0600 min
American History Archives - History with Mark BielskiCivil War New Orleans: Prelude to ConflictNew Orleans fell to the Union on April 29, 1862. As we approach the anniversary of this historic moment, Mark takes a comparative look at developments leading up to the Civil War and the importance of the city of New Orleans to the Confederacy.
Civil War New Orleans: Prelude to Conflict
A comparative look at the economic differences between the Confederate states and those of the Union shows a staggering disparity. The Southern states had few advantages, except in certain agricultural areas and any semblance of parity here, arose from the Border States, primarily Kentucky, Maryland and...
2021-03-1800 min
American History Archives - History with Mark BielskiChristmas in Wartime – Part IIIn Part II of the Christmas in Wartime podcast, Mark reviews some of the happenings that American and Allied soldiers experienced during WWII. There are a few items from the home front and some from where the fighting occurred, as well as a few segments from POWs.
First, a mention that I forgot to include in the last episode. On Christmas Day 1868, US president Andrew Johnson extended amnesty and a full pardon “to all and to every person who, directly or indirectly, participated in the late insurrection or rebellion.”
The Civil War had ended more than...
2020-12-2100 minWWI Archives - History with Mark BielskiChristmas in Wartime – Part IWar brings few joyous moments. Over the years, Christmas time has provided a few glimmers of warmth. From a surprise victory for George Washington, to mules masquerading as reindeer in the Civil War, to a flare-lit soccer game between Brits and Germans in WWI, Mark shares some wartime Christmas memories.
The post Christmas in Wartime – Part I appeared first on History with Mark Bielski.
2020-12-2100 minAmerican History Archives - History with Mark BielskiChristmas in Wartime – Part IWar brings few joyous moments. Over the years, Christmas time has provided a few glimmers of warmth. From a surprise victory for George Washington, to mules masquerading as reindeer in the Civil War, to a flare-lit soccer game between Brits and Germans in WWI, Mark shares some wartime Christmas memories.
The post Christmas in Wartime – Part I appeared first on History with Mark Bielski.
2020-12-2100 min
American History Archives - History with Mark BielskiLewis & Clark ExpeditionSeptember 25, 2020 marks 214 years since Meriwether Lewis and William Clark finished their Corps of Discovery Expedition. In honor of one the greatest scientific expeditions ever, Mark revisits his conversation with Lewis and Clark historian Hal Stearns. Recorded at Fort Clatsop, the expedition’s winter camp on the Pacific Coast of Oregon, they provide a detailed narrative overview of the incredible explorative journey better known as the Lewis and Clark expedition.
Fort Clatsop reconstruction on the Columbia River near the Pacific Ocean
“The pleasure I now felt in having tryumphed over the rocky mountains and defen...
2020-09-2500 min
2020-04-3026 minAmerican History Archives - History with Mark BielskiWomen in HistoryIn a retrospective of Women’s History month, Mark takes a look at notable women starting with Medieval times and jumping to the American Revolution, the War of 1812, the Civil War and WWII. He features a range of heroines from Joan of Arc, who at age 17 led a French army in the Hundred Years war to Clara Barton in the Civil War and the women who served in the Women’s Army Corps in WWII. Stay tuned for a brief quiz at the end.
The post Women in History appeared first on History with Mark Bielski.
2020-04-0200 min2020-04-0220 min2020-02-2632 minWWI Archives - History with Mark BielskiWWI Epic: Finding the Lost BattalionMark’s guest is Robert J. Laplander who wrote the book, “Finding the Lost Battalion: Beyond the Rumors, Myths and Legends of America’s Famous WWI Epic.” They discuss the deep research Laplander did in order to tell the story of the soldiers and their commander, Charles Whittlesey and their grueling ordeal by fire in the Argonne Forest. This definitive work follows these men of the 77th Division and chronicles their lives and sacrifices in battle during September and October 1918.
About Finding the Lost Battalion
Robert J. Laplander has become the benchmark work against which all thin...
2020-02-2000 min2020-02-1240 minAmerican History Archives - History with Mark BielskiVince Dooley: The South Carolina Liberty TrailSome historians believe that the American Revolution was won in the South. Mark has a conversation with Vince Dooley about the Liberty Trail, the American Battlefield Trust’s path of preservation and interpretation of historical Revolutionary War sites in South Carolina. Besides being a legendary football coach at the University of Georgia, Vince Dooley is an avid student of history, and a board member of the Trust. We discuss the history trail itself and the preservation project that includes such key sites as Waxhaws, Camden, Hanging Rock, Monck’s Corner and others.
Photo: Battle of Camden during the...
2020-02-0600 min2020-02-0637 minHistory with Mark BielskiJanuary Historical EventsOften we think that historically, not much has happened in the middle of winter. However, that's far from the truth. From Charlemagne to Henry VIII, Secession in the Civil War to the Soviets battling the Finns in the snow during WWII, there has been a lot of historical heat generated in January over the centuries.
2020-01-2227 minHistory with Mark BielskiWartime ChristmasMark looks at some examples of how Christmas was observed during wartime over the last three centuries. From merciful nurses making wounded and sick soldiers more comfortable with what limited means they had, to ersatz reindeer in the Civil War, and how a grant for leave could be the greatest Christmas gift a soldier could hope to receive.
2019-12-1229 minWWI Archives - History with Mark BielskiWartime ChristmasMark looks at some examples of how Christmas was observed during wartime over the last three centuries. Merciful nurses making wounded and sick soldiers more comfortable with what limited means they had, ersatz reindeer in the Civil War, and how a grant for leave could be the greatest Christmas gift a soldier could hope to receive are just some of the stories he shares about Christmas during WWI, WWII and the Civil War.
The post Wartime Christmas appeared first on History with Mark Bielski.
2019-12-1200 minHistory with Mark BielskiThe Civil War's Environmental ImpactWhat was the environmental impact of the Civil War? Considering that a battle was a major man-made disaster, someone had to take care of the biological mess that resulted. Countless dead bodies of men, horses and mules and amputated limbs were left behind. Whole armies encamped and left spills of gunpowder, lead and other substances. Human and animal waste and polluted water remained for the local people who had to go on with their lives. We discuss the environment in certain areas after major battles of the Civil War and the positive results that our parks and preserved battlefields...
2019-11-0725 min
WWI Archives - History with Mark BielskiFirst World War with Gary Sheffield – Part IIAs the anniversary of the end of WWI nears, Professor Gary Sheffield, one of Britain’s foremost experts on WWI, returns to offer insightful analysis of the conclusion of the War to End All Wars. Mark and Professor Sheffield discuss America’s participation in the Great War, the end of hostilities, the Armistice of 11 November 1918 and the Versailles Treaty. Mark draws from Professor Sheffield’s book, The First World War, published in association with the Imperial War Museum, as well as his earlier work, Forgotten Victory: The First World War – Myths and Realities.
About The First World War...
2019-10-3100 minWWI Archives - History with Mark BielskiFirst World War with Gary Sheffield – Part IWWI ended November 11, 1918. Reflecting on this anniversary, Mark reprises his discussion with Professor Gary Sheffield, one of Britain’s foremost experts on WWI, who wrote the book, The First World War, published in association with the Imperial War Museum. Mark and Professor Sheffield review the War up until the end and American involvement in 1918. They cover the major events in the great cataclysm as well as some lesser known, yet important and intriguing aspects of the war.
About The First World War
The savagery of the fighting, the appalling conditions endured by the soldiers, and th...
2019-10-2429 minHistory with Mark BielskiCold War: Cuban Missile CrisisWe return to a discussion of the Cold War and the origins of the conflict between superpowers, the U.S. and the Soviet Union. Mark pays special attention to the Cuban Missile Crisis of October 1962. This was the two-week confrontation that kept the world on edge and in fear of escalating tensions that could lead to nuclear war. American President John F. Kennedy was in a stand-off with Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev. Kennedy's goal: make Moscow remove nuclear-armed missiles from the island nation of Cuba.
2019-10-0329 minHistory with Mark BielskiThe Cold War in Europe with Steve BourqueIn continuing the Cold War Series, Steve Bourque joins Mark to discuss his experiences in the U.S. Army during those years. We get the perspectives of a young enlisted man stationed in western Europe during the Cold War. We also get to look at the situation from another vantage point—when he returned later as an intelligence officer. The tactical approach to keeping Europe safe and how American and NATO forces counter a threat from the Soviet Union during those uncertain times come to light in the discussion.
2019-09-0526 minHistory with Mark BielskiSoviet Naval Challenge in the Cold War : Part II with Reid SenterWe return to the Cold War with Part II of the Soviet Naval challenge. This time we cover surface operations and Mark speaks with Reid Senter who served in the Mediterranean. They discuss various aspects of serving in an Amphibious Ready Group, facing the Soviet Navy whose main interest was protecting the "Motherland," and the Walker treachery. Reid, points out that Soviet ships were always "bristling" with extra arms and equipment, possibly needed because of questionable reliability. As a U.S. Navy Captain (retired), he also gives a tip of the hat to the professionalism and quality of the...
2019-08-2228 minAmerican History Archives - History with Mark BielskiThe Soviet Naval Challenge in the Cold War with John LindstedtMark speaks with John Lindstedt, who was a junior officer serving aboard a nuclear submarine in the Cold War years. They discuss the qualifications and training involved, the constant readiness, and the differences between U.S. and Soviet vessels. They also highlight the ever-present threat of the Soviet Navy in the Mediterranean aided by the treachery...
The post The Soviet Naval Challenge in the Cold War with John Lindstedt appeared first on History with Mark Bielski.
2019-08-1500 minHistory with Mark BielskiThe Soviet Naval Challenge in the Cold War with John LindstedtMark speaks with John Lindstedt, who was a junior officer serving aboard a nuclear submarine in the Cold War years. They discuss the qualifications and training involved, the constant readiness, and the differences between U.S. and Soviet vessels. They also highlight the ever-present threat of the Soviet Navy in the Mediterranean aided by the treachery of John Walker and his career of passing classified information to his masters in the Kremlin.
2019-08-1537 minWWI Archives - History with Mark BielskiTrench Dogs: A Graphic Novel About WWIMark interviews Ian Densford, an artist and animator whose graphic novel, Trench Dogs, draws its inspiration from a collection of first-hand accounts from WW1. This fictional story of World War I is an anthropomorphic retelling of that global conflict and the soldiers who experienced the horrors of the front lines and high seas.
More Information About Trench Dogs
While the nightmares of World War I and the aftermath are sometimes forgotten, this book asks the reader to look again and remember the dead, and to weigh their number against those who would choose war. Conceived...
2019-08-0800 minAmerican History Archives - History with Mark BielskiWWII Pilot Stanley “Swede” Vejtasa: Naval HeroWWII pilot, Stanley “Swede” Vejtasa, became a naval hero fighting the Japanese in the Pacific. Author, Ted Edwards, joins Mark to discuss his biography of Swede, Seven at Santa Cruz. The fighter pilot ace dive-bombed and helped sink the first aircraft carrier lost by Japan. The next day, he took off from USS Yorktown and out-flew and out-gunned three...
The post WWII Pilot Stanley “Swede” Vejtasa: Naval Hero appeared first on History with Mark Bielski.
2019-07-2500 minHistory with Mark BielskiLIfe in Jefferson Davis' NavyDr. Barbara Brooks Tomblin discusses her recent book, Life in Jefferson Davis' Navy. She addresses every aspect of the officers and men who served in the Confederate Navy—from the daily life of the sailors to the combat they endured. Through diaries, letters and newspaper accounts, we get a view of the wartime experiences on the gunboats, ironclads and sailing vessels in the Civil War.
2019-07-0140 minHistory with Mark BielskiPart II: Normandy and Brittany 1944 with Mort SheffloeCombat veteran Mort Sheffloe continues his discussion with Mark about Mort's WWII experiences in Normandy and Brittany in 1944. Mort talks about Operation Cobra and being shot by a German sniper near Brest. He talks about his near fatal wounding, medical evacuation and recuperation. This is Part II of a two-part episode, and completes our series on D-Day and Operation Overlord in June 1944
2019-06-2033 minHistory with Mark BielskiNormandy and Brittany 1944: WWII Vet Mort SheffloeContinuing our series on D-Day and Operation Overlord in June 1944, Mark relives his visit to Normandy with WWII Veteran, Mort Sheffloe. They discuss Mort's experiences in Normandy and Brittany in 1944 on Omaha and Utah Beaches and in various cafés. Mort describes the actions as well as his near fatal wounding by a German sniper's bullet.
2019-06-1335 minHistory with Mark Bielski75th Anniversary of D-Day: The Beach LandingsOn this 75th Anniversary of the D-Day, we continue with the discussion about launching the invasion and the beach landings on that day. Mark speaks with historian Marty Morgan and they give special attention to the Americans storming the formidable German positions at Omaha Beach and the fierce struggle that took place there.
2019-06-0632 minHistory with Mark BielskiAirborne: The D-Day InvasionIn continuing our study of D-Day for this 75th Anniversary Year, Mark talks about the invasion airborne operations. He and guest historian, Marty Morgan, discuss some of the actions and details of the paratroopers, including "the greatest feat of flying in the Second World War."
2019-05-3031 minHistory with Mark BielskiOperation Overlord Part II: DeceptionMark discusses the intricate deception plans that the Allies employed to confuse Nazi Germany about the location of the D-Day invasion. Will it be Pas de Calais as Hitler declares so convincingly? Or even Norway? Eisenhower is sure of one thing: it must succeed. There is no Plan B.
2019-05-2324 minHistory with Mark BielskiGarth Ennis: "The Night Witches"Renown Graphic novelist, Garth Ennis, visits with Mark to discuss his new release, The Night Witches, a book about the young women who flew night bombing raids for the Red Army in WWII. As the German army smashes deep in to the Soviet Union and the Red Army retreats in disarray, teenager Anna Kharkhova quickly grows into a hardened combat veteran flying obsolete bi-planes. As death and destruction grows exponentially, she deals not only with the Nazi enemy, but the terrifying threat of her country's secret police.
2019-04-1833 minHistory with Mark BielskiThe Civil War in AprilDuring the Civil War, April lived up to the moniker later bestowed by T.S. Eliot as the "Cruelest Month." The start of hostilities at Fort Sumter in 1861 initiated the war that defined America and President Lincoln's assassination in 1865 both occurred in April. The Battle of Shiloh and the Fall of New Orleans both in 1862, certainly proved to be cataclysmic events. Shiloh was so bloody and destructive that it set the stage for the terrible things to come. Later that month, the Fall of New Orleans proved to be a mortal blow for the Confederacy.
2019-04-1122 minHistory with Mark BielskiAdmiral GorshkovMark returns to the Cold War in this interview with Admiral Thomas Brooks about his co-written book, "Admiral Gorshkov: The Man Who Challenged the U.S. Navy." They discuss the man who led the Soviet Union's Navy for 30 years. He survived Stalin's purges, fought the Nazis in WWII and engaged the American Navy in a tactical chess match until his retirement in 1985.
2019-03-2838 minHistory with Mark BielskiMarch Events: French and Indian to Civil WarsMark covers some key historical events that took place in March, the month that comes in "like a lion" and goes out "like a lamb." We see that this may depend upon where and when. George Washington in 1777, may have felt threatened by the British lion. Or the British soldiers in the French and Indian War had a rough St. Patrick's day at Fort William Henry ten years earlier. In the Civil War, one might say Nathaniel Banks went into his Red River Campaign thinking he was a lion, but definitely finished as a slaughtered lamb.
2019-03-2128 minHistory with Mark BielskiLeadership: Band of BrothersHistorian Chris Anderson joins Mark to discuss leadership and the company that became known as the Band of Brothers, Easy Company of the 101st Airborne in WWII. As an expert and interviewer of that close-knot group of veterans, Chris highlights Major Dick Winters, their commander.
2019-03-1423 minHistory with Mark BielskiCivil War Medicine IIDr. Kenneth Rettig joins Mark again to discuss medicine during the Civil War. They look into a comparison of medical techniques, remedies and emergency treatments then and in the modern military.
2019-03-0727 minHistory with Mark BielskiCivil War: New Orleans PreparesNew Orleans during the Civil War is Mark's topic. In 1861, the City of New Orleans prepared for an imminent invasion by Union forces. As crisis loomed, leadership, politics and military shortcomings became evident. A bright spot is the Confederate victory at Manassas in Virginia, where native-son P.G.T. Beauregard leads the army and the Louisiana boys show prowess and prove their mettle.
2019-02-0727 minHistory with Mark BielskiWinter Events in HistoryMark reviews some significant events that occurred at this time of the year in history. We go from the Ottoman Empire in the 17th century to Europe's worst winter in history in 1940. The Civil War was brewing as the states of the Deep South seceded to form the Confederacy in 1861 and the last battle of the War of 1812 that took place right downriver from the city of New Orleans. We see Finland stand up to the Bolsheviks after the Russian Revolution and we even share a few notes about collaboration and treachery.
2019-01-3121 min
History with Mark BielskiCold War In The Middle EastCold War studies often focus on events in Europe. However, the Cold War quietly and sometimes loudly raged in the Middle East. Numerous political, religious and ethnic factions struggled for power while the U.S. and the Soviet Union maneuvered to exert influence and control in the region—whether behind the scenes or overtly. Mark asked Kate Tietzen to return for a discussion of the turmoil in Middle East during the difficult years following WWII to the final days of the USSR.
2019-01-2436 minWWI Archives - History with Mark BielskiSmoke ‘Em If You Got ‘EmJoel Bius’s new book, Smoke ‘Em If You Got ‘Em: The Rise and Fall of the Military Cigarette Ration, is a treatise on the relationship between the American Military-Industrial complex and the cigarette. Mark and Joel discuss the story of how the cigarette and the soldier relationship evolved, developed and devolved during the twentieth century—and the consequences.
About Smoke ‘Em If You Got ‘Em
The American military-industrial complex and accompanying culture are most often associated with massive weapons procurement programs and advanced technologies. Images of supersonic bombers, strategic missiles, armor-plated tanks, nuclear submarines, and complex...
2019-01-1700 min
History with Mark BielskiSmoke "Em If You Got "EmI interview Joel Bius about his new book: Smoke Em If You Got "Em: The Rise and Fall of the Military Cigarette Ration. It is a treatise on the relationship between the American Military-Industrial complex and the cigarette. The book tells the story of how the cigarette and the soldier relationship evolved, developed and devolved during the twentieth century—and the consequences.
2019-01-1727 min
History with Mark BielskiChristmas In WartimeChristmas during wartime, just as in life, shines with a different glow than that in more peaceful years. Luxuries are often non-existent and even basics are scarce but soldiers and civilians find ways to celebrate. This week on History with Mark Bielski, I look at the holidays in difficult times from the crowning of William the Conqueror in 1066 to USO Shows for American soldiers.
2018-12-2020 min
History with Mark BielskiJefferson Davis: His Final Days and Passing in New OrleansConfederate President, Jefferson Davis, died in New Orleans in December 1889. Mark talks with Mrs. Gladys LeBreton, whose grandfather was a friend of Davis'. As a child, Mrs. LeBreton's mother lived in the home where Davis stayed and was there when he passed away. Mrs. LeBreton relates the story of his final days.
2018-12-1321 min
History with Mark BielskiThe Lost Battalion of WWIMark's guest is Robert J. Laplander about his book Finding the Lost Battalion: Beyond the Rumors, Myths and Legends of America's Famous WWI Epic. They discuss his deep research in the story of the soldiers and their commander, Charles Whittlesey and their grueling ordeal by fire in the Argonne Forest. This definitive work follows these men of the 77th Division and chronicles their lives and sacrifices in battle during September and October 1918.
2018-12-0626 minWWI Archives - History with Mark BielskiThe Lost Battalion of WWIMajor Whittlesey (right) talking to Major Kenny, 307. Infantry, after the battle. Kennys 3rd battalion took part in the relief attempts for the “Lost Battalion.”
Mark’s guest is Robert J. Laplander who wrote the book, Finding the Lost Battalion: Beyond the Rumors, Myths and Legends of America’s Famous WWI Epic. They discuss the deep research Laplander did in order to tell the story of the soldiers and their commander, Charles Whittlesey and their grueling ordeal by fire in the Argonne Forest. This definitive work follows these men of the 77th Division and chronicles their lives and sacrific...
2018-12-0600 min
History with Mark BielskiLewis & ClarkWe reprise the story of the Lewis and Clark Expedition with Historian Hal Stearns. Recorded at Fort Clatsop near Astoria, Oregon, it gives a detailed narrative overview of that incredible explorative journey. But first Mark responds to a comment from a listener about General George B. McClellan; then as an added attraction, we close with a short history quiz and prize for the first with correct answers.
2018-11-2933 min
History with Mark BielskiNovember Events in HistoryWe review some significant November events in history from WWI to the American Revolution as well as the American Civil War and WWII. We include the First Battle of Ypres in 1914 and the 1918 Armistice that ended the bloodshed of WWI as well as the last action of the Civil War with the surrender of the CSS Shenandoah and a brief glimpse at one of the Confederate government's most interesting characters. For WWII we have the scuttling of the French fleet in 1942 while the Germans watched their potential prize of warships sink to the bottom of the sea.
2018-11-1519 min
History with Mark BielskiWWI with Gary Sheffield - Part IIProfessor Gary Sheffield offers insightful analysis of the end of WWI. One of Britain's foremost experts on WWI returns to discuss America's participation in the Great War, the conclusion of hostilities, the Armistice of 11 November 1918 and the Versailles Treaty. Mark draws from Professor Sheffield's new release of "The First World War," published in association with the Imperial War Museum, as well as his earlier work, "Forgotten Victory."
2018-11-0821 min
History with Mark BielskiDr. Samuel A. Mudd HouseWe go back to Good Friday April 1865 and President Abraham Lincoln's assassination at Ford's Theatre in Washington. Later that night, assassin John Wilkes Booth, on the run and in desperate need of medical attention for his broken leg, stopped at the home of Dr. Samuel A. Mudd in Southern Maryland. Mark visits the home and grounds, now a museum, with Curator Dorothea Barstow to learn about the conspiracy, Booth and Dr. Mudd.
2018-11-0136 min
History with Mark BielskiWWI with Gary Sheffield - Part IProfessor Gary Sheffield, one of Britain's foremost experts on WWI, discusses his new edition book The First World War, published in association with the Imperial War Museum. Mark and Professor Sheffield review the War up until the end and American involvement in 1918. They cover the major events in the great cataclysm as well as some lesser known, yet important and intriguing aspects of the war.
2018-10-2529 min
History with Mark BielskiAutumn Events in HistoryA look at some autumn events in WWII and the Civil War, as well as WWI and the American Revolution. We include the 1918 Meuse-Argonne offensive by the America Expeditionary Forces and the French army. Launched against the Germans on the Western Front, this final campaign led to the Armistice. We also look at the momentous events that took place at Yorktown, Virginia in 1781. Again, with the aid of the French, this battle proved to be the final military blow for the British in the American war for independence.
2018-10-1823 min
History with Mark BielskiPatton Part II: Post WWIIHistorian Kevin Hymel returns for a discussion of General George S. Patton's post-war governance in Germany and the actual story of his fatal accident and death. This is Part II of a two-part episode.
2018-10-1124 min
History with Mark BielskiAntietam with Jack MountcastleJack Mountcastle returns to discuss the momentous battle of Antietam in September 1862. It was the single bloodiest day of warfare in American history. Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia, emboldened by the victory at Second Manassas in August 1862, had crossed into Maryland. Near the little town of Sharpsburg, they clashed with the Union Army of the Potomac under George B. McClellan. Somehow Lee's battle plans fell into Union hands. Would that make a difference?
2018-10-0442 min
History with Mark BielskiUSS IndianapolisMark speaks with authors Lynn Vincent and Sara Vladic about their new book, Indianapolis, a study of the worst sea disaster in U.S. Naval history. Published by Simon & Schuster, Indianapolis is the story of the ship that delivered the atomic bomb in 1945, then was sunk by Japanese torpedoes. It relates individual stories of the sailors, their ordeal in shark-infested Pacific waters awaiting rescue, the aftermath and media coverage, as well as the families of the lost and efforts to exonerate the captain after his court martial.
2018-09-2735 min
History with Mark BielskiThe Legion's Fighting Bulldog with Vince DooleyMark has a conversation with Vince Dooley about his book, The Legion's Fighting Bulldog: The Civil War Correspondence of William Gaston Delony. Through the letters of Delony and his wife Rosa, we get human insights into the struggles of the war both on the battlefield and at the home front. Coach Dooley is an avid student of history, and well-known for his legendary career as head football coach at the University of Georgia for 25 years. Vince won Six SEC titles, the National Championship in 1980 and served as Athletic Director until 2004.
2018-09-2028 min
History with Mark BielskiBeyond the Beach: The Allied War Against FranceMark's guest is Steve Bourque, whose new book: Beyond the Beach: The Allied War Against France takes on a subject often ignored in historical accounts. Bourque explores the effects of Allied air attacks on French towns and infrastructure in 1944 as part of the D-Day Invasion and war with Nazi Germany. In discussing the book, they examine the different operations, the destruction of military and civilian targets and casualties, as well as the results and aftermath of the bombings.
2018-09-1339 min
History with Mark BielskiBattle of Second ManassasGeneral Jack Mountcastle joins Mark to discuss the battle of Second Manassas, the major Confederate victory in August 1862 that gave Lee the thrust to invade Maryland that September. He also details the extensive tour he leads for Stephen Ambrose Historical Tours that covers Manassas as well as the other key events in the Eastern theatre. We explore the strategies, leaders on both sides and specific actions in the battle and leading up to the fight. It's the closest thing to going to the battlefield itself.
2018-09-0631 min
History with Mark BielskiAugust History Happenings and Fall PreviewA look at some August events in WWII and the Civil War, including the Siege of Leningrad, the Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact, the infamous Quantrill's Raiders and Nathan Bedford Forrest's raid on Memphis. We also preview upcoming fall episodes that cover Antietam, the Allied Bombing of France in 1944, and a new WWI book by one of Britain's foremost WWI experts.
2018-08-3019 min
History with Mark BielskiMort Sheffloe ReduxWe revisit Mark's interviews with WWII veteran, Mort Sheffloe, done on location in France. Mort discusses his WWII experiences in Normandy and Brittany in 1944. Some of the interviews took place while walking the sands and in cafés at Utah and Omaha Beaches.
2018-08-0936 min
History with Mark BielskiSeven at Santa CruzMark's guest is Ted Edwards, whose new book, Seven at Santa Cruz, is a riveting biography of WWII pilot, Stanley "Swede" Vejtasa. It is an up-close look at the battles of Santa Cruz and Coral Sea and how Vejtasa became a naval hero fighting the Japanese in the Pacific. He flew from aircraft carriers Yorktown and Enterprise and became the only dive-bomber pilot to be awarded Navy crosses for both bombing and aerial combat.
2018-08-0231 min
History with Mark BielskiLeadership: The Essential QualitiesProf. Harry Laver joins Mark to discuss the qualities of Leadership and his book edited with Jeffrey J. Matthews, The Art of Command: Military Leadership from George Washington to Colin Powell.
2018-06-2024 min
History with Mark BielskiIraq: Ancient Country, Modern ConflictsIraq: from ancient to modern times. Kate Tietzen joins Mark to discuss the conflicts, sometime resolutions and the evolution of the country. Her in-country research delves into the many facets of the Iraqi people, the religious factions and the nation's friends, foes and allies.
2018-06-1335 min
History with Mark BielskiThe Ghost Army of WWII with Rick BeyerIn this episode of History With Mark Bielski, Rick Beyer discusses the Ghost Army operations in WWII and the upcoming tour he will be leading this September to experience and study their creative deceptions during the war.
2018-05-2428 min
History with Mark BielskiMay Historical Events: Civil WarIn this episode Mark takes a look at some significant events that took place in May from the Civil War era, even considering these events in light of Ralph Waldo Emerson's famous (yet unrelated) quote "What potent blood hath modest May" which Mark will show is an applicable description when considering the outcome of some such events from this time in history.
2018-05-1825 min
History with Mark BielskiMedicine in the Civil WarDr. Ken Rettig and Mark discuss medical practices during the Civil War. From bullet wounds and amputations to respiratory diseases they explore how army surgeons treated patients during that period.
2018-05-0923 min
History with Mark BielskiSultana Disaster: Part IIAuthor Sally M. Walker joins Mark to discuss the tragic disaster of the explosion and sinking of the Sultana in 1865. It was America's greatest maritime disaster that occurred on the Mississippi River at the end of the Civil War—but so few people know about it. Her book , Sinking the Sultana tells the intriguing story.
2018-04-1230 min
History with Mark BielskiThe Lincoln Assassination and the Sultana DisasterProfessor Gerry Prokopowicz wraps up the Lincoln discussion with some points about the assassination in April 1865. Mark gives background and the basic story of the Sultana tragedy, America's greatest maritime disaster that occurred that same month.
2018-04-0523 min
History with Mark BielskiCivil War and Abraham Lincoln: Part IMark discusses the Civil War and Abraham Lincoln with historian Gerry Prokopowicz.
2018-03-2841 min
History with Mark BielskiBand of Brothers: Leadership of the 101st Airborne DivisionHistorian Chris Anderson joins Mark to discuss leadership in the Second World War at various levels. As an expert on Easy Company, 506th PIR, 101st Airborne, he highlights Major Dick Winters of Band of Brothers renown.
2018-03-1423 min
History with Mark BielskiVicksburg Monuments: The Art of CommemorationGeneral Parker Hills joins Mark to discuss the monuments at the Vicksburg National Military Park in Mississippi. Gen. Hills' book Art of Commemoration catalogues and details the magnificent sculpture, architecture, the artists and interpretations that memorialize the Park.
2018-02-1532 min
History with Mark BielskiTudor England in the MediaProfessor Bill Robison joins Mark to discuss Tudor England and its portrayal in film and TV—especially the series The Tudors and the interpretations of key characters such as Henry VIII, Ann Boleyn, Catherine of Aragon, Thomas More and Cardinal Wolsey.
2018-01-1740 min
2018-01-0512 min
History with Mark BielskiChristmas in Wartime - Part IIIn this episode, Mark reviews some of the happenings that American and Allied soldiers experienced during WWII. There are a few items from the home front and some from where the fighting occurred, as well as a few segments from POWs.
2017-12-2027 min
History with Mark BielskiChristmas in Wartime - Part IWar brings few joyous moments. Over the years, Christmas time has provided a few glimmers of warmth. From a surprise victory for George Washington, to mules masquerading as reindeer in the Civil War, to a flare-lit soccer game between Brits and Germans in WWI, Mark shares some wartime Christmas memories.
2017-12-1330 min
History with Mark BielskiLewis & Clark With Hal StearnsLewis & Clark With Hal Stearns by History with Mark Bielski
2017-11-2824 min
History with Mark BielskiConspiracy theories: JFK and Pearl HarborConspiracy theories: JFK and Pearl Harbor by History with Mark Bielski
2017-11-0122 min
History with Mark BielskiGeneral George S. Patton: Early Years and WWIIKevin Hymel, writer and Patton historian, joins Mark to discuss one of America's greatest generals. They cover Patton's background, his early years and his career leading up to and into WWII.
2017-10-1130 min
History with Mark BielskiCivil War New Orleans: Prelude to ConflictCivil War New Orleans: Prelude to Conflict by History with Mark Bielski
2017-10-0419 min
2017-09-2732 min
2017-09-2028 min
History with Mark BielskiPreview of Autumn Historians and TopicsPreview of Autumn Historians and Topics by History with Mark Bielski
2017-09-1316 min
History with Mark BielskiGhost Army - Part IIWriter and filmmaker Rick Beyer returns to discuss in further detail the extraordinary deception soldiers better known as the Ghost Army. Rick made the PBS documentary The Ghost Army and co-authored the book,The Ghost Army of World War II.Bielski
2017-08-3022 min
History with Mark BielskiGhost Army - Part IIn this episode of History with Mark Bielski, Filmmaker and author Rick Beyer visits with Mark to discuss the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops, the extraordinary deception soldiers better known as the Ghost Army. Rick made the PBS documentary The Ghost Army and co-authored the book,The Ghost Army of World War II.
2017-08-1628 min
History with Mark BielskiInterview with WWII Vet Mort Sheffloe in NormandyIn this episode of History with Mark Bielski, Mark is on location in Normandy with a group of graduate students and veteran Mort Sheffloe, who discusses his WWII experiences in Normandy and Brittany in 1944. Some of the interviews took place while walking the sands and in cafés at Utah and Omaha Beaches.
2017-07-1235 min
2017-06-2131 min
History with Mark BielskiD-Day: Airborne OperationsD-Day: Airborne Operations by History with Mark Bielski
2017-06-0629 min
History with Mark BielskiOperation Overlord -Part II: Deception PlanIn this podcast, Mark covers the grand plan to fool Hitler about the D-Day invasion.
2017-05-3119 min
History with Mark BielskiOperation Overlord Part I: D-Day PreparationMark discusses Operation Overlord, the planning of the D-Day invasion, on this podcast. It includes excerpts from Dr. Stephen Ambrose's lectures on Operation Overlord.
2017-05-2422 min
History with Mark BielskiIntroductionMark discusses his new podcast, history with Mark Bielski, which will cover history from ancient to modern times with experts in their fields of study, with special attention to the Civil War and WWII.
2016-06-2803 min