The Soviet victory over the Nazis at the Battle of Stalingrad in 1943 marked a pivotal moment in World War II, as the Red Army took a significant number of prisoners and inflicted heavy casualties on the German forces. The Allied leaders, including Roosevelt and Churchill, met in Casablanca to plan operations for 1943, but Stalin was left disappointed as they announced there would be no second front in Europe that year. The concept of unconditional surrender was introduced, aiming to wipe the slate clean and rebuild a new Germany after the war. [... more]

The story of American spy craft in World War II, as told by Stephen Ambrose, reveals the importance of deception and the role of a German spy, code-named Garbo, who provided accurate intelligence to the Allies, helping them build a successful deception plan that convinced the Germans of their strength and led to the liberation of Western Europe. [... more]

The construction of the Transcontinental Railroad was a monumental achievement in American history, built by Chinese laborers and Union Pacific workers who braved harsh conditions and overcame incredible obstacles. The railroad revolutionized transportation and communication, connecting the east and west coasts and transforming the country's economy and culture. [... more]

Dwight D. Eisenhower was a great and good man, with qualities of love, honesty, faithfulness, responsibility, modesty, generosity, duty, and leadership. He was a leader who hated war, but loved his country and its people. His character was shaped by his upbringing, education, and experiences, and he was known for his integrity, honesty, and strong sense of morality. Eisenhower's leadership style was characterized by his ability to inspire trust and confidence in others, and his willingness to take responsibility for his actions. He was a man of great willpower and determination, and he worked tirelessly to promote peace and stability in the world. [... more]

The fundamental importance of air superiority in World War II is explored through the story of the B-17 Flying Fortress and the strategic bombing of Germany. The American approach to air superiority, including the use of bombers and the targeting of key industries, is examined, as well as the challenges faced by the 8th Air Force and the impact of their efforts on the war effort. [... more]

The story of the weapons used in World War II, from the development of barbed wire to the advancements in machine guns and artillery, highlighting the importance of these implements in warfare and the impact they had on soldiers and civilians alike. [... more]

George McGovern, a liberal anti-war democratic presidential candidate, recounts his experiences as a B-24 bomber pilot in World War II, reflecting on the moral complexities of war and the importance of strategic targets in the Allied victory. [... more]

The B-24 was a 1930s-style airplane built with an aluminum skin that could be cut with a knife, carrying heavy loads far and fast, but with no refinements, making it difficult and exhausting to steer, with no windshield wipers, heat, or bathrooms, and crew members had to endure extreme cold, cramped conditions, and limited amenities, but the Liberator played a crucial role in the war, with over 18,300 planes produced, and the pilots and crews came from every state and territory in America, with most being young, fit, and eager to serve, and the strategic bombing campaign paralyzed the German army, bringing their train traffic to a halt and reducing them to a horse-drawn army. [... more]

The Allied Forces, led by Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin, navigated the complexities of World War II, including the Soviet victory at Stalingrad and the Casablanca Conference, where they discussed the decision to open a second front in France, but ultimately decided to pursue unconditional surrender of the Axis powers, a concept that raised questions about the future of Germany and its government. [... more]

Stephen Ambrose paints a vivid picture of 1941, a year that would bring the United States into World War II after the Japanese sneak attack on Pearl Harbor. Ambrose recounts the events leading up to the war, including the Japanese invasion of China and the Soviet Union, and the American response, including the Battle of the Atlantic and the undeclared war in the North Atlantic. He also explores the mythology surrounding Franklin Roosevelt's knowledge of the impending attack on Pearl Harbor and the impact of the attack on American society. [... more]

The Lewis and Clark expedition was a federally funded project that explored the western two-thirds of the continent, creating a country that is democratic and stretches from sea to shining sea. Their journals are considered one of America's national literary treasures, offering a vivid account of their journey and the people they encountered. [... more]

George McGovern, a liberal anti-war Democratic presidential candidate, served as a bomber pilot in the 741st Squadron during World War II. He flew 35 missions and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. McGovern's experiences during the war had a profound impact on him, particularly after he became a father. He later reflected on the morality of war and the importance of strategic targets in achieving victory. [... more]

The Allies used a complex deception plan to convince the Germans that they were twice as strong as they actually were, thanks to the efforts of a German spy named Garbo, who provided accurate intelligence but just a little too late. This allowed the Allies to build up their forces in Normandy while the Germans reinforced their defenses in the Pas de Calais, ultimately leading to the success of Operation Overlord on D-Day. [... more]

The importance of air superiority in World War II is highlighted through the story of the B-17 Flying Fortress and the strategic bombing of Germany. The bombers' heavy armament and defensive capabilities are discussed, as well as the challenges faced by the air crews, including the risk of being shot down and the psychological toll of repeated missions. [... more]

The Palmer raids of 1919-1920 were a dark period in American history, where the government suppressed civil liberties and arrested thousands of people without due process. The raids were a violation of the First Amendment and a threat to the rule of law, but a new administration eventually came into office and reversed many of these policies. [... more]

The German army's use of the blitzkrieg method and tank warfare during World War II led to significant improvements in tank design, with a focus on speed, mobility, and range. However, as the war progressed, the Germans shifted their focus to building larger, heavier tanks for defensive warfare, while the Americans prioritized building smaller, faster tanks for mobility and range. [... more]

The story of the weapons used in World War II is a complex one, with both new and old technologies playing a crucial role in the conflict. From the simple yet effective barbed wire to the devastating power of artillery and machine guns, the war saw significant advancements in military technology. Stephen Ambrose's epic storytelling brings to life the history of the war, highlighting the importance of these weapons in shaping the course of the conflict. [... more]

The Italian Campaign in World War II saw the Allied Forces, led by General Dwight Eisenhower, face off against the German army in a series of battles. General George Patton's aggressive tactics often clashed with those of General Bernard Montgomery, leading to frustration and high losses. Meanwhile, the Allies struggled to make progress in Italy, with the Germans using the terrain to their advantage and imposing heavy losses on the Allies. The campaign ultimately led to the invasion of Normandy in 1944, which was directed not only against the Germans but also against a potential Red Army occupation of Western Europe. [... more]

On this episode of Our American Stories here's Stephen Ambrose telling the story of America's payback for Pearl Harbor Jimmy Doolittle's raid on Tokyo and the Japanese response the Battle of Midway Support the show https www ouramericanstories com donate See omnystudio com listener for privacy information [... more]

The B-24 Liberator played a crucial role in World War II, with over 18,300 planes produced and more than 50,000 men serving as crew members. The strategic bombing campaign, led by the US Army Air Forces, paralyzed the German army by targeting rail yards, refineries, and other key infrastructure. The pilots and crews of the B-24s came from all over America, with many being young, poor, and inexperienced, but with a strong sense of patriotism and a desire to fly. [... more]

The Battle of Stalingrad marked a pivotal moment in World War II, as the Soviet Union's victory over the Nazis shifted the balance of power in favor of the Allies. The decision to launch a second front in France was a contentious issue, with Stalin demanding a second front to alleviate pressure on the Soviet Union. Roosevelt's announcement of unconditional surrender aimed to reassure Stalin of the Allies' commitment to the war effort, but also raised questions about the post-war settlement and the fate of Germany. [... more]

The Battle of Kasserine Pass in 1943 was the first major defeat of the United States Army in World War II, but it also provided valuable lessons in military strategy, intelligence gathering, and leadership. Historian Stephen Ambrose recounts the story of how American forces, led by General Lloyd Fredendall, were outmaneuvered by German forces under General Erwin Rommel, and how the defeat led to significant changes in the U.S. military's approach to training and leadership. [... more]

On this episode of Our American Stories Historian Stephen Ambrose tells us the unlikely World War II story of George McGovern the antiwar presidential candidate who was defeated by President Nixon in Support the show https www ouramericanstories com donate See omnystudio com listener for privacy information [... more]

The Allied forces, led by General Eisenhower, planned a massive invasion of Nazi-occupied France, known as Operation Overlord, which would become one of the largest and most pivotal battles in World War II history. The invasion, code-named D-Day, would take place on June 6, 1944, in Normandy, France, and would mark a turning point in the war. [... more]

Dwight David Eisenhower was a great and good man, whose qualities of goodness included a broad sympathy for the human condition, a sense of responsibility toward others, and a love of life and people. He was a leader who hated war, but who hated the Nazis more, and he made peace in Korea five months after taking office and avoided war thereafter. [... more]

The construction of the Transcontinental Railroad was a monumental achievement that transformed America, bringing together diverse groups of workers, including Chinese laborers, to build a path across the continent. Stephen Ambrose's epic storytelling brings to life the challenges and triumphs of this epic endeavor, from the treacherous terrain of the Sierra Nevada to the innovative engineering feats that made it possible. [... more]

Stephen Ambrose recounts the pivotal events of 1941, including the Japanese invasion of Eastern Europe, the Battle of the Atlantic, and the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, which ultimately led to the United States' entry into World War II. [... more]

The first battle the United States Army fought in the Second World War began on Saint Valentine's Day of 1943 at a place called Casseron Pass in North Africa. The U.S. Army did not do well at the Battle of Casseron Pass due to inadequate training and a lack of preparation. The battle provided valuable lessons for the American Army, including the need for rigorous training and realistic tactics. [... more]

The Lewis and Clark expedition was a federally funded project that unified the continent, created a democratic country, and began the process of unifying the American people. The journals of Lewis and Clark are an American classic, providing a vivid account of the expedition and its participants, including Sacagawea, York, and George Dreyer. Historian Bernard Devoto's editing of the journals made them accessible to the general reader, and his work has been widely praised for its literary merit and historical significance. [... more]

The Soviet victory over the Nazis at the Battle of Stalingrad marked a pivotal moment in World War II, shifting the balance of power in favor of the Allies. The decision to forgo a second front in 1943 left Soviet dictator Stalin frustrated, but ultimately the Western Allies' determination to defeat Germany proved crucial. The concept of unconditional surrender, introduced by Roosevelt, aimed to ensure Germany's defeat and prevent future cooperation with Nazi leaders. [... more]

The United States' decision to focus on defeating Germany first in World War II led to the planning of Operation Torch, a joint Allied operation in North Africa. The story of this pivotal moment in history is told by renowned historian Stephen Ambrose, who recounts the complexities and challenges faced by the Allied forces, including the difficult decision to work with French leader Admiral Darlan, a fascist, in order to secure the French Army's cooperation and ultimately pave the way for a unified Allied command in the region. [... more]

Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States, was a man of strong character, honesty, and integrity. He led the country through eight years of prosperity, making peace in Korea and avoiding war. His leadership style was characterized by sharing credit for success and taking blame for failure. Eisenhower's story is one of remarkable leadership and character, as told by historian Stephen Ambrose. [... more]

The B-24, a four-engine bomber built for World War II, was a crucial part of the Allied victory. Its pilots and crews, mostly young and inexperienced, played a critical role in the war effort, facing extreme conditions and hardships. The strategic bombing campaign, led by the US Army Air Forces, paralyzed the German army by targeting rail yards, refineries, and other key infrastructure, ultimately contributing to the Allied victory. [... more]

The Italian campaign in World War II was a crucial battle for the Allied forces, with General George Patton's aggressive tactics often at odds with General Bernard Montgomery's more cautious approach. Meanwhile, General Dwight Eisenhower navigated the complexities of working with the Italian government, which was desperate to surrender to the Allies but also wanted to double-cross the Germans and join the war on the Allied side. [... more]

George McGovern, a liberal anti-war Democratic presidential candidate, recounts his experiences as a B-24 bomber pilot in World War II, including a mission where he dropped a bomb on a farmhouse, and reflects on the moral complexities of war. [... more]

The Doolittle Raid on Tokyo in 1942 marked a turning point in the Pacific War, boosting American morale and forcing the Japanese to re-evaluate their strategy. The Battle of Midway, fought in June 1942, was a decisive naval battle in which the United States defeated the Japanese, sinking four of their aircraft carriers and marking the end of the Japanese offensive in World War II. [... more]

George McGovern, a liberal anti-war Democratic presidential candidate, served as a bomber pilot in the 741st Squadron during World War II. He flew 35 missions and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. McGovern's experiences during the war had a profound impact on him, particularly after he became a father and witnessed the devastating effects of war on civilians. [... more]

Stephen Ambrose tells the story of 1941, a pivotal year in American history, as the United States teeters on the brink of war. The Japanese invasion of China, the Battle of the Atlantic, and the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor all contribute to a sense of urgency and foreboding. Ambrose's narrative brings to life the complex web of alliances and rivalries that led to the outbreak of World War II, and the devastating consequences that followed. [... more]

The Lewis and Clark expedition was a federally funded project that unified the continent, created a democratic country, and began the process of unifying the American people. Historians like Stephen Ambrose and Bernard Devoto have studied and written about the expedition, highlighting its significance and impact on American history. [... more]

The Battle of Kasserine Pass in North Africa during World War II was a pivotal moment in American history, marking the first major defeat of the US Army. Historian Stephen Ambrose recounts the story of how the US learned valuable lessons about intelligence, training, and leadership, ultimately emerging stronger and more resilient. [... more]

The Soviet victory over the Nazis at the Battle of Stalingrad marked a pivotal moment in World War II, shifting the balance of power in favor of the Allies. At the Casablanca Conference, leaders Roosevelt and Churchill discussed strategies for 1943, including the decision to delay a second front in Europe, which left Stalin frustrated and concerned about a potential separate peace with Germany. [... more]

The United States' decision to concentrate on defeating Germany first in World War II was a strategic choice that brought with it a question of when and how. The Americans and the British agreed on Operation Torch, an invasion of North Africa, which was opposed by the Americans, who felt it was a mistake to fight the French instead of the Germans. The operation was led by Dwight Eisenhower, who formed the first genuinely fully integrated Allied command in history. The story of Operation Torch is a complex one, involving politics, war, and the relationships between the Americans, the British, and the French. [... more]

The Doolittle raid on Tokyo checked the Japanese and forced them into unforced errors, leading to the Battle of Midway. Yamamoto's complex plan to draw the Americans out into an all-out battle was foiled by American code breakers, who deciphered the Japanese code and predicted the target of the attack. The American fleet, led by Admiral Spruance, was able to launch a surprise attack on the Japanese carriers, sinking four of them and turning the tide of the war in the Pacific. [... more]

The Lewis and Clark expedition was a federally funded project that began in 1803, led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, who discovered hundreds of new plants and animal species and saw and described sites that no man had ever seen. The journals of Lewis and Clark are considered one of America's national literary treasures, providing a vivid account of the expedition and its impact on the country's history and development. [... more]

George McGovern, a liberal anti-war Democratic presidential candidate, recounts his experiences as a B-24 bomber pilot in World War II, including a mission where he dropped a bomb on a farmhouse in Austria, and reflects on the moral complexities of war and the importance of understanding the perspectives of those affected. [... more]

Stephen Ambrose recounts the remarkable story of Dwight D. Eisenhower, one of America's greatest military leaders, who led the country through World War II and the Cold War with his unwavering commitment to honesty, integrity, and democracy. Ambrose explores Eisenhower's character, leadership style, and decision-making process, revealing a man who was both a brilliant strategist and a compassionate human being. [... more]

The B-24 was a heavy bomber built like a 1930s Mack truck, with an aluminum skin that could be cut with a knife. It carried a heavy load far and fast, but had no refinements, making it difficult to steer and exhausting for the pilot. The plane was used in the Strategic Bombing Campaign, which paralyzed the German army by hitting rail yards, marshalling yards, and refineries, reducing their gasoline supply to 1% by the late winter of 1944-45. [... more]

The building of the Transcontinental Railroad was a monumental achievement in American history, requiring the labor of thousands of workers, including Chinese immigrants and Irish veterans. Led by visionaries like Leland Stanford and Mark Hopkins, the project was completed in 1869, connecting the East and West coasts of the United States and revolutionizing transportation and communication across the continent. [... more]

The Italian Campaign in World War II was a series of battles fought between the Allied Forces and the Axis Powers, with the Allies ultimately emerging victorious. Stephen Ambrose's stories bring to life the struggles and triumphs of the soldiers who fought in this pivotal campaign, including the infamous slapping incident involving General George Patton. The Allies' success in Italy was crucial in paving the way for the D-Day invasion of Normandy and the eventual defeat of the Axis Powers. [... more]

Richard Larimore's world's largest small electrical appliance museum in Diamond, Missouri, showcases a vast collection of vintage appliances. Meanwhile, George McGovern, a liberal anti-war Democratic presidential candidate, shares a poignant story from his time as a bomber pilot in World War II, grappling with the moral complexities of war and the consequences of his actions. [... more]

Stephen Ambrose recounts the pivotal events of 1943 during World War II, including the Soviet victory at Stalingrad and the Casablanca conference where the Allies decided against a second front in Europe. Meanwhile, Chloe Howard shares her personal story of overcoming a club foot deformity and being a victim of a hate crime, finding her voice and advocating for self-acceptance and love. [... more]