REPLAY: How Did the 50 States Become the 50 States

REPLAY: How Did the 50 States Become the 50 States

Author: Liam Heffernan May 13, 2025 Duration: 32:10

In this episode, with Trump's threats about Canada, Greenland, Panama, Gaza and others becoming US-owned territories and states, one of our earliest conversations on the podcast is now more important than ever.

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Over the past 250 years, the United States of America have grown from 13 founding colonies to 50 states and multiple territories, but what does it take to become a state?

Why is expansionism so important?

And what about Native Americans?

In this episode, we explore how colonialism created a blueprint for modern America as we answer the question... how did the 50 states become the 50 states?

We're joined on this episode by Jacqueline Fear-Segal, Professor of American and Indigenous Histories at the University of East Anglia, with an interest in the American West, immigration and Americanisation.

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Additional Resources:

BOOK: The Invasion of America by Francis Jennings

PAMPHLET: Common Sense by Thomas Paine

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If you enjoy this episode, you might also like:

Who Are Native Americans?

How Did Slavery Impact Cherokee Nation?

What is Thanksgiving?

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Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

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Hosted by Liam Heffernan, America: The Story of the USA is a deep and ongoing conversation about the forces that have shaped the nation. This isn't just a history lesson; it's an exploration of how the past directly informs today's headlines and cultural shifts. Each episode brings together a remarkable range of voices, from Nobel laureates and acclaimed historians to veteran journalists, to dissect pivotal moments and current events with nuance and depth. You'll hear discussions that connect the dots between a centuries-old political decision and a modern social movement, or examine a breaking news story through the lens of long-standing cultural patterns. The aim is to provide a richer, more connected understanding of the American experience in all its complexity. By weaving together threads from history, politics, society, and culture, this podcast offers a comprehensive and thoughtful narrative. For those who want to look beyond the soundbites and understand the deeper currents running through the United States, this series serves as an essential and engaging resource. Tune in for a consistently insightful analysis that treats the American story as the living, evolving saga that it truly is.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

America: The Story of the USA
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