What Made America? Victory in the Civil War

What Made America? Victory in the Civil War

Author: History Hit June 22, 2026 Duration: 36:45

Was the Civil War a 'Second American Revolution', or was it a continued evolution of the nation set out by the Founding Fathers? How did Lincoln see it?


We've asked some of our favourite historians for their most important moment in these 250 years of the United States' History.


In this episode, Aaron Sheehan-Dean returns to discuss how winning the Civil War fits into the growth of American identity.


Aaron is the Fred C. Freyer Professor of Southern Studies at Louisiana State University. He is author of several books, including ‘Reckoning With Rebellion: War and Sovereignty in the Nineteenth Century’.


Edited by Tim Arstall. Produced by Sophie Gee. Senior Producer was Freddy Chick.


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All music from Epidemic Sounds.


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Tune in twice a week as host Don Wildman digs into the stories that shaped a nation. American History Hit moves beyond textbook dates to explore the people, conflicts, and surprising events that define the American experience. Each episode is a deep dive into a different moment, whether it's the tense war preparations of Chief Powhatan, the clandestine work of codebreakers at Midway, or even the unexpected political accusations hurled by Walt Disney. You'll find that the past is never truly buried, as the series also uncovers the hidden layers beneath landmarks like New York's Central Park. This isn't just a chronicle of what happened; it's an investigation into how these echoes from pre-colonial times onward continue to resonate today. For anyone curious about the complex tapestry of the United States, this podcast from History Hit serves as an engaging and thoughtful guide, turning historical inquiry into a compelling narrative journey.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

American History Hit
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