Arsenal for Democracy
236 episodes - English - Latest episode: 9 months ago - ★★★★★ - 15 ratingsA casual material history of the United States.
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Episodes
Update for Our Listeners
October 16, 2023 00:40 - 11 minutes - 10.5 MBOct 15, 2023: After a dozen years, this show is ending. But it’s for some very cool and exciting reasons described herein, and we would love to hear from our loyal listeners as we bid this project farewell and move on to new things. The post Update for Our Listeners appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
[Unlocked] Jun 1, 2021 – Louis F. Post – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 379
August 27, 2023 21:26 - 22 minutes - 20.4 MBUnlocked from our Patreon (paused this summer): Bill and Rachel discuss Louis F. Post, an early Assistant US Labor Secretary with some radical leanings, who ended up blocking thousands of post-WWI deportations. Links and notes for ep. 379 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Bonus-AFD-Ep-379-Links-and-Notes-Louis-F-Post.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post [Unlocked] Jun 1, 2021 – Louis F. Post – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 379 appeared first on Arsenal For Demo...
[Unlocked] May 18, 2021 – The 1920 Census – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 375
August 13, 2023 16:20 - 46 minutes - 42.6 MBUnlocked from our Patreon (paused this summer): Bill and Rachel discuss the present-day influences of the momentous 1920 US Census, which grappled with trends in urbanization and the recent breakup of several major home countries of immigrants. Links and notes for ep. 375 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Bonus-AFD-Ep-375-The-1920-Census.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post [Unlocked] May 18, 2021 – The 1920 Census – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 375 appeared f...
[Unlocked] May 4, 2021 – The Smith Act – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 371
July 16, 2023 23:29 - 27 minutes - 25.1 MBUnlocked from our Patreon (on pause this summer): Bill and Rachel take a look at the Alien Registration (Smith) Act of 1940, still on the books today, which prohibits advocating the violent overthrow of the US government. Links and notes for ep. 371 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Bonus-AFD-Ep-371-Links-and-Notes-The-Alien-Registration-Act-_-Smith-Act-of-1940.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post [Unlocked] May 4, 2021 – The Smith Act – Arsenal For Democra...
[Unlocked] Mar 23, 2021 – The 1923 San Pedro Maritime Strike – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 361
June 27, 2023 02:37 - 24 minutes - 22.8 MBUnlocked from our Patreon (on pause this summer): Bill and Rachel discuss the failed IWW strike at the Port of Los Angeles in 1923, including Upton Sinclair getting arrested and the Klan menacing strikers. Links and notes for ep. 361 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Bonus-AFD-Ep-361-Links-and-Notes-1923-San-Pedro-Maritime-Strike.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post [Unlocked] Mar 23, 2021 – The 1923 San Pedro Maritime Strike – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 361...
[Unlocked] Mar 2, 2021 – Dropped Ceilings – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 355
June 11, 2023 13:00 - 31 minutes - 28.5 MBUnlocked from our Patreon (on pause this summer): Bill and Rachel discuss dropped ceilings and the rise and fall of the mid-century office. It’s an area that could probably use some academic study. Links and notes for ep. 355 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Bonus-AFD-Ep-355-Links-and-Notes-Dropped-Ceilings.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post [Unlocked] Mar 2, 2021 – Dropped Ceilings – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 355 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
May 28, 2023 – KitchenAid – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 471
May 29, 2023 00:43 - 23 minutes - 21.5 MBA mini-episode from Bill and Rachel on how a major defense contract led to the iconic KitchenAid stand mixer, followed by some announcements about the podcast for the summer months ahead. Links and notes for ep. 471 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/AFD-Ep-471-Links-and-Notes-KitchenAid-Mini-episode.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post May 28, 2023 – KitchenAid – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 471 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
May 14, 2023 – Barbed Wire – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 470
May 15, 2023 02:00 - 20 minutes - 19 MB150 years ago, in May 1873, work began on developing the breakthrough design for mass-produced barbed wire, with wide-ranging (pun intended) implications for agriculture, society, and warfare. Links and notes for ep. 470 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/AFD-Ep-470-Links-and-Notes-Barbed-Wire.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post May 14, 2023 – Barbed Wire – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 470 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
May 7, 2023 – Hollywood Strikes – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 469
May 08, 2023 01:48 - 34 minutes - 31.3 MBAfter a quick chat about the ongoing 2023 Writers Guild of America strike, we look back at a few of the noteworthy strikes in Hollywood of years past. (Bill and Rachel) Links and notes for ep. 469 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/AFD-Ep-469-Links-and-Notes-Hollywood-Strikes.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post May 7, 2023 – Hollywood Strikes – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 469 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
Apr 30, 2023 – Home Economics/Domestic Science – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 468
May 01, 2023 02:49 - 41 minutes - 38.4 MBThis week we are talking about the field of home economics or domestic science. Was it really a science? To what extent was it a marketing exercise? Can it ever really overcome its founding racist and classist overtones? Does home economics even exist anymore? Links and note for ep. 468 … Read more The post Apr 30, 2023 – Home Economics/Domestic Science – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 468 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
Apr 23, 2023 – The Council on Books in Wartime – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 467
April 24, 2023 01:35 - 35 minutes - 32.4 MBThe non-profit Council on Books in Wartime (from US publishers) during World War II single-handedly made a bunch of books like The Great Gatsby into major American texts by providing specialized paperback copies free to the troops. (Bill and Rachel) Links and notes for ep. 467 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/AFD-Ep-467-Links-and-Notes-Council-on-Books-in-Wartime.pdf Theme music … Read more The post Apr 23, 2023 – The Council on Books in Wartime – Arsenal For...
Apr 15, 2023 – The Nye Committee – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 466
April 16, 2023 16:30 - 32 minutes - 30 MBFrom 1934 to 1936, the US Senate’s Nye Committee examined the role of the private defense industry (and capitalism more broadly) in fomenting global conflict and dragging the US into WWI. (Bill and Rachel) Links and notes for ep. 466 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/AFD-Ep-466-Links-and-Notes-The-Nye-Committee.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post Apr 15, 2023 – The Nye Committee – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 466 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
Apr 9, 2023 – Federal Deposit Insurance – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 465
April 10, 2023 03:23 - 27 minutes - 25.5 MBThe recent failure of Silicon Valley Bank and federal intervention to protect its previously uninsured accounts has brought renewed focus to Federal Deposit Insurance. Contrary to popular belief, it was not part of the New Deal and was not championed by FDR. (Bill and Rachel) Links and notes for ep. … Read more The post Apr 9, 2023 – Federal Deposit Insurance – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 465 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
Apr 2, 2023 – The Anthracite Coal Strike of 1887-88 – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 464
April 03, 2023 02:51 - 45 minutes - 41.8 MBThe failed anthracite coal mine workers strike of 1887-88 in eastern Pennsylvania illustrates some of the fault lines and contradictions within capitalism and highlight some of the ways our 21st century economy is devolving back toward older patterns. (Bill and Rachel) Links and notes for ep. 464 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/AFD-Ep-464-Links-and-Notes-Anthracite-Coal-Strike-of-1887-88.pdf Theme … Read more The post Apr 2, 2023 – The Anthracite Coal Strike...
[Unlocked] June 8, 2021 – The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit of 1986 – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 381
March 27, 2023 22:55 - 38 minutes - 35.3 MBUnlocked from our Patreon: Have you ever wondered what the absolute peak example of neoliberal policy is? Bill and Rachel submit to you that it might be the tradable Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) in effect since 1986. Links and notes for ep. 381 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bonus-AFD-Ep-381-Links-and-Notes-The-Low-Income-Housing-Tax-Credits-of-1986.pdf Theme music by Stunt … Read more The post [Unlocked] June 8, 2021 – The Low-Income Housing Tax C...
[Unlocked] May 25, 2021 – The Red Ark – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 377
March 19, 2023 04:45 - 20 minutes - 18.7 MBUnlocked from our Patreon: Bill and Rachel discuss the Red Ark (or Soviet Ark) deportations of Russian-born American anarchists in 1919. (Don’t miss our two part series from 2019 on American anarchist history!) Links and notes for ep. 377 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bonus-AFD-Ep-377-Links-and-Notes-The-Red-Ark.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post [Unlocked] May 25, 2021 – The Red Ark – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 377 appeared first on Arsenal For Democr...
Mar 12, 2023 – Gillette – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 463
March 13, 2023 01:29 - 20 minutes - 18.9 MBAt the start of the 20th century, eccentric inventor and utopian theorist King C. Gillette developed the disposable blade for safety razors, launching one of the most influential, trend-setting American corporations of all time, for good or ill. (Bill and Rachel) Links and notes for ep. 463 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/AFD-Ep-463-Links-and-Notes-Gillette.pdf Theme … Read more The post Mar 12, 2023 – Gillette – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 463 appeared first ...
March 1873: The Comstock Laws – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 462
March 06, 2023 02:51 - 36 minutes - 33.9 MB150 years ago last week, on March 3rd, 1873, the Comstock Laws on obscenity, including birth control and abortion supplies or information, became part of the US Criminal Code. (Bill and Rachel.) Links and notes for ep. 462 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/AFD-Ep-462-Links-and-Notes-March-1873_-Comstock-Laws.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post March 1873: The Comstock Laws – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 462 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
The “Employee-Owned” Chicago and North Western Railway: Hype vs Reality – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 461
February 27, 2023 03:37 - 45 minutes - 41.5 MBIn 1972, some employees made a leveraged buyout of the Chicago and North Western Railway and re-branded it as “Employee-Owned.” The reality was much more complicated and reveals a lot about railroading and American capitalism generally in the 1970s and 1980s. (Bill and Rachel) Links and notes for ep. 461 … Read more The post The “Employee-Owned” Chicago and North Western Railway: Hype vs Reality – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 461 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
Feb 20, 2023 – Car Starters and Ignitions – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 460
February 21, 2023 00:28 - 19 minutes - 17.8 MBA quick look at the evolution of car starter and ignition technology, from hand-crank disasters to viral video car theft trends. (Bill and Rachel.) Links and notes for ep. 460 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/AFD-Ep-460-Links-and-Notes-Car-Starters-and-Ignitions.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post Feb 20, 2023 – Car Starters and Ignitions – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 460 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
The New York City Flour Riot of February 1837 – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 459
February 13, 2023 05:04 - 29 minutes - 27.4 MB186 years ago, with the US economy starting to melt down, New Yorkers rioted against alleged grain and flour hoarding. But discontent was much more widespread, as Locofocos and armed “Patriot” paramilitaries soon made clear. Bill and Rachel. Links and notes for ep. 459 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/AFD-Ep-459-Links-and-Notes-NYC-Flour-Riot-of-1837.pdf Theme music by Stunt … Read more The post The New York City Flour Riot of February 1837 – Arsenal For Demo...
Feb 5, 2023 – Watch City – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 458
February 06, 2023 02:23 - 17 minutes - 16.1 MBIn 1857, Waltham, Massachusetts jumped from the First to the Second Industrial Revolution by becoming the global home of the mass-produced pocketwatch, capitalizing on the railroad industry and then the American Civil War. Links and notes for ep. 458 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/AFD-Ep-458-Links-and-Notes-1IR_-Watch-City.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post Feb 5, 2023 – Watch City – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 458 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
The Boston Associates, Part III: The Doomed Whigs – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 457
January 30, 2023 01:17 - 32 minutes - 30 MBHow some of the most powerful, wealthy political players in antebellum Massachusetts went from controlling state politics completely to hopelessly funding the Constitutional Union Party in 1860. [Continued from parts I and II] Theme music by Stunt Bird. Links and notes for ep. 457 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/AFD-Ep-457-Links-and-Notes-1IR_-The-Boston-Associates-Part-III_-The-Doomed-Whigs.pdf The post The Boston Associates, Part III: The Doomed Whigs – Ar...
The Boston Associates, Part II: The Invention of American Philanthropy – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 456
January 23, 2023 00:29 - 14 minutes - 13.1 MBAs an early group of 19th century Boston investors became even richer with less effort, via textile production, and as society became more alienated, they turned from charity to philanthropy to protect their power (and to have something to do). [Continued from part I.] Links and notes for ep. 456 … Read more The post The Boston Associates, Part II: The Invention of American Philanthropy – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 456 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
The Boston Associates, Part I: Rise of the Machines – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 455
January 16, 2023 02:03 - 1 hour - 58.1 MBIn the 1810s, a close-knit group of rich investors based in Boston decided to adopt and adapt emerging industrial capitalism, via the textile industry, in a way that would preserve and grow their existing wealth and power. The Waltham-Lowell System was born. Links and notes for ep. 455 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/AFD-Ep-455-Links-and-Notes-1IR_-The-Boston-Associates.pdf … Read more The post The Boston Associates, Part I: Rise of the Machines – Arsenal Fo...
[Unlocked] Feb 9, 2021 – State-Level Labor Law, Part II – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 349
January 08, 2023 20:51 - 38 minutes - 35.6 MBTo prepare for a series on early industrial Massachusetts we’re unlocking this episode from Patreon: Bill and Rachel examine what an 1842 Massachusetts court decision can tell us about the process of industrialization and the emergence of labor unions and what parallels we can draw for modern gig workers. Links … Read more The post [Unlocked] Feb 9, 2021 – State-Level Labor Law, Part II – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 349 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
[Unlocked] May 11, 2021 – Military Resistance to the Vietnam War – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 373
January 01, 2023 17:01 - 36 minutes - 33.1 MBUnlocked from our Patreon: Bill and Rachel discuss the 2005 documentary “Sir! No Sir!” on US military service members who resisted the Vietnam War. Links and notes for ep. 373 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Bonus-AFD-Ep-373-Links-and-Notes-Military-Resistance-to-the-Vietnam-War.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post [Unlocked] May 11, 2021 – Military Resistance to the Vietnam War – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 373 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
Dec 27, 2022 – 1872, 1922, and 1972 in review – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 454
December 28, 2022 01:06 - 55 minutes - 50.4 MBBill and Rachel discuss some interesting American history topics from 150, 100, and 50 years ago that did not make the cut for their own full anniversary episodes this year. Links and notes for ep. 454 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/AFD-Ep-454-Links-and-Notes-2022-Year-End-Anniversary-Roundup-Episode.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post Dec 27, 2022 – 1872, 1922, and 1972 in review – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 454 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
Dec 18, 2022 – The Thibodaux Massacre of 1887 – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 453
December 19, 2022 01:18 - 50 minutes - 46.5 MBIn 1887, the Knights of Labor organized a huge strike by Black sugarcane workers in Louisiana, which was suppressed with massive lethal force. (Content warning.) New Orleans-based guest Justin LaGrande returns to discuss the circumstances and recent efforts to bring it to greater light. Links and notes for ep. 453 … Read more The post Dec 18, 2022 – The Thibodaux Massacre of 1887 – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 453 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
Dec 11, 2022 – The Burlington Railroad Strike of 1888 – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 452
December 12, 2022 04:30 - 50 minutes - 46.2 MBBill and Rachel examine the relatively minor failed Burlington railroad engineers and firemen strike in 1888, which had a profound effect on Eugene V. Debs. Links and notes for ep. 452 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/AFD-Ep-452-Links-and-Notes-Burlington-railroad-strike-of-1888.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post Dec 11, 2022 – The Burlington Railroad Strike of 1888 – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 452 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
Dec 3, 2022 – Microwave Ovens – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 451
December 04, 2022 15:07 - 21 minutes - 19.8 MBRachel and Bill discuss the history of the microwave oven since its invention at a defense contractor. Links and notes for ep. 451 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/AFD-Ep-451-Links-and-Notes-Microwave-Oven.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post Dec 3, 2022 – Microwave Ovens – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 451 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
Nov 27, 2022 – The Pulaski – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 450
November 29, 2022 01:09 - 11 minutes - 10.7 MBIn this mini-episode, Rachel explains the invention of Ed Pulaski’s popular firefighting tool, a combination axe and adze, after the infamous Big Burn forest fire in Idaho in August 1910. Links and notes from ep. 450 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/AFD-Ep-450-Links-and-Notes-The-Pulaski-Tool.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post Nov 27, 2022 – The Pulaski – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 450 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
Nov 20, 2022 – The Great Southwest Railroad Strike of 1886 – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 449
November 21, 2022 16:36 - 44 minutes - 40.4 MBBill and Rachel explore the disappointments of the Great Southwest Railroad strike of 1886 and reflect on potential lessons for present-day railroad labor relations. (Note: After we recorded this episode, the results were released for the 2022 rail worker votes on tentative agreements. The engineers narrowly approved the proposed contract, … Read more The post Nov 20, 2022 – The Great Southwest Railroad Strike of 1886 – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 449 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
Nov 13, 2022 – The Autorack – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 448
November 14, 2022 04:25 - 32 minutes - 30.2 MBHow the development of the autorack rail car from the 1950s to the 1980s might have contributed to the relocation of US auto industry factories inside the US. (Bill and Rachel.) Links and notes for ep. 448 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/AFD-Ep-448-Links-and-Notes-The-Autorack.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post Nov 13, 2022 – The Autorack – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 448 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
Nov 6, 2022 – From Filing Cabinets to Xerox – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 447
November 07, 2022 02:36 - 24 minutes - 22.2 MBBill and Rachel look at the arc of office document management technology from the 1886 filing cabinet to the 1959 Xerox machine and the required underlying developments that made them possible. Links and notes for ep. 447 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/AFD-Ep-447-Links-and-Notes-From-Filing-Cabinets-to-Xerox.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post Nov 6, 2022 – From Filing Cabinets to Xerox – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 447 appeared first on Arsenal For Democ...
Oct 30, 2022 – Horace Mann – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 446
October 30, 2022 23:41 - 30 minutes - 27.6 MBBill and Rachel discuss the philosophy of the prominent antebellum public education champion (and abolitionist Congressman) Horace Mann of Massachusetts. Links and notes for ep. 446 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/AFD-Ep-446-Links-and-Notes-Horace-Mann.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post Oct 30, 2022 – Horace Mann – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 446 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
Oct 23, 2022 – Mine Reclamation and Superfund – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 445
October 24, 2022 00:50 - 33 minutes - 31 MBRachel and Bill discuss the various legislation behind so-called Mine Reclamation and Superfund cleanup sites. Links and notes for ep. 445 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/AFD-Ep-445-Links-and-Notes-Superfund-Sites-and-Mine-Reclamation.pdf Intro music by Stunt Bird. The post Oct 23, 2022 – Mine Reclamation and Superfund – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 445 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
Oct 16, 2022 – The End of American Dams – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 444
October 17, 2022 01:56 - 28 minutes - 26.4 MBAmericans built thousands upon thousands of dams, large and small, across the US for centuries, but no longer do. In fact, dozens are being removed annually. Bill and Rachel look at the Teton Dam Collapse and the broader end of American dam-building. Links and notes for ep. 444 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/AFD-Ep-444-Links-and-Notes-The-End-of-American-Dams.pdf … Read more The post Oct 16, 2022 – The End of American Dams – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 444 ap...
Oct 10, 2022 – Book Review: “Internet for the People” – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 443
October 10, 2022 23:52 - 1 hour - 79.4 MBBill and Rachel review Ben Tarnoff’s intriguing materialist history/policy book “Internet for the People” (Verso Books, 2022), which offers a critique of anti-monopoly reformism in favor of de-privatization. Notes for ep. 443 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Book-Review-Notes-on-_Internet-for-the-People_-by-Ben-Tarnoff-2022-Verso.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post Oct 10, 2022 – Book Review: “Internet for the People” – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 443 appea...
Oct 2, 2022 – The Carey Act – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 442
October 03, 2022 16:28 - 39 minutes - 35.8 MBBill and Rachel look at southern Idaho’s curious history with irrigation land reclamation projects under the Carey Act in former beaver country and explore what this can tell us about American history much more broadly. Links and notes for ep. 442 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/AFD-Ep-442-Links-and-Notes-Carey-Act.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post Oct 2, 2022 – The Carey Act – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 442 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
Sept 25, 2022 – History of the CDC – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 441
September 26, 2022 04:48 - 23 minutes - 21.6 MBRachel returns from a microbiology trip to the CDC in Atlanta and presents an episode on its history. Links and notes for ep. 441 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/AFD-Ep-441-Links-and-Notes-History-of-the-CDC.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post Sept 25, 2022 – History of the CDC – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 441 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
Sept 18, 2022 – Railroad Labor (feat. Justin from WTYPP) – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 440
September 19, 2022 01:59 - 1 hour - 55.2 MBJustin from Well There’s Your Problem Podcast joins Bill to talk about why US labor laws are different for railroad workers and the material and structural causes of the September 2022 possible national rail strike. Links and notes for ep. 440 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/AFD-Ep-440-Links-and-Notes-Railroad-Labor-feat-Justin-from-WTYPP.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post Sept 18, 2022 – Railroad Labor (feat. Justin from WTYPP) – Arsenal For Democracy ...
[Unlocked] Apr 13, 2021 – The Adamson Act – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 365
September 19, 2022 01:15 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MBDue to the current (September 2022) threat of a US rail strike and in conjunction with a new episode forthcoming, we are unlocking from our Patreon our episode on the 1916 Adamson Act that created the eight-hour railroad work day and the Supreme Court ruling on it that seems to … Read more The post [Unlocked] Apr 13, 2021 – The Adamson Act – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 365 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
[Bonus] Sept 11, 2022 – Bill’s Cuba Trip – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 439
September 11, 2022 20:32 - 1 hour - 59.7 MBNate returns to ask about Bill’s recent delegation trip to Cuba and to discuss the urgent need to end the decades-long US economic blockade there. The post [Bonus] Sept 11, 2022 – Bill’s Cuba Trip – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 439 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
[Unlocked] Apr 6, 2021 – General Averell’s Asphalt Empire – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 363
August 28, 2022 04:01 - 24 minutes - 22.4 MBUnlocked from our Patreon: Bill and Rachel learn what asphalt is and how failed Civil War General William Woods Averell became an asphalt paving magnate by the end of the 19th century. Links and notes for ep. 363 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Bonus-AFD-Ep-363-Links-and-Notes-General-Averells-Asphalt-Empire.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post [Unlocked] Apr 6, 2021 – General Averell’s Asphalt Empire – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 363 appeared first on Arse...
Aug 21, 2022 – Industrial Nails and Nail Guns – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 438
August 22, 2022 02:43 - 41 minutes - 38.4 MBBill and Rachel look at the history of industrialization of nail fastener production in the United States and its profound effects on the economy, and then talk about nail guns. Links and notes for ep. 438 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/AFD-Ep-438-Links-and-Notes-The-Industrial-Nail-and-Nail-Guns.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post Aug 21, 2022 – Industrial Nails and Nail Guns – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 438 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
Aug 14, 2022 – Fire Alarm Telegraphy and the Great Boston Fire of 1872 – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 437
August 15, 2022 15:00 - 28 minutes - 26.4 MBBill and Rachel look at the intersection of modern, Second Industrial Revolution cities and the old scourge of urban fires through the lens of the Great Boston Fire of 1872. Links and notes for ep. 437 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/AFD-Ep-437-Links-and-Notes-Fire-Alarm-Telegraphy-and-the-Great-Boston-Fire-of-1872.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post Aug 14, 2022 – Fire Alarm Telegraphy and the Great Boston Fire of 1872 – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 437 ap...
[Unlocked] June 29, 2022 – The Kitty Litter Industry – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 432
August 07, 2022 04:01 - 8 minutes - 7.73 MBUnlocked from our Patreon: Rachel presents a very short bonus episode on the history and science of the kitty litter industry. Source article: https://cen.acs.org/articles/82/i17/KITTY-LITTER.html (Theme music by Stunt Bird.) The post [Unlocked] June 29, 2022 – The Kitty Litter Industry – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 432 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
[Unlocked] Feb 9, 1871 – The US Fish Commission – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 412
July 31, 2022 04:01 - 9 minutes - 8.42 MBUnlocked from our Patreon: Fish Cops at 151 – A fun mini-episode. Find out why the US government had fish cops whipping around the ocean in fast boats arresting Canadians. (Links/notes.) Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post [Unlocked] Feb 9, 1871 – The US Fish Commission – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 412 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
July 25, 2022 – The 1930s Syphilis Campaign – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 436
July 25, 2022 04:01 - 52 minutes - 48.3 MBOn the 50th anniversary of the 1972 revelation of the unethical Tuskegee Syphilis Experiments begun in 1932, Bill and Rachel look back at the huge national push against syphilis in the 1930s United States (before penicillin) and the many strange effects of that campaign. Links and notes for ep. 436 … Read more The post July 25, 2022 – The 1930s Syphilis Campaign – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 436 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.