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
July 17, 2022 – Telstar – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 435
July 18, 2022 03:19 - 29 minutes - 26.9 MB60 years ago this week, on July 23, 1962, President Kennedy addressed the US and Europe simultaneously by video via a Telstar satellite link. As with the transatlantic telegraph cable about a century before, it was a major development. (Bill and Rachel.) Links and notes for ep. 435 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/AFD-Ep-435-Links-and-Notes-Telstar.pdf … Read more The post July 17, 2022 – Telstar – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 435 appeared first on Arsenal For D...
July 10, 2022 – Western Union – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 434
July 11, 2022 04:10 - 46 minutes - 42.9 MBBill and Rachel explore how Western Union went from the first nationwide US telegraph monopoly to putting the first US commercial communication satellite into space and becoming the global remittance leader. Links and notes for ep. 434 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/AFD-Ep-434-Links-and-Notes-Western-Union.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. Special outro cited in notes. The post July 10, 2022 – Western Union – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 434 appeared first on Ars...
July 3, 2022 – State Lotteries – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 433
July 04, 2022 00:58 - 48 minutes - 44.7 MBBill and Rachel explore the settler-colonial origins and influences of American lotteries and discuss why they were eventually banned and then brought back. Links and notes for ep. 433 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/AFD-Ep-433-Links-and-Notes-State-Lotteries.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post July 3, 2022 – State Lotteries – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 433 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
June 26, 2022 – Modern Elevators – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 431
June 27, 2022 01:28 - 39 minutes - 36.6 MBBill and Rachel look at the development of the modern elevator from the 1850s onward and debate its effects on the American city in comparison to streetcars, electrification, and automobiles. Links and notes for ep. 431 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/AFD-Ep-431-Links-and-Notes-Modern-Elevators.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post June 26, 2022 – Modern Elevators – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 431 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
June 20, 2022 – Justice For Janitors LA 1990 – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 430
June 21, 2022 00:59 - 46 minutes - 42.5 MBOn June 15, 1990, the LAPD violently smashed up a peaceful march by SEIU janitors in Los Angeles who were trying to grow their membership via new contracts with outsource cleaning service companies. Bill and Rachel discuss. Links and notes for ep. 430 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/AFD-Ep-430-Links-and-Notes-Justice-for-Janitors-LA-1990.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post June 20, 2022 – Justice For Janitors LA 1990 – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 430 appea...
June 12, 2022 – Road to OSHA – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 429
June 13, 2022 16:36 - 27 minutes - 24.9 MBRachel talks about what the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA) achieved and how the United States arrived there in the first place. Links and notes for ep. 429 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/AFD-Ep-429-Links-and-Notes-Road-to-OSHA.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post June 12, 2022 – Road to OSHA – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 429 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
June 5, 2022 – Containerization (Part 3) – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 428
June 06, 2022 00:55 - 1 hour - 66.2 MBBill and Rachel managed to add a third fascinating hour-plus of material on containerization, looking at present-day supply chain vulnerabilities, the rise of container freeports, product waste, and Soviet container history. Links and notes for ep. 428 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/AFD-Ep-428-Links-and-Notes-Containerization-Part-3-Bonus-on-Shipping-Containers.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post June 5, 2022 – Containerization (Part 3) – Arsenal For De...
May 22, 2022 – Containerization (Part 2) – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 427
May 22, 2022 23:13 - 1 hour - 56.3 MBBill and Rachel continue the history of containerization with a look at the mature industry that emerged out of the 1970s and soon revolutionized global manufacturing supply chains, with sweeping and ruinous effects. Links and notes for ep. 427 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/AFD-Ep-427-Links-and-Notes-Containerization-Part-2-Shipping-Containers.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post May 22, 2022 – Containerization (Part 2) – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 427 a...
May 15, 2022 – Containerization (Part 1) – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 426
May 16, 2022 04:09 - 1 hour - 73 MBOriginally seen as a marginal innovation on existing shipping, containerization ended up revolutionizing the global economy and destroying many local economies. This resulted directly from (and enabled) the US war in Vietnam. (Bill and Rachel.) Links and notes for ep. 426 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/AFD-Ep-426-Links-and-Notes-Containerization-Part-1-Shipping-Containers.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post May 15, 2022 – Containerization (Part 1) – Ars...
May 8, 2022 – Hard Hats – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 425
May 09, 2022 00:25 - 19 minutes - 17.9 MBA quick episode on hard hats from Bill and Rachel: It wasn’t until after World War I that standardized, tactical equipment for the prevention of workplace noggin bonking came into existence and use. Links and notes for ep. 425 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/AFD-Ep-425-Links-and-Notes-Hard-Hats.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post May 8, 2022 – Hard Hats – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 425 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
May 1872 Amnesty Act – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 424
May 02, 2022 20:45 - 50 minutes - 46.3 MBPatrick from “Conspiracy You Can Believe In” returns to the show to talk with Bill about the Amnesty Act from 150 years ago this month that brought a younger generation of ex-Confederates back into elected office during Reconstruction. Links and notes for ep. 424 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/AFD-Ep-424-Links-and-Notes-Amnesty-Act-of-1872.pdf Theme music by Stunt … Read more The post May 1872 Amnesty Act – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 424 appeared first on Ar...
[Bonus] That 70s Woe: The Problem With Pandas – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 423
April 24, 2022 21:18 - 50 minutes - 46.1 MBA series on understanding the transition of the US economy in the Crisis of the 1970s: The episode on the 50th Anniversary of Panda Diplomacy and Nixon’s trip to China. (A Bill solo episode recorded April 23, 2022.) Subscribe to our Patreon. Links and notes (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/That-70s-Woe_-The-Problem-with-Pandas-Episode-3.pdf The post [Bonus] That 70s Woe: The Problem With Pandas – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 423 appeared first on Arsenal For Dem...
Apr 17, 2022 – US Rural Electrification – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 422
April 17, 2022 21:46 - 41 minutes - 37.9 MBBill and Rachel continue the story of US electrification by looking at the 1930s New Deal programs to bring grid power to rural farms (and compare to what was going on in the Soviet Union at the same time). Links and notes for ep. 422 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/AFD-Ep-422-US-Rural-Electrification.pdf Theme music by … Read more The post Apr 17, 2022 – US Rural Electrification – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 422 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
Apr 10, 2022 – US Urban Electrification and Streetcars – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 421
April 11, 2022 04:32 - 36 minutes - 33.5 MBBill and Rachel continue the story of US electrification with a look at the indelible role of electric streetcars in powering US cities almost overnight in the 1890s. Links and notes for ep. 421 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/AFD-Ep-421-Links-and-Notes-US-Urban-Electrification-and-Streetcars-Bill_Rachel-Recording-Apr-10-2022.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post Apr 10, 2022 – US Urban Electrification and Streetcars – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 421 appeare...
Apr 3, 2022 – From Electrochemistry to Electromagnetism – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 420
April 04, 2022 12:57 - 47 minutes - 43.2 MBBill and Rachel finally start looking at the history of US electrification beginning with the early little battery systems and then moving into early electromagnetic dynamos. Links and notes for ep. 420 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/AFD-Ep-420-Links-and-Notes-From-Electrochemistry-to-Electromagnetism.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post Apr 3, 2022 – From Electrochemistry to Electromagnetism – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 420 appeared first on Arsenal For ...
Mar 28, 2022 – Synthetic Dye – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 419
March 28, 2022 23:04 - 49 minutes - 45.1 MBBill and Rachel discuss the invention and economic legacy (and environmental consequences) of synthetic dye. Links and notes for ep. 419 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/AFD-Ep-419-Links-and-Notes-Synthetic-Dyes.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post Mar 28, 2022 – Synthetic Dye – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 419 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
Mar 20, 2022 – The Start of Biotech – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 418
March 21, 2022 19:16 - 37 minutes - 33.9 MBBiotechnology has been important to other US industries from the auto industry to medicine and agriculture, before eventually becoming its own industry, dominated by venture capitalists. Bill and Rachel. Links and notes for ep. 418 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/AFD-Ep-418-Links-and-Notes-Fermentation-Biotechnology-and-Penicillin.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post Mar 20, 2022 – The Start of Biotech – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 418 appeared first on Ars...
Mar 15, 2022 – Westinghouse Air Brakes – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 417
March 16, 2022 02:55 - 40 minutes - 36.9 MBBill and Rachel discuss a specific air brake technology from 1872 that eventually had profound effects on the US economy and rail labor safety, especially after a Progressive Era bill mandated it. Links and notes for ep. 417 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/AFD-Ep-417-Links-and-Notes-Westinghouse-Air-Brakes.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post Mar 15, 2022 – Westinghouse Air Brakes – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 417 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
[Unlocked] Mar 9, 2021 – Early Air Conditioning – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 357
March 07, 2022 08:38 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MBUnlocked from our Patreon: Air conditioning began as a process for controlling humidity in industrial factory processes before it became about cooler human comforts. But it was also a key part of the military-industrial complex. Bill and Rachel. Links and notes for Ep. 357 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/AFD-Ep-357-Links-and-Notes-Early-Air-Conditioning.pdf Theme music by Stunt … Read more The post [Unlocked] Mar 9, 2021 – Early Air Conditioning – Arsenal Fo...
Feb 27, 2022 – Industrial Cheeses – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 416
February 28, 2022 13:05 - 43 minutes - 39.4 MBRachel and Bill discuss the history of US industrial cheese production from cream cheese and Kraft American cheese to US Government Cheese in the 1980s. Links and notes for Ep. 416 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/AFD-Ep-416-Links-and-Notes-Industrial-Cheeses.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post Feb 27, 2022 – Industrial Cheeses – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 416 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
[Bonus] That 70s Woe: The Last Price Controls – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 415
February 22, 2022 09:32 - 55 minutes - 50.6 MBA series on understanding the transition of the US economy in the Crisis of the 1970s: The Price Controls episode. (A Bill solo episode recorded Feb 21, 2022.) Subscribe to our Patreon. Links and notes (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/That-70s-Woe_-The-Last-Price-Controls-Episode-2.pdf The post [Bonus] That 70s Woe: The Last Price Controls – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 415 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
Feb 20, 2022 – You Wouldn’t Steal A Book – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 414
February 21, 2022 06:46 - 39 minutes - 36.4 MBThe causes (and effects on the US publishing industry) of the International Copyright Act of 1891. Rachel and Bill. Links and notes for ep. 414 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/AFD-Ep-414-Links-and-Notes-You-Wouldnt-Steal-a-Book-International-Copyright-Act-of-1891.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post Feb 20, 2022 – You Wouldn’t Steal A Book – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 414 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
Feb 13, 2022 – An Explosives Empire – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 413
February 14, 2022 12:00 - 26 minutes - 23.9 MBThe 19th century US economy and armed forces needed industrial production of explosives (and fertilizer), eventually reaching monopoly status, and in turn the economy and armed forces supported the overseas Guano empire necessary to obtain those materials. Links and notes for ep. 413 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/AFD-Ep-413-Links-and-Notes-The-Explosives-Empire.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post Feb 13, 2022 – An Explosives Empire – Arsenal For Democr...
Feb 6, 1922: The Washington Naval Treaty – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 411
February 06, 2022 23:44 - 33 minutes - 30.4 MB100 years ago today, the US, Britain, Japan, France, and Italy signed the Washington Naval Treaty. Intended to de-escalate a battleship arms race, it ended up marking the dawn of the aircraft carrier age, which makes it very relevant even now. Bill and Rachel. Links and notes for ep. 411 … Read more The post Feb 6, 1922: The Washington Naval Treaty – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 411 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
Jan 30, 2022 – Late 19th Century Opiates in the US – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 410
January 30, 2022 22:57 - 43 minutes - 39.6 MBBill and Rachel discuss syringes, morphine, laudanum, the American Civil War, “women’s problems,” and the ongoing debate among historians today about how to understand opiate use and addiction in the late 19th century United States. Links and notes for ep. 410 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/AFD-Ep-410-Links-and-Notes-Late-19th-Century-Opiates-in-the-US.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post Jan 30, 2022 – Late 19th Century Opiates in the US – Arsenal For D...
Jan 23, 2022 – Agnes Smedley – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 409
January 24, 2022 00:23 - 32 minutes - 30 MBRachel and Bill discuss Agnes Smedley, an American journalist and activist who helped the Indian independence movement, Soviet intelligence, and the Chinese Communist forces. Links and notes for Ep. 409 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/AFD-Ep-409-Links-and-Notes-Agnes-Smedley.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post Jan 23, 2022 – Agnes Smedley – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 409 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
Jan 16, 2022 – The Bracero Guest Worker Program – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 408
January 16, 2022 23:59 - 26 minutes - 24 MBThis week Rachel and Bill look at some of the cultural and economic effects of the controversial “wartime” Mexican Bracero guest farm worker program that ended up lasting from 1942-1964. Links and notes for Ep. 408 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/AFD-Ep-408-Links-and-Notes-The-Bracero-Guest-Worker-Program.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post Jan 16, 2022 – The Bracero Guest Worker Program – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 408 appeared first on Arsenal For Democ...
[Bonus] That 70s Woe: Nixon’s Gold – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 407
January 13, 2022 01:46 - 35 minutes - 32.8 MBA potential series on understanding the transition of the US economy in the Crisis of the 1970s: The episode on foreign exchange, gold convertibility, and the Nixon Shock of August 15, 1971. (A Bill solo episode recorded Jan 12, 2022.) Links and notes (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Bonus-AFD-Ep-407-Links-and-Notes-That-70s-Woe_-Nixons-Gold.pdf The post [Bonus] That 70s Woe: Nixon’s Gold – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 407 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
Jan 9, 2022 – Critical Space Theory – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 406
January 09, 2022 22:35 - 44 minutes - 40.7 MB50 years ago, in January 1972, the US space shuttle program moved forward and humanity passed the top of the arc of manned spaceflight and began its descent away from the dream of the 1860s to the 1960s. Bill and Rachel. Notes and links for Ep. 406 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/AFD-Ep-406-Links-and-Notes-Critical-Space-Theory_-The-Arc-of-Spaceflight-Ambitions.pdf Theme … Read more The post Jan 9, 2022 – Critical Space Theory – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 406...
Dec 26, 2021 – 1971 Recap – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 405
December 27, 2021 22:23 - 57 minutes - 52.7 MBDescription: Bill and Rachel recap some developments of 50 years ago in 1971: anti-smoking campaigns; the launch of Starbucks, Southwest, Amtrak, and Disney World; desegregation busing; special education laws; the War on Drugs; a new voting age; the first e-book; and more. Links and notes for Ep. 405 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/AFD-Ep-405-Links-and-Notes-1971-Recap.pdf … Read more The post Dec 26, 2021 – 1971 Recap – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 405 appeare...
Dec 19, 2021 – Nitrocellulose and Newsreels – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 404
December 20, 2021 06:37 - 44 minutes - 41 MBDescription: Bill and Rachel discuss the era of newsreels from 1908 to the 1950s and the early plastic technology that made them possible. Links and notes for Ep. 404 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/AFD-Ep-404-Links-and-Notes-Nitrocellulose-and-Newsreels.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post Dec 19, 2021 – Nitrocellulose and Newsreels – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 404 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
Dec 13, 2021 – Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 403
December 13, 2021 19:18 - 27 minutes - 24.8 MBDescription: PVC is a plastic all around us today, shaping our lives and the built environment. This week’s episode from Bill and Rachel is about that. Links and notes for Ep. 403 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/AFD-Ep-403-Links-and-Notes-Vinyl-PVC.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post Dec 13, 2021 – Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 403 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
Dec 5, 2021 – The Bungalow Economy – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 402
December 06, 2021 23:25 - 28 minutes - 26.1 MBDescription: A convergence of auto loans, reorganized home mortgages, and falling materials costs by 1910 launched the vast neighborhoods of durable bungalow single-family homes that brought white industrial workers into the American middle class and political power. (Bill and Rachel) Links and notes for Ep. 402 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/AFD-Ep-402-Links-and-Notes-Bungalows-Workers-Cottages.pdf Theme music … Read more The post Dec 5, 2021 – The Bungalo...
Nov 28, 2021 – National Flood Insurance – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 401
November 29, 2021 18:49 - 42 minutes - 38.6 MBDescription: Bill and Rachel discuss the origins of the National Flood Insurance Program and its consequences and then examine a new financialization scheme in disaster relief money. Links and notes for Ep. 401 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/AFD-Ep-401-Links-and-Notes-National-Flood-Insurance-Program.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post Nov 28, 2021 – National Flood Insurance – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 401 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
November 1921: Sheppard-Towner Act – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 400
November 22, 2021 05:02 - 36 minutes - 33.7 MBDescription: 100 years ago this week, on November 23, 1921, the first US government attempt at a modest social welfare program (focused on maternal and infant health) became law. Reactionary forces unraveled it by 1929, but it was influential regardless. Bill and Rachel discuss. Links and notes for Ep. 400 … Read more The post November 1921: Sheppard-Towner Act – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 400 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
[Unlocked] Mar 15, 2021 – Samuel Milton Golden Rule Jones – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 359
November 09, 2021 20:06 - 22 minutes - 20.7 MBUnlocked from our Patreon: Bill and Rachel discuss turn-of-the-century Toledo mayor and progressive industrialist Samuel Milton “Golden Rule” Jones and reflect on the limitations of his popular but unusual brand of Christian socialism made possible by his oil money. (New episodes return soon!) Links and Notes for Ep. 359 (PDF): … Read more The post [Unlocked] Mar 15, 2021 – Samuel Milton Golden Rule Jones – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 359 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
[Unlocked] June 15, 2021 – Alabama Coal Strikes of 1908 and 1920 – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 383
October 31, 2021 19:35 - 27 minutes - 25.5 MBUnlocked from our Patreon since the strikes are continuing: There are mine strikes in Alabama right now. Bill and Rachel look back at the racially-integrated Alabama coal strikes of 1908 and 1920. Links and notes for Ep. 383 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Bonus-AFD-Ep-383-Links-and-Notes-Racially-Integrated-Alabama-Mine-Strikes-of-1908-1920.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post [Unlocked] June 15, 2021 – Alabama Coal Strikes of 1908 and 1920 – Arsenal For...
[Unlocked] Apr 27, 2021 – Forest Products – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 369
October 24, 2021 21:06 - 27 minutes - 25.2 MBUnlocked from our Patreon: Bill and Rachel examine the evolution of the US timber industry during the Second Industrial Revolution away from raw material supply to mass-produced, manufactured forest products. Links and notes for Ep. 369 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Bonus-AFD-EP-369-Links-and-Notes-Forest-Products.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post [Unlocked] Apr 27, 2021 – Forest Products – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 369 appeared first on Arsenal For ...
[Unlocked] Feb 17, 2021 – The Natural Ice Trade – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 351
October 17, 2021 23:05 - 29 minutes - 27.1 MBUnlocked Patreon episode: In the early 19th century, the New England region of the United States emerged as the global leader of a lucrative new industry that would change the world: Harvesting and transporting ice from ponds and rivers. Nate and Bill discuss. Links and notes for Ep. 351 (PDF): … Read more The post [Unlocked] Feb 17, 2021 – The Natural Ice Trade – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 351 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
American Money, Part V: Epilogue – Personal Finance – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 399
October 11, 2021 01:13 - 46 minutes - 42.9 MBThe 5th part of our miniseries on money itself during the 2nd Industrial Revolution in the US. Bill and Rachel look at the ideology of consumer finance, the rise of home and auto loans, and how the seeds of the 21st century financialization were planted long ago. Links and notes … Read more The post American Money, Part V: Epilogue – Personal Finance – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 399 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
American Money, Part IV: The Cross of Gold – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 398
October 04, 2021 15:21 - 1 hour - 64.4 MBThe 4th part of our miniseries on money itself during the 2nd Industrial Revolution in the US. Bill and Rachel look at the political battles over silver coinage and the gold standard and why neither position makes sense in hindsight. Links and noted for Ep. 398 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/American-Money-Part-IV_-The-Cross-of-Gold-Arsenal-For-Democracy-Ep-398.pdf Theme music … Read more The post American Money, Part IV: The Cross of Gold – Arsenal For Dem...
American Money, Part III: Store Credit, Installments, and Shadow Lending – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 397
September 27, 2021 00:42 - 1 hour - 72.4 MBThe 3rd part of our miniseries on money itself during the 2nd Industrial Revolution in the US. Bill, Rachel, and Kelley look at the initial emergence of proto-consumer credit as well as sketchy and predatory small loans in industrial cities. Links and notes for Ep. 397 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/American-Money-Part-III_-Store-Credit-Installments-and-Shadow-Lending-Arsenal-For-Democracy-Ep-397.pdf Theme music … Read more The post American Money, Part III...
American Money, Parts I and II: Antebellum Through Reconstruction – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 396
September 20, 2021 21:32 - 58 minutes - 53.7 MBThe first episode of our miniseries on money itself during the Second Industrial Revolution in the United States. Bill and Rachel pose philosophical questions on the nature of money and look at changes in US monetary policy from the Antebellum period through 1876. Links and notes for Ep. 396 (PDF): … Read more The post American Money, Parts I and II: Antebellum Through Reconstruction – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 396 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
[Unlocked] Feb 23, 2021 – The American Protective League feat. @housetrotter – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 353
September 12, 2021 18:38 - 1 hour - 60.2 MB[Unlocked] During WWI, a Chicago ad man pitched the Bureau of Investigation on a volunteer secret police, which grew to nearly 300,000 unpaid agents and foreshadowed strategies of the later US intelligence state. Friend of the show Ben aka @housetrotter joins Bill and Rachel to discuss. Links and notes for … Read more The post [Unlocked] Feb 23, 2021 – The American Protective League feat. @housetrotter – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 353 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
Sept 5, 2021 – Fast Food and Automats – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 395
September 05, 2021 20:54 - 40 minutes - 36.7 MBIn September 1921, the first fast food restaurant (White Castle) was launched, taking inspiration from the Hygiene Movement. Guest John Leavitt (@LeavittAlone) joins Bill, Kelley, and Rachel to talk about this and Automats and to imagine a different future for restaurants. Links and notes for Ep. 395 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/AFD-Ep-395-Links-and-Notes-September-1921_-Fast-Food-White-Castle-with-guest-John-Leavitt.pdf Theme … Read more The post Sept 5,...
August 1921: The Battle of Blair Mountain – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 394
August 29, 2021 19:49 - 35 minutes - 32.2 MBDescription: One hundred years ago this week, the Battle of Blair Mountain was in full swing in West Virginia as thousands of heavily armed union miners fought dug-in pro-owner militias. Bill and Rachel examine. Links and notes for Ep. 394 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/AFD-Ep-394-Links-and-Notes-August-1921-Centennial-Battle-of-Blair-Mountain.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post August 1921: The Battle of Blair Mountain – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 394 a...
August 1921: FDR Becomes Paralyzed – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 393
August 22, 2021 21:01 - 30 minutes - 27.9 MBDescription: Bill, Kelley, and Rachel discuss Franklin D. Roosevelt’s career before his paralysis in August 1921 and how he dealt with his lifelong disability thereafter. Links and notes for Ep. 393: http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/AFD-Ep-393-Links-and-Notes-August-1921-FDR-becomes-paralyzed.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post August 1921: FDR Becomes Paralyzed – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 393 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
[Unlocked] The Transatlantic Telegraph Cable – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 367
August 15, 2021 16:30 - 30 minutes - 27.8 MBUnlocked from our Patreon for a vacation week. Bill and Rachel found the most amazing, still-active web 1.0 history website, and now we can tell you all about the sweeping implications of the transatlantic telegraph cable of 1866. (Originally released April 2021.) Links and notes for Ep. 367 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Bonus-AFD-Ep-367-Links-and-Notes-The-Transatlantic-Telegraph-Cable.pdf … Read more The post [Unlocked] The Transatlantic Telegraph Cable ...
Aug 8, 2021 – Horse Power – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 392
August 09, 2021 03:50 - 42 minutes - 39 MBDescription: Life in the big American city of the 19th century included an endless sea of horses, and it was not a very pleasant situation for anyone, including the horses. Bill, Rachel, and Kelley explore. Notes and links for Ep. 392 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/AFD-Ep-392-Links-and-Notes-Horse-Power.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post Aug 8, 2021 – Horse Power – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 392 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.
Aug 1, 2021 – Industrialization of Glassware – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 391
August 01, 2021 20:37 - 41 minutes - 38.2 MBDescription: It took a while to figure out how to mass-produce glassware, given the complexity of it, but that had profound implications on the lives of American consumers and workers. Bill, Kelley, and Rachel discuss. (This is the Mason Jars episode, among other things.) Links and notes for Ep. 391 … Read more The post Aug 1, 2021 – Industrialization of Glassware – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 391 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.