Bourbon and History

1.46: #1a George Washington

At long last we have arrived at the top president in the presidential rankings! As America’s first president, Washington faced the monumental task of forming the nation’s new federal government, and establishing the norms and customs surrounding the new office of the president.  But aside from nation building, Washington faced critical tests in both foreign and domestic policy; tests that would coincide with the growing rise of partisanship during the 1790s and threaten to destroy everything...

1.46: #1a George Washington

At long last we have arrived at the top president in the presidential rankings! As America’s first president, Washington faced the monumental task of forming the nation’s new federal government, and establishing the norms and customs surrounding the new office of the president.  But aside from nation building, Washington faced critical tests in both foreign and domestic policy; tests that would coincide with the growing rise of partisanship during the 1790s and threaten to destroy everything...

1.45: #1b Abraham Lincoln

Undoubtedly, Abraham Lincoln was one of Americas greatest presidents. From his dirt-poor upbringings, Lincoln would rise in Illinois state politics to become a U.S. Congressmen in 1847. After sparring with Senator Stephen Douglas in the 1858 Illinois Senate race, Lincoln would go on to become the moderate choice for the newly formed Republican Party in 1860, where he would win in a heated election, and be forced to grapple with a crisis unprecedented in the country’s history. 

1.45: #1b Abraham Lincoln

Undoubtedly, Abraham Lincoln was one of Americas greatest presidents. From his dirt-poor upbringings, Lincoln would rise in Illinois state politics to become a U.S. Congressmen in 1847. After sparring with Senator Stephen Douglas in the 1858 Illinois Senate race, Lincoln would go on to become the moderate choice for the newly formed Republican Party in 1860, where he would win in a heated election, and be forced to grapple with a crisis unprecedented in the country’s history. 

1.44: #2 Franklin D. Roosevelt

As the nations longest serving president, Franklin D. Roosevelt, or FDR, was forced to tackle the monumental task of rescuing the country from the depths of the Great Depression. After enacting a wide-range of legislative initiatives to rescue the nations economy, FDR then had to combat the rise of fascism abroad, eventually dragging a reluctant, isolationist nation into the doldrums of a world war. 

1.43: Topics in History #4: The Declaration of Independence

On this day 246 years ago, the Declaration of Independence was presented by the Continental Congress, officially severing all ties between the 13 American colonies and Great Britain. The Declaration, written mostly by Virginian Thomas Jefferson, espoused the enlightenment ideals set-forth by the enlightenment philosopher John Locke, and affirmed the 13 British colonies were, henceforth, to be considered “free and independent States.” The Declaration served as a rallying cry for The fledgling...

1.43: Topics in History #4: The Declaration of Independence

On this day 246 years ago, the Declaration of Independence was presented by the Continental Congress, officially severing all ties between the 13 American colonies and Great Britain. The Declaration, written mostly by Virginian Thomas Jefferson, espoused the enlightenment ideals set-forth by the enlightenment philosopher John Locke, and affirmed the 13 British colonies were, henceforth, to be considered “free and independent States.” The Declaration served as a rallying cry for The fledgling...

1.42: #3 Dwight D. Eisenhower

The general-turned-president, Dwight D. Eisenhower, served during a remarkable transition in American history. After emerging victorious from the Second World War, the United States found itself as a global superpower charged with preserving and protecting the fragile peace won during the war against Soviet aggression.  After almost seven years of Harry Truman, Americans placed their faith in the general that had steered them to victory in the war, and charged him with continuing the booming...

1.42: #3 Dwight D. Eisenhower

The general-turned-president, Dwight D. Eisenhower, served during a remarkable transition in American history. After emerging victorious from the Second World War, the United States found itself as a global superpower charged with preserving and protecting the fragile peace won during the war against Soviet aggression.  After almost seven years of Harry Truman, Americans placed their faith in the general that had steered them to victory in the war, and charged him with continuing the booming...

1.41: Topics in History #3: Judicial Review

The Supreme Court wasn’t always the powerful third branch of government it is today. In the Courts early years, individuals rarely wanted to serve on the Court, and the institution itself had vague, Ill-defined powers. It wasn’t until the appointment of John Marshall as Chief Justice in 1801 that the Courts power and role as the final arbiter of constitutional questions began, and the concept of judicial review was established. 

Bourbon Review: Rough Rider Straight Bourbon Whiskey

1.40: #4 Theodore Roosevelt

Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt has become one of the most influential and well-known presidents to ever hold office. Coming to power after the assassination of William McKinley in 1901, Roosevelt embarked upon a crusade to transform the very foundations of American society by fighting against the massive corporate monopolies controlling American business and working to improve the lives and working conditions of ordinary Americans. His efforts at reform would largely pay-off, and his determinati...

1.40: #4 Theodore Roosevelt

Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt has become one of the most influential and well-known presidents to ever hold office. Coming to power after the assassination of William McKinley in 1901, Roosevelt embarked upon a crusade to transform the very foundations of American society by fighting against the massive corporate monopolies controlling American business and working to improve the lives and working conditions of ordinary Americans. His efforts at reform would largely pay-off, and his determinati...

1.39: #5 William McKinley

William McKinley is one of the most overlooked presidents in US history. But his five years in office helped shape the modern United States as it entered the twentieth century, and for the first time, expanded beyond the borders of North America, inaugurating a period of what would become known as the imperial presidency. McKinley’s affable nature in dealing with both friends and foes in Congress, combined with his determination, political astuteness, and decisive decision making, helped sha...

1.39: #5 William McKinley

William McKinley is one of the most overlooked presidents in US history. But his five years in office helped shape the modern United States as it entered the twentieth century, and for the first time, expanded beyond the borders of North America, inaugurating a period of what would become known as the imperial presidency. McKinley’s affable nature in dealing with both friends and foes in Congress, combined with his determination, political astuteness, and decisive decision making, helped sha...

1.38: #6 Ulysses S. Grant

Serving during the height of Reconstruction, Ulysses Grant fought admirably to bring the nation back together in an effort to fulfill his campaign slogan: let us have peace.  But ultimately, Grants efforts would be largely forgotten amidst an array of political scandals committed by the men and associates around him, marring an otherwise successful president that helped bridge the gap between the Civil War and the Gilded Age. 

Bourbon Review: Douglas and Todd Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Bourbon Review: Douglas and Todd Straight Bourbon Whiskey

1.37: #7 Harry S Truman

Harry Truman ascended to the presidency in the wake of Franklin Roosevelt’s death in 1945. Over the next seven years, Truman would be faced with the daunting challenges of transitioning a massive wartime economy back to a peacetime footing in addition to confronting a hostile Congress determined to roll back the programs of FDRs New Deal.  Overseas, Truman would have to confront the growing threat of communism and deter an expansionist-minded Soviet Union from shattering the hard-won peace e...

1.37: #7 Harry S Truman

Harry Truman ascended to the presidency in the wake of Franklin Roosevelt’s death in 1945. Over the next seven years, Truman would be faced with the daunting challenges of transitioning a massive wartime economy back to a peacetime footing in addition to confronting a hostile Congress determined to roll back the programs of FDRs New Deal.  Overseas, Truman would have to confront the growing threat of communism and deter an expansionist-minded Soviet Union from shattering the hard-won peace e...

1.36: #8 Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson’s election as president in 1800 became the first time in American history power was peacefully transferred from one political party to another. Over his  eight years as president, Jefferson would roll-back a majority of Federalist policies and restore the nation to, what he believed, were its limited-government roots. But tensions with France and Great Britain would subsequently lead to a disastrous trade embargo that would leave the nations economy reeling in the final year...

1.36: #8 Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson’s election as president in 1800 became the first time in American history power was peacefully transferred from one political party to another. Over his  eight years as president, Jefferson would roll-back a majority of Federalist policies and restore the nation to, what he believed, were its limited-government roots. But tensions with France and Great Britain would subsequently lead to a disastrous trade embargo that would leave the nations economy reeling in the final year...

1.35: #9 James Monroe

James Monroe was one of the most qualified men to ever serve as president. His eight years in office marked the beginning of a new, broader American foreign policy within the Western Hemisphere,  and witnessed the transformation of the country from a young republic to a confident, established nation. 

1.35: #9 James Monroe

James Monroe was one of the most qualified men to ever serve as president. His eight years in office marked the beginning of a new, broader American foreign policy within the Western Hemisphere,  and witnessed the transformation of the country from a young republic to a confident, established nation. 

1.34: #10 James K. Polk

James K. Polk achieved more success in one term as president then most presidents have in two. But after expanding the nations borders all the way to the Pacific Ocean, Polk voluntarily stepped aside, leaving less-qualified men to try and steer the ship-of-state through the turbulent years of the 1850s.  

1.34: #10 James K. Polk

James K. Polk achieved more success in one term as president then most presidents have in two. But after expanding the nations borders all the way to the Pacific Ocean, Polk voluntarily stepped aside, leaving less-qualified men to try and steer the ship-of-state through the turbulent years of the 1850s.  

1.33: #11 Andrew Jackson

One of the most controversial figures in American history, Andrew Jackson's rise to fame was unprecedented. Rising from orphaned teenager to military hero, Jackson cultivated the image of a man of the people and used it to catapult him into the presidency in 1828, inaugurating a period that would become known as the Age of Jackson. 

1.32: #12 John Adams

John Adams was elected as America's second president in 1796 and was given the unenviable task of trying to fill the shoes of George Washington. Though Adams was able to achieve a high degree of success in foreign policy, his domestic policies, notably the Alien and Sedition Act, doomed his chances at a second term. 

1.31: #13 John F. Kennedy

John F. Kennedy's election sparked hope that a "new frontier" had dawned for the United States. But after navigating the country through multiple foreign crisis, mostly with regards to Cuba, JFK's life, and presidency, was tragically cut short, thrusting the nation into the grips of the tumultuous 1960s. 

1.30: #14 George H.W Bush

George Bush came into office with expectations he would carry on the legacy of the Ronald Reagan. But despite significant foreign policy successes, domestically, economic worries would prove too costly for Bush to overcome. 

1.30: #14 George H.W Bush

George Bush came into office with expectations he would carry on the legacy of the Ronald Reagan. But despite significant foreign policy successes, domestically, economic worries would prove too costly for Bush to overcome. 

1.29: Topics in History #2: Washington, D.C.

Why is Washington, D.C. not a state? And how did the city that became our nations capital come to be? 

1.29: Topics in History #2: Washington, D.C.

Why is Washington, D.C. not a state? And how did the city that became our nations capital come to be? 

1.28: #15 Ronald Reagan

Ronald Reagan ushered in a new era of American conservatism, changing the face and identity of the Republican Party and American government.  Click here to check out Buzzsprouts podcast opportunities! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=934867

1.28: #15 Ronald Reagan

Ronald Reagan ushered in a new era of American conservatism, changing the face and identity of the Republican Party and American government.  Click here to check out Buzzsprouts podcast opportunities! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=934867

1.27 #16 Bill Clinton

Bill Clinton’s eight years in office established a period of economic prosperity and redefined America’s role in a post-Cold War world. Click here to check out Buzzsprouts podcast opportunities! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=934867

1.27: #16 Bill Clinton

Bill Clinton’s eight years in office established a period of economic prosperity and redefined America’s role in a post-Cold War world. Click here to check out Buzzsprouts podcast opportunities! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=934867

1.26 Topics in History #1: The Electoral College

This Thanksgiving weekend, I decided to release the first Topics in History episode, explaining the intent and origins behind the Electoral College,  and why it’s still relevant today.  Click here to check out Buzzsprouts podcast opportunities! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=934867

1.26: Topics in History #1: The Electoral College

This Thanksgiving weekend, I decided to release the first Topics in History episode, explaining the intent and origins behind the Electoral College,  and why it’s still relevant today. Click here to check out Buzzsprouts podcast opportunities! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=934867

1.25 #17 Woodrow Wilson

Woodrow Wilson's two terms in office saw the largest expansion of executive power and oversight since Lincoln. From banking reform to expanded rights for workers, Wilson's New Freedom agenda expanded the governments role in peoples lives more so than at any other point, and laid the ground work for Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal in the 1930s.  Click here to check out Buzzsprouts podcast opportunities! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=934867

1.25: #17 Woodrow Wilson

Woodrow Wilson's two terms in office saw the largest expansion of executive power and oversight since Lincoln. From banking reform to expanded rights for workers, Wilson's New Freedom agenda expanded the governments role in peoples lives more so than at any other point, and laid the ground work for Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal in the 1930s.  Click here to check out Buzzsprouts podcast opportunities! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=934867

1.24 #18 Barack Obama

Riding into office on a promise of “hope and change”, Barack Obama’s two terms in office failed to deliver on either. Click here to check out Buzzsprouts podcast opportunities! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=934867

1.24: #18 Barack Obama

Riding into office on a promise of “hope and change”, Barack Obama’s two terms in office failed to deliver on either. Click here to check out Buzzsprouts podcast opportunities! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=934867

1.24: #18 Barack Obama

Riding into office on a promise of “hope and change”, Barack Obama’s two terms in office failed to deliver on either. Click here to check out Buzzsprouts podcast opportunities! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=934867

1.23: #19 Grover Cleveland

Grover Cleveland became the first Democrat elected to the White House following the Civil War, and the only president to serve two non-consecutive terms. But the public image of Cleveland as an honest public crusader may have been exaggerated, and behind the scenes, Cleveland harbored secrets his enemies were all to willing to use against him. Click here to check out Buzzsprouts podcast opportunities! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=934867

1.23: #19 Grover Cleveland

Grover Cleveland became the first Democrat elected to the White House following the Civil War, and the only president to serve two non-consecutive terms. But the public image of Cleveland as an honest public crusader may have been exaggerated, and behind the scenes, Cleveland harbored secrets his enemies were all to willing to use against him. Click here to check out Buzzsprouts podcast opportunities! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=934867

1.22: #20 James Madison

From helping to write the Constitution to leading the nation through its first war, James Madison was an intellectual giant in his time, and brings us into the top 20 of my rankings. 

1.21: #21 Calvin Coolidge

Calvin Coolidge, or “Silent Cal” as he was known, was another accidental president saddled with the sins and failed policies of his predecessor. But Coolidge would emerge from the shadow of the Harding years and prove to be a capable leader in his own right, steering the United States through a period of unprecedented economic prosperity. 

1.21: #21 Calvin Coolidge

Calvin Coolidge, or “Silent Cal” as he was known, was another accidental president saddled with the sins and failed policies of his predecessor. But Coolidge would emerge from the shadow of the Harding years and prove to be a capable leader in his own right, steering the United States through a period of unprecedented economic prosperity. 

1.4 #38 Warren Harding

Warren Harding’s promise of a “return to normalcy” helped usher in a decade of economic prosperity in the post-war United States.  But scandals, combined with a general unwillingness to lead on important issues, ultimately doomed Harding’s presidency to irrelevancy in the annals of American history.  Click here to check out Buzzsprouts podcast opportunities! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=934867