War has played a key role in the history of the United States from the nation’s founding right down to the present. Wars made the U. S. independent, kept it together, increased its size, and established it as a global superpower. Understanding America’s wars is essential for understanding American history. In the Key Battles of American History, host James Early discusses American history through the lens of the most important battles of America’s wars. James is an Adjunct Professor of History at San Jacinto College in Pasadena, TX. He has published one book and two scholarly articles. He is also the cohost (with Scott Rank) of the Presidential Fight Club, Key Battles of the Civil War, Key Battles of the Revolutionary War, and Key Battles of World War I podcasts.
In this episode, Sean and James discuss the 2004 South Korean film, Tae Guk Gi (The Brotherhood of War), which tells the story of two brothers who are forcibly drafted into the South Korean army at the outbreak of the Korean War. The film follows the brothers all the way to the end of the war and reveals the horror of the war in its fullness. Tae Guk Gi became one of the biggest successes in the history of South Korean film up to that time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In July 1951, Communist and UN representatives began conducting peace talks. But the talks went nowhere, and the Communists broke them off on August 22. Meanwhile, throughout late 1951 and 1952, both sides worked to strengthen their defensive lines. The war changed from a war of movement to a mostly static, World War I style conflict. Still, the UN launched several relatively minor offensives during this time, including Operations Commando, Touchdown, Showdown, Pimlico, and many others. Join Evan and James as they narrate this new phase of the war.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Based on the 1953 James Michener novel of the same name, the 1954 film The Bridges at Toko-Ri tells the story of Lt. Harry Brubaker, a fighter-bomber pilot on the aircraft carrier USS Savo Island. A WW2 veteran and Naval Reserve pilot, Brubaker was drafted back into service from civilian life. This makes him quite resentful and cynical about the war. Now he has a dangerous mission to perform, and he is not sure he is up to the task. Join Sean and James as they discuss this exciting and beautifully filmed movie.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In April 1951, the Chinese army in Korea launched a fifth major offensive against the UN forces deployed along the Kansas and Utah lines. The fiercest attack was against the western part of the line, defended by the 29th Commonwealth Brigade, who were positioned around the Imjin River. Despite repeated Chinese attacks, the 29th held firm, and the Chinese had to call off the attack. Meanwhile, further to the west, at the Kapyong River, the Chinese 60th Division attacked the ROKA Sixth Division and the 27th Commonwealth Brigade, forcing them to retreat south. With the land campaign settling into a stalemate, leaders of the US, the UN, China, and the Soviet Union all began speaking about a possible ceasefire and of beginning peace negotiations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the fall of 1864, General William Tecumseh Sherman led his army through Atlanta, Georgia, burning most of the city along the way. From Atlanta, they marched across the state to its most important city at the time: Savannah. In this episode, James interviews Bennett Parten, Assistant Professor of History at Georgia Southern University, about his recently released book Somewhere Toward Freedom: Sherman's March and the Story of America's Largest Emancipation. Parten argues that the March to the Sea was more than just a military campaign; it was also the biggest liberation event in American history. This fascinating interview will change your perspective on a historical event you thought you understood well.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, Sean and James discuss the 2022 film Devotion, which tells the story of Ensign Jesse Brown, the first Black US Navy fighter pilot, including his struggle against racism within the Navy and his role in key air missions during the Korean War. This film, which features stunning cinematography, includes both touching and tragic moments and is a can’t miss Korean war film.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, Evan and James take a quick break from the military narrative to discuss the management of the war by President Harry Truman and his top advisors. Your faithful cohosts also discuss the growing rift between Truman and MacArthur, a renewed Chinese military offensive, an Allied counteroffensive, and a couple of major changes in command.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Another classic Korean War film directed by Samuel Fuller, Fixed Bayonets! (1951) takes place In the first winter of the Korean War, during the Chinese intervention. A 48-man platoon is left to defend a choke point while covering the withdrawal of their division over an exposed bridge. Join Sean and James as they review this gripping film.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In late November, 1950, the Allied Eighth Army resumed their march northward to the Yalu River. To their great surprise, both units were ambushed by large Chinese forces who inflicted great casualties on the Allies and forced them to retreat southward. Join Evan and James as they discuss the epic battles of the Chongchon River and the Chosin Reservoir, plus the legendary march to the sea and evacuation of the Tenth Corps.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, Sean and James discuss the 1952 film Retreat, Hell!, which presents a sweeping overview of the legendary First Marine Division’s actions in the Korean War, from training camp, to the Inchon landing, to their battles with Chinese forces in North Korea, and finally to their eventual evacuation. Get ready to join in a rousing chorus of the Marine Corps Hymn with Sean and James as they review this fun flick.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
James is an Adjunct Professor of History at San Jacinto College in Pasadena, TX. He has published one book and two scholarly articles. He is also the cohost (with Scott Rank) of the Presidential Fight Club, Key Battles of the Civil War, Key Battles of the Revolutionary War, and Key Battles of World War I podcasts.
