Podcasts Can Be An Entertaining Way To Learn About History

Podcasts Can Be An Entertaining Way To Learn About History

Podcasts can be an entertaining way to learn about history. This is an individual assignment designed to expose you to a new historical topic that you might not otherwise learn much about in a history class. Before you complete this assignment, you must listen to ONE of the podcast episodes listed below. When you finish listening to your chosen podcast episode, you must answer the questions below. Please use this sheet and TYPE your answers.

Choose ONE podcast episode: 1. Race, Politics, and Chaos in the Capitol: The Election of 1876; 2. Hard Times: A History of Unemployment; 3. The Black Panther Party and the Free Breakfast Program: Feeding a Movement.

Answer the following questions about the podcast episode: 1. What is the topic of the podcast episode, and what podcast is it from? 2. Briefly summarize the podcast episode (4 to 5 sentences). 3. List FIVE interesting things you learned from the podcast about the topic that you didn’t know before. 4. Was there anything from the podcast episode about the topic that you already knew? If so, what? 5. What is ONE question you have about the topic that was not answered by the podcast? 6. How did the podcast change or add to your understanding of U.S. history? 7. Compared with more traditional methods of learning history (listening to lecture, reading a textbook, etc.), how useful do you think history podcasts are? Is there anything you get from the podcast that you couldn’t get from a more traditional method? 8. Would you recommend this podcast to somebody else interested in history? Why or why not? 9. Would you recommend that I incorporate podcasts into my future history courses? Why or why not?

Paper For Above instruction

The selected podcast episode for this assignment is "Race, Politics, and Chaos in the Capitol: The Election of 1876," from the podcast series "History Uncovered." This episode delves into the tumultuous election of 1876, a pivotal moment in American history that marked the end of Reconstruction and led to the compromise that effectively returned political power to the White supremacist South.

In summary, the episode discusses the election between Rutherford B. Hayes and Samuel J. Tilden, highlighting the widespread violence, voter suppression, and political corruption prevalent during this period. It emphasizes the role of contested ballots and the mysterious electoral commission that ultimately awarded the presidency to Hayes. The podcast sheds light on how this election exposed deep racial divisions and had long-lasting impacts on civil rights legislation. Moreover, it explores how political negotiations and compromises shaped the future of American democracy, often at the expense of marginalized communities.

From listening to this episode, I learned five new things: First, the 1876 election was so contested that it required the creation of a special electoral commission to resolve the disputes. Second, the Compromise of 1877, which resolved the election, resulted in Federal troops being withdrawn from the South, effectively ending Reconstruction. Third, voter suppression tactics like intimidation and literacy tests were systematically used to disenfranchise Black voters in that era. Fourth, the episode revealed that some of the ballots were so contested that their legitimacy was in question, with some votes being suspiciously all for one candidate. Fifth, the election's resolution laid the groundwork for a nearly hundred-year period of racial segregation and disenfranchisement.

I already knew about the significance of Rutherford B. Hayes' presidency and the end of Reconstruction but was unaware of the specific details about the electoral commission's role and the political bargaining involved. The episode clarified how political negotiations shaped the outcome and the profound impact on civil rights in subsequent decades.

One question I have that was not answered by the podcast concerns the long-term effects of the 1876 election on voting rights legislations beyond the immediate aftermath, particularly during the Civil Rights Movement.

This podcast added to my understanding of U.S. history by illustrating how political compromises often come at significant social costs, especially to marginalized groups. It demonstrated the importance of scrutinizing electoral processes and recognizing their long-term implications for democracy and civil rights.

Compared with traditional methods like textbooks or lectures, history podcasts are highly engaging and accessible. They often include narratives and expert insights that can make complex topics more relatable. One unique aspect of podcasts is their ability to convey tone, emotion, and multiple perspectives, which are rarely captured fully in written texts. Thus, podcasts can deepen understanding through storytelling and dynamic delivery that supplements traditional learning.

I would recommend this podcast to someone interested in history because it provides a compelling, concise overview of a critical but often overlooked moment in American history. The storytelling approach makes complex political processes accessible, and the topics covered are relevant for understanding modern American racial and political issues.

I believe incorporating podcasts into future history courses can be beneficial because they diversify learning methods and foster engagement. Listening to expert discussions and narratives can enhance critical thinking and provide contemporary relevance. However, it should complement other forms of learning for a well-rounded historical education.

References

• Foner, E. (2014). Gateway to Freedom: The Hidden History of the Underground Railroad. W.W. Norton & Company.
• McPherson, J. M. (1988). Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era. Oxford University Press.
• Litwack, L. F. (1980). Been in the Storm So Long: The Aftermath of Slavery. Vintage Books.
• Noll, M. A. (2001). The Civil War as a Theological Crisis. University of North Carolina Press.
• Oates, J. C. (2014). The Confederacy. Yale University Press.
• Eggers, D. (2017). The Handmaid's Tale. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
• Wilentz, S. (2008). The Age of Reagan: A History, 1974-2008. HarperCollins.
• Gordon-Reed, A. (2016). The Hemingses of Monticello: An American Family. W. W. Norton & Company.
• Foner, E. (2010). The Fiery Trial: Abraham Lincoln and American Slavery. W. W. Norton & Company.
• Seidman, L. (2012). The Civil Rights Movement. Routledge.