St. Nicholas | A Historical Perspective
As the holidays approach and young children start writing their letters (or sending emails, tweets, and Tik Toks) to Santa, we here at 15-Minute History thought it would be fun to look back at the man who inspired generations to give gifts to friends and loved ones each Christmas. Parents, don't worry if you're listening to this with the kids--there won't be any spoilers. Join us as we teach you about St. Nicolas, who he was in history, and how we became the jolly Saint we see depicted everywhere throughout the holiday season.
19 Des 20228min
The History of Social Media | A Discussion
Join us as we discuss the history of social media, the reason for its popularity, and some ways to use social to influence the word around us in a positive way.
12 Des 202222min
The History of Social Media | REDUX
In this REDUX episode from our first season, we show you the history of social media from its inception to today, the reason for its popularity, and its possible impact on our society today. The first attempt at what would later be defined as “social media” took place in the fall of 1969. The United States military was conducting tests using the first proto-internet, called ARPANET, which was used to create connections between computer stations. This pre-internet attempt spawned the famous communication – or lack of communication – which occurred in October of 1969 from the campus of UCLA. An attempt was made to send the word Login between two computers on campus, but a computer crash resulted in the letters LO being received. This first miscommunication did not stop the developers from continuing their work and successfully sending the message a month later. This achievement, both the failed communication and the successful one, would have a lasting effect on social media, whether those developers intended it or not.
5 Des 202218min
Fredrick Douglas | A Discussion
Join us as we discuss Fredrick Douglas, his early life, his escape to freedom, and his profound effect on ending slavery in the United States.
21 Nov 202241min
Civil Rights & the Supreme Court | A Discussion
Join us as we discuss the history of civil rights in America through the bench of the Supreme Court, the lasting effect of Brown vs. Board of Education, and how such rulings have shaped our society today.
7 Nov 202226min
Civil Rights & the Supreme Court | Redux
In early 1865, the Union and Confederate armies were locked in mortal combat around the city of Petersburg, VA, and in the humid forests of Georgia. The American Civil War's end was near, and the Lincoln Administration now faced the question of how to restore the Union and end slavery once and for all. The legal framework for equality between the races came with the passage of the three anti-slavery amendments to the U.S. Constitution, and each Confederate state would have to ratify them before they could rejoin the Union. Abraham Lincoln's message to the American people in his second inaugural address was clear: "With malice toward none, with charity toward all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations." Join us in this redux episode as we share the history of civil rights in America through the bench of the Supreme Court, the lasting effect of Brown vs. Board of Education, and how such rulings have shaped our society today.
31 Okt 202213min
The Abolitionist's Journal | An Interview with James D. Richardson
Join us as we speak with James D. Richardson about his new book, "The Abolisitionist's Journal: Memories of an American Antislavery Family". In the book, Mr. Richardson details the findings from the journal of his ancestor, George Richardson, an abolitionist, before and after the fall of slavery in America. From this primary historical source, James Richardson is able to construct a picture of the man who fought his entire life for the freedom and equality of African Americans. "The Abolitionist's Journal: Memories of an American Antislavery Family", is available on Amazon or wherever books are sold. James D. Richardson is a former senior writer with The Sacramento Bee and a retired Episcopal priest. He is the author of Willie Brown: A Biography. His articles on state politics have appeared in numerous publications including The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, and The San Fransico Chronicle. He lives in Sacramento, California, with his wife, Lori.
24 Okt 202243min
