Oct 16, 2022 – The End of American Dams – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 444

Americans built thousands upon thousands of dams, large and small, across the US for centuries, but no longer do. In fact, dozens are being removed annually. Bill and Rachel look at the Teton Dam Collapse and the broader end of American dam-building.

Links and notes for ep. 444 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/AFD-Ep-444-Links-and-Notes-The-End-of-American-Dams.pdf

Theme music by Stunt Bird.

Aug 21, 2022 – Industrial Nails and Nail Guns – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 438

Bill and Rachel look at the history of industrialization of nail fastener production in the United States and its profound effects on the economy, and then talk about nail guns.

Links and notes for ep. 438 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/AFD-Ep-438-Links-and-Notes-The-Industrial-Nail-and-Nail-Guns.pdf

Theme music by Stunt Bird.

Apr 10, 2022 – US Urban Electrification and Streetcars – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 421

Bill 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.

Apr 3, 2022 – From Electrochemistry to Electromagnetism – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 420

Bill 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.

Feb 13, 2022 – An Explosives Empire – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 413

The 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.

[Unlocked] Feb 17, 2021 – The Natural Ice Trade – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 351

Unlocked 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): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Bonus-AFD-Ep-351-Links-and-Notes-The-Ice-Trade.pdf

Theme music by Stunt Bird.

Aug 8, 2021 – Horse Power – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 392

Description: 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.