Notes on History

Uncles Give the Best Gifts of All: Cash!

Today Paul tells the story of William Blackmer, and explains the roundabout ways genealogists sometimes make a point. Look away, armchair genealogists (you might not like this)!

In the Wrong Place at the Wrong Historical Era

Today Paul discusses the wider cultural and political problems that led to William Blackmer's death. This episode is one of those times to keep in mind that the world used to be a much, MUCH different place. 

The Best Things Happen When People are Still in Their Pajamas

Today Paul tells the story of the Capture of Fort Ticonderoga, an event in which one of his own ancestors participated. The real story, however, is all about how the British idea that the Colonists needed the British military was, in fact, pure weapons grade Poppycock. 

Poking the Bear

Paul follows up with a point he made recently about how British attitudes towards the Colonies made the American Revolution not just possible, but probable. The Proclamation of 1763 was unnecessarily provocative, and not in that 90's late night Cinemax sort of way.  

A Reading of The Royal Proclamation of 1763

This recording isn't an actual episode: it is a reading of the text of the Proclamation of 1763, which is the subject of this week's actual episode "Poking the Bear." Skip this one if you're specifically interested in Paul's commentary rather than the actual text of the Proclamation. 

Mugging the Bear

This week, Paul takes a look at the Currency Act of 1764, in which the British Parliament showed itself to be grossly incompetent. Of course, Americans don't like being outdone...

A Reading of the Currency Act of 1764

This recording is a reading of the Currency Act of 1764. Listeners will find this week's actual episode, "Mugging the Bear," alongside this recording. 

This Episode is Actually Intolerable

Paul discusses the Intolerable Acts and explains why, as Mitchell and Webb suggest, the British were the baddies. Also, try saying "Massachusetts Legislature" five times fast, and let me know how it goes. 

I Don’t Care About Your Feelings, and Neither Do You

Just because its Christmas, Paul takes a short break from his notes on the American Revolution to discuss why using a dating system based on the birth of Jesus is not only a good idea, but a great way to stick it to the man!