Episodes

Wednesday Apr 23, 2025
Wednesday Apr 23, 2025
A series of civil wars and repeated invasions by Germanic tribes caused the collapse of the Western Roman Empire. Following the end of imperial authority, several Germanic tribes struggled against each other for control of territory. The Franks became the dominant power in Gaul, but Greater Frankia repeatedly broke apart during wars between rival claimants for the throne. Finally, Charlemagne united the Franks, and greatly expanded the size of the kingdom. However, his grandsons proved unwilling to share the empire, and divided it in 843, laying the foundations for France and Germany. Episode Five explains that Aetius won the competition to become generalissimo because he was the only candidate left alive. Aetius focused on Gaul, where the Burgundians were convinced to accept an orderly settlement like the Goths. Unfortunately, the Vandals and Alans captured the critical port of Carthage. Both halves of the empire planned a joint expedition to retake Carthage, but the eastern empire became preoccupied with the Huns led by Attila.
Cast of Characters:
Felix-senior general in the Western Roman Empire (425-430)
Boniface-governor of North Africa (423-432)
Aetius-generalissimo of the Western Roman empire (433-454)
Valentinian-emperor, son of Constantius and Galla Placidia (425-455)
Galla Placidia-regent for her son Valentinian, former empress to Emperor Constantius III, formerly queen to Athaulf, king of the Visigoths, daughter of Emperor Theodosius I, half-sister of Emperor Honorius
Gaiseric-king of the Vandals and the Alans (428-477)
Theodoric I-king of the Visigoths (418-451)
Atilla-king of the Huns (434-453)
Sources:
Christendom: The Triumph of a Religion-Peter Heather
Barbarian Migrations and the Roman West 376-568-Guy Halsall
The Fall of the Roman Empire: A New History of Rome and the Barbarians-Peter Heather
The Inheritance of Rome-A History of Europe from 400 to 1000-Chris Wickham
Empires of Faith: The Fall of Rome to the Rise of Islam, 500-700-Peter Sarris
Powers and Thrones: A New History of the Middle Ages-Dan Jones
The Franks-Edward James
Lost to the West: The Forgotten Byzantine Empire that Rescued Western Civilization-Lars Brownsworth
Byzantium: The Early Centuries-John Julius Norwich
Empires of Faith: The Fall of Rome to the Rise of Islam, 500-700-Peter Sarris
Visigothic Spain 409-711-Roger Collins
History of the Goths-Herwig Wolfram, translated by Thomas J. Dunlap
Image Credit
By Unknown author - [1] 'Grandes Chroniques de France, Mandragore, BNF, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=723625

Wednesday Apr 16, 2025
The Emergence of Europe (286-843) Part IV: The Emperor Finds a New Generalissimo
Wednesday Apr 16, 2025
Wednesday Apr 16, 2025
A series of civil wars and repeated invasions by Germanic tribes caused the collapse of the Western Roman Empire. Following the end of imperial authority, several Germanic tribes struggled against each other for control of territory. The Franks became the dominant power in Gaul, but Greater Frankia repeatedly broke apart during wars between rival claimants for the throne. Finally, Charlemagne united the Franks, and greatly expanded the size of the kingdom. However, his grandsons proved unwilling to share the empire, and divided it in 843, laying the foundations for France and Germany. Episode Four explains that Constantius convinced the Goths to deal with the Vandals and the Alans in Hispania. The generalissimo then married Galla Placidia, the half-sister of the emperor, and they had a son named Valentinian, but Constantius died a year later. The search for a new generalissimo had barely started when Honorius died, leaving Placidia's son Valentinian the natural successor.
Cast of Characters:
Honorius-emperor of the Western Empire (395-423)
Constantius-co-emperor (421), formerly generalissimo under Emperor Honorius
Galla Placidia-empress to Emperor Constantius III, formerly queen to Athaulf, king of the Visigoths, daughter of Emperor Theodosius I, half-sister of Emperor Honorius
Valentinian-son of Constantius and Galla Placidia
Athaulf-king of the Visigoths (411-415)
Wallia-king of the Visigoths (415-418)
Theodoric I-king of the Visigoths (418-451)
Constantine III-usurper/emperor of the Western Roman Empire (407-411), former Roman geeeral in Britain
Gerontius-key general of Constantine III
Constans-son of Constantine III
Jovinus-usuper/emperor of the Western Roman Empire (411-413), former Gallic-Roman senator
Castinus-generalissimo of the Western Roman Empire (423-425)
John-emperor of the Western Roman Empire (423-425)
Boniface-governor of North Africa (423-432)
Sources:
Christendom: The Triumph of a Religion-Peter Heather
Barbarian Migrations and the Roman West 376-568-Guy Halsall
The Fall of the Roman Empire: A New History of Rome and the Barbarians-Peter Heather
Powers and Thrones: A New History of the Middle Ages-Dan Jones
The Franks-Edward James
Lost to the West: The Forgotten Byzantine Empire that Rescued Western Civilization-Lars Brownsworth
Byzantium: The Early Centuries-John Julius Norwich
Empires of Faith: The Fall of Rome to the Rise of Islam, 500-700-Peter Sarris
Visigothic Spain 409-711-Roger Collins
History of the Goths-Herwig Wolfram, translated by Thomas J. Dunlap
The Makers of Scotland: Picts, Romans, Gaels and Vikings-Tim Clarkson
Image Credit
By Unknown author - [1] 'Grandes Chroniques de France, Mandragore, BNF, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=723625

Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
The Emergence of Europe (286-843) Part III: The Sack of Rome
Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
A series of civil wars and repeated invasions by Germanic tribes caused the collapse of the Western Roman Empire. Following the end of imperial authority, several Germanic tribes struggled against each other for control of territory. The Franks became the dominant power in Gaul, but Greater Frankia repeatedly broke apart during wars between rival claimants for the throne. Finally, Charlemagne united the Franks, and greatly expanded the size of the kingdom. However, his grandsons proved unwilling to share the empire, and divided it in 843, laying the foundations for France and Germany. Episode Three explains that Stilicho was regent for Honorius but schemed to gain control of the eastern Roman empire, rather than deal with an usurper in Gaul and a coalition of Vandals, Alans and Sueves, so he was executed. The confusion enabled Alaric to lead his Goths into Italy, and sack Rome when Honorius failed to give the Goths their own lands.
Cast of Characters:
Honorius-emperor of the Western Roman Empire (395-423), younger son of Theodosius I
Arcadius-emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire (395-408), older son of Theodosius I
Stilicho-generalissimo in the Western Roman empire (392-408), husband to Serena, favorite niece of Theodosius I
Alaric-king of the Visigoths (395-410)
Radagaisus-king of Goths who invaded Italy in 405
Constantine III-emperor of the Western Roman Empire (407-411), former soldier in the Roman army
Attalus-usuper/emperor of the Western Roman Empire (409-410), former prefect of Rome
Sources:
Christendom: The Triumph of a Religion-Peter Heather
Barbarian Migrations and the Roman West 376-568-Guy Halsall
The Fall of the Roman Empire: A New History of Rome and the Barbarians-Peter Heather
Powers and Thrones: A New History of the Middle Ages-Dan Jones
The Franks-Edward James
Lost to the West: The Forgotten Byzantine Empire that Rescued Western Civilization-Lars Brownsworth
Byzantium: The Early Centuries-John Julius Norwich
Empires of Faith: The Fall of Rome to the Rise of Islam, 500-700-Peter Sarris
Visigothic Spain 409-711-Roger Collins
History of the Goths-Herwig Wolfram, translated by Thomas J. Dunlap
Image Credit
By Unknown author - [1] 'Grandes Chroniques de France, Mandragore, BNF, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=723625

Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
The Emergence of Europe (286-843) Part II: The Barbarians are at the Gates
Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
A series of civil wars and repeated invasions by Germanic tribes caused the collapse of the Western Roman Empire. Following the end of imperial authority, several Germanic tribes struggled against each other for control of territory. The Franks became the dominant power in Gaul, but Greater Frankia repeatedly broke apart during wars between rival claimants for the throne. Finally, Charlemagne united the Franks, and greatly expanded the size of the kingdom. However, his grandsons proved unwilling to share the empire, and divided it in 843, laying the foundations for France and Germany. Episode Two explains that the Goths had been allowed to enter the eastern empire but food supply problems led to a battle at Adrianople where emperor Valens was killed. His successor, Theodosius, made peace, and the Goths helped him gain control of the western empire. When he died, the empire was divided again with each of his two sons receiving one half. However, Goths led by Alaric revolted in the west.
Cast of Characters:
Valens-emperor of the Eastern Empire (364-378), younger brother of emperor Valentinian I
Gratian-co-emperor of the Western Empire (375-383), eldest son of emperor Valentinian I
Valentinian II-co-emperor of the Western Empire (375-392), younger son of emperor Valentinian I
Theodosius I-emperor of the Roman Empire (394-395), emperor of the Eastern Empire (379-395)
Maximus-emperor of the Western Roman Empire (383-388)
Eugenius-emperor of the Western Roman Empire (392-394)
Arbogast-master of the military in the Western Roman Empire (385/6-394)
Honorius-emperor of the Western Roman Empire (395-423), younger son of Theodosius I
Arcadius-emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire (395-408), older son of Theodosius I
Stilicho-master of the military in the Western Roman empire (392-408), husband to Serena, favorite niece of Theodosius I
Alaric-king of the Visigoths (395-410)
Sources:
The Fall of the Roman Empire: A New History of Rome and the Barbarians-Peter Heather
Barbarian Migrations and the Roman West 376-568-Guy Halsall
Christendom: The Triumph of a Religion-Peter Heather
Powers and Thrones: A New History of the Middle Ages-Dan Jones
The Franks-Edward James
Lost to the West: The Forgotten Byzantine Empire that Rescued Western Civilization-Lars Brownsworth
Byzantium: The Early Centuries-John Julius Norwich
Empires of Faith: The Fall of Rome to the Rise of Islam, 500-700-Peter Sarris
Visigothic Spain 409-711-Roger Collins
History of the Goths-Herwig Wolfram, translated by Thomas J. Dunlap
Image Credit
By Unknown author - [1] 'Grandes Chroniques de France, Mandragore, BNF, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=723625

Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
The Emergence of Europe (286-843) Part I: The Division of the Roman Empire
Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
https://open.spotify.com/show/5kFqAr2...
https://www.stitcher.com/show/history...
https://www.patreon.com/user?u=50989530
A series of civil wars and repeated invasions by Germanic tribes caused the collapse of the Western Roman Empire. Following the end of imperial authority, several Germanic tribes struggled against each other for control of territory. The Franks became the dominant power in Gaul, but Greater Frankia repeatedly broke apart during wars between rival claimants for the throne. Finally, Charlemagne united the Franks, and greatly expanded the size of the kingdom. However, his grandsons proved unwilling to share the empire, and divided it in 843, laying the foundations for France and Germany. Episode One explains that Diocletian seized power in 283, and divided the Romanempire into the western half and the eastern half. Despite his best efforts, a civil war broke out soon after his death, and Constantine had become sole emperor by 323. Byzantium became his capital in order to better deal with the expansionist Sasanian dynasty in Persia. When he died, the empire was divided again.
Cast of Characters:
Diocletian-emperor of the Eastern Empire (286-305), emperor (284-286), formerly cavalry commander
Maximus-emperor of the Western Empire (286-305), caesar (285-286)
Maxentius-claimed to be emperor of the Western Empire (306-312), son of Maximianus
Galerius-emperor of the Eastern Empire (305-311), caesar of the Eastern Empire (293-305)
Severus-emperor of the Western Roman Empire (306-307), caesar of theWestern Roman Empire (306-307)
Licinius-emperor of the Eastern Empire (308-324), under the authority of Galerius
Constantius-emperor of the Western Empire (305-306), caesar of the Western Empire (293-305)
Constantine I-emperor of the Roman Empire (324-337), emperor of the Western Empire (306-324), son of Constantius
Arius-founder of Arianism, the belief that Jesus of Nazareth was not equally divine as his father
Sources:
The Fall of the Roman Empire: A New History of Rome and the Barbarians-Peter Heather
Barbarian Migrations and the Roman West 376-568-Guy Halsall
Christendom: The Triumph of a Religion-Peter Heather
Powers and Thrones: A New History of the Middle Ages-Dan Jones
The Franks-Edward James
Lost to the West: The Forgotten Byzantine Empire that Rescued Western Civilization-Lars Brownsworth
Byzantium: The Early Centuries-John Julius Norwich
Rome Resurgent: War and Empire in the Age of Justinian-Peter Heather
Empires of Faith: The Fall of Rome to the Rise of Islam, 500-700-Peter Sarris
Visigothic Spain 409-711-Roger Collins
History of the Goths-Herwig Wolfram, translated by Thomas J. Dunlap
Image Credit
By Unknown author - [1] 'Grandes Chroniques de France, Mandragore, BNF, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=723625

Wednesday Mar 19, 2025
The Emergence of Europe (286-843): Introduction
Wednesday Mar 19, 2025
Wednesday Mar 19, 2025
A series of civil wars and repeated invasions by Germanic tribes caused the collapse of the Western Roman Empire. Following the end of imperial authority, several Germanic tribes struggled against each other for control of territory. The Franks became the dominant power in Gaul, but Greater Frankia repeatedly broke apart during wars between rival claimants for the throne. Finally, Charlemagne united the Franks, and greatly expanded the size of the kingdom. However, his grandsons proved unwilling to share the empire, and divided it in 843, laying the foundations for France and Germany.

Thursday Aug 31, 2023
The Mexican-American War (1846-1848): Part IX-The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
Thursday Aug 31, 2023
Thursday Aug 31, 2023
https://open.spotify.com/show/5kFqAr2... https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...
https://www.stitcher.com/show/history...
https://www.patreon.com/user?u=50989530
The Mexican-American War lasted from 1846 to 1848. The official cause of the war was Mexican opposition to the American annexation of the Republic of Texas, which had won its freedom from Mexico ten years earlier. However, President James Polk intended to use the war to greatly expand the United States by annexing New Mexico and California, therefore it was the first war fought against a fellow republic to gain territory. Episode Nine explains how Santa Anna fled into exile rather than face a court martial. The interim government was initially reluctant to surrender both New Mexico and California, but Polk was publicly debating the annexation of all of northern Mexico, so Trist's deal was the lesser evil, which became the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.
Cast of Characters:
James Polk-president of the United States, former governor of Tennessee and former Speaker of the House of Representatives
Santa Anna-exile, former President of Mexico
Jose Joaquin de Herrera-Interim President of Mexico, and former president of
Mexico
James Buchanan-Secretary of State of the United States
Nicholas Trist-American envoy to Mexico, Chief Clerk of the Department of State
Winfield Scott-Commanding General of the U.S. Army
Zachary Taylor-major-general in the American Army
Henry Clay-former senator, former secretary of state, and former speaker of the House of Representatives
Thomas Hart Benton-senator from Missouri, former aide to General Andrew Jackson during the War of 1812
Martin Van Buren-former president of the United States, former vice-president, former secretary of state and former governor of New York
Sources:
A Country of Vast Designs: James K. Polk, The Mexican War, and the Conquest of the American Continent-Robert W. Merry
Polk: The Man Who Transformed the Presidency and America-Walter R. Borneman
Zachary Taylor: Soldier, Planter, Statesman of the Old Southwest-K. Jack Bauer
Agent of Destiny: The Life and Times of General Winfield Scott-John S. D. Eisenhower
Santa Anna of Mexico-Will Fowler
So Far From God: The U.S. War with Mexico, 1846-1848-John S. D. Eisenhower
The Dead March: A History of the Mexican-American War-Peter Guardino
A Wicked War: Polk, Clay, Lincoln, and the 1846 U.S. Invasion of Mexico-Amy S. Greenberg
A Glorious Defeat: Mexico and Its War with the United States-Timothy J. Henderson
This Vast Southern Empire: Slaveholders at the Helm of American Foreign Policy-Matthew Karp
Heirs of the Founders: Henry Clay, John Calhoun and Daniel Webster, the Second Generation of American Giants-H. W. Brands
The Great Triumverate: Webster, Clay, and Calhoun-Merrill D. Peterson
Henry Clay: The Essential American-David S. Heidler and Jeanne T. Heidler
What Hath God Wrought: The Transformation of America, 1815-1848-Daniel Walker Howe
Mexico: Biography of Power, A History of Modern Mexico, 1810-1996-Enrique Krauze, translated by Hank Heifetz
Image Credit:
By Adolphe Jean-Baptiste Bayot - Originally published in The War Between the United States and Mexico, Illustrated, 1851, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1178283

Thursday Aug 17, 2023
The Mexican-American War (1846-48): Part VIII-Vera Cruz and Mexico City
Thursday Aug 17, 2023
Thursday Aug 17, 2023
https://open.spotify.com/show/5kFqAr2... https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...
https://www.stitcher.com/show/history...
https://www.patreon.com/user?u=50989530
The Mexican-American War lasted from 1846 to 1848. The official cause of the war was Mexican opposition to the American annexation of the Republic of Texas, which had won its freedom from Mexico ten years earlier. However, President James Polk intended to use the war to greatly expand the United States by annexing New Mexico and California, therefore it was the first war fought against a fellow republic to gain territory. Episode Eight explains how Winfield Scott simply bombarded Vera Cruz until the civilian deaths forced the garrison to surrender. Santa Anna attempted to block the American advance but was routed, and the American army fought its way close enough to Mexico City to bombard it, so the Mexican government surrendered. Fortunately, Polk had sent Chief Clerk of the State Department Nicholas Trist to negotiate a treaty.
Cast of Characters:
James Polk-president of the United States, former governor of Tennessee and former Speaker of the House of Representatives
Santa Anna-President of Mexico
James Buchanan-Secretary of State of the United States
Nicholas Trist-American envoy to Mexico, Chief Clerk of the Department of State
Winfield Scott-Commanding General of the U.S. Army
Zachary Taylor-major-general in the American Army
Gabriel Valencia-Mexican general, former interim president of Mexico
Sources:
A Country of Vast Designs: James K. Polk, The Mexican War, and the Conquest of the American Continent-Robert W. Merry
Polk: The Man Who Transformed the Presidency and America-Walter R. Borneman
Zachary Taylor: Soldier, Planter, Statesman of the Old Southwest-K. Jack Bauer
Agent of Destiny: The Life and Times of General Winfield Scott-John S. D. Eisenhower
Santa Anna of Mexico-Will Fowler
So Far From God: The U.S. War with Mexico, 1846-1848-John S. D. Eisenhower
The Dead March: A History of the Mexican-American War-Peter Guardino
A Wicked War: Polk, Clay, Lincoln, and the 1846 U.S. Invasion of Mexico-Amy S. Greenberg
A Glorious Defeat: Mexico and Its War with the United States-Timothy J. Henderson
The Irish Soldiers of Mexico-Michael Hogan
This Vast Southern Empire: Slaveholders at the Helm of American Foreign Policy-Matthew Karp
Heirs of the Founders: Henry Clay, John Calhoun and Daniel Webster, the Second Generation of American Giants-H. W. Brands
The Great Triumverate: Webster, Clay, and Calhoun-Merrill D. Peterson
What Hath God Wrought: The Transformation of America, 1815-1848-Daniel Walker Howe
Mexico: Biography of Power, A History of Modern Mexico, 1810-1996-Enrique Krauze, translated by Hank Heifetz
Image Credit:
By Adolphe Jean-Baptiste Bayot - Originally published in The War Between the United States and Mexico, Illustrated, 1851, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1178283

Wednesday Aug 09, 2023
The Mexican-American War (1846-48): Part VII-New Mexico and California
Wednesday Aug 09, 2023
Wednesday Aug 09, 2023
https://open.spotify.com/show/5kFqAr2... https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...
https://www.stitcher.com/show/history...
https://www.patreon.com/user?u=50989530
The Mexican-American War lasted from 1846 to 1848. The official cause of the war was Mexican opposition to the American annexation of the Republic of Texas, which had won its freedom from Mexico ten years earlier. However, President James Polk intended to use the war to greatly expand the United States by annexing New Mexico and California, therefore it was the first war fought against a fellow republic to gain territory. Episode Seven explains how President Polk sent Brigadier-general Kearny to occupy first New Mexico, and then California. Actually, famous explorer John Fremont had instigated a revolt by American settlers in California. Unfortunately, Fremont claimed that he had independent authority, even though Kearny was his superior, and had received orders appointing him civil governor, so Fremont was sent back to Washington in chains to face a court martial for insubordination.
Cast of Characters:
James Polk-president of the United States, former governor of Tennessee and former Speaker of the House of Representatives
Stephen Kearny-brigadier-general in the American Army
Alexander Doniphan-colonel, commander of the First Missouri Mounted Volunteers
Charles Bent-first civilian governor of new Mexico, owner of a trading post in Taos, New Mexico
Thomas Hart Benton-senator from Missouri, former aide to General Andrew Jackson during the War of 1812
John Fremont-captain, famous explorer
Kit Carson-guide, former fur trapper
Robert Stockton-commodore, Pacific Squadron of the American Navy
Santa Anna-President of Mexico
Winfield Scott-Commanding General of the U.S. Army
Sources:
A Country of Vast Designs: James K. Polk, The Mexican War, and the Conquest of the American Continent-Robert W. Merry
Polk: The Man Who Transformed the Presidency and America-Walter R. Borneman
Zachary Taylor: Soldier, Planter, Statesman of the Old Southwest-K. Jack Bauer
Agent of Destiny: The Life and Times of General Winfield Scott-John S. D. Eisenhower
So Far From God: The U.S. War with Mexico, 1846-1848-John S. D. Eisenhower
The Dead March: A History of the Mexican-American War-Peter Guardino
A Wicked War: Polk, Clay, Lincoln, and the 1846 U.S. Invasion of Mexico-Amy S. Greenberg
A Glorious Defeat: Mexico and Its War with the United States-Timothy J. Henderson
Kearny's March: The Epic Creation of the American West, 1846-1847-Winston Groom
Blood and Thunder: The Epic Story of Kit Carson and the Conquest of the American West-Hampton Sides
A Newer World: Kit Carson, John C. Fremont, and the Claiming of the American West-David Roberts
This Vast Southern Empire: Slaveholders at the Helm of American Foreign Policy-Matthew Karp
Heirs of the Founders: Henry Clay, John Calhoun and Daniel Webster, the Second Generation of American Giants-H. W. Brands
The Great Triumverate: Webster, Clay, and Calhoun-Merrill D. Peterson
What Hath God Wrought: The Transformation of America, 1815-1848-Daniel Walker Howe
Mexico: Biography of Power, A History of Modern Mexico, 1810-1996-Enrique Krauze, translated by Hank Heifetz
Image Credit:
By Adolphe Jean-Baptiste Bayot - Originally published in The War Between the United States and Mexico, Illustrated, 1851, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1178283

Thursday Aug 03, 2023
The Mexican-American War (1846-48): Part VI-Vera Cruz and Polkas
Thursday Aug 03, 2023
Thursday Aug 03, 2023
The Mexican-American War lasted from 1846 to 1848. The official cause of the war was Mexican opposition to the American annexation of the Republic of Texas, which had won its freedom from Mexico ten years earlier. However, President James Polk intended to use the war to greatly expand the United States by annexing New Mexico and California, therefore it was the first war fought against a fellow republic to gain territory. Episode Six explains how a glory-hungry Santa Anna led his army on a gruelling march to attack Taylor at Buena Vista, where he was defeated after a bloody battle. The situation in Mexico was grim but it became worse when militia units made up of members of the upper class revolted. The coup attempt failed but it distracted the government just as Winfield Scott prepared to attack Vera Cruz.
Cast of Characters:
James Polk-president, former governor of Tennessee and former Speaker of the House of Representatives
Santa Anna-President of Mexico
Valentin Gomez Farias, vice-president of Mexico, former president of Mexico
Thomas Hart Benton-senator from Missouri, former aide to General Andrew Jackson during the War of 1812
John Calhoun-Senator for South Carolina, former secretary of state, former vice president, and former secretary of war
David Wilmot-congressman from Pennsylvania
Winfield Scott-Commanding General of the U.S. Army
Zachary Taylor-brigadier-general in the American Army
Archibald Yell-commander of the Arkansas Mounted Infantry Regiment, former governor of Arkansas, and former congressman
Pedro de Ampudia-general in the Mexican Army
Sources:
A Country of Vast Designs: James K. Polk, The Mexican War, and the Conquest of the American Continent-Robert W. Merry
Polk: The Man Who Transformed the Presidency and America-Walter R. Borneman
Zachary Taylor: Soldier, Planter, Statesman of the Old Southwest-K. Jack Bauer
Agent of Destiny: The Life and Times of General Winfield Scott-John S. D. Eisenhower
So Far From God: The U.S. War with Mexico, 1846-1848-John S. D. Eisenhower
The Dead March: A History of the Mexican-American War-Peter Guardino
A Wicked War: Polk, Clay, Lincoln, and the 1846 U.S. Invasion of Mexico-Amy S. Greenberg
A Glorious Defeat: Mexico and Its War with the United States-Timothy J. Henderson
The Irish Soldiers of Mexico-Michael Hogan
This Vast Southern Empire: Slaveholders at the Helm of American Foreign Policy-Matthew Karp
Heirs of the Founders: Henry Clay, John Calhoun and Daniel Webster, the Second Generation of American Giants-H. W. Brands
The Great Triumverate: Webster, Clay, and Calhoun-Merrill D. Peterson
What Hath God Wrought: The Transformation of America, 1815-1848-Daniel Walker Howe
Mexico: Biography of Power, A History of Modern Mexico, 1810-1996-Enrique Krauze, translated by Hank Heifetz
Image Credit:
By Adolphe Jean-Baptiste Bayot - Originally published in The War Between the United States and Mexico, Illustrated, 1851, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1178283