Missing Pages

Scott McWilliams

Missing Pages is a podcast that explores the history of the United States and critically examines the high school AP US History curriculum. Through deep dives into key events, people, narratives, and themes, I seek to uncover the fascinating stories and overlooked perspectives that make up America's rich and complex past. From colonial times to the present day, no topic is off-limits as we explore the triumphs, tragedies, and everything in between. Get ready for a journey through the missing pages of history. missingpages.substack.com

  1. 4 лип. ·  Додатково

    The Argument for America

    This is a special bonus episode in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing (at least by some) of the Declaration of Independence. Every American knows these words and the unalienable rights written out in the Declaration of Independence. We are taught from our earliest school years about life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Looking back into history, the Declaration marks the beginning. Its signing marked for all time the creation of a nation with a certain set of beliefs as its backbone. It was also a beginning for the men who signed it, but this document was also an end. It was the final statement of colonists who had grown disillusioned with their mother country. For the men at the Second Continental Congress, this was also an opportunity to convince the rest of the colonial world that independence was necessary. So we ought to, as good Americans, understand its arguments and purpose, not only for us today, but for the original readers in 1776. Afterward, I also reflect on America today and why I find it difficult to write about what it was, is, and ought to be, but still think it is a wonderful place worth celebrating. Missing Pages is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber at missingpage.substack.com. Get full access to Missing Pages at missingpages.substack.com/subscribe

  2. 3 лип.

    Episode 27: The Spirit of '76

    I try my best to resist Romanticism and hagiography when discussing American history. It is vital to discuss history honestly, with warts and all. But, this season is really putting me to the test, especially this episode. The idea of these amateur militias standing up to the greatest army in the world, surviving trials and setbacks along the way, added together with the brutal stoicism of Washington and the conflicted genius of Jefferson, it can be difficult to look at this without a glint of the Romantic. Still, despite my clear bias and occasional dip into admiration this episode, I promise there are many warts to discuss throughout the rest of this era. After the British were driven back to the safety of Boston, the rebels needed to find a way to press their advantage before major reinforcements came from across the sea. The only problem was, this rebel “army” was really just a conglomeration of militias. They held their own against the British at Bunker Hill, but it was clear this wouldn’t last. Each militia represented their colony alone, not any greater American project, so leadership was weak and battles chaotic. The Second Continental Congress understood this when they met in May 1775, and they believed they knew someone steady enough to unite these men: George Washington. Washington had his work cut out for him. His army was a mess—untrained, undisciplined, and unsanitary—and he had to transform these militias before the war began in earnest. After imposing reforms, Washington tested the army by laying siege to Boston before moving to New York City to await the larger British invasion. It was here that the newly formed Continental Army could truly prove its worth. It did not go well. After a devastating defeat on Long Island, Washington retreated throughout New York and New Jersey before finally settling on the banks of the Delaware River. It was here, his army in shambles, that he would need to take his final stand if the revolution was going to last. Meanwhile, after months of debates and many attempts to find a way to reconcile with the British government, the Second Continental Congress finally agreed to declare independence. Thomas Paine’s words were floating throughout the colonies, and it had become necessary to follow through with his conclusions. A committed was formed, and the young statesmen Thomas Jefferson was chosen to write the declaration. After weeks of drafting, revising, and editing, the document was approved. Fifty-six men signed the Declaration of Independence, and if the war went south, their death warrants. The final separation revived the revolutionary spirit, but how long could it last? While the notes cover portions of this story, there are many key events and details absent. So grab your flag of thirteen stripes and join me as I fill in those missing pages... Join me on my journey through American History. Help fill in those missing pages. Music Intro: Fractured Timeline - Sémø Outro: American Dream - The Talbott Brothers Sources 1776 - David McCullough Redcoats and Rebels - Christopher Hibbert A Revolutionary Friendship - Francis B. Cogliano The Glorious Cause - Robert Middlekauff Get full access to Missing Pages at missingpages.substack.com/subscribe

  3. 5 черв.

    Episode 26: The Long Slide to Rebellion

    There are many moments, and historians often disagree on these, that make war inevitable. It’s like stones rolling down a hill. At some point, gravity just takes over. This is the story of that long slide to rebellion. Between 1766 and 1775, there are a dozen or more moments that could be pointed to as the true start of the American Revolution. Over time minor differences are amplified until the conflict rips the two apart. So, as the calendar flipped to 1775, after more than a decade of these small moments building up, war in America had become inevitable. This starts with the Townshend Duties which reignite the embers that had only settled after the Stamp Act was repealed. As Britain crackdown on the protests, especially in Boston, tensions between soldiers and civilians rose to a fever pitch. It all exploded on a late night in March when eleven people were shot, and five killed. Despite a sudden calm, the financial crisis that Great Britain faced, especially regarding the East India Company’s tea business, brought the colonies into focus again. The eventual standoff over the tea trade in America brought with it direct acts of rebellion. The rebel network continued to grow and eventually, the first shots rang out on Lexington Green: the war was on. Join me as I lay out the slow slide towards rebellion, and help fill in those missing pages… Join me on my journey through American History. Help fill in those missing pages. Music Intro: Fractured Timeline - Sémø Outro: Don’t Tell Me What to Do - Katrina Stone Sources An Empire on the Edge - Nick Bunker Voices of 1776 - Richard Wheeler The Glorious Cause - Robert Middlekauff Get full access to Missing Pages at missingpages.substack.com/subscribe

  4. 1 трав.

    Episode 25: A Conflict of Visions

    Welcome to the third era of Missing Pages: the Revolution. In this 250th anniversary I will be exploring the events, people, and ideas—both well-known and more hidden—to provide a comprehensive picture of America’s founding. This first episode deals with the frontier wars and the acts that started the slide towards war. While the war with France in North America was over by 1760, war in the west between the English and the Natives was just beginning. Starting in South Carolina, before moving north to the Ohio Valley, this conflict pulled the attention of the colonial and—once peace was signed—British governments alike. The conflicts marked the beginning of the conflict of visions between the two sides of the Atlantic. Once the wars subsided, that philosophical conflict stole the focus. Britain was dealing with economic and political crises at home. There was hope that the colonies would help alleviate some of that woe since a war had just been fought on their behalf. For their part, the American colonists were hoping to get a seat at the table of the now-expanded empire. These goals, while seemingly harmonious, caused a rift to form. It is this rift that would continue to grow from 1765 until the connection between Britain and America was severed entirely. Even after the events of this episode, war was not inevitable, but the mutual digging of trenches in this conflict made the no man’s land more impossible to cross by the day. Note: This season will include shorter episodes diving into the writings and speeches of both the Rebels and the Redcoats. These are exclusive to subscribers on Substack. Join me on my journey through American History. Help fill in those missing pages Music Intro: Fractured Timeline - Sémø Outro: Letting Go - Sun Tailor Sources Crucible of War - Fred Anderson The Glorious Cause - Robert Middlekauff Before the Revolution: America’s Ancient Pasts - Daniel K. Richter American Colonies - Alan Taylor Get full access to Missing Pages at missingpages.substack.com/subscribe

  5. 12.12.2025

    Episode 24: Era 2 Recap

    Just like last season—and from here on out—this episode acts as a recap and reflection of this era. I provide a brief summary of the episodes released this season, explore some of the themes that stuck out to me, discuss some of my previously held misconceptions, and explore how well the AP notes hold up to scrutiny. Finally, I provide a short preview into the next era: the American Revolution. As this late colonial era concludes, I would like to thank all of you that have supported me on this continued journey through history. I have been looking forward to getting to actual American history (I say in jest), so I hope to make next season my very best so far. The lining up of the the Revolutionary era with the Semiquincentennial is serendipitous, but fortunate. Because of the anniversary, I am going to be trying something slightly different next season to fully dive into the Revolution. Next season will debut May 1, 2026. All extra content in the interim—and throughout next season—will be posted to Substack only. So, if you want all the extra stuff, to read all of the essays I have written, or comment on any of the episodes, please head to missingpages.substack.com. Thanks for listening to Missing Pages! Subscribe for free to receive every new episode right in your inbox. Music Intro: Fractured Timeline - Sémø Outro: Talk - Con Davidson Get full access to Missing Pages at missingpages.substack.com/subscribe

  6. 07.11.2025

    Episode 23: The Fall of Canada

    After the first two wars for empire dominated the attention of the colonies throughout North America, both the English and French were able to focus on growth. For the English colonists, this respite allowed their financial position to rival, and even surpass, Great Britain. In New France, the fort and trading post network continued to expand, allowing them to encircle the British. However, the diverging populations by the French and British would eventually be too much for New France to handle. While the tenacious military action by France endured, their place in North America was secured Eventually, though, the sheer weight of numbers would prove too much to bear for the French. But, that doesn't mean it would be easy for the English. They would be forced to throw everything they could muster at Canada, including more active participation from the colonies. This combined force drove a wedge between British and American leadership. But, it also reinforced the rising colonial stature within the British Empire. By war end, it could be anyone's guess whether this would start a golden age, or slide to rebellion. While the second of this set of conflicts is heavily covered in the notes, the first is barely mentioned. So let's fill in those missing pages… Thanks for listening to Missing Pages! Subscribe for free to receive every new episode right in your inbox. Music Intro: Fractured Timeline - Sémø Outro: River of Doubt - Sean Solo Sources The War of Jenkins’ Ear - Robert Gaudi Crucible of War - Fred Anderson Before the Revolution: America’s Ancient Pasts - Daniel K. Richter American Colonies - Alan Taylor Get full access to Missing Pages at missingpages.substack.com/subscribe

  7. 03.10.2025

    Episode 22: American Revival

    There are many events in history that remain controversial far after there happening. But most revolves around the causes and effects. In this case, though, the controversy is over its existence at all. The Great Awakening was a period of religious revival that swept throughout the colonies between 1730 and 1750. It was ignited during a period of spiritual malaise in the aftermath of imperial wars, and during the upending of religion during the Enlightenment. Or… the “Great” Awakening was an amalgamation of a few small-scale revivals in Connecticut and New Jersey that were connected by force by those who would most benefit. It was merely invented by a few preachers trying to sow chaos and create a new religious order. Needless to say, the notes do not go into the details of this fight for the truth, so join me to try to fill in those missing pages… Thanks for listening to Missing Pages! Subscribe for free to receive every new episode right in your inbox. Music Intro: Fractured Timeline - Sémø Outro: Carried Away - Honeysuckle Sources Inventing the “Great” Awakening - Frank Lambert Scotland and Its First American Colony - Ned C. Landsman Before the Revolution: America’s Ancient Pasts - Daniel K. Richter American Colonies - Alan Taylor Get full access to Missing Pages at missingpages.substack.com/subscribe

  8. 05.09.2025

    Episode 21: The Pursuit of Happiness

    While this is not an episode strictly following a historical event, it is still vital to the story of the American colonies, and America itself. I only scratch the surface in this episode, and focus mostly on the aspects that carried over to the Americans, but this era was filled with growth in the sciences, political theory, and economics, but also the arts, interpersonal relationships, education, and community. If there is an aspect of life that existed prior to the Enlightenment, it was challenged or promoted during it. In America, the Enlightenment was key to the growth of ideals like liberty, and natural rights, which became vital to the revolutionary effort. Beyond that, the colonies became more literate, more connected via mass printing, thus allowing for the great awakening (the topic for the next episode) to take hold. The colonial elites followed along with the work of their European peers, and even expand upon the work across the Atlantic. By the middle of the 18th century, there was a strong roster of American enlighteners. My AP notes cover this era with some good depth, but there is always more to say. So grab your quills and paper, and let’s fill in those missing pages… Thanks for listening to Missing Pages! Subscribe for free to receive every new episode right in your inbox. Music Intro: Fractured Timeline - Sémø Outro: Revolution - Willow McKenna Sources The Enlightenment - Ritchie Robertson The Enlightenment in America - Henry F. May Crucible of War - Fred Anderson American Colonies - Alan Taylor Get full access to Missing Pages at missingpages.substack.com/subscribe

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Опис

Missing Pages is a podcast that explores the history of the United States and critically examines the high school AP US History curriculum. Through deep dives into key events, people, narratives, and themes, I seek to uncover the fascinating stories and overlooked perspectives that make up America's rich and complex past. From colonial times to the present day, no topic is off-limits as we explore the triumphs, tragedies, and everything in between. Get ready for a journey through the missing pages of history. missingpages.substack.com

Інформація

  • Автор
    Scott McWilliams
  • Роки діяльності
    2023 - 2026
  • Епізоди
    29
  • Категорія
    Не відверті
  • Авторське право
    © Scott McWilliams
  • Вебсайт шоу
    Missing Pages