Axes, Activism, and Abstinence: The WCTU and the Fight for Temperance
Civics & Coffee: A History Podcast
08/09/25
•16m
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The Woman’s Christian Temperance Union was one of the most powerful reform organizations of the 19th century, but its story goes far beyond banning booze. Sit down with me as I dive into the WTCU's origins, its wide-ranging activism, and the influential women who helped shape its legacy.
From the moral crusades of Frances Willard and her ambitious "Do Everything" policy to the saloon-smashing spectacle of Carrie Nation, learn how temperance became a launchpad for broader social change, including suffrage and education reform.
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Bringing History to Life: Rob Edwards on Robert Smalls in Defiant
August 5, 2025
•29m
Veteran screenwriter and producer Rob Edwards (The Princess and the Frog, Treasure Planet) joins the show to discuss his newest project: a graphic novel chronicling the extraordinary life of Robert Smalls, a man born into slavery who became a Civil War hero, ship captain, and U.S. Congressman.
Topics include:
- The life and legacy of Robert Smalls
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- How storytelling can preserve and elevate overlooked historical figures
- Why Smalls’ bravery and political achievements still matter today
A must-listen for fans of U.S. history, Black history, and historical storytelling through art.
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The Page Act: How America Banned Chinese Women
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•17m
In 1875, the United States passed the Page Act: the first federal law to restrict immigration. The Page Act marked a turning point in American immigration policy, introducing the use of moral and racial criteria to determine who could enter the country.
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