This is the stuff they never taught us in history class. Ever wonder why famous historical figures like Aaron Burr, George McClellan, Douglas MacArthur, Cato the Younger, Julius Caesar, and many others fell from the great heights to which they had ascended to end up in death or disgrace? History's Trainwrecks explores the self-destructive tendencies of historical figures who lose everything even when the prize of a lifetime is in reach, often costing them a treasured place in history. History is full of trainwrecks, and we can’t look away. <a href="http://supporter.acast.com/historys-trainwrecks" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Support the show with a one-time gift!</a> or <a href="https://plus.acast.com/s/historys-trainwrecks." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Help keep Trainwrecks on the tracks with a paid membership!</a> <a target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href="https://open.acast.com/public/patreon/fanSubscribe/6700737">Subscribe to History's Trainwrecks</a>Support this show <a target="_blank" rel="payment" href="http://supporter.acast.com/historys-trainwrecks">http://supporter.acast.com/historys-trainwrecks</a>. 
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063 - Another Secretary of the Navy!

If you’re a fan of the Presidencies of the United States podcast, you’re familiar with the special series host Jerry Landry does called Seat At The Table, in which he and a special guest cover the life of a Cabinet secretary. Most of whom you’ve never heard of. Jerry does this because no president accomplishes anything alone. The President of the United States is at the top, but he needs someone to run foreign policy, handle the money, and keep an eye on the army as well as all the ships at sea. This was never more true than in the early days of the American Republic, before presidents figured out how things worked and relied on these early Cabinet secretaries to define the departments of the Executive Branch and figure out how they were supposed to work, and what they were supposed to be doing. All the while dealing with things like economic calamities and wars, both declared and undeclared. We know about some of these early Cabinet secretaries, like Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe, who went on to be President themselves, and Alexander Hamilton, because of a certain Broadway play. But Jerry digs into the lesser-known ones, in many cases those who have never really been studied by historians. Why? Because without them, America would have been in trouble. Jerry seems to like talking about Navy Secretaries with me, despite my penchant for seasickness and me having no idea about how boats work. This is my second time as a guest on Seat at the Table, and it is our second Secretary of the Navy—William Jones, who served during the War of 1812. Jerry also likes to keep the identity of the Cabinet member a secret from his guest, which adds to the suspense, but doesn’t make me look in the least bit knowledgeable. So I have to make things up as I go. This is something you long-time listeners of History’s Trainwrecks may be acquainted with. Take a listen to the story of one of the early Navy Secretaries and why they mattered so much to the early American Republic. Check out the Presidencies of the United States Podcast - <a href="https://www.presidenciespodcast.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.presidenciespodcast.com/</a> And The Valley Forge Project - <a href="https://www.valleyforgeproject.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.valleyforgeproject.org/</a> <a target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href="https://open.acast.com/public/patreon/fanSubscribe/6700737">Subscribe to History's Trainwrecks</a>Support this show <a target="_blank" rel="payment" href="http://supporter.acast.com/historys-trainwrecks">http://supporter.acast.com/historys-trainwrecks</a>. Help keep trainwrecks on the tracks. Become a supporter at <a target="_blank" rel="payment" href="https://plus.acast.com/s/historys-trainwrecks">https://plus.acast.com/s/historys-trainwrecks</a>.

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William Jones and the War of 1812

Stacey Roberts

This is the stuff they never taught us in history class.

History's Trainwrecks

History nerds unite! Research is not easy, despite having the sum total of human knowledge on devices in our pockets. Your support will help keep trainwrecks on the tracks. 

You're a fan of democracy and all, but riding around in Air Force One and having your own theme song makes you wonder about the joys of autocratic rule. Hang on to your copy of the Constitution and re-read Article II. Only four more years to go. Eight, if you're lucky. 

American President

You may not have paid much attention in high school history, but you're making up for lost time. 

First Class Passenger

Maybe you tried democracy on your path to power, but enlightened despot that you are, you know what's best and you need a lifetime on the throne to do what needs doing. Also, you'll need a throne. 