American Indian Wars E51 Before the War Drums: Native Nations and Early American Conflict
This episode marks the beginning of Marine involvement in the American Indian Wars. It traces how early settlements like Jamestown quickly shifted from fragile peace to brutal conflict. From the 1622 Powhatan massacre to the growing wars of the 1600s, we follow how land, trade, and power shaped choices on both sides. It’s a story of shifting alliances, betrayal, and survival—laying the groundwork for centuries of bloodshed to come.
Sumatran Expedition E50 The Price of Pepper: Marines at Quallah Battoo
This episode picks up after the War of 1812, when American merchantmen returned to open waters and resumed global trade. As routes expanded into the Pacific, Southeast Asia became a key target for American commerce.
That success brought new risks. In 1831, the merchant ship Friendship was attacked and looted by pirates at Quallah Battoo. President Andrew Jackson authorized a punitive expedition led by Commodore John Downes and a large detachment of Marines. What followed was a brutal amphibious assault designed to send a message: the United States would protect its merchants abroad by force, if necessary.
The Grand Old Man E49 Gone to Fight: Henderson and the Making of the Modern Corps
Archibald Henderson shaped the Marine Corps during one of its most transformative periods. From the decks of the USS Constitution during the War of 1812 to street battles in Washington, D.C., he led from the front and elevated the Corps’ reputation through four decades of continuous service. Under his leadership, Marines adapted to shifting warfare to fighting pirates, engaging Native American tribes, and storming Chapultepec during the Mexican-American War.
He guided the Corps through political instability, structural reform, and global deployments, turning a small force into a professional, reliable military arm. He led Marines in battle well into his seventies, resisted political interference, and left behind a legacy still felt today. This episode covers the second half of his career, the events that defined his leadership, and how he positioned the Marine Corps for what came next. Henderson built the Corps to last.
Second Barbary War E48 Treaty by Broadside: The Marines at Algiers
This episode covers the Second Barbary War. This was a fast, brutal campaign that forced Algiers to the table through naval strength, not diplomacy. For decades, the Barbary states extorted the U.S. and Europe through tribute, ransom, and slavery. Early American efforts to buy peace only deepened the humiliation. By 1815, with the War of 1812 behind them, the United States had had enough.
In less than six weeks, the U.S. secured one of the most decisive and one-sided treaties in its early history. The war’s impact went far beyond our own citizens. It inspired Britain to follow suit, leading to one of the most destructive bombardments of the 19th century.
War of 1812 E47 New Orleans Held, A Nation Changed
The War of 1812 ended in a way that left plenty of room for debate. Depending on who you ask, it was either a hard-fought victory, a necessary defense, or a war that should have never happened. What isn’t up for debate is the role the Marine Corps and the Navy played in shaping its outcome. From the defense of New Orleans to the actions of privateers on the open sea, Marines were there, boarding enemy ships, manning fortifications, and holding the line.
Yet, their contributions are often overlooked in favor of more well-known figures like Andrew Jackson. Today, we’re setting the record straight. We’ll break down the impact of the Corps during this war, the political and military shifts that followed, and how America, fresh off this conflict, found itself immediately preparing for another one. This time against the Barbary pirates of Algiers.
War of 1812 E46 From Bladensburg to the Bayou
By the summer of 1814, the United States was on its heels. The capital had burned, Fort Washington had fallen without a fight, and Alexandria had surrendered. The British were tearing through the East Coast with little resistance, and it seemed like every decision by U.S. leadership only made things worse. But while the war’s political and military failures were piling up, one thing remained consistent: Marines and sailors kept showing up, ready to fight.
The Navy and Marine Corps played a critical role in slowing the British advance, even when outnumbered and outgunned. Their efforts, alongside local militias and U.S. Army forces, helped shift the tide in Baltimore, a turning point that kept the war from spiraling into total disaster.
War of 1812 E45 Washington in Flames: The Day the Capital Fell
By the summer of 1814, the United States was on the defensive. The British had tightened their grip on the war, blockading ports, raiding towns, and forcing the U.S. military into retreat after retreat. Washington was now in their sights, and the American response was scattered at best.
This episode covers the events leading up to the burning of Washington, the last stand at Bladensburg, and how a handful of Marines and sailors fought against impossible odds.
War of 1812 E44 Empire Awakened: Britain Brings the Fight to U.S. Shores
The War of 1812 had already tested the resilience of the young United States. American victories, like Perry’s triumph on Lake Erie, were hard-fought and came at a heavy cost. The British, were adjusting their strategy, tightening their grip on U.S. waters, and preparing to escalate the war. As Napoleon’s downfall freed British forces in Europe, the full weight of the British military machine was shifting toward America.
By 1814, the Marines found themselves at the center of the conflict, from brutal ship-to-ship engagements to reinforcing key defensive positions. Washington itself was now under threat. British commanders debated whether to strike the U.S. capital, knowing the risks of such an audacious move. But as their forces advanced, American defenses struggled to keep pace. The battle for Washington was imminent, and the Marines were about to take their stand.
War of 1812 E43 Don’t Give Up the Ship: Perry’s Gamble on Lake Erie
In this episode, we trace a pivotal year in the War of 1812 when the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps were tested at every turn. We begin with the fallout from Captain James Lawrence’s defeat aboard USS Chesapeake, a loss that reshaped naval policy and led to a controversial court-martial. While the British tightened their blockade and launched brutal raids across the Chesapeake, U.S. privateers struck back hard, capturing hundreds of British merchant ships.
We cover the defense of Craney Island, the sack of Hampton, and a daring but failed torpedo attack. Meanwhile, the Marines fought to hold ground along the coast, from Norfolk to Annapolis.
War of 1812 E42 Sharpshooters and Swordplay: Marines Strike from the Tops
The early naval battles of the War of 1812 had proven one thing—American warships and Marines could hold their own against the British Royal Navy. Constitution had already taken down Guerriere, but the fight wasn’t over. Off the coast of Brazil, Constitution would face Java, and once again, Marine sharpshooters would help win the battle.
Meanwhile, victories at sea boosted morale at home, and Marines were being recognized for their contributions. From the capture of Macedonian to securing American naval yards, the Corps was proving essential. But while the Navy thrived, Madison’s strategy on land was unraveling. His failed invasion of Canada forced him to reconsider his reliance on the Army.
The British weren’t just sitting back—they were reinforcing their positions and sending Admiral John Borlase Warren to negotiate or, if necessary, crush American resistance. As the war dragged on, both sides prepared for their next move.