Celebrating Florida Day!

In this episode of Dave Does History on Bill Mick Live, we take a hard look at one of the most important Supreme Court cases in American history—Marbury v. Madison. You might remember our recent discussion about the Election of 1800 and John Adams’ infamous “Midnight Judges.” Well, this is the moment when that political showdown reached its explosive conclusion, and the Supreme Court emerged with a new, game-changing power: judicial review.

Chief Justice John Marshall didn’t just decide whether William Marbury got his job—he redefined the power of the Supreme Court itself. With a legal sleight of hand, Marshall ruled that a part of the Judiciary Act of 1789 was unconstitutional, marking the first time the Court struck down a law passed by Congress. This decision set the precedent that allows the Supreme Court to determine what laws stand and what laws fall.

Fast forward to today, and judicial review remains one of the most debated aspects of American government. From Dred Scott to Brown v. Board of Education, Roe v. Wade to Dobbs v. Jackson, the Supreme Court has used this power to reshape American society—for better or worse.

So, who really runs the government? The people? Congress? The President? Or nine unelected judges? We’ll break it all down and explore why Marbury v. Madison still matters right now. Tune in for history, controversy, and a few surprises along the way.

Lincoln County, New Mexico, in the late 19th century was a place where money and power went hand in hand, and those who held them ruled with an iron fist.

At the heart of this system was “The House,” a monopoly run by James Dolan and Lawrence Murphy. Their business, LG Murphy & Co., controlled everything from cattle sales to dry goods, banking, and even law enforcement.

If you wanted to do business in Lincoln County, you had to go through The House—or face the consequences.

On this episode ofBill Mick Live, it’s Tuesday, which means Dave Does History—and today, we’re taking on one of the most infamous political tricks in American history: gerrymandering. The term was coined on February 11, 1812, when Massachusetts Governor Elbridge Gerry signed off on a redistricting plan that reshaped voting districts to benefit his party. A satirical cartoonist noticed that one district looked like a salamander, and just like that—the “Gerry-mander” was born.

But there’s more to Gerry than just a political scandal. He was a Founding Father, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and even served as Vice President. So how did his name get tied to a practice both sides love to hate? And more importantly—is gerrymandering actually the problem, or is low voter engagement the real issue?

Join Dave Bowman and Bill Mick as they break down the history, controversy, and lasting impact of gerrymandering—past, present, and future. Listen now!

Step back into Gold Rush-era San Francisco, a city teeming with fortune seekers, rogues, and visionaries. In this episode of Dave Does History on Bill Mick Live, we explore one of the most fascinating figures in American history—Emperor Norton I, the self-proclaimed Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico.

Once a wealthy businessman, Joshua Norton’s fortunes crumbled after a disastrous investment in the rice market. But instead of fading into obscurity, he reinvented himself as a monarch, issuing proclamations that abolished Congress, defended civil rights, and even envisioned the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge—a project completed decades later.

For twenty years, San Francisco embraced him, treating their eccentric ruler with affection and respect. Today, activists still fight to name the Bay Bridge in his honor. Was he mad, a visionary, or both?

Join us on Bill Mick Live as we unravel the legend of Emperor Norton—America’s most beloved self-made sovereign.

In this captivating episode of Dave Does History on Bill Mick Live, Dave Bowman takes us on a thought-provoking journey through the legal, historical, and cultural ramifications of birthright citizenship. This discussion dives into the heart of the 14th Amendment, unpacking its revolutionary impact on defining citizenship in the United States, while tracing its origins back to the Reconstruction Era.

With his signature mix of wit and analytical insight, Dave explains the challenges and controversies surrounding the interpretation of the citizenship clause. From its role in overturning the infamous Dred Scott decision to its enduring implications in modern debates on immigration, the episode lays bare the struggles of a nation reconciling its foundational ideals with its ever-evolving demographics. Bowman also highlights key moments in the legal battles, including the landmark Supreme Court case United States v. Wong Kim Ark, which cemented the principle of jus soli—citizenship by birthright.

Listeners are treated to an engaging exploration of the broader cultural and geopolitical impacts of U.S. immigration policy, such as the exclusionary Immigration Act of 1924 and its unintended consequences, including strained international relations with Japan. Bowman challenges listeners to consider the long-term implications of revisiting this issue, raising essential questions about the balance between legal precedent, constitutional interpretation, and the nation's values.

This episode isn't just a lesson in history—it's a masterclass in connecting the past to the present, reminding us why understanding history is crucial for navigating today's challenges. Whether you're a history enthusiast or just curious about the roots of today's debates, this discussion offers a fresh and insightful take that shouldn't be missed.

In this special episode of Dave Does History, host Dave Bowman dives into the revolutionary impact of the USS Nautilus, launched on January 21, 1954, as the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine. From its groundbreaking design and Admiral Hyman Rickover’s visionary leadership to its operational challenges and Cold War-era accomplishments, this episode explores how the Nautilus redefined submarine warfare and naval strategy.

Wars often evoke images of grim battlefields, valorous deeds, and tragic losses. Yet, there was one war in American history where the most significant injury was a sheriff’s deputy stabbed with a penknife, and the fiercest “battles” featured taunts shouted across a river. This was the Toledo War—a boundary dispute between Michigan Territory and Ohio in 1835 and 1836, which historians aptly describe as a “comic opera.”

The Toledo War wasn’t fought over grand ideals or clashing empires. Instead, it revolved around 468 square miles of disputed land known as the Toledo Strip, a narrow ribbon of territory along what is now the Ohio-Michigan border. To outsiders, the stakes may have seemed small. But to Ohio and Michigan, the Strip represented economic opportunity, political pride, and regional dominance. Toledo, located at the confluence of the Maumee River and Lake Erie, was poised to become a key hub for trade and transportation in the rapidly growing Midwest. Control over the Strip wasn’t just about land—it was about securing a prosperous future.