87: The Pig War, Part 2: A Path Not Taken

"It's the alternate endings that make history fascinating," they say, and the Pig War is no exception. Imagine a different outcome, where a single porcine casualty escalates into a full-blown conflict between two nations. In this episode, we're picking the brain of Mike Vouri, a historian who has delved deep into the 'what-ifs' of this peculiar confrontation. How close did we come to a different chapter in our history books? Join us as we explore the roads not taken during the Pig War. Mike Vouri paints a picture of diplomatic tensions and military standoffs, where the future of the United States and Great Britain hung on a thread – all because of a pig. This isn't just a story of what happened, but also of what could have happened. We unravel the intricate web of decisions, negotiations, and sheer luck that kept the guns silent and changed the way international disputes are settled. This episode isn't just a history lesson; it's an appreciation of the fine line between peace and war. For more intriguing tales from history's treasure trove, stories of near misses, and the people who shaped the world we live in, visit us at itshometownhistory.com. Here, history isn't just learned; it's experienced. Come and see the past through new eyes with each episode we share. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.