logo
episode-header-image
Jun 2024
40m 53s

Presidential Pardons: Mormons, Conscient...

History Hit
About this episode

In the US Constitution, the President of the United States is granted the right to pardon those convicted of federal crimes.


But how do they tend to use these pardons, and when have they been used in the cases of mass insurrection? From Mormons, to conscientious objectors, to the January 6th uprising, Don is joined by Graham Dodds to discuss this history.


Professor Graham Dodds teaches at Concordia University in Montreal. His book on this subject is 'Mass Pardons in America: Rebellion, Presidential Amnesty, and Reconciliation'.


Produced by Sophie Gee. Edited by Aidan Lonergan. Senior Producer was Charlotte Long.


Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for $1 per month for 3 months with code AMERICANHISTORY sign up at https://historyhit.com/subscription/ 


You can take part in our listener survey here.

Up next
Aug 25
How To Survive the Revolutionary War
'If I turn from beholding mutilated bodies, mangled limbs, and bleeding, incurable wounds, a spectacle no less revolting is presented, of miserable objects languishing under afflicting diseases of every description.'Dr James Thatcher wrote these words after the Battle of Saratoga ... Show More
30m 4s
Aug 21
American Traitors: Axis Sally
Is contributing to enemy propaganda treason? In this second episode on American Traitors, we are meeting 'Axis Sally', real name Mildred Gillars.Professor Michael Flamm joins us to explore the life of this American citizen who broadcast American music, scripted dramas and hateful ... Show More
44m 36s
Aug 18
What If Lincoln Hadn't Been Shot?
It's the biggest 'What if?' in American history: What if Lincoln hadn't been shot? The assassination could so easily have failed and things went so wrong in the aftermath (looking at you Andrew Johnson). Could Reconstruction have looked different with Abraham Lincoln at the helm? ... Show More
56m 26s
Recommended Episodes
Aug 2023
Pardons: Politics & Power
Can former President Trump pardon himself? Heather and Joanne explore the history of the pardon power, from constitutional debates, to President Andrew Johnson’s controversial Confederate pardons, to the corrupt Georgia pardon practices that precipitated the very relevant Georgia ... Show More
50m 7s
Nov 2023
CLASSIC: Can a President pardon himself?
According to the U.S. Constitution, the President of the United States has the power to pardon pretty much anyone. This is a broad, sweeping power that past administrations have used in a variety of ways, some more controversial than others. However, in recent years scholars, vot ... Show More
1h 2m
Sep 2023
President Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, so how did it work out when he became the leader of this nation that he was so instrumental in founding? For the third episode in American History Hit's special series about the Presidents, we're explor ... Show More
42m 7s
Jun 2024
The Rise and Fall of the Ku Klux Klan
With a sinister hierarchy of "grand wizards" and "dragons," hooded Klansmen concealed their identities as they unleashed a reign of terror on Black Americans and other minorities across America for almost a century. Dan is joined by Professor Kristofer Allerfeldt from the Univers ... Show More
37m 59s
Dec 2023
JFK Special 5. | The Kennedy Curse
What was it about the Kennedy's that attracted so much tragedy, that many believed them to be cursed? From plane disasters in World War 2, to drug overdoses and of course, assassinations - it has to be said, they had their fair share. Is there something sinister going on, or is t ... Show More
44m 16s
Mar 2024
18th Century Graffiti: Sex, Murder & Rebellion
Whether it's a declaration of love, anger or rebellion against the government, graffiti can give us incredible insight into the social history of everyday people. By the 18th century it's recognised by authorities a serious social problem and a threat to their positions of power. ... Show More
48m 37s
Jun 2024
I Beg Your Pardon?
Should Biden issue a pardon to Donald Trump for his federal crimes? Will that help with America’s standing or do we have 99 OTHER problems and Trump ain’t one?! There have been some Republicans and Democrats calling for a preemptive Trump pardon. Is this kind of grace-giving exac ... Show More
1h 2m
Jun 2024
A Georgia Man's Life Mission To Preserve Black History
Speaking at a Juneteenth event at the White House this month, President Joe Biden warned about the “old ghosts in new garments” trying to erase the nation’s Black history by banning books and restricting diversity programs. But across the country, people are also working hard to ... Show More
17m 37s
Jul 2023
Episode 35 - Obstruction Inception (feat. Brian Greer)
This week: Allison and Andy discuss the superseding indictments that came down on Trump and Nauta; the head of maintenance at Mar-a-Lago gets a charge; CIPA expert Brian Greer joins for the “Under Seal” segment to talk about the Iran document and CIPA schedule; prosecutors in the ... Show More
1h 8m