New York, Quebec, and The Water Route to the Center of the World

New York, Quebec, and The Water Route to the Center of the World

If you’re a history enthusiast seeking a podcast that masterfully intertwines compelling storytelling with meticulous scholarship, look no further than New York, Quebec, and The Water Route to the Center of the World. This narrative history series, hosted by William Matthews, delves into the pivotal conflicts over the waterways connecting New York and Quebec from 1754 to 1815, encompassing the French & Indian War, the American Revolution, and the War of 1812.

Episodes

October 8, 2026 • 76 mins

In 1776, New York became the epicenter of the American Revolution as British and American forces struggled for control of the Hudson River corridor and the strategically vital city at its mouth.

This episode explores the military campaigns, political upheaval, and social divisions that transformed New York during the opening year of the Revolutionary War. From the collapse of royal authority to the arrival of British military power,...

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During the American Revolution, tea became more than a contested commodity. It became a vehicle for political action. This episode follows nine female-led “tea parties” across New York’s Hudson Valley in 1776 and 1777, where women confronted merchants, seized or demanded access to scarce tea, and enforced community expectations over price and distribution. Connecting these local confrontations to Dutch smuggling n...

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Welcome to a special Bonus Episode to mark The Friends of Philipse Manor Hall's support for our Pinkster Festival on May 10th, from 11am-5pm. Discover the unique historical roots and syncretic components of this incredible Hudson Valley Tradition.

Join the Friends of Philipse Manor Hall: https://friendsofphilipsemanorhall.org/membership-levels/

Further Readings:

1. Jeroen Dewulf "The Pinkster King and the King of Kongo"

2. Andrea C. Mo...

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We will explore the origins of the Iroquois peoples, the founding of the League and their geopolitical development until 1666. Book Recommendations: “The Edge of The Woods” by Jon Parmenter & “Creation and Confederation” by Darren Bonaparte
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Enjoy my special Bonus Episode to mark the 250th Anniversary of Paul Revere's epic ride and learn about some fleeting connections to the New York area. I finish with a rendition of the famous Longfellow poem!

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In the final episode of Season One, relive the climatic struggle and the fall of Nouvelle France in reverse, where Sainte-Foy is a great example of the saying "History doesn't repeat, but it certainly rhymes."

Recommend Readings:

Stephen Brumwell "Paths of Glory"

Christian Crouch "Nobility Lost”

Peter Macleod “Backs to The Wall”

Francis Parkman "Montcalm and Wolfe"

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On behalf of the Friends of Philipse Manor Hall, please enjoy this book review of "Taking Manhattan," while being sure to check out our great membership options listed in the link below.

https://friendsofphilipsemanorhall.org/membership-levels/

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The French attempt to seize Fort William Henry and drive toward Albany in 1757. Relive the major moments of classic film "Last of the Mohicans." Book Recommendations: “The French and Indian War” by Walter R. Borneman & “Empires at War” by William M. Fowler.
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British and French forces clash on the major water junction between New York and Quebec on Lac du Saint Sacrement (Lake George) in 1755. Book recommendations: “The Battle of Lake George” by William Griffith IV."

Become a Member of The Friends of Philipse Manor Hall Today: https://friendsofphilipsemanorhall.org/membership-levels/

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Join the Friends of Philipse Manor Hall on March 8th, 2025, to celebrate the unveiling of the next great chapter of Pulitzer Prize winning Author Russell Shorto's narrative on the transition from Dutch to English rule.

I’ve included the ticketing link below and be sure to sign up as a member to get your discount today!

https://friendsofphilipsemanorhall.org/event/taking-manhattan-book-talk-and-signing-with-russell-shorto/

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Discover the incredible links between the Hudson Valley and Madagascar, as the new English overlords team up with the established Dutch Merchant class, in order to subvert the Navigation Acts.
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Part 1: Geographical overview of NYS and background of Dutch Colonial Settlement until 1673. We'll cover the transistion from Patroonships to the Manorial system in the Hudson valley after the English takeover. Book Recommendations: “Island at the Center of the World” by Russell Shorto, “The Colony of New Netherland” by Jaap Jacobs, “New Netherland Connections” by Susanah Shaw Romney, “Food...

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An examination of slavery’s ties between North America, Africa, Barbados, Jamaica, St. Domingue and Curaçao in the 17th and 18th centuries. Book recommendations: “Intimate Bonds” By Jennifer Palmer, “Empire at the Periphery” by Christian Koot, “Everyday life in the Early English Caribbean” by Jenny Shaw and “Creolization and Contraband: Curaçao in the early modern Atlantic World&rdquo...

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Learn more about the early military history of Puerto Rico and the Dutch war expeditions against the Spanish empire.
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Enjoy a compilation from my recent tour of Saratoga Battlefield and Fort Edward!

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Discover the tale of New York’s own female teenage “Paul Revere.”
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Discover the heartbreaking conflict that torn asunder families here in Westchester County during the American Revolution.
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Discover little known American naval and land actions in the Caribbean during the American Revolution.
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I wanted to explore some wider connections to our Podcast narrative and zoom out a bit to cover three distinct historical episodes over the course of the 17th century, that highlight Dutch struggles with the Spanish Habsburg, English and French for control of the Atlantic basin.
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Discover the unique story of the 1768 Slave revolt on Monserrat and the development of an incredible syncretic Afro-Irish culture.
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