During these three presidencies, the United States continues its industrial development and gradually expands its international influence. From the dedication of the Statue of Liberty to rivalries with European powers in the Pacific, trade disputes, arbitration in the Bering Sea, and the Venezuelan crisis, transatlantic relations evolve through both cooperation and diplomatic tensions.

An original podcast by Atlantic Perspectives (www.atlanticperspectives.org).

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A former Union general and Civil War hero, Ulysses S. Grant enters the White House at a time when the United States is still rebuilding at home and asserting itself abroad. His presidency sees the Treaty of Washington and the Alabama Claims with Britain, tensions with Spain over Cuba, the attempted annexation of Santo Domingo, and American neutrality during the Franco-Prussian War.

An original podcast by Atlantic Perspectives (www.atlanticperspectives.org).

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Taking office after Abraham Lincoln’s assassination, Andrew Johnson oversees the beginning of Reconstruction while clashing with Congress over the future of the defeated South. Abroad, his presidency sees the French withdrawal from Mexico, negotiations with Britain and Denmark, and the purchase of Alaska from Russia. As the United States emerges from the Civil War, how does Johnson’s presidency reshape America’s relationship with Europe?

An original podcast by Atlantic Perspectives (www.atlanticperspectives.org).

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As the United States is torn apart by the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln fights to preserve the Union, abolish slavery, and prevent European powers from recognizing the Confederacy. His presidency forever transforms the nation and its place in the world.

An original podcast by Atlantic Perspectives (www.atlanticperspectives.org).

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Millard Fillmore - 1850-1853.

Franklin Pierce - 1853-1857.

James Buchanan - 1857-1861.

Taylor, Fillmore, Pierce and Buchanan lead the United States through one of the most turbulent periods in its history. As immigration grows, relations with Europe evolve, and the slavery debate intensifies, the Union moves steadily closer to civil war.

An original podcast by Atlantic Perspectives (www.atlanticperspectives.org).

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James K. Polk enters the White House with a clear goal: expand the United States from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

During a single term, Texas joins the Union, the Oregon dispute with Great Britain is resolved, and the Mexican–American War leads to the acquisition of vast new territories, including California.

An original podcast by Atlantic Perspectives (www.atlanticperspectives.org).

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Three presidents lead the United States through a pivotal period of political transformation.

As Democrats and Whigs establish America's first lasting two-party system, the country faces economic crisis, constitutional uncertainty, growing tensions with Britain, and the annexation of Texas.

A key chapter in the story of a young republic finding its political identity.

An original podcast by Atlantic Perspectives (www.atlanticperspectives.org).

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John Quincy Adams is perhaps the American president most deeply shaped by Europe. A career diplomat and one of the architects of the Monroe Doctrine, he champions a clear vision: the United States should stay out of European conflicts, while Europe should stay out of American affairs.

An original podcast by Atlantic Perspectives (www.atlanticperspectives.org).

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Andrew Jackson arrives at the White House as a war hero and the representative of a new America that is more popular and increasingly focused on the West.

While maintaining the principles of the Monroe Doctrine, he prioritizes continental expansion and firmly defends American interests in dealings with European powers.

An original podcast by Atlantic Perspectives (www.atlanticperspectives.org).

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James Monroe closes the founding era of the United States.
In this episode, we explore how the Monroe Doctrine reshaped relations between America and Europe — drawing a line between the Old World and the New, and defining a sphere that still influences U.S. strategy today.

An original podcast by Atlantic Perspectives (www.atlanticperspectives.org).

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James Madison inherits a young republic under pressure from Europe.
As tensions rise with Great Britain, the United States is drawn into the War of 1812 — often seen as America’s second war of independence.

An original podcast by Atlantic Perspectives (www.atlanticperspectives.org).

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Thomas Jefferson brings a new vision of America.
Shaped by the European Enlightenment, committed to neutrality, and driven by territorial expansion, this episode explores how Jefferson helps turn a young republic into a continental power while redefining its relationship with Europe.
A key chapter in the transatlantic story, marked by ideals, contradictions, and the realities of power.

An original podcast by Atlantic Perspectives (www.atlanticperspectives.org).

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After George Washington, the United States enters an era of tension and division.
In this episode, we explore the presidency of John Adams, a president under siege from partisan conflict and European turmoil, caught between revolutionary France and Great Britain. A pivotal moment when the young republic asserts its diplomatic independence—at a high political cost.

An original podcast by Atlantic Perspectives (www.atlanticperspectives.org).

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As the first President of the United States, George Washington faced a divided Europe and a fragile young republic. In this episode, we explore how Washington shaped early American foreign policy, from neutrality to diplomacy, and how the United States defined its place vis-à-vis European powers at the end of the 18th century.

An original podcast by Atlantic Perspectives (www.atlanticperspectives.org ).

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In this introductory episode, we look back at the American origins, from the first European explorations to the birth of the young republic, and at the historical foundations of the transatlantic relationship.

An original podcast by Atlantic Perspectives (www.atlanticperspectives.org).

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