As we explore the triumphs and tragedies that shaped America, we're always striving to paint a vivid,

nuanced picture of the past, and with Wondery Plus, you can experience that vision in its purest form.

Enjoy ad-free episodes, early access to new seasons, and exclusive bonus content that illuminates the human stories behind the history.

Join Wondery Plus in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts and see American

History through a whole new lens.

Imagine it's December 1846 in Cork County, Ireland.

You stagger through bare, desolate hills shivering against bitter cold.

You're the mother of five young children and a farmer,

or at least you used to be, until all your crops failed in a blight that swept the countryside.

All around you, fields are choked by stinking rotten potato vines destroyed by disease.

Hunger is gnawing at your stomach, but your primary concern is your children who haven't had a decent meal in weeks.

You clutch your two-year-old daughter to your thin chest while your older children try to keep up shuffling along the road. Their blank eyes terrify you. You hear wagon wheels

draw nearer, and you raise your eyes in hope. Some of your neighbors, just as desperate as you,

begin to gather, blocking the narrow road, as three wagons rolled toward you,

covered in thick canvas sheets and guarded by six British soldiers with rifles.

They roll to a stop, and a commander steps forward.

You're blocking an official transport carrying the goods of her majesty.

Clear the road.

But no one moves, and you step forward tentatively.

"'Sir, may we know what is in the wagons?'

"'Commander fixes the harsh gaze in your direction.

"'Ma'am, this is an official convoy, and that is all you need to know.

...