The Pig War 1859
Can a potato-stealing pig spark war?
4.7 (37)
44 mins
Explore how a simple border dispute over a potato-eating pig nearly triggered a full-scale war between two global superpowers. Discover how the arrival of warships and troops turned a farm animal accident into a tense military standoff on San Juan Island. Learn about the peaceful diplomatic resolution that ended the conflict with the pig remaining the sole casualty of the war.
Ep 1:
The Pig That Nearly Started a War
In 1859, America and Britain teeter on the edge of war—not over gold or glory, but a muddled treaty, a stubborn boundary, and a fence that wasn't quite finished.
Ep 2:
Blood, Sheep, and a Dead Hog
A lazy fence, a rooting hog, and one furious farmer's rifle shot ignite a neighborly feud that spirals into an international incident nobody saw coming.
Ep 3:
Warships Over a Potato Patch
As armed camps dig in and warships circle a tiny island, a reckless general, a wounded governor's pride, and one captain's refusal determine whether cannons will fire.
Ep 4:
The Pig War's Peculiar Peace
Twelve years of oddly friendly occupation give way to an emperor's verdict, redrawing a border forever—proving one dead pig changed history without a single human casualty.
Discussions (5)
Graham
Level 6 · 7 hours agoOne vague sentence in a treaty caused 13 years of chaos. Lawyers matter.
Jessica
Level 4 · 7 hours agoHarney wasn't that dumb tbh
Maya
Level 5 · 7 hours agoA pig, some potatoes, and two empires nearly lost their minds. Cutler really said hold my rifle.
