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Join us on an enthralling journey into the annals of history as we delve into the extraordinary exploits of the Special Air Service (SAS) during World War Two. In this captivating episode of Explaining History, host [Podcast Host’s Name] sits down with acclaimed author and historian, Damien Lewis, to explore the gripping tales of war, trauma, and the birth of modern special forces.Drawing on extensive research and first hand accounts, Damien Lewis takes us back to the harrowing days of the Secon
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In this captivating episode of the Explaining History podcast, we sit down with Heidi Langbein Hall, author and daughter of World War II survivor Willi Langbein. Heidi shares the harrowing story of her father’s life during the war and how his memoirs have been transformed into a powerful book.At just 13 years old, Willi was taken from his family by the Nazis under the guise of protection. In reality, he and his fellow children were groomed to become sacrificial pawns in the final days of the war
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In this episode, we dive into the strategic challenges faced by the Austro-Hungarian Army in 1914 as they mobilized for World War One. As the empire faced threats from multiple directions, including Serbia, Russia, and Italy, the army struggled to coordinate its response and maintain supply lines to its troops. We explore the political and logistical issues that hampered the Austro-Hungarian war effort and examine the impact of these challenges on the course of the conflict. Join us as we delve
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In this episode, we are exploring the post-war women’s movement from a global perspective, focusing on the years 1945 and beyond. The end of World War II marked a turning point for women’s rights and activism, as women from all over the world banded together to demand equal treatment and opportunities.We’ll be discussing the key players and events that shaped the post-war women’s movement, including the formation of national and international feminist organizations, the impact of decolonization,
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In this episode of the Explaining History Podcast, we dive into the story of the Dulles brothers and their impact on the Eisenhower administration in 1954. We explore the backgrounds of John Foster Dulles and Allen Dulles, their rise to power, and the key events of their tenure as Secretary of State and Director of the CIA, respectively. We discuss their role in shaping US foreign policy during the Cold War, including their involvement in the 1954 coup in Guatemala, and the Suez Crisis. We also
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A popular view of the war at sea is that of Britain pushed right to the edge, mounting shipping losses leading to fears of starvation in Britain and possible capitulation. Military historian Max Hastings suggests otherwise, pointing to the shortcomings and failings of Germany’s U-Boat fleet and the growing expertise and technological superiority of the allied navies.Explaining History helps you understand the 20th Century through critical conversations and expert interviews. We connect the past
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Why did the patchwork Habsburg empire collapse in 1918? The pressures of war and the competing identities and loyalties of the men that fought in the Austo Hungarian armies both have a significant part to play. This podcast explores the overlapping national, regional and ethnic identities, loyalties and ambitions. Explaining History helps you understand the 20th Century through critical conversations and expert interviews. We connect the past to the present. If you enjoy the show, please subscri
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By 1916 Winston Churchill’s wartime reputation was in tatters after the disaster of the Dardanelles Campaign. His self belief was his most powerful asset, particularly as so many of his parliamentary colleagues mistrusted him. He was brought back into David Lloyd George’s war cabinet, though even the new prime minster was wary of him. Lloyd George, who had used the conscription issue to remove Herbert Asquith, eventually led Britain to victory, but this was partially in spite of Churchill, not b
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This is the first Explaining History study extra recording for students. In this podcast we hear about the origins of Italian fascism and the experience of striking workers and returning soldiers after 1918. The desire for national unity and social order that had motivated many Italians to fight hardened into violent anti communism when they witnessed chaotic scenes of strikes and anti war protests on arrival home. Explaining History helps you understand the 20th Century through critical convers
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In the aftermath of the Second World War, the economic strains on Britain after six years of conflict were immense, but Britain’s international commitments were if anything even greater than during the war. Imperial overstretch, the temporary re-conquest of other European colonies like French Indochina and the Dutch East Indies, the occupation of Germany and the involvement in the Greek Civil War, and the new realities of the Cold War world meant that Britain needed to maintain a large standing