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By early 1942 Nazi Germany was facing a moment of crisis when it came to the production of munitions and other equipment. The inherent chaos of the regime, Hitler’s selection of favourites who knew how to tell him only what he wanted to hear, along with the soaring war production of the USA, UK and USSR led to the appointment of Albert Speer as Minister for Armaments.Help the podcast to continue bringing you history each weekIf you enjoy the Explaining History podcast and its many years of conte
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Neville Chamberlain is chiefly remembered for his failed shuttle diplomacy with Hitler in 1938, but there is of course more to his time in office than just this. Chamberlain believed himself to be a social reformer, though the reality of life for the poor and those devastated by the Great Depression remained in many cases bleak. This podcast explores the state of housing, welfare, education and health in the second half of the 1930s.You can read more from today’s book, Britain’s War by Daniel To
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In this episode of the Explaining History podcast, we delve deep into the heart of the twentieth century’s most defining conflict: World War II. Often remembered as “The Good War,” this episode, inspired by Geoffrey Wheatcroft’s insightful essay and Richard Overy’s comprehensive study, invites listeners to re-examine the conventional narratives that have shaped our understanding of the war.Through a meticulous analysis of “World War Two: The Myth of the Good War” and “Blood and Ruins,” we uncove
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Hi everyone, I get trolled from time to time on Twitter by various far right types who object to a particular video I did years ago which states that Hitler was not, in fact, a socialist and did not , in fact, have socialist ideas. Here I revisit the argument, though I doubt it will do me much good.Anyway, would love to hear your thoughts (unless you want to tell me he is a socialist, and whilst I’m all for free discourse, you should know that I’ve heard this one before, lots).ThanksNickExplaini
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In this captivating episode of the Explaining History podcast, we sit down with David Slattery-Christy, author of “Flyte Or Fancy,” to delve into the tragic and fascinating life of aristocrat Harry Clifton. Join us as we explore the tumultuous world of Harry Clifton, a figure whose life story reads like a novel, filled with grandeur, crisis, and heartbreak. David Slattery-Christybrings to life the compelling narrative of Clifton, heir to a vast family fortune that was squandered in a lifetime. A
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Description:In this episode of the Explaining History podcast, we delve into the clandestine world of the Special Air Service (SAS) during its critical missions in Italy from 1943 to 1945. Joining us is n historian and author Damien Lewis, an expert on the SAS, whose new book “Forged in Hell” meticulously chronicles this intriguing chapter of World War II history.Lewis provides captivating insights into the daring and audacious raids carried out by the SAS, shedding light on the unwavering brave
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Winthrop Bell is probably the most important spy you’ve never heard of. In this episode of the Explaining History podcast we hear about his life and exploits and his attempts during the 1930s to draw attention to the growing threat that Nazism posed. Academic and author Jason Bell joins us on the podcast to discuss the life, career and legacy of Winthrop Bell and his new book Cracking the Nazi Code. You can order a copy of the book hereExplaining History helps you understand the 20th Century th
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In this episode of the Explaining History podcast, we delve into the intellectual climate of 1930s Europe, as detailed in Richard Overy’s illuminating work, “The Morbid Age.” The episode seeks to uncover the complex web of fears, anxieties, and escalating tensions that pervaded Britain and the broader European landscape, leading many to view the outbreak of war as an inevitability by the late 1930s.The 1930s, marked by economic turmoil, political instability, and the rise of totalitarian ideolog
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In the second episode of our deep dive into the months prior to Stalingrad, reading Max Hastings’ “All Hell Let Loose,” we shift our gaze to a pivotal moment in 1942. This was a year marked by startling contrasts between the strategic decision-making processes in the Kremlin and the Führerbunker.We explore how the relentless calamities faced by the Red Army on the Eastern Front became a powerful catalyst for change. Recognizing the fatal errors of his overbearing control, Soviet leader Joseph S
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In this episode of Explaining History, we dive into the tumultuous events of World War II’s Eastern Front, focusing on the German victories in the Caucasus region during the spring and summer of 1942. Drawing upon insights from Max Hastings’s masterful book, “All Hell Let Loose,” we present a comprehensive account of this critical phase of the war.Our exploration begins with the German Wehrmacht’s ambitious summer offensive, Case Blue, aimed at seizing the oil-rich Caucasus and the strategic cit