Warfare
From Napoleonic battles to Cold War confrontations, the Normandy landings to 9/11, this podcast opens up fascinating new perspectives on how wars have shaped and changed our modern world. Each week, twice a week, war historian, writer, and broadcaster, James Rogers, teams up with fellow historians, veterans, and experts to reveal astonishing new histories of inspirational leadership, breakthrough technologies, and era defining battles. Together they highlight the stark realities and consequences of global warfare. Join us on the front line of military history.
Episodes
Supersonic Nazi Vengeance: V2 Rocket from Cautionary Tales
We're bringing you an episode of a podcast we think you'll love: Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford. At the height of World War Two, British intelligence began receiving reports that the enemy was developing a rocket weapon. The idea seemed fantastical — resources in Nazi Germany were scarce and a rocket-building program defied economic logic.But one intelligence chief took the reports of a ro
WW2: How The War Ended
The Second World War officially ended on September 2nd 1945 - and it's estimated that around 3% of the Earth's population perished during the conflict. But what ultimately bought WW2 to an end - and how vital a role did the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki play in obtaining a Japanese surrender?In this episode, James welcomes journalist and New York Times Bestseller Evan Thomas to the Podcast, t
Rwandan Genocide
This episode contains graphic descriptions of violence and sexual assault. Over the course of 100 days in 1994, it's estimated that between 500,000 and one million ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus, were killed by Hutu extremists in the 1994 Rwandan Genocide. Sparked by longstanding ethnic tensions and political unrest in the country, and with actions exacerbated by the Assassination of Rwanda's Hu
Napoleon's Greatest Victory: Austerlitz
December 2nd is a special date for those fascinated by Napoleon Bonaparte. Not only is this the date he crowned himself Emperor of France in 1804, but also the date of his greatest victory a year later, the Battle of Austerlitz. James Rogers is joined by world-leading historian Andrew Roberts to dissect the conditions, tactics and aftermath of Napoleon's greatest battle.Discover the past on Histor
WW2: Life in Tanks
What was it actually like to operate a tank during the Second World War?In this episode, we explore the iron belly of tank warfare through the eyes of Private Arthur Ibbotson, who enlisted in the war as a young lad in 1942, first joining the Grenadier Guards in London and who ended up involved in one of the largest allied operations of the war: Operation Market Garden.Arthur would have turned 100
Battle of Kursk with James Holland
This year marks 80 years since one of the more ferocious clashes of the Second World War: the Battle of Kursk. With a combined 8,000 tanks between the German Wehrmacht and the Soviet Red Army, it became the largest tank battle in history.This week, James is joined by historian James Holland. Together, they unpack the wider context of this confrontation, what drove the Germans to take on such a bat
WW2 Heroes: Unheard Stories
As we get closer to the 80th anniversary of Operation Overlord and the D-Day Landings, we're beginning to witness the passing of 'living memory' from the Second World War. With more eyewitnesses, participants, and war veterans passing away every day, how can we ensure that their memories, stories, and experiences are safely preserved? The University of Oxford have launched a new project to help co
Putin's Rise to Power
Serving continuously as either Prime Minister or President since 1999, Vladimir Putin's leadership of Russia has always dominated the geopolitical stage and made headlines. Enforcing extreme policies, engaging with dangerous allies, and hiring deadly mercenaries - it seems he isn't planning on relinquishing control of Russia, or ending the war in Ukraine, in the near future. But how has his previo
Afghanistan: The Legacies of Withdrawal
In August 2021, after 20 years of military presence, the United States withdrew the last of their troops from Afghanistan. With chaos quickly ensuring and the world seeing images of desperate parents handing infants to evacuating forces, and civilians trying to force their way onto evacuation flights - the world's eyes were on Afghanistan as the Taliban took control. But two years later, what's Af
Tito: President of Yugoslavia
A Yugoslav revolutionary leader, who served in every major conflict of his lifetime - Josip Broz Tito ruled Yugoslavia for 35 years. Successfully leading the establishment and maintenance of a socialist federation in Yugoslavia and balancing between the global superpowers of the Cold War, his contribution to history cannot be undermined. But his rule wasn't without controversy or violence; while h
Rommel: The Desert Fox
Known as the Desert Fox, Erwin Rommel was one of Germany's greatest military leaders. Having soared through the ranks after numerous victories during the First World War, he became an integral part of the Axis command, and he was one of the few who held Hitler's ear. But how did his experiences in WW1 shape the military commander he became, and what happened to him after WW2?In this episode James
Robert Mugabe
A Zimbabwean revolutionary and politician, Robert Mugabe served as the country's Prime Minister and later as its President for 37 years. His legacy remains a contentious topic, marked by controversy, violence, and suspected military coups during his later years in power, despite his role in leading Zimbabwe to independence from British colonial rule. So who was Robert Mugabe, and how did he hold o
WW2: The Deadliest Blitz?
When you think of the Blitz and the devastation enacted by the Luftwaffe during the Second World War, British cities like London or Coventry typically come to mind first. With deadly bombings happening across the United Kingdom throughout the entire world war, other locations and casualties are often forgotten or left off official Blitz classification lists. However, during March 1941, Glasgow and
Chairman Mao
Leader of the Chinese Communist Party from 1949 until his death in 1976, Chairman Mao reshaped the nation's course of history, founding the People's Republic of China and implementing sweeping socio-political reforms that dramatically changed the country. However, his rule was marred with controversies and disastrous policies, leading to widespread suffering, trauma, and ultimately the deaths of m
Oppenheimer
Often referred to as the father of the atomic bomb, J. Robert Oppenheimer's work in the field of theoretical physics changed the world as we knew it. Working in Los Alamos, New Mexico during the Second World War, the Manhattan Project and the scientific advancements achieved there helped bring an end to WW2 - but at what cost? With Oppenheimer's life and work now being immortalized in Christopher
WW2: Top 5 Strangest Weapons
They say war can be one of the biggest drivers of innovation. Inventions like radar, computers and penicillin, all developed during the Second World War, continue to revolutionise our lives today. Others, not so much.In this episode, James Patton Rogers is joined by 'The Dirty Tricks Department: Stanley Lovell, the OSS and the Masterminds of World War II Secret Warfare' author, John Lisle. Togethe
Ukraine: War Crimes & Cluster Bombs
As over a year passes since the Bucha Massacre, new information and intelligence on Russian war crimes continues to emerge from the conflict. With evidence suggesting a systematic and intentional attempt to terrorise the Ukrainian population, and disturbing accounts of the unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children - lives and families are continuing to be torn apart in the Russian-Ukraine war. Wi
War Time Origins of the NHS
2023 marks 75 years of the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK. Often heralded as one of the greatest post-war institutions, providing free health care at the point of use, however to what extent is the NHS truly a product of the Second World War? Turns out the answer, like most things in history, is a lot more complicated. It's a story that involves both the world wars as well as the ongoing
Suicide Drones: A History
Drone warfare has undoubtedly become a crucial component of contemporary military operations - with drone strikes in the Russia-Ukraine war often dominating headlines. And while suicide drones are predominantly used within warfare, providing an opportunity to overwhelm enemy air defences - it's important to recognise that drones serve many purposes beyond destruction. With their utility extending
Alan Turing & Bletchley Park
Alan Turing: pioneering mathematician, computer scientist, codebreaker. He played a crucial role in decrypting Nazi messages during the Second World War, turning the tide of the conflict, and is considered the father of modern computer science. Yet he died in 1954 aged 42, chemically castrated, and a criminal for his sexuality.In this episode, host James Patton Rogers is joined by Dr Sue Black OBE
Wagner & Putin: The Russian Coup?
On the 24th of June 2023, amidst rising tensions within Russia, the Wagner mercenary group rebelled against the Russian Government. With news outlets suddenly flooded with images of erected barricades and military vehicles on the streets of Moscow - it was initially unclear what was going on. While details of the event remain murky in the West, it is clear to say that this rebellion posed the most
War Crimes in Afghanistan
This episode contains references to extreme violence and content that some listeners may find disturbing.The allegations of war crimes in Afghanistan against Australia's most decorated solider, Ben Roberts Smith, has rocked the country, and forced military's around the world to reckon with the disturbing reality of war crimes.In this episode, James Patton Rogers is joined by Dr Patrick Bury, Senio
WW2: Forgotten Mission of the 6888th Battalion
This episode contains references to highly offensive racist language and events.In February 1945, with the war in Europe still raging, millions of pieces of mail intended for US troops were languishing in warehouses in Birmingham, England. With no spare military personnel available to sort the mail, the US Army turned to the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, nicknamed the "Six Triple Eigh
5 Assassinations That Changed History
Assassins have been plotting, murdering, and executing for thousands of years—from the famed Ides of March to forgotten British Prime Ministers. Their reach across history is inconceivable. But what motivates an assassin, and have their murderous ways ever helped them achieve their goals? With most assassinations still shrouded in mystery and conspiracy, quantifying "success" can be difficult. How
Ukraine: The Counter Offensive Explained
After months of preparation, speculation, and planning, the Ukrainian counteroffensive has finally begun. With battles underway across the country, there are mixed reviews on how well the offensive is going for the Ukrainian army. Despite months of shaping operations and preparations, some critics are calling it a failure, with progress stalling, while others are saying it's on track for a Ukraini
Napalm
Napalm. One of the most controversial weapons of the 20th century, it's an incendiary substance that if it comes into contact with your skin, it will burn directly to the bone. Used in the Second World War, and later the Korean and Vietnam war, what are the origins of this devastating weapon?In today's Warfare, James Patton Rogers is joined by Robert Neer, author of Napalm: An American Biography.
Vietnam War & Australia
With discussions of the Vietnam War often focusing on the United States' role and position on the Asian continent, countries like Australia and their involvement often get overlooked. However, with 60,000 Australian troops serving on the ground, in the air force, and the navy, their role was undoubtedly significant. But what caused Australia to get involved in one of the most controversial conflic
D-Day: US Airpower with WW2 Veteran Chuck Richardson
On June 6th 1944, Allied forces launched a massive amphibious invasion of Normandy, France - the operation involved over 150,000 troops from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and other Allied nations. Better known as D-Day, success would mark a pivotal turning point in the Second World War. While the exact number of lives lost is undetermined, it's estimated 4,400 Allied troops lost their
War Gaming the 19th Century
War Gaming, an activity that has been around as long as warfare itself, provides valuable insights into the complex nature of war. Whether it's traditional games like Chess or more contemporary ones like Armageddon, each War Game offers a unique perspective on the multifaceted world of war. By simulating battles and incorporating strategic elements, these games enable players to comprehend the rea
Henry Kissinger
A prominent American Diplomat, and influential American statesmen, Henry Kissinger is a name known around the world. Serving as National Security Advisor and later as Secretary of State under Presidents Nixon and Ford, he prioritised national interests over ideological concerns. Known for his involvement in significant diplomatic initiatives, including the opening of relations with China and the n
Battle of Aden
In March 2015, a ten-nation coalition of Gulf states launched an attack against Houthi insurgents in Aden. With Iran seeking to dominate the Southern Arabian Peninsula and take control of the Suez Canal, Aden became a key logistical city and suddenly found itself thrust into the limelight. With Washington involved in a Nuclear Deal with Iran for the first time, the Gulf States acted alone in their
WW2: Last Letters of Resistance Fighters
It's 1943, you're part of the French resistance, and you've been sentenced to death. You're allowed to write one last letter before you're shot by the Nazis. Who do you write to? Friends? Family? Fellow comrades? How do you know if they'll even get it?Of the 10,000 or so executions during the Second World War, only around 700 letters remain, and today's guest, Daniel Brunstetter, Professor of Poli
Sudan: Why Is There A Conflict?
Fighting has broken out in Sudan following years of power struggle between the country's military leadership: General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of the armed forces, and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).However, the origins of this conflict can be traced back to 1956, when Sudan first gained independence from the British-Egyptian Condominium. Since, Sudan h
The Dambusters Raid with Max Hastings
80 years ago, in the late hours of May 16th 1943, Wing Commander Guy Gibson fearlessly commanded the 617 Squadron of the Royal Air Force to execute a daring bombing mission. Their aim - to destroy three dams in the Ruhr valley - Germany's vital industrial hub. This top-secret operation was known as 'Chastise', but we know them today as the 'Dambusters'. But why has this famed mission, that was so
Hiding Anne Frank
In this episode of Warfare, host James Patton Rogers is joined by Tony Phelan and Susanna Fogel, creators of the new TV series A Small Light, which explores the remarkable true story of Miep Gies, who hid Anne Frank and her family during the Holocaust. The trio discuss the character of Gies and how she went from Otto Frank's employee, to hiding his whole family in the secret annex for two years.A
Duke of Wellington
Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, was a soldier, statesman, and prominent political figure who served the United Kingdom twice as Prime Minister. He is known to many as a successful defensive general, but what about when he was on the offensive? In this episode, we explore the life, career, and death of Wellington. James is once again accompanied by Historian and presenter Zack White as th
Charles III Coronation: Security & Threats
The coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla will be an event attended by thousands, including heads of state, dignitaries, and members of the public. The world's media will be watching, and so will anyone looking to take advantage of an event of this scale, from terrorists, to hackers and protesters.Today, James Patton Rogers is joined by former director of GCHQ Professor Sir David Omand.
WW2 Tanks with James Holland
Anything that James Holland doesn't know about tanks isn't worth knowing. And in this episode from the archives, the greats are warring against each other as he counts down his top five tanks of the Second World War. Agility, climbing ability, speed and practicality are all measured to come up with this ultimate list. James Holland presents History Hit's four-part series on tanks which you can fin
Waco & the Origins of Right-Wing Extremism
This year marks 30 years since the 1993 siege at Waco. Lasting 51 days, it took the lives of 76 people, including 25 children and has gone down as one of the most controversial and tragic incidents in modern American history.James Rogers sits down with author Stephan Talty to discuss his new book "Koresh: The True Story of David Koresh and the Tragedy at Waco", which delves into the life of David
War in Space with Tim Marshall
From spy satellites orbiting the moon, to space metals worth more than most countries' GDP, and the imminent possibility of humans inhabiting Mars within the next decade - will conflicts soon escalate beyond earth's atmosphere? And if so, how will we regulate human behaviour on a cosmic level?In this episode, James welcomes journalist, and author, Tim Marshall to the podcast to discuss the future
Russian Civil War with Antony Beevor
*Content Warning - This episode contains references to rape and suicide* The Russian Civil War was a brutal episode in the rise of Bolshevik Russia. Taking place between 1917 and 1922 (after the perhaps better known, Russian Revolution) it pitted the Communist Red Army, led by Vladimir Lenin, against a loose coalition of imperialists known as the White Army. It led to five years of chaos, tum
Colonising Nicaragua: William Walker
In the mid-19th century, William Walker led a group of fellow US Expansionists to Nicaragua, in an attempt to seize the country as their own. Some of the first successful filibuster’s, they were on a mission to bring a form of US Democracy to central America - the unexpected catch in a somewhat familiar story of colonisation? They were welcomed with open arms. But soon, Walker’s promises of a new
Afghanistan: How the Taliban Won
In August 2021, Afghanistan's capital city Kabul, was captured by the Taliban. With scenes of panic, anarchy, and chaos splashed across every major news outlet - it marked the final moments of the War in Afghanistan. With more than 123,000 individuals evacuated by the US Coalition and their Allies, Afghanistan's central government collapsing, and foreign citizens stranded - it begs the question, w
The Secret History of Nuclear War
Why is it that nobody has used the absolute weapon, the nuclear bomb, since 1945? Was it ever likely that the American arsenal would be used against the Soviet Union? Or was it created solely to prevent nuclear war? If the latter is true, how does a country create the false impression that it is willing to release a weapon of mass destruction? New York Times bestselling author and Pulitzer prize w
AI At War: Killer Robots
What if we could take people completely out of the equation when planning military strikes? Lethal autonomous weapons systems use artificial intelligence to identify, select and kill human targets without human intervention. While with unmanned military drones, the decision to strike is made remotely by a human operator, in the case of lethal autonomous weapons the decision is made by algorithms.
Liberation of Dachau
A warning that this episode contains descriptions of genocide and terms for groups which were classified that way at the time.In April 1945, the 42nd Rainbow division liberated Dachau Concentration Camp. Having opened it's doors in 1933, it was the first, and longest running, Nazi concentration camp. It's estimated that Dachau had over 188,000 inmates, of which 41,500 were killed - it saw death, s
Churchill's Darkest Hour
Winston Churchill's ascension to Prime Minister in 1940 was a key turning point in world history, ultimately being one of the first steps to help the Allies secure victory in the Second World War. The legacies of Churchill’s decisions still shape our world today, but a lesser known part of this story is that Churchill wasn't the first choice to succeed Neville Chamberlain. So how was Churchill, on
Rise of ISIS
This episode contains graphic references of violence and tortureThe rise of Islamic State (ISIS) stands as one of the darkest legacies of the Iraq War. Founded as Al-Qaeda in Iraq, the organisation joined the conflict in 2003 by attacking not only Coalition troops but Saddam Hussein’s Iraqi government, the United Nations and Shia muslims alike. Their tactics were so brutal that even Al-Qaeda disav
WW2: What Happened at Yalta?
In early 1945, with an inevitable defeat of Nazi Germany on the horizon, the Allied leaders of the United States, Britain and Russia came together to decide the postwar future of Europe itself. The ‘Big Three’, made up of Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin - met at Yalta in Crimea, with the reorganisation of Germany a top priority to be discussed. But within a few years of the Yalta Conference, any h
Saddam Hussein's Rise & Fall
Perhaps one of the best-known modern dictators, Saddam Hussein ruled Iraq for nearly 30 years before eventually being overthrown in 2003 by the US Coalition. Known for his authoritarian rule, the use of chemical weapons against his own people, and multiple invasions of neighbouring countries - Saddam Hussein's legacy is a dark one. But how did he become President of Iraq in 1979, and what did the
WW2: Naval Power
In accounts of the Second World War, the role Navy's played is often overlooked. But the Navy's of both the Allied and Axis forces engaged in some of the biggest maritime campaigns in history. From near total elimination of forces, to epic sea battles, the Second World War changed seafaring conflict and naval power forever. So what can we learn about this period in history, and what are some of th
The US & the Iraq War
2023 marks the 20th anniversary of the US and its allies invading Iraq under the pretence to remove dictator Saddam Hussein and his apparent ‘weapons of mass destruction’. One of the most controversial and divisive military campaigns of the modern era, the legalities of the war are still debated today. Two decades later, the Iraq War continues to have a profound impact on global politics, military
Fighter Pilots of the Korean War
The Korean War was a vital moment in world history - changing geopolitics on the Korean Peninsula and beyond forever. With nearly 5 million dead, it's often referred to as 'the forgotten war' - but Devotion author Adam Makos is trying to change that. Following the true story of famous aviator duo, Lieutenant Tom Hudner and Ensign Jesse Brown, Adam looks at the acts of bravery and sacrifice that de
Tony Blair & The Iraq War
March 2023 marks the 20th anniversary of the Iraq war, seeing US and British troops enter the country - the legalities of which are still debated today. The legacy it’s left behind includes over 1 million Iraqi deaths, thousands of troops, and a power vacuum that allowed the rise to power of terrorist organisation, ISIS. So how did the United Kingdom end up embroiled in a so called ‘Illegal War’,
1917 Russian Revolution with Antony Beevor
One of the most significant events of the 20th century, the 1917 Russian Revolution saw the overthrow of the Tsar and the birth of a new communist era. So what exactly led up to Russia’s historic and bloody transformation into the Soviet Union?In this episode, James is joined by renowned historian and author Sir Antony Beever at the very London pub where Vladimir Lenin and other exiled Russian rev
The 1954 Guatemalan Coup D'état
As Cold War tensions escalated in the early 1950s, the White House became obsessed with one core goal: Containing Communism. Nowhere was this more true than in Guatemala. The United States viewed the Central American country as one which was firmly within its own backyard, and thus fair game for external interference. It was for this reason that in 1954 - before the Bay of Pigs or the Cuban Missil
Putin's Invasion of Ukraine: 1 Year On
One year ago today, on February 24th 2022, the world watched as Russia launched a full scale invasion of Ukraine. Despite intelligence gathered from Ukraine's western allies in the previous months, the invasion was a shock to many in Ukraine and beyond. With the expectation that Kyiv would fall within a matter of days, it was a surprise to all when President Zelensky defiantly posted a video of hi
1993 World Trade Center Bombing
9/11 remains the most infamous act of terrorism perpetrated against the United States - but it did not mark the first time terrorists had targeted New York’s World Trade Center. Thirty years ago on February 26 1993, a huge 600kg bomb exploded in the parking garage beneath the twin towers, causing a 100ft crater that was several stories deep. Six people died instantly, with thousands hurt in panick
Lenin's Rise & Fall
Vladimir Lenin is one name that is known across the world. Rising to power during the Russian Revolution and Civil War, he was the first Communist dictator in history and the architect of the Red Terror - a deadly campaign of political oppression and execution carried out in the earliest years of Soviet Russia. But contrary to his self-avowed image as champion of the proletariat, Lenin was actuall
How The USA Supplied WW2
Before America officially entered the Second World War in December 1941, it offered the allies significant support in terms of military supplies and funds. A well oiled and efficient machine, American industry was serving the war effort from September 1940, and it's output only increased as the War went on. Over time, America provided two thirds of the Allies' military equipment, including 2 milli
Nuclear Near Misses
What happens when a nuclear bomb is accidentally dropped onto foreign soil? Or when a nuke just goes missing? Rather worryingly, it happens more often that you would think.There’s a special term for these nuclear near misses - ‘broken arrow incidents’. In this episode, James is joined by Warfare favourite and historian Alex Wellerstein, to explore these many broken arrow incidents spanning from th
The History of Britain's Black Airmen
When you think of some of the remarkable feats of airpower throughout history, you might think of the Dambusters, or the Battle of Britain. But what about some of the untold stories of Britain's remarkable black airmen? Since the early 20th Century, black airmen played vital roles as pilots, ground crew, and even resistance fighters across the world wars and beyond. But what do we actually know ab
Stalingrad
The Battle of Stalingrad was the deadliest battle of the Second World War, seeing 1.2 million killed, and thousands more wounded. One of the most brutal clashes in history, the battle raged between the forces of Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia for five months from August 1942 to February 1943. A key turning point of World War Two, Stalingrad played host to some the fiercest urban warfare ever seen
Eisenhower's Wars
Dwight D. Eisenhower was born in 1890, before the Wright Brothers had completed man's first flight, and died just weeks short of man's first steps on the moon. With involvement in multiple wars, from soldier to president - how did 'Ike' as he was known become the giant of history that we know today?In this episode James is joined by award-winning Journalist, and White House press corps member Paul
Bay of Pigs
The Bahía de Cochinos, also known as the Bay of Pigs, is a place that lives in infamy for the CIA. On April 17 1961, 1,500 US-trained Cuban exiles launched an unprecedented military landing operation on their homeland there, but how did it go so disastrously wrong? With hundreds of men killed, and even more captured, why did President John F. Kennedy sign off on such a perilous plan - and who real
The Bermuda Triangle: The Secret History of Flight 19
Located off the coast of Florida, Puerto Rico, and its namesake Bermuda - the mysterious Bermuda Triangle is an urban myth that's risen in popularity over the decades. But how come so many planes and boats disappear in this region - and what makes Flight 19 so special? In December 1945, at the end of the Second World War, 5 bombers took off from Fort Lauderdale in a routine navigational training e
WW2 US Marines: Devil Dogs
Founded in 1775, the United States Marines Corps (colloquially known as the US Marines) have a long standing history, and a reputation that precedes them. An elite group made up of personnel from across the United States, they played a vital role in the Pacific during the Second World War, and were tasked with taking on the Imperial Japanese army. But how did a group of Marines earn the nickname '
Spitfires of the Sea
After the fall of France during the Second World War, Britain became an isolated nation - dependent on the strength of it's coastal forces to keep the Axis powers at bay. The task to protect the small island nation fell on 2000 small, wooden boats to fight back against the enemy no matter the weather. But how successful were these forces, and why did they earn the nickname the 'Spitfires of the Se
J. Edgar Hoover & The FBI
Known today as one of the most powerful law enforcement agencies in the world - the Federal Bureau of Investigation, more colloquially known as the FBI, didn't always have such a great reputation. Once riddled with scandal and unseemly behaviour, how did the FBI turn into the well oiled machine it is today? And just who was responsible for this change?In today's episode, James joined Professor Bev
The Cult of Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln is a name that's been immortalised throughout history - the 16th President who led the country through the infamous American Civil War, and ultimately abolished slavery. But who is the man behind the myth, and why is he so revered even to this day?In this episode, James is joined by Professor Adam Smith to look at this giant of history. Looking at Lincoln's early life as a sel
Top 5 Military Commanders
Napoleon, Alexander the Great, and Boudicca. These are the names that normally top the list when it comes to the greatest military leaders in history, but today’s guest is taking a slightly different approach. Professor of War Studies at University of Warwick, Anthony King, is drawing on his experience with some of the most senior military leaders to rank his top five divisional commanders ba
Life in Hitler's Germany
A warning that this episode contains descriptions of genocide and terms for groups which were classified that way at the time.Personal accounts of the Second World War are far and wide, and an invaluable tool for learning about one of the most devastating conflicts in history - but what can we learn from collective histories, specifically that of a small Bavarian Village? In this episode of Warfar
The World's Biggest Nuclear Bomb
In the early hours of 30 October 1961, a bomber took off from an airstrip in northern Russia and began its flight through cloudy skies over the frigid Russian Arctic. Hanging below this Soviet plane was a nuclear bomb the size of a small school bus. It was the largest and most powerful bomb ever to be created, and it was about to be tested. The Tsar Bomba’s gigantic detonation was intend
The CIA: Secret Drone Wars
Like most aspects of the organisation, the CIA drone programme is shrouded in secrecy. With covert bases located across the globe, all armed with high tech sensors and precision missiles, it begs the questions, is anywhere safe in this new modern age? But how did the CIA drone programme begin, and how did it evolve into the covert operation it is today?In the final episode of our CIA miniseries, J
The Real SAS Rogue Heroes
The Special Air Service, more colloquially known as the SAS, was the creation of Officer David Stirling during the Second World War. Located in the deserts of Northern Africa, they were given instructions by Churchill himself to wage 'total war' against the Axis powers. Recently, this group of mavericks have been depicted in the TV series SAS Rogue Heroes - but how can we separate fact from fictio
CIA & the Nazis
The Cold War saw an era of heightened tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union - double agents, clashing political ideologies, and advancements in nuclear war; it was a tense time on the geopolitical stage. But how did all of these factors ultimately lead to the CIA knowingly recruiting former Nazi's into their ranks?In the third episode of our CIA series, James is joined by Profess
World Wars & World Cups
An accusation that has dogged the Qatar World Cup throughout the tournament is that of ‘sportswashing’. You’ve probably seen it in an article, or heard it in a news report. But what does ‘sportwashing’ actually mean, and where did it come from? While the term itself wasn't coined until 2015, the idea of despotic rulers and authoritarian regimes using large-scale sporting events to help cleanse the
The Spies Who Built the CIA
The CIA is one of the most well-known and powerful government organisations across the globe. But who's responsible for its creation, and why have they been overlooked by the history books?In the wake of the Second World War, four agents played key roles in the organisations formation - dubbed the 'Wise Gals' by their colleagues, Adelaide Hawkins, Mary Hutchison, Eloise Page, and Elizabeth Sudmeie
1st Parachute Regiment of WW2 with Mark Urban
2022 marks 80 years since the Red Devils first remarkable campaign in North Africa. In Britain, they were known as the parachute regiment, but after their daring feats in the Second World War the name Red Devils quickly stuck.In this episode, James is joined by BBC journalist and former British Army officer Mark Urban, to learn more about the eccentric group of individuals who, quite literall
Origins of the CIA
2022 marks the 75th anniversary of the Central Intelligence Agency, more colloquially known as the CIA. While viewed today as one of the most advanced and powerful intelligence agencies in the world, the United States didn't always sit at the top of this list. Long before the CIA had been created, Great Britain, China, and even the Soviet Union had long standing intelligence agencies, aiding in ma
