Empire: World History
Goalhanger
The rise and fall of empires and the events that shaped world history.
William Dalrymple and Anita Anand explore the intricate stories of revolutions, imperial wars, and the people who built and lost empires.
From the British Empire to the Ottomans to Ancient India, history is shaped by power struggles and territorial conquests. How does it continue to affect the world today?
Empire Club: Become a member of the Empire Club to receive early access to miniseries, ad-free listening, early access to live show tickets, bonus episodes, book discounts, our exclusive newsletter, and access to our members’ chatroom on Discord! Head to empirepoduk.com to sign up.
For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.
William Dalrymple and Anita Anand explore the intricate stories of revolutions, imperial wars, and the people who built and lost empires.
From the British Empire to the Ottomans to Ancient India, history is shaped by power struggles and territorial conquests. How does it continue to affect the world today?
Empire Club: Become a member of the Empire Club to receive early access to miniseries, ad-free listening, early access to live show tickets, bonus episodes, book discounts, our exclusive newsletter, and access to our members’ chatroom on Discord! Head to empirepoduk.com to sign up.
For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books
85 snips
Aug 7, 2024 • 54min
175. The CIA vs Fidel Castro
In a riveting discussion, historian Alex von Tunzelmann, author of 'Red Heat', takes us through the tumultuous U.S.-Cuba relationship during Fidel Castro's rise to power. He explores how Castro transformed from a non-communist leader to a critical player in Cold War tensions. The failed Bay of Pigs invasion and its catastrophic aftermath are highlighted, along with the absurd assassination plots orchestrated by the CIA. Finally, the podcast delves into the high-stakes drama of the Cuban Missile Crisis, revealing how close the world came to nuclear catastrophe.
86 snips
Aug 5, 2024 • 57min
174. The Cuban Revolution
In this engaging discussion, historian Alex Von Tunzelmann, author of Red Heat, demystifies the Cuban Revolution. He explores how Cuba transformed from a vibrant American party island to a revolutionary stronghold under Fidel Castro and Che Guevara. The conversation reveals the complexities of U.S. intervention, the political turmoil leading to Castro's rise, and significant events like the Moncada barracks attack that solidified his legendary status. Insightful literary influences during imprisonment and the spark of revolution deepen the narrative.
65 snips
Jul 31, 2024 • 51min
173. The Korean War: Dividing the Peninsula
In this discussion, Paul Thomas Chamberlin, an Associate Professor of History at Columbia University, dives into the brutal legacy of the Korean War, which resulted in around 3 million casualties. He highlights the profound impact of the conflict on the division of the Korean Peninsula and the rise of Kim Il Sung. Chamberlin also examines General MacArthur's complex legacy and the harrowing realities of urban warfare, including the use of white phosphorus. The conversation culminates in insights about the war's ongoing geopolitical implications.
68 snips
Jul 29, 2024 • 47min
172. The Birth of North Korea
Paul Thomas Chamberlin, an Associate Professor of History at Columbia University and author of "The Cold War's Killing Fields," dives into the tumultuous history of the Korean Peninsula. He discusses Korea's transformation from a unified nation during Japanese occupation to its division post-World War II. The rivalry between figures like Syngman Rhee and Kim Il-sung is explored, highlighting how their contrasting ideologies shaped North and South Korea. Chamberlin also examines the Cold War's influence on Korean nationalism, revealing the complexities that led to ongoing tensions.
13 snips
Jul 24, 2024 • 44min
171. The Bengal Famine: Chaos in Calcutta
Join journalist and podcaster Kavita Puri as she uncovers the harrowing realities of the 1943 Bengal Famine, often labeled “Churchill’s Famine.” Puri delves into personal testimonies that reveal the trauma and resilience of survivors. She explores how the famine fueled India’s independence movement, driven by public outrage against British colonial rule. The complexities of aid and government indifference, particularly from figures like Churchill, are laid bare, shedding light on the moral responsibilities of authority during a humanitarian crisis.
17 snips
Jul 22, 2024 • 44min
170. The Bengal Famine: A Disaster on the Horizon
Kavita Puri, a talented journalist and podcaster, joins the discussion to shed light on the tragic Bengal Famine of 1943. The conversation dives into the devastating impact of the British denial policy amid WWII, highlighting the starvation that pushed countless Bengalis to flee their homes. They also tackle Churchill's controversial decisions, revealing how political neglect exacerbated the crisis. Emotional stories from survivors illustrate the human cost of this forgotten tragedy and the importance of acknowledging such painful memories in our history.
38 snips
Jul 17, 2024 • 42min
169. Freedom Fighters Betrayed: Colonising the Philippines
Join historian Daniel Immerwahr, author of "How to Hide an Empire," as he dives into the brutal colonization of the Philippines following the Spanish-American War. Immerwahr discusses the chilling orders of General Jacob Smith and the horrific consequences for the Filipino population. He also examines the racial theories that justified imperial ambitions and the complexities of Americanization. The struggle for independence led by Emilio Aguinaldo against American imperialism reveals the stark realities of colonialism and its lasting impacts.
46 snips
Jul 15, 2024 • 50min
168. Teddy Roosevelt Takes on the Old World
Joining the discussion is Daniel Immerwahr, a Northwestern University history professor and author of "How to Hide an Empire." He dives into Teddy Roosevelt's controversial initiation of the Spanish-American War during an osteopathic break. The talk explores Cuba's crucial economic role and the moral dilemmas of American imperialism. They highlight Roosevelt's dynamic persona and the jingoism that fueled war fever, alongside reflections on the lasting impacts of this conflict on U.S. identity and colonial ambitions.
45 snips
Jul 10, 2024 • 47min
167. Paradise Lost: The Taking of Hawaii
Explore the turbulent history of Hawaii's annexation by the U.S., driven by colonial greed and the American planter class. Delve into Queen Liliʻuokalani's courageous battle against foreign encroachment and her efforts to reclaim sovereignty. Discover the profound cultural shifts and the tragic impacts of introduced diseases on the native populace. Learn about the pivotal moments leading up to the 1893 coup that dismantled Hawaii's monarchy and the lasting legacy of its last queen in the face of imperialism.
32 snips
Jul 8, 2024 • 40min
166. How To Hide An Empire
Daniel Immerwahr, a history professor at Northwestern University and author of How to Hide an Empire, reveals the surprising role of guano, or bird poop, in shaping America's imperial ambitions. He discusses how the late 19th-century expansion marked a turning point, highlighting America's complex relationship with its territories and the armed struggles for inclusion by marginalized groups. Immerwahr also delves into the overlooked history of Native Americans and the impact of racial narratives in shaping national identity.
