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
50 snips
Aug 31, 2023 • 52min
76. The Empress & The General
In this engaging discussion, historian Simon Sebag Montefiore shares insights on Catherine the Great and her lover Grigory Potemkin, detailing their powerful partnership during a tumultuous era. The conversation dives into their ambitious territorial expansions, including the annexation of Crimea and building of Kherson. Montefiore connects their legacy to contemporary politics, exploring how Potemkin's influence echoes in today's geopolitical landscape. Listeners will also discover the complex dynamics of love and power that defined imperial Russia.
47 snips
Aug 29, 2023 • 51min
75. Catherine the Great: The Golden Age
In this engaging discussion, historian Simon Sebag Montefiore delves into the remarkable life of Catherine the Great, a German princess who defied the odds to become Empress of Russia. Montefiore explores her complex ascent to power through a loveless marriage and strategic love affairs, and the dramatic circumstances of her husband's demise. He highlights her cultural contributions, including Enlightenment influences, and her attempts at legal reforms amid the harsh realities of serfdom, showcasing her legacy as a formidable female leader in a male-dominated world.
31 snips
Aug 24, 2023 • 1h 1min
74. Peter the Great: The First Emperor
In this captivating conversation, historian Simon Sebag Montefiore delves into the extraordinary life of Peter the Great, who towered at 6'8 and dramatically reshaped Russia. Discover how his chaotic rise to power was marred by extravagant debauchery, including dwarf-throwing and wheelbarrow races. Montefiore also explores Peter’s ambitious military campaigns and his monumental project of founding Saint Petersburg. With a complex legacy filled with triumph and tragedy, Peter's reign laid the groundwork for modern Russia.
44 snips
Aug 22, 2023 • 53min
73. Ivan the Terrible and the Founding of Russia
In this engaging discussion, historian Simon Sebag Montefiore dives into the tumultuous reign of Ivan the Terrible, a ruler infamous for his brutal tactics. He explores Ivan's complex early years and the chaos that marked his transition from promising ruler to tyrant. Montefiore highlights the impact of Mongol rule and how Ivan the Great's legacy laid the groundwork for the future of Russia. The conversation also touches on the significant cultural shifts introduced through political alliances, reshaping the very landscape of Muscovy.
21 snips
Aug 15, 2023 • 37min
72. The Russian Empire and the Great Game
Dive into the intricate saga of the Russian Empire, from tsars to revolutionaries. Discover how historical figures like Catherine the Great shaped geopolitics amid the Great Game. Explore riveting tales of espionage and rivalry, including the unexpected Russian defeat by Japan. Delve into generational perceptions of the Cold War, revealing personal memories entwined with history. Plus, gain insights into Central Asia's narrative, highlighting the challenges of documenting Afghan history. Expect a captivating blend of humor and critical analysis!
26 snips
Aug 10, 2023 • 37min
71. Nazis, reparations, and laws 'just for the English to see'
The discussion kicks off with a deep dive into the role of Arab slave traders in Zanzibar's history. The hosts unveil the notorious legacy of Tipu Tip, East Africa's largest slaver. They grapple with the complex issues of reparations for historical injustices and the enduring impacts of the Portuguese slave trade. Delving into the Nazi regime, they dissect the paradoxes of forced labor and accountability. Lastly, they reflect on the intricacies of historical fiction and its role in representing marginalized voices while confronting the ongoing legacy of slavery.
32 snips
Aug 8, 2023 • 41min
70. The Haitian Revolution, Dutch royals, and what happened to the Caribs?
Discover the tragic fate of the Caribs, the indigenous people of the Caribbean, amidst colonial violence and the sugar trade. Delve into the complex history of slavery and indentured labor, revealing the continued exploitation that followed abolition. Learn about the Dutch monarchy's current stance on slavery and explore Native American experiences with enslavement, highlighting varied tribal responses. This intriguing discussion connects past and present, offering insights into the enduring legacies of colonialism and racial perceptions.
30 snips
Aug 1, 2023 • 57min
69. A Reckoning with Slavery
In a thought-provoking discussion, Alex Renton, author of 'Blood Legacy' and descendant of slaveholders, unearths his family's unsettling ties to the transatlantic slave trade. He shares the emotional turmoil of discovering ancestral letters revealing brutal truths about slavery. Renton emphasizes that the impacts of this history are not just ancient relics, but ongoing realities affecting racial justice today. The conversation also touches on the complex legacy of Enlightenment figures and the urgent need for reconciliation and reparations in contemporary society.
33 snips
Jul 25, 2023 • 48min
68. The Long Death of Slavery
Kris Manjapra, a Tufts University history professor and author of "Black Ghost of Empire," joins the discussion to delve into the complexities of emancipation. He highlights the messy, protracted nature of freedom and the emotional journeys faced by figures like James Mars. The conversation tackles Britain's long-overdue reparations debate and the unique legacy of black abolitionists. From systemic oppression post-Civil War to the need for reparations today, this insightful dialogue confronts historical injustices and their lingering effects on modern society.
30 snips
Jul 20, 2023 • 51min
67. Slavery's Demise
Michael Taylor, a historian and author of "The Interest," dives into the fierce battle for the complete abolition of slavery in the British Empire. He details Thomas Fowell Buxton's leadership against the robust West India Interest and the intricate political maneuverings of the time. The discussion highlights grassroots efforts led by Elizabeth Heyrick and the challenges faced by abolitionists in a climate rife with pro-slavery sentiments, including violent backlash against missionaries. Discover the turning tides in the 1820s that reshaped the future of the abolitionist movement.
