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
36 snips
Jul 18, 2023 • 55min
66. Wilberforce and the Fight for Freedom
Joining the discussion is Michael Taylor, a historian and author of "The Interest," shedding light on Britain's complex journey towards abolishing the slave trade. He delves into the remarkable partnership between William Wilberforce and Thomas Clarkson. The conversation touches on pivotal events like the Zong massacre and the moral tensions of the times. Taylor also explores the nuanced distinction between abolishing the trade versus slavery itself, revealing the enduring challenges faced after the 1807 legislation. A thought-provoking look at a pivotal moment in history!
36 snips
Jul 13, 2023 • 52min
65. When the Enslaved Took on Napoleon
Explore the astonishing rise of Toussaint L’Ouverture, the leader of Haiti's slave army, as he stands against Napoleon's ambitions. The podcast dives into the tumultuous politics of the Caribbean during the French Revolution and the intense clash of ideals between Louverture and Napoleon. Hear about the legacy of slavery, the intricacies of leadership, and the tragic betrayal Louverture faced. Uncover the resilience of the Haitian revolutionaries in their fight for freedom and the often-overlooked impacts of this historic struggle.
43 snips
Jul 11, 2023 • 48min
64. The Black Spartacus
Dive into the gripping tale of Toussaint Louverture, known as the Black Spartacus, whose leadership sparked the Haitian Revolution. Discover the challenges of uniting diverse factions in the face of oppression and the impact of the French Revolution's ideals on Saint-Domingue. Explore the historical dynamics of a colony steeped in exploitation, and learn about childhood dreams that shaped the hosts’ perspectives. With anecdotes and reflections, this discussion weaves together personal histories and the fight for liberty.
33 snips
Jul 6, 2023 • 45min
63. Creating Sierra Leone: The Land of the Free
Maya Jasanoff, a historian focused on the British Empire and the transatlantic slave trade, dives into the tumultuous history of Sierra Leone. She shares the poignant story of Thomas Peters, a former slave turned loyalist, as he navigates the challenges of building Freetown amid harsh realities. Listeners learn about the migrants' perilous journey to Africa and the cultural significance of local leadership and indigenous beliefs. Jasanoff also discusses the impact of geopolitical tensions and the struggle for independence among freed slaves, revealing a complex narrative of hope and hardship.
34 snips
Jul 4, 2023 • 49min
62. When Slaves Fought for the British Empire
Maya Jasanoff, a Harvard history professor and author, joins the discussion to explore the role of enslaved individuals during the American War of Independence. She delves into their motivations, revealing many fought for the British in hopes of freedom. The conversation uncovers the harsh realities faced by black Loyalists post-war, emphasizing the broken promises of a new life in places like Canada. Maya also highlights the complex links between colonialism, slavery, and the fight for liberty, making the historical narrative both poignant and revealing.
40 snips
Jun 29, 2023 • 49min
61. The Black Abolitionist
Dive into the extraordinary life of Olaudah Equiano, a former slave turned abolitionist and entrepreneur. The podcast highlights his journey through the brutal realities of slavery, unexpected friendships, and the constant threat of re-enslavement. Explore the complexities of freedom, societal expectations, and moral contradictions that shaped his advocacy. Equiano's autobiography emerges as a powerful tool for the abolition movement, offering themes of hope and resilience that resonate through history.
39 snips
Jun 27, 2023 • 37min
60. Britain's Most Famous Slave
Discover the remarkable journey of Olaudah Equiano, a key figure in the abolitionist movement. From his idyllic childhood in Nigeria to the harrowing realities of the slave trade, his narrative offers deep insights into the emotional toll of enslavement. Uncover the brutal conditions aboard slave ships and the heartbreaking family separations he witnessed. Explore themes of identity, betrayal, and resilience, showcasing how hope and friendship can flourish even in the darkest times. Equiano's story challenges perceptions of freedom and humanity.
48 snips
Jun 21, 2023 • 52min
59. Francis Barber: Abolition, the Navy, and the Enlightenment
Join Peter Moore, an author renowned for his insights on history and human rights, as he delves into the extraordinary life of Francis Barber, Samuel Johnson's servant-turned-son figure. They explore Barber's transition from a life of servitude to freedom, illustrating the complexities of 18th-century relationships and abolition. The conversation also highlights Johnson's mentorship, Barber's courageous enlistment in the Navy, and the moral contradictions of their time, shedding light on the deep ties between friendship, freedom, and societal challenges.
45 snips
Jun 20, 2023 • 46min
58. Dr Johnson's Black Heir
Join historian Peter Moore, an expert in 18th-century Britain, as he sheds light on the intriguing life of Francis Barber, Samuel Johnson's black servant and heir. The conversation dives into Barber's extraordinary journey from a Jamaican plantation slave to an educated member of the Church of England. Discover the complex relationship between Barber and Johnson, the impact of colonialism, and how racial attitudes shaped their lives in 18th-century Britain. It's a captivating exploration of identity, freedom, and the overlooked figures of history!
102 snips
Jun 15, 2023 • 45min
57. Tacky's Revolt: An Atlantic Slave War
Vincent Brown, a Harvard professor and co-founder of Timestamp Media, dives into the gripping history of Tacky's Revolt, a pivotal uprising in Jamaica. He discusses Tacky’s crucial role as a leader and the social dynamics among enslaved people on sugar plantations. The conversation also explores Britain's reaction to the revolt and its impact on the abolitionist movement. Brown emphasizes the importance of remembering figures like Tacky and advocates for integrating the history of slavery into educational curricula to foster a deeper understanding of colonial legacies.
