Witness History
BBC World Service
Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by and curious about the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more. Recent episodes explore everything from how the Excel spreadsheet was developed, the creation of cartoon rabbit Miffy and how the sound barrier was broken.We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: the moment Reagan and Gorbachev met in Geneva, Haitian singer Emerante de Pradines’ life and Omar Sharif’s legendary movie entrance in Lawrence of Arabia.You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, like the invention of a stent which has saved lives around the world; the birth of the G7; and the meeting of Maldives’ ministers underwater. We cover everything from World War Two and Cold War stories to Black History Month and our journeys into space.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 17, 2024 • 9min
Surviving Andes plane crash
Nando Parrado, one of the 16 survivors of the Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 crash in 1972, shares his chilling story of survival in the Andes. He recounts the harrowing days following the crash, the desperate choices the survivors faced, including cannibalism, and the spirit of resilience that propelled them to stay alive. Parrado discusses the emotional toll of the tragedy and how a chance encounter with a peasant ultimately led to their rescue, highlighting the extraordinary human capacity for hope amidst despair.
Dec 16, 2024 • 10min
Peshawar school massacre
Andaleeb Aftab, a courageous Chemistry teacher and survivor of the Peshawar school massacre, shares her harrowing story of resilience after losing her son in the attack. She recounts the terrifying experience of hiding from Taliban gunmen and the chaos that unfolded. Reflecting on her grief, Andaleeb discusses how she has transformed her trauma into inspiration for her students, encouraging them to face their fears while cherishing the memories of those lost. Her powerful reflections highlight the deep emotional scars left on families and communities by such violence.
Dec 13, 2024 • 9min
The birth of reggaeton
Discover the roots of reggaeton, tracing its origins back to 1980s Panama, where pioneers like Leonardo Renato Aulder fused dancehall influences with Spanish lyrics. Hear personal stories of struggle and triumph, showcasing how music became a unifying force in a diverse community. Delve into the rivalry over reggaeton's heritage between Panama and Puerto Rico, and celebrate the genre's explosive rise, which ultimately launched legends like Bad Bunny and Daddy Yankee onto the global stage.
Dec 12, 2024 • 9min
The handover of the Panama Canal
Alberto Aleman Zubieta, the former Administrator of the Panama Canal, takes listeners back to the historic handover from the U.S. to Panama in 1999. He vividly recounts the emotional atmosphere of the ceremony, showcasing the pride and hopes of a nation gaining sovereignty. Zubieta discusses the pivotal role of the canal in global shipping and reflects on the complexities surrounding the transfer amid Y2K fears. This moment symbolized not only a shift in control but also a friendship between the two nations.
Dec 11, 2024 • 10min
The Purple Heart Warriors
Clyde Kusatsu, an actor and the son of Matsuichi Kusatsu from the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, shares the compelling journey of Japanese American soldiers during WWII. He discusses the courage it took for these men to fight prejudice while serving their country, revealing how they transformed their internment trauma into valor on the battlefield. Clyde reflects on the 442nd's heroic rescue mission during the Battle of the Lost Battalion, and delves into the surreal, personal stories that highlight both sacrifice and legacy in the face of adversity.
Dec 9, 2024 • 10min
Castro's Cuban revolution attempt
Fidel Castro, the iconic leader of the 1953 Cuban revolution attempt, shares riveting insights about his early days as a guerrilla fighter. He recalls the audacious attack on military barracks during carnival, aiming to capitalize on soldiers' festivities but facing a brutal defeat. Castro’s reflections reveal the deep motivations rooted in social justice and artistic expression that fueled his fight for change. He discusses the creation of a powerful revolutionary anthem that rallied support and the mixed emotions of hope and uncertainty among his fellow revolutionaries.
Dec 6, 2024 • 9min
India’s 1998 nuclear tests
Nalini Malani, an Indian artist known for her work on social and political issues, reflects on India’s 1998 nuclear tests and their ramifications. She shares her memories of the national pride felt by some and the disapproval from others who viewed it as a betrayal of Gandhi's ideals. Malani discusses her impactful video installation that captured the horrors of nuclear conflict, revealing the personal trauma from the partition of India, and explores how these historical events shaped the artistic landscape in 1990s India.
Dec 5, 2024 • 10min
Julia Gillard speaks out on sexism
Julia Gillard, the first female Prime Minister of Australia, shares her groundbreaking perspective on sexism in politics. She recounts her emotional and powerful speech in 2012 that confronted deep-rooted misogyny faced by women leaders. Gillard reflects on the shifting political landscape, the mixed media reactions, and the ongoing challenges of female leadership. Her insights reveal the profound impact of her words, advocating for gender equality and empowering women in positions of power.
Dec 4, 2024 • 10min
The ‘Three Marias’
Maria Teresa Horta, a pioneering Portuguese feminist poet and activist, discusses her role in the 'Three Marias' who challenged oppression in 1970s Portugal. She delves into the controversy surrounding their groundbreaking book ‘Novas Cartas Portuguesas’, which sparked protests and censorship. Horta shares her personal struggles against the Estado Novo regime, highlighting how poetry became a powerful tool for defiance. The conversation also touches on the impact of the Carnation Revolution and the birth of the women’s liberation movement in Portugal.
Dec 3, 2024 • 10min
The discovery that led to Covid vaccines
Discover the remarkable journey of a Hungarian scientist who revolutionized medicine with her pioneering mRNA research. From humble beginnings, she faced skepticism and setbacks but remained determined to prove her theories. Collaborating with a fellow scientist, they unlocked the potential of mRNA technology, which became crucial for Covid vaccines. Her perseverance led to recognition as a Nobel Prize winner in 2023, celebrating her significant contributions to global health. Tune in for a story of resilience and groundbreaking science.
