The Rest Is History
Goalhanger
Take a deep dive into History’s biggest moments with Tom Holland & Dominic Sandbrook.
Explore the stories of History’s most brutal rulers, deadly battles, and world-changing events. From the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, the Nazi conquest of Europe, and Hitler’s evil master plan for world domination, to the French Revolution, the sinking of the Titanic, or the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, Tom and Dominic bring the past to life with gripping storytelling and expert analysis, as they unpack the high-drama moments that shaped our world.
Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to every series and live show tickets, a members-only newsletter, discounted books from the show, and access to our private Discord chatroom. Sign up directly at therestishistory.com.
For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.
Explore the stories of History’s most brutal rulers, deadly battles, and world-changing events. From the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, the Nazi conquest of Europe, and Hitler’s evil master plan for world domination, to the French Revolution, the sinking of the Titanic, or the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, Tom and Dominic bring the past to life with gripping storytelling and expert analysis, as they unpack the high-drama moments that shaped our world.
Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to every series and live show tickets, a members-only newsletter, discounted books from the show, and access to our private Discord chatroom. Sign up directly at therestishistory.com.
For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books
585 snips
Jul 28, 2024 • 56min
475. The French Revolution: Marie Antoinette (Part 1)
Delve into the life of Marie Antoinette, a figure caught between luxury and scandal. Discover how gossip and rumors shaped her image as both a lavish queen and a victim of the revolution. Explore her tumultuous marriage to Louis XVI, marked by their contrasting personalities and public speculation. Examine the social pressures faced by a foreign queen, all while navigating the intrigues of Versailles. Was she truly the infamous symbol of excess, or a misunderstood player in a historical frenzy? The complexities of her life unravel against the backdrop of a nation in turmoil.
165 snips
Jul 25, 2024 • 1h 8min
474. The Road to The Great War: The Lights Go Out (Part 6)
In the emotional lead-up to World War I, anxiety grips Britain as decision-makers grapple with national honor and obligations to France. The tension escalates amidst late-night Cabinet meetings and the Kaiser's internal struggles. Vivid anecdotes reveal public sentiment, from the joyous cricket match at The Oval to the sobering realities of impending conflict. Edward Grey's evocative words capture the darkness looming over Europe, while Belgium's plight compels Britain to confront its diplomatic responsibilities, culminating in a fateful declaration of war.
197 snips
Jul 24, 2024 • 55min
473. The Road to The Great War: The Tsar Chooses War (Part 5)
Tensions soar as Europe edges closer to war after Austria's ultimatum. The intimate telegrams between the Kaiser and the Tsar reveal personal conflicts amidst looming geopolitical chaos. Diplomats scramble while Sir Edward Grey's peace efforts seem futile. Historical connections at the Achilleon palace intrigue as they highlight deeper alliances. Meanwhile, Belgium's neutrality hangs in the balance, influencing the decisions of powerful leaders. Explore the emotional weight of those in charge as they navigate betrayal and impending conflict.
162 snips
Jul 21, 2024 • 54min
472. The Road to The Great War: Britain's Fateful Choice (Part 4)
In July 1914, the British Cabinet faced a crucial moment as they reacted to Austria's ultimatum to Serbia. Discover how Britain's shift from splendid isolation to strategic alliances shaped pre-WWI tensions. Explore the rise of anti-German sentiment and the impact of the naval arms race. The eccentricities of Sir Edward Grey emerge, alongside the contrast of leisure pursuits with the impending war. Dive into the tangled web of diplomacy and the personalities that navigated this perilous path, highlighting the unsettling yet fascinating historical backdrop.
185 snips
Jul 18, 2024 • 53min
471. The Road to The Great War: The Austrian Ultimatum (Part 3)
Tensions escalate as key European leaders gather amidst the looming threat of war. Explore the surge in Franco-Russian ties and the historical grievances that fuel animosities. A disastrous dining experience signals growing unease among diplomats, while the Austrian ultimatum to Serbia marks a critical turning point. Delve into the complexities of national pride and the characters influencing pivotal decisions. As mobilization looms, the intricate dance of diplomacy reveals the fragility of peace in a world on the brink of conflict.
155 snips
Jul 17, 2024 • 45min
470. The Road to The Great War: The Kaiser’s Blank Cheque (Part 2)
The podcast dives deep into the pivotal aftermath of Archduke Franz Ferdinand's assassination, where tension escalates in July 1914. It reveals how Kaiser Wilhelm II's Blank Cheque to Austria changed the trajectory of history. Listeners learn about Germany's tangled alliances, miscalculations, and the deadly interplay of politics and military logistics. The hosts also explore the mindset of leaders under pressure and how agricultural cycles impacted troop movements. It's a gripping exploration of how decisions forged a path to world conflict.
232 snips
Jul 14, 2024 • 49min
469. The Road to The Great War: Countdown to Armageddon (Part 1)
As the world stands on the brink of chaos in July 1914, the podcast dives into the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and its fallout. It explores the complex web of alliances and political tensions that led to a catastrophic war. Insightful discussions reveal Kaiser Wilhelm II's quirky diplomacy and the military dynamics between Austria and Germany. Amidst humor, the hosts highlight the delicate balance of hope and fear among nations, painting a vivid picture of a world on the edge of disaster.
113 snips
Jul 10, 2024 • 1h 1min
468. The Murder of Franz Ferdinand: The Crime (Part 4)
Explore the fateful day of June 28, 1914, as Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie, navigate a tense atmosphere in Sarajevo. Experience the chaotic events surrounding his first assassination attempt and the series of poor decisions that led to his demise. Delve into the conspiracy of six assassins, including Gavrilo Princip, as historical irony unfolds with their ultimate success. Uncover the profound consequences of this pivotal moment, which set the stage for World War I and altered the course of history forever.
145 snips
Jul 7, 2024 • 58min
467. The Murder of Franz Ferdinand: The Victim (Part 3)
Discover the fascinating life of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, a man caught between royal duty and personal turmoil. From his unconventional marriage to Sophie, faced with societal scorn, to their ill-fated trip to Sarajevo, the podcast reveals a poignant mix of love and political strife. The hosts delve into the nationalist tensions of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the tragic irony of his assassination, exploring how these events helped shape European history. It's a gripping tale of ambition, revolution, and a couple's poignant journey.
136 snips
Jul 3, 2024 • 55min
466. The Murder of Franz Ferdinand: The Conspiracy (Part 2)
Dive into the tense milieu of early 20th century Serbia, where nationalist fervor fuels a secretive conspiracy. Gavrilo Princip emerges from a clandestine group, the Black Hand, determined to change the course of history. The layers of espionage and shifting alliances paint a complex portrait of the pre-WWI Balkans. Discover the dramatic last-minute preparations leading to the fateful assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and how this chaotic event set the world on a collision course towards war.
