Warfare
History Hit
From Napoleonic battles to Cold War confrontations, the Normandy landings to 9/11, this podcast opens up fascinating new perspectives on how wars have shaped and changed our modern world. Each week, twice a week, war historian, writer, and broadcaster, James Rogers, teams up with fellow historians, veterans, and experts to reveal astonishing new histories of inspirational leadership, breakthrough technologies, and era defining battles. Together they highlight the stark realities and consequences of global warfare. Join us on the front line of military history.Follow on Twitter @HistoryHitWW2.Vote for Warfare in the Listeners Choice Category at the British Podcast Awards 2023!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 2, 2020 • 28min
War, Pandemics & Elections
Niall Ferguson, a renowned historian and Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, dives into the intricate relationship between U.S. election history and global crises. He highlights how past pandemics, like the Spanish flu, have shaped political outcomes. Ferguson discusses the potential for current events to echo history, suggesting that this year’s election could lead to renewed international conflicts. He also explores how wars have historically spurred vaccine advancements, drawing crucial lessons from past crises to navigate today's challenges.
Oct 30, 2020 • 30min
The Forgotten D-Day: Operation Dragoon
On 15 August 1944, the Allies landed in Southern France. The operation was a success, nearly cutting off an entire German Army group, which perhaps explains why it doesn't hold the same position in our history as the invasions of Normandy and Italy. But Operation Dragoon was the main French effort in liberating their homeland and, interestingly, because France had been occupied by 1942 and there were one and a half million French Prisoners of War in German camps, their armed forces were largely compiled of French Colonial troops. Cameron Zinsou joined James to discuss this feat of planning, a forgotten campain for the liberation of Europe.
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Oct 28, 2020 • 34min
The Secret History of Nuclear War
Fred Kaplan, a New York Times bestselling author and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, discusses the enigmas of nuclear strategy. He explores why nuclear weapons haven't been used since 1945 and reveals insights from declassified archives on U.S. presidential decisions regarding nuclear crisis management. Kaplan sheds light on the delicate art of deterrence during the Cold War and the moral quandaries faced by leaders. Notably, he examines Kennedy's shift from military force to nuclear diplomacy during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Oct 26, 2020 • 17min
The Battle of Belleau Wood
Pride of place in the lore of the U.S. Marine Corps goes to the Battle of Belleau Wood, fought in 1918 between the Germans and the Americans during the German Spring Offensive. In this episode, Dan speaks to Professor Michael Neiberg about the battle during which it was famously exclaimed 'Retreat? Hell we just got here!'
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Oct 23, 2020 • 26min
Operation Barbarossa
In June 1941, Hitler launched Operation Barbarossa. The campaign on the Eastern Front which was now opened up involved more forces than any other theatre of war in history. In this episode, History Hit's Charlie Mills speaks to Dr. Mario Draper at the University of Kent about why Germany decided to invade the Soviet Union and how the invasion impacted on Germany’s eventual defeat.
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Oct 21, 2020 • 39min
JFK in WW2
In this conversation, Deirdre Henderson, a former Research Assistant to JFK, reveals fascinating insights into the President's mindset on defense and foreign policy. She shares anecdotes from her time with JFK during WWII, highlighting his strong admiration for Winston Churchill. The discussion covers JFK's strategic approach to politics, his leadership style influenced by combat experiences, and reflections from his post-war diary. Deirdre emphasizes the lasting impact of these experiences on JFK's presidency and crisis management.
Oct 20, 2020 • 37min
The Battle of the Somme: The Pals
The Battle of the Somme, fought between July and November 1916, is perhaps one of the most famous battles in British history. For this episode, Professor Peter Doyle, a geologist and military historian of twentieth-century conflict, spoke to Dan about the Pals battalions which fought in this deadly battle. These were battalions of the British Army comprised of men who had enlisted together in local recruiting drives. Peter details how the Pals came to the army and from where, how they were trained, how they fought and how their connections to one another made them different from other battalions.
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Oct 16, 2020 • 29min
Bombing of Dresden: A Veteran's Account
Ken Oatley served as a navigator with 106 Sqdn, RAF. He was one of the last men to hear Guy Gibson alive and he took part in numerous raids, including the bombing of Dresden. Ken spoke to Dan about what the raids were like, and what he feels about having taken part in the bombing which resulted in a firestorm. He also talks about his other wartime experiences.
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Oct 14, 2020 • 25min
Putting the 'World' Back into World War Two
In this engaging discussion, historian Thomas Bottelier explores the overlooked global facets of World War II. He emphasizes the importance of examining the conflict beyond Europe, highlighting events in Asia and Africa that shaped the war. Bottelier challenges the traditional narrative by incorporating the roles of Japan and Italy, and he redefines the war's aftermath, suggesting its consequences lingered well into the 1950s. He advocates for a broader understanding of military history, celebrating contributions from diverse nationalities and stressing the significance of maritime trade.
Oct 13, 2020 • 17min
America's Entry into the World Wars
Dr. Mitch Goodrum, an expert on America's wartime history, joins Rob Weinberg, a knowledgeable commentator, to delve into America's reluctant entry into the World Wars. They discuss President Wilson’s initial stance of neutrality and the factors that led to this hesitance. The conversation pivots to pivotal moments, including the shocking attack on Pearl Harbor, which transformed American involvement. They further explore how Hollywood shaped public perception of these conflicts and the significant role America played in supporting Allies during WWII.
