Economics Matters with Laurence Kotlikoff The Devils Will Get No Rest -- James Conroy Talks About His New Book on the Roosevelt-Churchill Casablanca Conference that Produced the Short- and Long-Term Blueprints for Allied Victory Over Hitler.
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Professor Kotlikoff talks with James Conroy, a distinguished author and historian with a diverse career background that gives him a unique voice in historical accuracy. He has served in the US Naval Air Reserve, excelled as a lawyer, and transitioned into writing award-winning history books. His latest work, "The Devils Will Get No Rest: FDR, Churchill, and the Plan That Won the War," delves into the pivotal Casablanca Conference and its significance in World War II. Conroy's meticulous research and engaging narrative bring to life the historical figures and the strategic decisions that shaped the outcome of the war.
Topics Covered:
- The North African Campaign: Montgomery's Command and Patton's Role
- The Casablanca Conference: Strategic Discussions and Personalities
- Challenges of Historical Research: Primary Sources and Writing Process
- Historical Parallels: WWII to Contemporary Geopolitical Conflicts
Timestamps:
- 00:00 Jim's written works, and notable books.
- 08:27 Transitioning careers from law to writing history.
- 13:29 The research, organization, and work of writing about historical events.
- 19:08 The American's and British plan of invading Africa.
- 22:49 The Allies' strategy to weaken German forces summarized.
- 30:00 FDR was open-minded and strategic in WWII.
- 37:19 The Casablanca conference's pivotal role in shifting history
- 39:18 Inquiry about North Africa campaign details.
- 44:41 Post-invasion rivalry between Montgomery and Patton.
- 54:03 The British deception operation in WWII to mislead Germans.
- 01:00:31 Emphasizing historical context and comparisons to current events.
- 01:01:46 Isolationism vs. intervention: the defining issue today.
In this episode, you will gain valuable insights into the complex and often under-appreciated dynamics of the Allied efforts in North Africa, learn about the intricate relationships and strategies discussed during the Casablanca Conference, and hear about the painstaking research that goes into writing a character-driven historical narrative. Jim Conroy offers a granular view of the personalities involved and the crucial decisions made, drawing parallels to contemporary issues in leadership and international politics.
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Laurence Kotlikoff is a Boston University Economist, a NY Times Best Selling Author, President of maxifi.com, and Author of Money Magic.
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