Journey Through Time 32. From Lincoln to Obama: A History of the Special Relationship (Ep 1)
Sep 25, 2025
David Olusoga and Sarah Churchwell dive into the intricate history of the UK-US relationship, highlighting its complexities during the American Civil War. They explore Barack Obama's perspectives on trust versus fear in society. Discussions reveal surprising British ties to the Confederacy, driven by economic interests in cotton. The podcast unpacks how British capital significantly fueled American growth and how mixed sentiments about the Civil War led to Britain's cautious neutrality. Intriguing insights into diplomatic maneuvers add depth to this historical exploration.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Interviewing Obama At The O2
- David Olusoga describes interviewing Barack Obama live at the O2 with 14,000 attendees and compares it to a smaller Washington event.
- He reflects on the significance for his daughter and calls Obama a rare historic statesman with memorable oratory.
Two Competing Visions Of Society
- Obama framed two competing visions: one built on caste/tribalism and one on civic shared identity and trust.
- David and Sarah link that to modern political inflection points and the Civil War's breakdown of systems that manage differences.
Special Relationship Is Modern
- The 'special relationship' between Britain and the US is mainly a 20th-century idea rooted in post-WWII politics.
- In the 19th century, presidential visits and an assumed partnership were historically uncommon.
