WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk 149. Britain's War Machine
Jun 4, 2020
Historian and writer David Edgerton joins to discuss industry and innovation during WW2. Topics include debunking British declineism, Churchill's science culture, and redefining British military superiority. The conversation explores wartime economies, British imperial allies, and challenges misconceptions about British war efforts.
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Challenging the Declinist View
- David Edgerton challenges the "declinist" view of Britain's wartime industry.
- He highlights Britain's industrial strength and innovation during World War II.
Fascist Funding of Aviation
- The Schneider Trophy, a prestigious air race, was funded by fascist sympathizers like Lady Houston.
- This reveals a connection between the British far-right and aviation.
Declinist View of British Elite
- The "declinist" view wrongly portrays the British elite as incompetent and uninterested in technology.
- This view also incorrectly assumes that Germany's nationally focused war economy was superior.