Irena Sendler, a Polish war hero who bravely saved thousands of Jewish children during WWII, speaks about her harrowing experiences. Sally Quinn shares her firsthand accounts of the Shah's extravagant 1971 celebration, shedding light on the disconnect between luxury and rising dissent. Former Empress Farah Pahlavi and social scientist Rouhi Shafi reflect on their exiles from Iran following the Islamic Revolution, revealing personal stories of loss and resilience. Together, they highlight the courage of women in times of crisis.
Irena Sendler's courageous actions in saving Jewish children during WWII exemplify the often overlooked bravery of women in wartime.
The extravagant 1971 celebration by the Shah of Iran starkly illustrated the regime's disconnect from the populace, fueling revolutionary sentiments.
Deep dives
Irina Sendler's Heroic Actions
Irina Sendler, a Polish Catholic social worker, played a crucial role in rescuing Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto during World War II. Working with Żegota, an underground organization, she used her access as a social worker to smuggle in food and medicine while also leading efforts to save children, employing various methods such as hiding them in suitcases, potato sacks, and even coffins. Irina faced constant danger, including a death sentence when captured by the Gestapo, yet she never revealed the names of the children she saved. Her remarkable efforts led to the successful rescue of approximately 2,500 Jewish children, all documented in a coded list that she buried in her garden to prevent it from falling into enemy hands.
The Unsung Role of Women in WWII
The podcast highlights the underrated contributions of women during World War II, emphasizing that while historical narratives often center on male soldiers, numerous women played vital roles behind the scenes. Catherine J. Atwood discusses the impact of figures like Sophie Scholl, who fought against the Nazi regime through the White Rose resistance group, and Corrie Ten Boom, who sheltered Jews, demonstrating how women's efforts in resistance movements were more humanitarian than combative. These stories reveal a broader scope of resistance that challenges the conventional view of wartime roles. By exploring the nuanced contributions of women, the podcast aims to restore their rightful place in history.
The Birth of the First Stored Program Computer
The podcast details the development of 'Baby', the world's first stored-program computer, which was created at Manchester University in 1948. Developed by Sir Freddie Williams and his team, this groundbreaking machine was a significant leap forward in technology, allowing complex calculations to be performed much faster than human capability. Despite its cumbersome size and rudimentary design, Baby laid the foundation for modern computing by demonstrating the potential of electronically storing and retrieving data. The legacy of this innovation is felt today, as Baby's concepts remain integral to contemporary computer technology.
The Shah's Lavish Celebration and Its Consequences
In 1971, the Shah of Iran hosted an extravagant 2,500-year celebration of the Persian Empire, spending millions on a lavish party in the desert, which starkly contrasted with the socioeconomic struggles faced by ordinary Iranians. The event showcased opulence with luxurious tents, extravagant meals prepared by top chefs, and notable dignitaries, yet it also fueled public discontent and opposition against the Shah's regime. The excessive spending highlighted the disconnect between the monarchy and the people, ultimately contributing to the unrest that led to the Islamic Revolution. Following the revolution in 1979, the Shah and his family fled Iran, leaving behind a legacy marred by lavishness and political strife.
We hear about Polish war hero Irena Sendler who saved thousands of Jewish children during the World War Two.
Expert Kathryn Atwood explains why women’s stories of bravery from that time are not as prominent as men’s.
Plus, the invention of ‘Baby’ – one of the first programmable computers. It was developed in England at the University of Manchester. Gill Kearsley has been looking through the archives to find out more about the 'Baby
In the second half of the programme, we tell stories from Iran. Journalist Sally Quinn looks back at the excess of the Shah of Iran’s three-day party, held in 1971.
Two very different women – the former Empress of Iran, Farah Pahlavi, and social scientist Rouhi Shafi – describe how it feels to be exiled from their country.
Finally, Barry Rosen shares the dramatic story of when he was held hostage in the US embassy in the Tehran for 444 days.
Presenter: Max Pearson
(Photo: Children rescued from the Warsaw Ghetto by Irena Sendler. Credit: Getty Images)
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