History of the Second World War Listener Questions Pt. 1
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Jan 14, 2026 Dive into listener queries as a host explores intriguing topics! Discover Conrad von Hatzfeldt's role in WWI and ponder whether Germany could have clinched the Battle of Britain. Unpack Axis ambitions in the Middle East, and hear about Luftwaffe pilots captured over Britain. The impact of Luftwaffe losses on Operation Barbarossa is discussed, alongside insights into Canada’s participation in the Geneva Conventions. Get a sneak peek into future episodes focused on internment camps and extensive coverage of Asia during WWII.
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Long Tenure, Short Wartime Success
- Conrad von Hatzendorf shaped the Austro-Hungarian army over a decade but failed as a wartime leader.
- His refusal to adapt after early 1914 failures crippled Austro-Hungarian operations in 1914–15.
Middle East Plans Were Contingent
- German and Italian plans in the Middle East were contingent on bigger victories elsewhere.
- Axis influence there rose only as a potential follow-up after imagined successes in Egypt or the USSR.
Axis Support For The 1941 Iraqi Revolt
- Germany supported the 1941 Iraqi revolt by sending aircraft and supplies via Vichy-controlled Syria.
- That assistance exploited existing anti-British sentiment in Iraq to challenge British control.
