Ridiculous History Badass of the Week, with Ben Thompson - Part 1: History's Most Ridiculous Friendly-fire Incident
Mar 25, 2025
Ben Thompson, creator of Badass of the Week, joins the discussion to explore the infamous Battle of Karánsebes. The conversation dives into the absurdities of friendly-fire incidents throughout history, blending humor with fascinating tales. Thompson sheds light on Joseph II, the self-assured ruler known for his ambitious reforms, while the hosts humorously unpack the chaos of military miscommunication that defined this bizarre conflict. Expect witty anecdotes and a candid look at historical blunders that reveal the ridiculous side of war.
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Arnold's Accent
- Ben Thompson shares a story about Arnold Schwarzenegger's thick Austrian accent.
- It prevented him from dubbing his own voice in the German release of Terminator.
Kettle War
- The Kettle War of 1784 involved a single shot hitting a tea kettle on an Austro-Hungarian ship.
- The ship promptly surrendered, ending the war after one shot.
Joseph II's Reign
- Joseph II's reign was marked by progressive reforms like religious equality and abolishing serfdom, but also by strange diplomatic decisions.
- He proposed trading the Austrian Netherlands (Belgium) for Bavaria, a move considered bizarre by contemporaries.