Apple News Today ‘The Rest Is History’ hosts on their top moments from America’s past
8 snips
Dec 6, 2025 
Dominic Sandbrook, a historian with a flair for modern political history, joins Tom Holland, known for his engaging storytelling on antiquity, to explore pivotal moments in American history. They discuss the global significance of Abraham Lincoln and the tumult of 1968, drawing parallels to today's politics. The duo also delves into the complexities of Mary Todd Lincoln's reputation and the historical roots of populism, linking past events to present-day polarization. Their lively exchanges bring history to life, captivating listeners with fresh perspectives.
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Columbus To Cortés: A World-Transforming Collision
- The Spanish conquest of the Aztecs reads like a science-fiction clash of worlds with massive global consequences.
- Dominic and Tom argue this encounter initiated European colonialism and reshaped ecosystems, peoples, and empires for centuries.
The Owl Man Moment In Tenochtitlan
- The Mexica saved an ultimate warrior, the 'owl man', as a last-ditch weapon during Tenochtitlan's fall.
- Tom recounts the owl man being shot on the causeway as the decisive, cinematic moment that collapsed a whole worldview.
Present History With Multiple Perspectives
- Present contested or debated historical events by giving multiple perspectives and admitting uncertainty.
- Dominic says to state interpretations, cite sources, and let listeners make up their own minds.
