Open Book with Anthony Scaramucci

WWII Historian: The 3 Women Who Changed The Course of WWII - Catherine Grace Katz

Oct 30, 2025
Catherine Grace Katz, an award-winning historian and author of The Daughters of Yalta, shares her journey from finance to uncovering powerful narratives of WWII. She delves into how the daughters of Allied leaders like Churchill and Roosevelt influenced critical diplomatic decisions at Yalta. Katz highlights their unique roles—Sarah's close bond with Winston, Kathleen's insider access to Soviet circles, and Anna's caretaker duties for FDR. Their personal relationships shaped critical wartime alliances, offering a fresh perspective on Yalta's legacy and its long-lasting impact.
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INSIGHT

Human Side Of High-Stakes Diplomacy

  • World leaders remain deeply human; family ties shape high-stakes diplomacy as much as strategy.
  • Viewing Yalta through daughters' roles reveals personal dynamics that influenced Cold War outcomes.
INSIGHT

Serendipity Sparked The Book

  • A bookstore and a chance access to family papers launched Catherine Grace Katz's career shift back into history.
  • Small, serendipitous connections can redirect careers toward lasting projects.
ANECDOTE

How Sarah Understood Churchill

  • Sarah Churchill learned her father's mind by spending hours gardening and bricklaying with him.
  • That intimate knowledge let her anticipate his thoughts and act as an unspoken political partner.
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