Empire
Goalhanger
The rise and fall of empires, rulers, and the events that shaped world history.William Dalrymple and Anita Anand explore the intricate stories of revolutions, imperial wars, and the people who built and lost empires.From the British Empire to the Ottomans to Ancient India, history is shaped by power struggles and territorial conquests. How does it continue to affect the world today?Empire Club: Become a member of the Empire Club to receive early access to miniseries, ad-free listening, early access to live show tickets, bonus episodes, book discounts, our exclusive newsletter, and access to our members’ chatroom on Discord! Head to empirepoduk.com to sign up.For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books
56 snips
Jun 2, 2025 • 54min
260. Yalta: Signing Away The Fate of The World (Ep 5)
Dive into the chaotic dynamics of the Yalta Conference as Churchill, FDR, and Stalin grapple with critical decisions. Discover the absurdity of a lavish dinner amidst global turmoil and the brewing Cold War tensions. Laugh along with anecdotes of drinking habits and nostalgic beverages that add a light-hearted touch to serious negotiations. Explore the complex legacy of decisions made over Poland’s future and the long-lasting impacts on today's political alliances. It's a blend of humor and history you won't want to miss!
63 snips
May 28, 2025 • 43min
259. Eastern Europe & “The Great Betrayal” (Ep 4)
Delve into the origins of the United Nations and uncover how deals made in 1945 shape today's geopolitics. Explore the fraught dynamics at the Yalta Conference, especially the impact of a leader's declining health on negotiations. Discover the complexities of Poland's territorial shifts post-World War II and the contrasting negotiation styles of Churchill and Stalin. Get insights into the power struggles that influenced the formation of the UN and the lasting effects on global alliances.
89 snips
May 26, 2025 • 40min
258. The Big Three & The Big Carve Up (Ep 3)
Uncover the untold stories of the Yalta Conference, from the leaders' quirky accommodations to the tension-filled negotiations that shaped post-war Europe. Discover why FDR avoided the press and how personal relationships influenced political decisions. Delve into the chaotic atmosphere surrounding Stalin, marked by rampant lice and intense surveillance. This conversation reveals the high stakes of global governance and the intricate dynamics between leaders, especially regarding Poland’s future.
70 snips
May 21, 2025 • 42min
257. Churchill, FDR, & Mind Games at Yalta (Ep 2)
Discover how FDR became the unlikely mediator between Churchill and Stalin at the pivotal 1945 Yalta Conference. Unravel the nuances behind Churchill's amusing moniker for Yalta and delve into Mussolini's jabs at FDR. Explore the personal dynamics that shaped Roosevelt's leadership, including his complex relationships and struggles. Examine the contrasting perceptions of Churchill, heroic in Britain yet criticized in India. Finally, immerse yourself in the espionage intrigue surrounding the notorious Cambridge spies.
172 snips
May 19, 2025 • 38min
256. Stalin & 8 Days That Changed The World (Ep 1)
Discover how the 1945 Yalta Conference shifted the global landscape in just eight days. Explore Joseph Stalin's early life and the factors that shaped him into a ruthless leader. The discussion highlights the lasting implications of Yalta on modern geopolitics, particularly regarding Russian expansionism and Ukraine. Delve into the intricate dynamics between Winston Churchill, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Stalin as they redrew borders post-World War II. Unearth Stalin's reign of terror and its chilling legacy that echoes in today's political climate.
59 snips
May 14, 2025 • 48min
255. Victorian Narcos: From Opium To Fentanyl (Ep 9)
Stephen R. Platt, author of Imperial Twilight, dives into the complex legacy of the Opium Wars and their lasting impact on China. He explores the absurd grievances that sparked the Second Opium War and the tragic fate of the Summer Palace during this turbulent time. The discussion also draws unsettling parallels between historical opium crises and today’s fentanyl epidemic in America, revealing how themes of humiliation and power loss resonate across time. This engaging conversation illuminates the ethical dilemmas and imperial shadows haunting geopolitics today.
56 snips
May 12, 2025 • 51min
254. Victorian Narcos: Fire Monkeys, Iron Gunships, & Peasant Warfare (Ep 8)
Dive into the tumultuous world of the First Opium War, where moral dilemmas collide with military might. Discover how British forces exploited China's weaknesses, leading to chaos and peasant revolts. Explore the internal conflicts among British officials and the challenges faced by a hapless envoy caught in the crossfire of diplomacy. Experience the stark contrast at a diplomatic banquet, highlighting the cultural divide. The lasting impact of these imperial actions on modern British-Chinese relations is also examined, revealing echoes of history that still resonate today.
47 snips
May 7, 2025 • 43min
253. Victorian Narcos: Drug Dealers Lead Britain to War (Ep 7)
The podcast explores how opium traders manipulated British politics to initiate war with China. It delves into the moral complexities of the opium trade, highlighting figures like Lord Palmerston and the internal debates in Parliament. Listeners learn about the naive approach of British officials towards military decisions and the stark miscalculations made by Qing officials regarding naval power. The discussion captures the brutality of the Opium War, offering reflections on its impact and highlighting the tragic outcomes for China.
72 snips
May 5, 2025 • 51min
252. Victorian Narcos: Selling Drugs To The Queen (Ep 6)
The podcast dives into the dramatic world of the Victorian drug trade, spotlighting the paradox of opiate addiction among the elite. It uncovers the story of Commissioner Lin, who bravely tackled foreign opium and the blunders of Charles Elliot, leaving Queen Victoria with a massive debt. Listeners learn about the Canton factory system and the struggles of British traders amidst rising tensions. With a mix of humor and historical insight, the discussion reflects on the absurdities of the era and draws surprising parallels to modern times.
83 snips
Apr 30, 2025 • 55min
251. Victorian Narcos: Flooding China With Indian Opium (Ep 5)
The discussion uncovers the intriguing lives of Jardine and Matheson, whose opium dealings transformed trade between England and China. Listeners learn about the harsh realities faced by Indian farmers forced into growing opium and the lavish yet restrictive lives of foreign traders in China. The episode also dives into the cultural legacy of opium dens in Bombay and touches on George Orwell's reflections on this historical backdrop. Finally, the complexities of opium's impact on society and the emergence of key figures like Commissioner Lin are explored.
