The History of the Twentieth Century

The British economy hadn't fully bounced back from the war when the Depression hit, eventually forcing Britain off the gold standard once again.

The Indian National Congress had declared independence, but waited for Gandhi to propose a strategy for resisting British rule. Gandhi came up with a characteristically unusual suggestion.

The podcast dives into Stalin's rise to power, presenting him as Lenin's chosen successor. It discusses the ambitious first five-year plan, balancing industrial progress with rural famine. Cultural shifts in Soviet society, including educational advances and the arts, are also highlighted. The visit of George Bernard Shaw reveals the sharp contrast between Stalin's praise and the reality of oppression. Additionally, the Stachanov Movement and the detrimental effects of Lysenkoism on agriculture illustrate the era's complexities, culminating in the atmosphere of fear during the Great Purge.

Strangely, although motion pictures and sound recording were invented around the same time, it took thirty years before the technology to link them came together. Sound changed motion pictures, not always for the better.

The podcast delves into the nature of fascism, highlighting how leadership often shapes governance more than ideology itself. It explores the rise of fascism in 1930s Europe, particularly the role of domestic support in Austria. The discussion emphasizes the impact of state over individual rights and the integration of organizations within fascist structures. It also examines the self-destructive tendencies of these regimes, particularly with Hitler's final decisions. Finally, the podcast compares Nazi Germany and Stalin's Soviet Union, shedding light on their similarities and differences.

Explore the ideological roots of fascism and its appeal to the working class, contrasting it with socialism. Delve into the troubling narratives of racial superiority and eugenics and the manipulation of historical truths that define fascist belief systems. Uncover the fierce rejection of socialism as fascists rose to power through democratic means amidst chaos. Learn about the powerful propaganda that crafted a unifying conspiracy theory in early 1930s Germany, and examine the complex economic strategies that accompanied these regimes.

Discover the captivating roots of fascism and its unique place in political ideology. Dive into the irrationalism that characterizes fascist thought and its historical distrust of intellectualism. Explore the complex relationship between fascism and socialism, including the misjudgments of early socialists. Reflect on the disillusionment of returning soldiers post-war and how it paved the way for fascism’s rise in Germany and Italy. Plus, uncover how nationalism intertwined with socialism to create a fertile ground for extremist movements.

Hitler became chancellor of a mostly-not-Nazi cabinet. But he also demanded yet another election and worked hard to create a sense of crisis that would encourage more votes for Nazis.

Just when it seemed the National Socialist movement was beginning to lose steam, other right-wing parties join the Nazis in a coalition, thinking to use the movement for their own purposes.

Germany held four national elections in 1932, and a number of state elections besides. The NSDAP, the Nazi Party did quite well, but fell short every time. By the end of the year, there were signs the Party was losing steam.