The History of the Twentieth Century

The Japanese occupation of Manchuria was the first real test of the League of Nations, as this was exactly the kind of aggressive act the League was created to prevent. Unfortunately, the League failed the test.

Ever since the eighth planet, Neptune, was discovered in 1846, some astronomers searched for a hypothetical ninth planet. Clyde Tombaugh discovered the ninth planet in 1930. Or did he?

Japan had a rough time of it in the 1920s, between the global economic shocks and a devastating 1923 earthquake. Japanese military commanders saw control of Manchuria as key to Japan's economic independence, and they weren't about to let the politicians in Tokyo interfere.

Chiang Kai-shek unified China, more or less, but survival of the Nationalist government was threatened by warlords, the Japanese, and the Communists. Of these threats, Chiang regarded the Communists as the greatest.

Discover the turmoil in 1931 Germany as extremist parties gained traction amid the Great Depression. Explore Austria's banking collapse and its ripple effects on Germany's economy. Uncover how a credit crisis in Vienna in 1932 led to austerity measures in the UK, showing the interconnectedness of global economies. Plus, delve into the political landscape of that era, highlighting figures like Adolf Hitler and the emergence of nationalist movements. A riveting look at how minor events can escalate into major historical shifts!

The combination of higher reparations payments and a slower economy led the German government to pursue harsh and unpopular austerity policies.

The podcast dives into the aftermath of the 1929 stock market crash and its profound implications. It discusses President Hoover's challenges in maintaining public confidence amidst rising unemployment. The focus then shifts to the tough economic adjustments faced by farmers and overextended businesses. Political tensions within the Republican Party emerge, especially regarding agricultural policies. The episode contrasts Hoover's leadership with Roosevelt's emerging approach, highlighting their differing views on federal action during crisis.

Explore the 1929 economic landscape as voices of optimism clash with impending doom. Delve into Winston Churchill's controversial policies and the political shifts in Britain, including the significant role of women's voting. Discover the rise and fall of financier Clarence Hatry amid extravagant wealth just before the crash. The discussion also highlights dark humor arising from Wall Street's grim realities, including the infamous legends of suicides tied to the financial collapse.

By the beginning of the twentieth century, America already had a reputation for stock speculation, but the Roaring Twenties set new records.

Unusually heavy rainfall led to widespread flooding in the Mississippi Valley in 1927. The Coolidge Administration's Secretary of Everything, Herbert Hoover, was tasked with flood relief. What kind of relief you got depended heavily on your skin color. Meanwhile, a different sort of flood was rising on the New York Stock Exchange.