HISTORY This Week

August 28, 1920. In the town of Tequila, fireworks burst overhead as people celebrate Mexico’s independence. Then… gunshots. Malachías Cuervo, heir to the famous tequila dynasty, has just reignited a bitter feud with his family’s rivals, the Sauzas. For decades, his brother José Cuervo fought to rebuild the family business through drought, revolution, and political upheaval—turning a struggling operation into an empire. His tactfulness allowed Cuervo to survive as one of the most popular tequila brands in the world today. How is José Cuervo able to navigate the Mexican Revolution, and a cutthroat industry? And what does his life reveal about the history of his country? Special thanks to Ted Genoways, author of Tequila Wars: José Cuervo and the Bloody Struggle for the Spirit of Mexico. Artwork: José Cuervo, ca. 1914 (colorized) -- Get in touch: historythisweekpodcast@history.com  Follow on Instagram: @historythisweek Follow on Facebook: ⁠HISTORY This Week Podcast⁠ To stay updated: http://historythisweekpodcast.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

August 24, 1914. A train pulls up to the lumber town of White River, Ontario, carrying a regiment of Canadian troops on board. On the tracks where they disembark is a small black bear cub. An army veterinarian decides to buy the bear and name her Winnipeg—Winnie for short—after the town where he's been living.  When the soldiers are deployed to the European front, Winnie is left at the London Zoo, where a child named Christopher Robin Milne will meet her. He'll later rename his own teddy bear after her: Winnie-the-Pooh.  How did a real-life boy and a real-life bear inspire some of the world's most famous literary characters? And what impact did these stories ultimately have on the people who helped bring them to life? Special thanks to Ann Thwaite, whose book about Milne and Winnie-the-Pooh is titled Goodbye Christopher Robin: A.A. Milne and the Making of Winnie-the-Pooh. Artwork: From "Christopher Robin Leads an Expedition to the North Pole" by A.A. Milne, 1926. Illustration by E.H. Shepard. (Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum) ** This episode originally aired August 23, 2021. -- Get in touch: historythisweekpodcast@history.com  Follow on Instagram: @historythisweek Follow on Facebook: HISTORY This Week Podcast To stay updated: http://historythisweekpodcast.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stephen Davis, Woolsey Professor of Religious Studies at Yale, dives into the dramatic clash between ancient Egyptian beliefs and rising Christianity in the late 4th century. He explores the last hieroglyph carved in Egypt and the fervent archbishop Theophilus, who ruthlessly battled pagan traditions and rival factions. The conversation reveals the intense power struggles within Alexandria and highlights the complexities of Theophilus's legacy, including his ruthless ambition and the enduring influence of ancient religious practices on early Christianity.

Joining the discussion is Richard G. Fernicola, an expert on the notorious 1916 shark attacks and author of *Twelve Days of Terror*. He recounts the chilling events that led to public panic, including the tragic attack on Charles Bruder at the Jersey Shore. Fernicola highlights how a mix of myth and reality at that time turned sharks from perceived harmless creatures into symbols of fear. The podcast also delves into the community's desperate reactions and the lasting impact these incidents had on society's view of sharks.

William Geroux, author of "The Fifteen: Murder, Retribution, and the Forgotten Story of Nazi POWs in America," shares riveting insights into the tumultuous experiences of Nazi POWs in the U.S. He unravels the strange irony of German soldiers enjoying relative comfort in American camps until internal rivalries led to violence. Geroux explores tales of betrayal, a military tribunal's harsh justice, and the moral complexities surrounding these events, revealing not just a dark chapter of history but also reflections on responsibility and ethical dilemmas that resonate today.

In a whimsical discussion, the podcast explores Barbie's fictional presidential run in 1992, linking it with the evolution of dolls as cultural icons. It dives into the fascinating stories behind doll manufacturers like Jumeau and the artistic journey of Rose O'Neill, creator of the Kewpie doll. Their contributions to both art and social movements, especially women's suffrage, highlight the transformative power of toys. The narrative celebrates Barbie’s rise while addressing early concerns about body image, showcasing her lasting impact on play and culture.

Steven Johnson, author of The Infernal Machine, dives into the explosive intersection of labor unrest and anarchism in 1892. He explores the dramatic assassination attempt on industrialist Henry Clay Frick by anarchist Alexander Berkman, fueled by his partnership with Emma Goldman. Johnson discusses how this pivotal moment not only highlighted the urgent struggles between workers and capital but also paved the way for the rise of modern law enforcement under J. Edgar Hoover, reshaping society’s approach to activism, dissent, and political violence.

Philippa Langley, a historian and author of 'The Princes in the Tower', delves into one of Britain's oldest mysteries—the fate of King Edward V and his brother, Prince Richard, believed to be murdered by their uncle Richard III. She challenges long-standing narratives and presents new evidence suggesting the princes might have survived. Langley also discusses the political turmoil surrounding Richard III’s reign and the possibility of Edward V’s escape, urging a fresh perspective on this historical enigma.

Natasha Hodgson, co-creator and star of the Broadway musical inspired by a WWII deception, brings the tale of Operation Mincemeat to life. Historian Nicholas Reed sheds light on the elaborate scheme involving a corpse and a false identity that misled the Nazis in a pivotal moment of the war. They discuss how this ingenious operation not only ensured the success of the Allied invasion of Sicily but also inspired a unique theatrical adaptation. Hear how personal touches and creative challenges brought this remarkable story to the stage.

In this engaging discussion, Brad Ricca, author of Superboys, dives into the creation of Superman by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. He reveals how the duo, best friends from Cleveland, brought a national hero to life against the backdrop of the Great Depression. The podcast explores their struggles for recognition and the bittersweet challenges that followed Superman's rise to fame. Additionally, it highlights the personal losses that fueled Siegel's creation and the fight for justice in the comic book industry.