HISTORY This Week

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.

July 7, 2007. In a dramatic ceremony featuring pop stars, fireworks, and smoke cannons, the Colosseum is named one of the seven new wonders of the world. It’s an appropriately over-the-top blowout for an arena which, centuries before, was home to its own lavish events. How did spectacles once unfold on the floor of this ancient arena? And how did the Romans use games to entertain people and to control them? Special thanks to our guests, Alison Futrell, co-editor of The Oxford Handbook of Sport and Spectacle in the Ancient World, and Barry Strauss, author of The War That Made the Roman Empire: Antony, Cleopatra, and Octavian at Actium. ** This episode originally aired July 4, 2022. 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

June 28, 1928. Louis Armstrong is in the studio recording what he hopes will be another hit. His career is on the rise, but he’s not a household name yet. But he’s about to lay down a track – “West End Blues” – that won’t just change his career, but the entire genre of jazz.  But Armstrong didn’t compose “West End Blues” – it was written by his mentor, a man only remembered by people who are really into the history of jazz, a cornet player named Joe “King” Oliver. Armstrong records this song likely as a favor to this father figure, someone who set him on the path to becoming an American icon. Oliver might be forgotten by many, but his role is undeniable. Before “What a Wonderful World” or “Hello Dolly,” how did Louis Armstrong get his start following King Oliver around New Orleans? And how did the complicated, sometimes fractured relationship with his mentor give rise to this legendary career? Special thanks to Ricky Riccardi, director of research collections at the Louis Armstrong House Museum in Queens, New York, and author of several books on Armstrong, including his most recent, Stomp Off, Let's Go: The Early Years of Louis Armstrong. 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

June 22, 1611. It’s been a long, cold winter. Henry Hudson and his crew have been stranded in the Canadian Arctic for months, living on the ice in wooden shacks - starving, sick, and ready to go home. And yet, Hudson wants to carry on and search for the Northwest Passage, a theoretical trading route to the Pacific that could bring him untold fortunes. His crew has had enough. How does this journey go so wrong? And what happens when you push a crew of sailors beyond the extreme? Special thanks to Peter Mancall, historian at the University of Southern California and author of Fatal Journey: The Final Expedition of Henry Hudson. 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

June 9, 1954. Senator Joseph McCarthy has accused the United States Army of having communists within its midst. After rising to power during a time of great fear in America, McCarthy's name has become synonymous with anti-communism – and with baseless, life-ruining accusations. But today, five simple words will take down one of the most notorious men in American political history. What made McCarthy so powerful in the first place? And how did that very same thing eventually bring him down? Thank you to our guest, Ellen Schrecker, historian, author and expert on McCarthyism. Thank you to Thomas Doherty, Professor of American Studies at Brandeis University, for speaking with us for this episode. He is the author of Cold War, Cool Medium: Television, McCarthyism, and American Culture.  ** This episode originally aired June 8, 2020. 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