Dan Snow's History Hit
History Hit
Historian Dan Snow investigates the 'how' and 'why' of history's defining moments.From the Colosseum of Ancient Rome and the battlefields of Waterloo to the tomb of Tutankhamun, Dan journeys across the globe to share the greatest stories from the past that help us understand the present.New episodes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.You can get in touch with us at ds.hh@historyhit.comA podcast by History Hit, the world's best history channel and creators of award-winning podcasts The Ancients, Gone Medieval, and Betwixt the Sheets.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jul 29, 2024 • 38min
A History of Cheating at the Olympics
James Harkin and Anna Ptaszynski, authors and members of the QI Elves, dive into the riveting world of cheating in sports as the 2024 Olympics approach. They explore audacious stories, like the man who jumped into a car during the 1904 marathon and twins swapping places at the Los Angeles long jump. Delving into historical contexts, they discuss motivations behind cheating, the emotional complexities involved, and how pervasive this phenomenon has been throughout sports history, shedding light on our fascination with fame and victory.
Jul 28, 2024 • 26min
Harris vs Trump: How We Got Here
Ben Rhodes, former Deputy National Security Advisor for Obama and host of Pod Save the World, discusses the shifting dynamics of the U.S. political landscape with Dan. They explore the historical evolution of the Democratic and Republican parties and the allure of strongman politics. With Kamala Harris emerging as the likely nominee, they delve into modern campaigning's reliance on social media. Rhodes also highlights the potential global implications of a Trump victory, including risks of increased international aggression and instability.
Jul 23, 2024 • 21min
The Voyage That Changed the Way We Eat
Discover the groundbreaking voyage of SS Dunedin in 1882 that revolutionized food transportation using Bell-Coleman refrigeration technology. Learn about the challenges faced at sea and the impact on global trade and technology. Explore the history of the Dunedin ship and Captain John Whitson's bravery in ensuring the safe delivery of cargo.
Jul 22, 2024 • 32min
Bidens Out: A History of What Could Happen Next
Professor Gary Gerstle from the University of Cambridge discusses the historical context of presidential candidates stepping aside. The episode delves into the unique roles of US Presidents and British Prime Ministers, the contrast in health disclosures of past presidents, and the evolution of political conventions in the United States. Insights are shared on the intriguing delegate system, convention battles, and the turbulent events of 1968 in American politics.
Jul 21, 2024 • 40min
Operation Valkyrie: The Attempted Assassination of Hitler
Historian and journalist Nigel Jones discusses the various assassination attempts on Hitler, focusing on the 20th of July Plot. The podcast explores failed attempts, the Valkyrie conspiracy, and the brutal retaliation by the Nazis. It sheds light on the impact of the assassination attempt on Hitler's physical and psychological state.
Jul 17, 2024 • 34min
The Royal Marines
Former Royal Marine, Brigadier Chris Haw MC, discusses the 360-year legacy of the Royal Marines, their pivotal roles in historical battles worldwide, including the American Revolution and the Crimean War. The episode delves into their strategic deployments, the evolution of their specialized skills, and the importance of adapting while honoring traditions.
Jul 16, 2024 • 39min
US Presidents Who Were Almost Assassinated
Professor Gary Gerstle joins Dan Snow to discuss failed assassination attempts on US Presidents, including Andrew Jackson, Lincoln, FDR, and Reagan. They explore the potential impact on American history and the interplay of contingency and political structures in shaping historical events.
Jul 14, 2024 • 38min
The Greatest Tea Race of the Victorian Age
Join Dan Snow and Senior Archivist Max Wilson as they vividly recount the thrilling race between the Cutty Sark and Thermopylae to be the fastest tea ship in the Victorian era, facing fierce competition, stormy setbacks, and high-stakes fortunes. Dive into the intense rivalries, technological advancements, and strategic challenges of the historic tea race that captivated the world, shaping the legacy of clipper ships and global trade dynamics in the 19th century.
Jul 13, 2024 • 33min
The Cutty Sark
Explore the fascinating history of the Cutty Sark, Britain's fastest ship in the 19th century. Learn about its role in global trade, the advancements in shipbuilding technology, and the founding of Lloyd's Register. Join Dan as he delves into the stories that shaped Britain's maritime history.
Jul 10, 2024 • 42min
Britain's Secret Atomic Tests in Australia
Uncover the covert nuclear tests conducted by Britain in Australia during the 1950s, revealing the harrowing impact on Aboriginal communities and site personnel. Explore the reasons behind these tests, the secretive nature of the operations, and the long-lasting consequences of the nuclear fallout. Learn about the peculiar bonds of colonialism and the negligence towards safety and environmental concerns during these atomic tests.
