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.
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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
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.
15 snips
Jul 9, 2024 • 45min
Was Scott's Antarctic Expedition Sabotaged?
Exploring the Antarctic tragedy of Captain Scott's expedition, revealing potential sabotage and betrayal among team members. Tensions, challenges, and resilience faced during the journey back, raising questions about Scott's leadership and Evans' role in the tragic outcome.
Jul 8, 2024 • 52min
Communism in America
Dr. Vernon Pederson discusses the rise and evolution of the American Communist Party, its ties to the Soviet Union, factionalism, arrests, and the party's eventual decline. The podcast also explores the legacy of American Communist ideals and the absence of a prominent advocate in modern times.
Jul 7, 2024 • 32min
Emperor Heraclius: Rome vs Persia
Professor Jonathan Harris discusses Emperor Heraclius' rise to power, military triumphs against Persians, and challenges faced with the emergence of Islam. Explore Heraclius' strategic brilliance, struggles with theological disputes, and the enduring legacy of the Byzantine Empire during his reign.
23 snips
Jul 3, 2024 • 26min
A Short History of Pirates
Dr. Rebecca Simon discusses the dramatic history of piracy in the Caribbean and Atlantic World, focusing on pirate stories like Anne Bonny, Mary Read, Blackbeard, and Charles Vane. The episode explores pirate treasure and the romanticized image of pirates in popular culture.
8 snips
Jul 2, 2024 • 36min
The Inside Story of the Brexit Referendum
Tim Shipman, Chief political commentator at The Sunday Times, dives into the inner workings of Westminster and the turbulent politics of the last decade. He discusses the decision-making processes, varying accounts of events, and the unique factors that led to the outcome of Brexit. Shipman's insights shed light on the complexities of British politics and the key figures involved in shaping the Brexit referendum.
Jul 1, 2024 • 45min
How did Brexit Happen? A History
Professor Tim Bale discusses the historical journey of Brexit from Britain's initial integration with the EU to the divisive referendum. Topics include Labour's stance on European integration, Theresa May's struggles with Brexit execution, potential post-Brexit scenarios, and the effects of Brexit on the UK economy and society.
