Witness History

On 23 March 1933, the Enabling Act was passed in Germany, handing Adolf Hitler unchecked power. It became the legal foundation of his dictatorship.But in that moment, one voice spoke in defiance.Otto Wels, chairman of the Social Democratic Party, stood alone in the Reichstag: “Freedom and life can be taken away from us, but not honour.”His words were the last to be spoken freely in the German parliament.This is the story of the speeches that day, taken from recordings inside the Reichstag.Produced and presented by Gill Kearsley.Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more. Recent episodes explore everything from the death of Adolf Hitler, the first spacewalk and the making of the movie Jaws, to celebrity tortoise Lonesome George, the Kobe earthquake and the invention of superglue. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: Eva Peron – Argentina’s Evita; President Ronald Reagan and his famous ‘tear down this wall’ speech; Thomas Keneally on why he wrote Schindler’s List; and Jacques Derrida, France’s ‘rock star’ philosopher. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the civil rights swimming protest; the disastrous D-Day rehearsal; and the death of one of the world’s oldest languages.(Photo: The Reichstag on 23 March 1933. Credit: Getty Images)

Viola Burley Leak, an African American artist who showcased her work at Nigeria's monumental 1977 festival, shares vibrant stories from this cultural extravaganza. She recounts the spectacular opening ceremony and the electric atmosphere that celebrated Pan-African heritage. The conversation touches on the social tensions present, including critiques of the military dictatorship and the artistic responses it provoked. Viola's reflections illuminate how Festac '77 became a symbol of resistance and a critical moment for African arts amidst a charged political landscape.

Milda Mitkutė, a Lithuanian entrepreneur and co-founder of Vinted, shares her inspiring journey of transforming a late-night idea into a thriving online marketplace for second-hand clothing. She discusses the early challenges, including forgetting the ‘buy’ button, and how a new strategy revitalized their brand. Milda also highlights Vinted's rapid growth into a global platform, its significance in promoting sustainable fashion, and the personal values that drive their mission.

In this captivating discussion, Professor Pernilla Dahm-Kähler, a trailblazer in obstetrics, shares her experience as part of the groundbreaking medical team that facilitated the world's first womb transplant baby, Vincent. She details the emotional journey of Malin Stenberg, who received the donated womb, overcoming challenges of IVF and surgical complexities. The conversation culminates with a heartwarming perspective from ten-year-old Vincent, who reflects on the significance of this medical breakthrough and the hope it brings to countless women seeking parenthood.

The founding of USAID marks a pivotal moment in international aid, driven by the visionary economist Barbara Ward. Discover how her insights shaped U.S. foreign assistance during the Cold War, particularly through projects like the Volta River Dam in Ghana. Archival recordings reveal the conversations with President Kennedy, illuminating strategies to combat totalitarianism. This intriguing narrative connects pivotal historical events and influential figures, showcasing the evolution of global aid in the context of geopolitical tensions.

In 1985, the Titanic’s wreck was uncovered in the North Atlantic, bringing a profound emotional journey for the explorers. They were drawn to the haunting remains, from debris to recognizable features like large boilers. Personal survivor accounts shared harrowing experiences from that fateful night, emphasizing the human stories behind the tragedy. The discussion reflects on the Titanic's historical impact and the importance of preserving such narratives to honor those lost.

Join journalist Geraldo Rivera, known for exposing the shocking conditions at Willowbrook State School, as he recalls John Lennon and Yoko Ono's iconic benefit concerts in 1972. Rivera shares insider stories about organizing these groundbreaking events and the profound impact of his exposé, which highlighted the injustices faced by individuals with disabilities. Listeners will feel the electric atmosphere of Lennon's triumphant return to the stage and learn how music became a powerful tool for activism and change.

Dive into the world of post-war Vienna as the creation of a film noir classic unfolds. Explore Orson Welles' enigmatic entrance and his powerful portrayal, which steals the spotlight despite limited screen time. Discover behind-the-scenes challenges, including Welles' unpredictable antics and the intriguing role of a cat that adds layers to the narrative. Reflect on the film's moral dilemmas, emphasizing themes of greed and human suffering, while celebrating its enduring legacy in cinematic history.

In May 1991, a police shooting sparked chaos in Mount Pleasant, revealing deep frustrations within the Hispanic community. Eyewitness accounts paint a vivid picture of violence and unrest, as shops burned and tensions flared. Personal stories highlight the resilience of immigrant residents amidst systemic challenges. The aftermath led to crucial discussions on discrimination and the community's evolving identity, battling gentrification while striving to preserve their cultural heritage. This tumultuous event marked a turning point, bringing visibility to ignored narratives.

Journey back to the dawn of internet security as creators introduce CAPTCHA to combat spam bots. Discover the amusing twists and challenges they faced in developing distorted text that even machines struggled with. Explore the reimagining of the Turing test, which sparked debates on AI capabilities. This fascinating tale highlights CAPTCHA's evolution and its critical role in online safety, seamlessly adapting to the ever-changing landscape of technology.