Witness History
BBC World Service
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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
10 snips
Nov 24, 2025 • 11min
Toy Story: the first digitally-animated feature film
Doug Sweetland, an animator and director who started at Pixar as a teenager, shares his insights from working on Toy Story, the groundbreaking first fully CGI feature film. He reminisces about the audience's enthusiastic reactions during its premiere and his journey to Pixar after graduating from CalArts. The conversation delves into how CGI altered animation production, the experimental creative process at Pixar, and the unique storytelling that set it apart from Disney films. Sweetland also highlights the film's immense box office success and its everlasting impact on the animation industry.
14 snips
Nov 21, 2025 • 10min
How the Bosnian war ended
Milan Milutinović, former Yugoslav foreign minister, shares his gripping firsthand accounts of the Dayton negotiations that ended the Bosnian war. He recounts the tense moment of waking Slobodan Milosevic at 2 a.m. when talks felt doomed. Milan delves into the complex dynamics between the Serbian delegation and U.S. negotiators, explaining how personal relationships influenced decisions. He also reflects on the emotional pressure on Bosnian leaders to sign the agreement and the immediate relief felt at the signing, paving the way for fragile peace.
9 snips
Nov 20, 2025 • 11min
The Spanish king reclaims his throne
In this captivating discussion, Juan Carlos, the former King of Spain who played a pivotal role in transitioning his country from dictatorship to democracy, shares his remarkable journey. He reflects on his early life under Franco's regime, personal rapport with the dictator, and the challenges he faced during Spain's tumultuous political shift. The conversation highlights his courageous reforms following Franco's death, the path to the first democratic elections in 1977, and his hopes for Spain's future amidst tensions and criticisms.
6 snips
Nov 19, 2025 • 11min
The death of Franco
José Antonio Martínez-Soler, a Spanish journalist who covered Franco's death, shares gripping firsthand experiences from that tumultuous period. He vividly recounts the moment he learned of Franco's passing, a mix of celebration and relief. José Antonio details the intense atmosphere outside the hospital, the public's emotional responses, and the challenges of censorship journalists faced. He reveals personal risks, including his abduction and torture for reporting on Guardia Civil purges, and reflects on the hope for democracy following decades of dictatorship.
5 snips
Nov 18, 2025 • 11min
Angela Merkel suspends EU asylum rules in 2015
Aydan Özoğuz, former German Minister of State for Migration, dives into the pivotal summer of 2015, detailing the surge of refugees seeking asylum in Europe. She shares her personal experiences visiting Kilis, Turkey, where many were sheltered, and discusses Angela Merkel's controversial decision to suspend the EU's Dublin Regulation. Özoğuz reflects on the challenges faced by local authorities, the moral reasoning behind Germany's welcoming stance, and the political implications that followed. Her insights offer a compelling look at a historic moment in migration.
11 snips
Nov 17, 2025 • 10min
Reagan and Gorbachev: The Geneva Summit
Explore the historic Geneva Summit of 1985, where Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev met amidst Cold War tensions. Discover their first impressions and the significance of their handshake. Learn about Gorbachev's reforms and Reagan's hardline strategies that set the stage for dialogue. The summit addressed crucial topics like nuclear weapons and human rights, while personal interactions between the leaders and their wives added a human touch. Uncover how this meeting influenced future arms negotiations and contributed to the eventual end of the Cold War.
6 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 11min
When Maldives' ministers met underwater
In this engaging discussion, Mohamed Nasheed, former President of the Maldives and climate activist, shares the unforgettable story of the world’s first underwater cabinet meeting held in 2009. He explains the bold stunt aimed at highlighting the urgency of climate change and its perilous effects on the Maldives. Nasheed recounts how ministers learned to dive, the media frenzy on the event day, and the global reaction to the imagery that brought climate issues to the forefront of international dialogue. Did it really make a difference? Tune in to find out!
Nov 13, 2025 • 11min
Bataclan attack in Paris
Tony Scott, a British concertgoer and survivor of the Bataclan attack, shares his harrowing first-hand account of the tragic night in Paris. He recounts the upbeat atmosphere before the chaos erupted, the immediate confusion as gunmen entered, and his desperate crawl to safety with partner Justine. Tony describes scaling a skylight to escape, the shocking news of coordinated attacks, and the overwhelming support from strangers amidst the horror. Their return to Paris for a concert symbolizes resilience as they commemorate the victims each year.
7 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 11min
Prosecuting Nazis at the Nuremberg Trials
Benjamin Ferencz, a veteran US Army prosecutor and chief prosecutor at the Nuremberg trials, shares gripping insights into one of history's most significant legal actions against Nazis. He discusses his emotional experiences confronting the horrors of concentration camps and the meticulous process of uncovering evidence of mass murder by the Einsatzgruppen. Ferencz reflects on his legal preparations, the trial's gripping opening, and the powerful plea for justice over vengeance that shaped international criminal law.
6 snips
Nov 11, 2025 • 11min
Birth of the G7
Jean-Pierre Fourcade, a former French finance minister and key figure at the 1975 Rambouillet summit, shares his firsthand experiences of this pivotal meeting that birthed the G7. He explains the backdrop of the economic crises that necessitated such a gathering and the informal atmosphere that allowed for candid discussions among world leaders. Fourcade delves into how national interests influenced the talks and evaluates the summit's legacy, emphasizing its role in fostering international cooperation amidst economic turmoil.
