The Rest Is History
Goalhanger
Take a deep dive into History’s biggest moments with Tom Holland & Dominic Sandbrook.
Explore the stories of History’s most brutal rulers, deadly battles, and world-changing events. From the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, the Nazi conquest of Europe, and Hitler’s evil master plan for world domination, to the French Revolution, the sinking of the Titanic, or the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, Tom and Dominic bring the past to life with gripping storytelling and expert analysis, as they unpack the high-drama moments that shaped our world.
Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to every series and live show tickets, a members-only newsletter, discounted books from the show, and access to our private Discord chatroom. Sign up directly at therestishistory.com.
For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.
Explore the stories of History’s most brutal rulers, deadly battles, and world-changing events. From the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, the Nazi conquest of Europe, and Hitler’s evil master plan for world domination, to the French Revolution, the sinking of the Titanic, or the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, Tom and Dominic bring the past to life with gripping storytelling and expert analysis, as they unpack the high-drama moments that shaped our world.
Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to every series and live show tickets, a members-only newsletter, discounted books from the show, and access to our private Discord chatroom. Sign up directly at therestishistory.com.
For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books
8 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 1h 2min
599. The First World War: Downfall of the Habsburgs (Part 6)
Delve into the chaos of the Eastern Front and the downfall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire during World War I. Vivid accounts reveal the harrowing conditions faced by soldiers and civilians alike, highlighting the psychological toll of battle and the brutality of warfare. The narrative contrasts the supportive environment of the Habsburg Empire with the violent anti-Semitism of the Russian regime. As winter approaches, moments of compassion emerge amid the horrors, reflecting the depth of human experience during this turbulent time.
126 snips
Sep 5, 2025 • 1h 11min
598. The First World War: The Eastern Front Explodes (Part 5)
The podcast dives into the brutal chaos of the Eastern Front during World War I, highlighting its bloodiness compared to the West. It unpacks the early disasters faced by the Austro-Hungarian army against Serbia and the crucial missteps of Russia. Key figures like Paul von Hindenburg emerge as pivotal, and the strategic battle maneuvers are vividly recounted. The psychological toll on soldiers is explored through personal memoirs, indulging in dark humor and historical critique that bring this tumultuous period to life.
128 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 55min
597. The First World War: The Massacre of the Innocents (Part 4)
Explore the brutal Battle of Ypres, where the Germans and British clashed fiercely amid the horrors of trench warfare. Hear about the emotional weight of shared soldier experiences and the misconceptions surrounding the tragic kindermord. Delve into the strategic significance of Ypres and its impact on future conflicts, including the rise of Hitler. Discover tales of heroism, the staggering casualty rates, and the complex narratives that shaped national identities during this tumultuous time.
139 snips
Aug 31, 2025 • 1h 8min
596. The First World War: The Miracle on the Marne (Part 3)
Delve into the extraordinary events of the Battle of the Marne, where the French executed a stunning counter-offensive against the German army. Discover how General Joffre's strategy turned the tide and the dramatic plea for unity that stirred the Allies. There's humor in the unexpected use of Paris taxis to transport troops, highlighting the blend of bravery and innovation. The difficult realities of trench warfare reveal a grim contrast, as both sides grappled with despair amidst the chaos of World War I.
235 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 1h 1min
595. The First World War: The Battle of the Frontiers (Part 2)
Discover Britain's first military moves in WWI and the pivotal role of the Battle of the Ardennes. Explore the life of Aubrey Herbert, who chose battle over a royal title, and the complexities of British and French forces facing tension and camaraderie. Delve into leadership challenges, including tragic miscalculations by a French general and the overconfidence of British commanders. Revel in tales of unexpected heroism at the Battle of Mons, where grit clashed with overwhelming odds, all set against the chaotic backdrop of a besieged Paris.
345 snips
Aug 24, 2025 • 1h
594. The First World War: The Invasion of Belgium (Part 1)
Dive into the chaotic outbreak of the First World War, focusing on Germany's aggressive invasion of Belgium. Discover the cultural clash as Germany transitions from a nation of culture to one of militarism. Explore the miscalculations in diplomacy that inadvertently unified British support. Delve into vivid accounts of the German military's strategies and the unexpected resilience of Belgian forces, revealing the brutal realities of warfare. The shift in perception of Germany from admiration to vilification sets the stage for understanding this monumental conflict.
154 snips
Aug 20, 2025 • 57min
593. The Fight of the Century
Robert Coles, an expert in the history of sport and author, joins the conversation to unpack the legendary 1860 boxing match between Tom Sayers and John Heenan. The discussion dives into the cultural significance of this brutal encounter and its reflections on 19th-century British identity. Listeners will learn about the harsh training regimens that fighters endured, the vibrant atmosphere leading up to the match, and the evolution of boxing rules that emerged from this chaotic era. Coles offers insights into how this clash changed British sport forever.
198 snips
Aug 17, 2025 • 57min
592. Mad Victorian Sport
Dive into the fascinating origins of football and its clubs, alongside the odd interplay between public hangings and early sporting events. Discover the historical significance of iconic venues like the Oval and the remarkable endurance feats of Victorian pedestrian Richard Manx. Unravel the compelling stories behind rugby, cricket's Ashes rivalry, and the peculiar spectacle of competitive dog and monkey events. This intriguing exploration uncovers how sports evolved within the cultural landscape of 19th-century England.
187 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 1h 8min
591. The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln: Manhunt for the Killer (Part 2)
Dive into the dramatic events of Good Friday 1865 when Abraham Lincoln was assassinated at Ford's Theatre by John Wilkes Booth. Discover Booth's impulsive motivations and the chaos that erupted in the theater that night. Follow the tense manhunt for Booth, filled with intrigue and betrayal, as Union soldiers pursued him through chaotic landscapes. Explore the profound grief felt by Lincoln's family and the racial implications of his death, debating his legacy as a martyr or tyrant and its impact on America's future.
264 snips
Aug 10, 2025 • 1h 2min
590. The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln: Death at the Theatre (Part 1)
Explore the dramatic final days of Abraham Lincoln as he navigates the aftermath of the Civil War and contemplates reconciliation. Delve into the psyche of John Wilkes Booth, the troubled actor whose radical views drove him to assassinate Lincoln. Learn about the pivotal moments leading to Lincoln's tragic fate at Ford's Theatre, juxtaposed against a backdrop of political turmoil and personal reflection. Witness the intertwining of hope and despair as history unfolds in a haunting narrative.
