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
19 snips
May 15, 2024 • 57min
450. Custer's Last Stand: Death in the Black Hills (Part 5)
The narrative dives into George Custer's tumultuous life, detailing his struggles with addiction and personal conflicts. Tensions rise as the Northern Pacific Railway threatens Lakota territory, culminating in a face-off with legendary leaders, Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse. The podcast explores Custer's complex personality and controversial views on Native Americans, as well as the broader implications of cultural suppression and resilience among Plains Indians. The economic Panic of 1873 sets the stage for inevitable confrontations in the Black Hills.
67 snips
May 12, 2024 • 49min
449. Custer vs. Crazy Horse: Rise of Sitting Bull (Part 4)
The podcast delves into Sitting Bull's rise as a prominent leader amid cultural tensions and American expansion. It contrasts his leadership with Crazy Horse while exploring their resistance against the U.S. government. Fascinating stories highlight Sitting Bull's spiritual connections and the significance of ancestral names. The Sun Dance ritual showcases personal sacrifice in Lakota culture, setting the stage for dramatic conflicts, including the anticipated clash with Custer. Humor intertwines with serious themes, emphasizing Sitting Bull's enduring legacy in American history.
59 snips
May 8, 2024 • 49min
448. Custer vs. Crazy Horse: Horse-Lords of the Plains (Part 3)
Dive into the captivating saga of Crazy Horse, a formidable Lakota warrior whose tactical genius challenged the might of George Custer. Discover the rich culture and history of the Sioux people, their struggles against encroachment, and the complex dynamics of tribal identities. Explore the profound legacies of leaders like Sitting Bull and Red Cloud and the intriguing gender roles within Lakota society. Uncover the contrasting strategies of Crazy Horse and Custer that would define their fateful encounters in the struggle for survival on the Great Plains.
57 snips
May 6, 2024 • 1h 6min
447. Custer vs. Crazy Horse: The Winning of the West (Part 2)
Dive into the tumultuous life of George Custer, a Union cavalry commander with a controversial legacy. Explore his reckless ambition, political missteps, and the complex dynamics of his confrontations with Native American tribes, particularly the Cheyenne. Uncover the dark tales of the Wild West filled with violence and moral dilemmas, as well as the shifting U.S. policies towards Indigenous peoples during this chaotic era. The narrative raises profound questions about heroism and the tragic consequences of conflict.
81 snips
May 5, 2024 • 59min
446. Custer vs. Crazy Horse: Civil War (Part 1)
Dive into the thrilling world of the American Indian Wars, focusing on the legendary Custer and the brilliant Crazy Horse. Explore Custer's flamboyant rise from obscurity to military fame during the Civil War, filled with audacious battles and personal drama. The narrative reveals the complex interplay of heroism and brutality, examining Custer's controversial legacy and the myths that followed his Last Stand. Experience the intense chaos of battle and the impact on the Lakota people, all set against a backdrop of 19th-century America's evolution.
91 snips
May 1, 2024 • 56min
445. The Habsburgs: Secrets of a Dynasty
Eduard Habsburg-Lothringen, Archduke of Austria and Hungary’s ambassador to the Holy See, shares captivating insights into his famed lineage. He discusses the Habsburgs’ strategic marriages, like that of Maximilian and Mary of Burgundy, which forged a massive empire. The conversation dives into the dynasty’s legendary death rituals, the supposed consequences of inbreeding, and seven essential lessons for today's political leaders drawn from Habsburg history. Eduard brings a personal touch to the intricate tales that shaped Europe!
120 snips
Apr 28, 2024 • 1h 1min
444. The First Emperor of China
Dive into the fascinating world of Qin Shi Huang, the First Emperor of China, who left a mixed legacy of monumental achievements and brutal tactics. Discover how his ruthless methods, like book burning and scholar executions, shaped China's historical narrative. The conversation explores his obsession with immortality, the eerie Terracotta Army, and the contrast between his actions and Confucian ideals. Uncover the complexities of unity in pre-empire China and how the emperor's legacy continues to influence modern perceptions of power and authority.
44 snips
Apr 24, 2024 • 55min
443. Lord Byron: Death of a Vampire (Part 4)
Explore the scandalous life of Lord Byron, from his exile in Italy to his iconic friendship with Percy Shelley. Discover the dramatic summer of 1816 that birthed literary masterpieces amidst ghost stories and rivalry. Delve into Byron's evolving legacy, his tumultuous relationships, and the impact of his life on Gothic literature. His passionate involvement in the Greek War of Independence adds a political twist to his personal drama. As he grapples with fame and mortality, Byron's journey captivates and enthralls.
70 snips
Apr 21, 2024 • 59min
442. Lord Byron: Dangerous Liaisons (Part 3)
Delve into the scandalous life of Lord Byron, the first modern celebrity. His rise to fame came with a whirlwind of romantic entanglements, particularly with the eccentric Lady Caroline Lamb, whose obsession nearly drove them both mad. Explore the tumultuous marriage to mathematician Annabella Milbanke, shrouded in infidelity and societal expectations, while uncovering the shocking and controversial affair with his half-sister, Augusta Leigh. This tale of passion, betrayal, and moral depravity reveals a captivating portrait of one of history's most notorious figures.
84 snips
Apr 17, 2024 • 58min
441. Lord Byron: Scandal, Sex and Celebrity (Part 2)
Lord Byron's tumultuous life unfolds as he escapes a debt-ridden England for an Eastern adventure amidst the Napoleonic Wars. He encounters powerful figures like Ali Pasha and the Sultan of Constantinople, blending danger with his audacious charm. The podcast delves into Byron's bold literary ambitions, reflections on sexuality, and romanticized views of Greece. As he finds his identity against the backdrop of cultural clash, 'Byromania' begins to rise, marking his transformation into one of London's most celebrated figures.
