

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 or start a free trial today on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/therestishistory.
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 or start a free trial today on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/therestishistory.
For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books

60 snips
Jan 11, 2024 • 55min
407. The Nazis in Power: The Conquest of Austria (Part 4)
The podcast delves into Hitler's annexation of Austria in 1938, revealing the tumultuous relationships between Austrian leaders and the Nazi regime. It explores the initial enthusiasm among some Austrians, contrasted with the brutal repression of Jewish communities that soon followed. A fascinating discussion emerges around the duality of Austrian identity, addressing the complexities of victimhood and collaboration during this dark chapter. Personal scandals within Nazi leadership also shed light on the intricate dynamics of power and personal choice amid political turmoil.

85 snips
Jan 8, 2024 • 59min
406. The Nazis in Power: Hitler’s Road to War (Part 3)
The discussion delves into Hitler's early ideological motivations and his obsession with rearmament, tracing back to his views expressed in Mein Kampf. The speakers dissect Germany's economic struggles and Hitler's calculated political maneuvers that defied the Treaty of Versailles. They highlight the fervent public support that bolstered his ambitions, alongside a detailed look at early alliances with Italy. The podcast explores the impact of the Rhineland remilitarization, revealing how these strategic decisions escalated tensions in Europe and paved the way for future conflicts.

91 snips
Jan 4, 2024 • 53min
405. The Nazis in Power: The Nuremberg Rallies (Part 2)
The podcast delves into the Nuremberg Rallies of 1934, showcasing their role in Nazi propaganda and indoctrination. Hitler's grand speeches molded the minds of German youth, instilling fervent nationalism. It highlights the artistic legacy of 'Triumph of the Will' as a sinister propaganda film. The discussion also reveals how the Nazis capitalized on film and radio to spread their ideology, while examining the impact on gender roles and youth education. The manipulation extended even to the Olympics, reflecting the regime's quest for ideological dominance.

108 snips
Jan 1, 2024 • 55min
404. The Nazis in Power: The Night of the Long Knives (Part 1)
Delve into the chilling events of the Night of the Long Knives, where Hitler orchestrated a violent purge against his own party. Discover the treacherous power struggles between Hitler and Ernst Röhm's SA, revealing the dark intricacies of Nazi politics. Explore the absurdity and horror of betrayal, with a touch of grotesque humor. Examine how this brutal act solidified Hitler's control while creating a seemingly stable regime, contrasting public support with the deadly internal conflicts that defined early Nazi Germany.

44 snips
Dec 28, 2023 • 48min
403. The Mystery of the Pregnant Pope
Discover the extraordinary legend of Pope Joan, the only female pope who disguised herself as a man. Explore the chaos of medieval Church politics and the scandalous tales of the Papacy during the Pornocracy era. Delve into the gender dynamics of the church, examining how societal norms influenced the exclusion of women. Uncover the truth behind Joan's mysterious existence and the cultural implications of her story in shaping perceptions of femininity and leadership. It’s a riveting blend of myth, history, and intrigue!

104 snips
Dec 25, 2023 • 59min
402. Christmas: Pagan or Christian?
Delve into the intriguing origins of Christmas and its connections to pagan traditions. Discover the influence of the cult of Mithras and why December 25th was chosen for celebrating Christ. Explore the revelry of Saturnalia and how its customs have shaped modern festivities. Unpack the complexities of early Christian adaptations of ancient rituals, and enjoy a mix of humor and critique as the hosts dissect myths surrounding this beloved holiday.

6 snips
Dec 21, 2023 • 50min
401. Windrush: The Story of Black Britain
Trevor Phillips, an acclaimed journalist and founder of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, joins the conversation to discuss the Windrush generation and its significant impact on Black Britain. He dismantles myths surrounding this pivotal event, explores the rich narratives of Caribbean immigrants, and reflects on the emergence of multiculturalism in Britain. Topics include the symbolic victory of West Indies cricket, the evolution of migration patterns, and the complexities of dual identities within the diaspora, emphasizing the ongoing relevance of the Windrush legacy.

51 snips
Dec 18, 2023 • 46min
400. Victorian Britain's Maddest Mystery
In this riveting discussion, best-selling author Zadie Smith dives into the infamous Tichborne Case, a Victorian spectacle of mistaken identity and societal intrigue. With her novel, The Fraud, as a backdrop, she unpacks the complex legal battle involving a butcher claiming to be the lost heir, Roger Tichborne. The conversation explores themes of race, class, and identity, shedding light on how this scandal captivated the public and influenced modern storytelling. Smith's insights blend humor and gravitas, making Victorian drama feel strikingly relevant today.

46 snips
Dec 14, 2023 • 49min
399. The Savage Storm: World War II and The Battle for Italy
Historian James Holland, author of "The Savage Storm" and host of "We Have Ways of Making You Talk," dives into the brutal Battle for Italy during World War II. He discusses the miscalculations that led Allies into a fierce struggle, challenged by severe weather and supply shortages. Holland sheds light on the strategic setbacks faced by German command and reveals the often overlooked stories of resilience among women during this tumultuous time. The conversation provides a gripping exploration of the human cost in the chaos of war.

28 snips
Dec 11, 2023 • 51min
398. JFK: The Mystery is Solved (Part 7)
Dive into the chilling details of JFK's assassination as the hosts unravel the motivations behind Lee Harvey Oswald's actions. They explore Oswald's troubled past and psychological state, revealing how his radicalization intertwined with the political tensions of the 1960s. The intriguing interplay between historical events and personal identity sheds light on the conspiracy's lingering effects on American politics. Prepare to rethink what you know about this pivotal moment in history as the narrative unfolds.