

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

37 snips
Dec 7, 2023 • 58min
397. JFK: A Conspiracy Unmasked (Part 6)
Delve into the chaotic aftermath of JFK's assassination and the shocking murder of Lee Harvey Oswald. Uncover a myriad of conspiracy theories, from ties to Cuba and the KKK to potential CIA involvement. Explore how the historical landscape of the 1960s and societal tensions shaped public perception. With a humorous touch, the discussion critiques bizarre claims while exposing the deeper anxieties of a nation grappling with trust in authority. Examine the lasting impact of Oliver Stone's film and the elusive truths behind a pivotal moment in history.

Dec 5, 2023 • 40min
396. JFK: The Second Assassin Strikes (Part 5)
Dive into the chaotic aftermath of JFK's assassination as Dallas police frantically gather evidence against Lee Harvey Oswald. Discover the intriguing background of Oswald and the emotional turmoil surrounding Jack Ruby, who disrupts the investigation in a shocking turn of events. Witness the dramatic moment Ruby shoots Oswald while being escorted by police, forever altering the course of history. Explore the unsettling context of mourning and conspiracy theories that swirl around this pivotal moment in American history.

Dec 4, 2023 • 45min
395. JFK: Hunt for a Killer (Part 4)
Dive into the chaotic events of November 22, 1963, as President Kennedy’s assassination unfolds. Explore the urgent efforts to save him, with Jackie Kennedy's heartbreaking moments by his side. Witness the dramatic transition of power as LBJ steps up amidst national turmoil. The investigation into Lee Harvey Oswald deepens, revealing questions of conspiracy and confusion. Discover the cultural interplay between espionage and politics in the 1960s. Finally, unravel the emotional and political fallout that followed this tragic event.

8 snips
Nov 30, 2023 • 43min
394. JFK: Death in Dallas (Part 3)
The podcast delves into the dramatic events surrounding JFK's assassination on November 22, 1963. It highlights the vibrant atmosphere in Dallas as crowds eagerly awaited the President's arrival. The irony of the day's excitement contrasts sharply with the impending tragedy. Key discussions explore the pressures on JFK during his Texas trip and the chilling moments leading up to the motorcade. Eyewitness accounts paint a vivid picture of chaos that unfolded in Dealey Plaza, capturing the emotional turmoil and confusion following the shocking event.

14 snips
Nov 28, 2023 • 54min
393. JFK: Cuba, Camelot and the Cold War (Part 2)
Dive into the captivating world of John F. Kennedy's presidency, from his youthful charisma to the weight of his political legacy. Discover his tumultuous relationship with the civil rights movement and the complex dynamics of the Cold War, including the Bay of Pigs invasion and the Cuban Missile Crisis. Explore how his health challenges and personal struggles intertwined with his leadership. Unravel the backdrop of political tension as the looming shadow of Dallas approaches, hinting at the mysterious motives behind his assassination.

30 snips
Nov 27, 2023 • 48min
392. JFK: The Road to the White House (Part 1)
The podcast delves into John F. Kennedy's complex legacy, shedding light on his family's controversies and his significant rise to the presidency. It examines the tremors of his historic assassination, contrasting the collective shock with the role of television in shaping public perception. The narrative explores JFK's early life, military service, and the intricate dynamics of his political aspirations influenced by his family's history. The episode also raises the tantalizing question of whether Oswald acted alone or as part of a larger conspiracy at play.

36 snips
Nov 23, 2023 • 57min
391. The Fall of the Aztecs: The Last Emperor (Part 8)
The fall of Tenochtitlan marks a pivotal moment in history, with Hernán Cortés emerging as a seeming victor. Yet, the last Aztec emperor, Cuauhtemoc, still holds a crucial narrative. The podcast dives into the dark aftermath of conquest, exploring the resilience of the indigenous population and the cultural transformations in Mexico. It critically examines the legacy of Spanish imperialism and the complex narratives surrounding colonizers and natives, revealing an intricate tapestry of betrayal, adaptation, and enduring beliefs that still resonate today.

12 snips
Nov 20, 2023 • 38min
390. The Fall of the Aztecs: War to the Death (Part 7)
The spring of 1521 marks a turning point as Hernán Cortés besieges Tenochtitlan, leaving the fate of the Aztecs hanging by a thread. Smallpox devastates the local population, while Cuauhtémoc, the new Aztec emperor, prepares to make a desperate stand. The siege reveals brutal military tactics and psychological warfare, showcasing the tragic clash of two civilizations. Amidst the chaos, cultural losses surface, highlighted by ancient rituals and the haunting defiance of Cuauhtémoc as the Aztec Empire faces its inevitable fall.

30 snips
Nov 16, 2023 • 45min
389. The Fall of the Aztecs: The Night of Tears (Part 6)
In a gripping tale of desperation, Hernán Cortés and his troops make a harrowing nighttime escape from the besieged Tenochtitlan. Surrounded by hostile Aztecs and with resources dwindling, their flight is fraught with danger and chaos. The poignant clash symbolizes the collapse of an empire. Meanwhile, the devastating impact of smallpox begins to unfold, further weakening the Aztec civilization and altering the course of history. This dramatic moment intertwines valor and tragedy in a captivating narrative of conquest.

16 snips
Nov 14, 2023 • 50min
388. The Fall of the Aztecs: The Festival of Blood (Part 5)
In 1520, Hernán Cortés faces a daunting threat as rival conquistador Pánfilo de Narváez hunts him down. Amidst the chaos, he takes Aztec Emperor Montezuma hostage, leading to escalating tension in Tenochtitlan. The imminent Feast of Toshcatl amplifies the impending violence, as mistrust and fear fuel conflict. Cortés’ clever strategies are put to the test against a much larger force, while his relationship with the volatile Pedro de Alvarado adds intrigue. The narrative dives into the darker aspects of conquest, highlighting the tragic turn of events.