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
43 snips
Oct 11, 2023 • 45min
377. Baghdad: Crossroads of the Universe (Part 2)
Baghdad's transformation from a Christian village to a bustling cosmopolis is a highlight, showcasing its ambitious architecture and grandeur under Caliph Al-Mansur. The role of Abu Muslim in establishing the Abbasid dynasty is fascinating, revealing the blend of Islamic and Persian traditions. The city’s importance as a trade hub is explored, emphasizing its connections between cultures. The podcast also delves into the turbulent history of the Umayyad Caliphate and the cultural fusion in Khorasan, setting the backdrop for Baghdad's rise as a center of knowledge and power.
157 snips
Oct 8, 2023 • 51min
376. Baghdad: The Forging of Islam (Part 1)
Dive into the vibrant streets of ninth-century Baghdad, where a beggar's eyes reveal the city's cultural richness. Discover the rise of the Abbasids as they challenge the Umayyad Caliphate amid internal strife and sectarian tension. Explore how various religious communities navigated the evolving Islamic landscape, influencing early traditions. Uncover the complexity of power dynamics, as legal scholars oppose autocratic rulers, paving the way for a revolution that would transform early Islamic society.
62 snips
Oct 4, 2023 • 53min
375. Hitler and the Mitford Sisters
The podcast explores the glamorous yet troubling lives of the Mitford sisters, particularly Unity's alarming relationship with Adolf Hitler. Unity's fascination with Nazism and her eerie presence in Hitler's inner circle paint a chilling picture of class dynamics and radical ideologies. Her paradoxical life is highlighted, revealing the dark allure of her ambitions and her family's complex entanglements with British fascism. The discussion dives into the broader societal implications of their choices during a tumultuous political era, questioning the legacies they left behind.
63 snips
Oct 1, 2023 • 45min
374. The Battle of Cable Street: Fascism Defeated
The podcast dives into the historic Battle of Cable Street, where a massive anti-fascist demonstration clashed with a fascist march in 1936. It explores the decline of British fascism during the 1920s and 30s amidst economic strife. The discussion highlights the complex social dynamics and anti-Semitic rhetoric that fueled political movements. Personal anecdotes make the resistance alive, capturing the spirit of unity against oppression. The intricate relationship between Oswald Mosley, Hitler, and notable figures like the Mitfords adds another layer to this fascinating narrative.
77 snips
Sep 27, 2023 • 55min
373. Oswald Mosley: Fascist Leader
Dive into the complex character of Oswald Mosley, a leader whose controversial persona shaped British fascism. Explore his political journey from MP to the founder of the British Union of Fascists, and discover how his experiences in World War I influenced his ambitions. The podcast contrasts Mosley's dynamic leadership with the conservatism of Stanley Baldwin, while also examining the rise and fall of his party. Plus, enjoy a light-hearted party game introduced by the hosts, adding humor to an otherwise serious topic.
77 snips
Sep 24, 2023 • 54min
372. The Birth of British Fascism
Explore the intriguing cultural roots of British fascism, marked by medieval nostalgia and anxieties of modernity. Discover how economic struggles in the 1920s fueled fascist sentiments amid fears of Bolshevism. Learn about significant figures like Oswald Mosley and the societal conflicts that shaped British identity. Delve into early 20th-century perceptions of homosexuality and the political climate inspired by Mussolini. The odd connection between a veterinarian and the rise of the Imperial Fascist League adds a surprising twist to this narrative.
Sep 21, 2023 • 51min
371. The 1973 Chilean Coup: General Pinochet Seizes Power (Part 2)
Explore the shocking rise of General Pinochet as he overthrew Salvador Allende in Chile, backed by U.S. interests. Discover the political turmoil of 1973, dissecting class divides and military tensions. Delve into the brutal realities of life under Pinochet's authoritarian regime, marked by horrific human rights abuses. The discussion also reveals the complex legacy of his rule, including Western support during the Cold War and the enduring debates about his impact on Chilean society.
5 snips
Sep 20, 2023 • 44min
370. The 1973 Chilean Coup: Allende, Nixon and the CIA (Part 1)
The dramatic 1973 coup against Salvador Allende in Chile reveals the depths of American imperialism during the Cold War. The podcast dives into Allende's rise to power and his radical vision for the country, juxtaposed with U.S. efforts to undermine him. The impactful role of the newspaper El Mercurio in swaying public opinion against Allende is explored, alongside the lasting scars of Pinochet’s regime on Chilean society. With historical insights and political context, the discussion sheds light on a pivotal moment in Latin American history.
Sep 18, 2023 • 42min
PAX: War and Peace in Rome’s Golden Age (Extract)
Dive into the grandeur of the Roman Empire as Hadrian’s ambitions come to life in the construction of his wall in Britain. Discover how Hadrian's Wall evolved from a forgotten relic to a cultural icon, reflecting complex themes of identity. Explore the peace and prosperity of the Pax Romana, alongside the darker sides of Roman entertainment. Unpack John’s apocalyptic vision contrasting Babylon's downfall with Rome's rise. Finally, navigate the ideological shifts during this Golden Age, revealing the intricate ties between Roman elites, Christianity, and the Jewish community.
148 snips
Sep 17, 2023 • 54min
369. The Colosseum: Rome's Arena of Death
Discover the Colosseum’s dark allure, where gladiators battled and emperors showcased dog-eat-dog entertainment. The transformation of these brutal games reflects Roman identity, civic pride, and social hierarchy. Explore the powerful political motives behind its construction during the Flavian dynasty and the dual nature of its legacy—a monument of grandeur steeped in violence. The discussion also draws fascinating comparisons between ancient customs and modern sports culture, tapping into our enduring fascination with brutality.
