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
36 snips
Feb 5, 2024 • 54min
415. The Murder of Richard II (Part 3)
Dive into the dramatic reign of Richard II, who ascended to the throne at just ten. Explore the Peasants' Revolt and Richard’s autocratic rule that alienated his subjects. Discover how his fashion choices and extravagant lifestyle were more than mere extravagance—they were strategic tools in royal politics. The conversation also reveals the intricate political dynamics leading to his deposition and tragic demise, emphasizing the enduring consequences for the English monarchy and themes of power and legitimacy.
69 snips
Feb 1, 2024 • 51min
414. The Peasants’ Revolt: London’s Burning (Part 2)
On June 13, 1381, rebel leader Wat Tyler and his army stormed London, shaking the foundations of power. The young King Richard II faced a desperate choice as demands for the abolition of serfdom echoed through the city. Tensions escalated as the rebels attacked royal symbols and engaged in fierce negotiations. The aftermath revealed chaotic confrontations and the complexities of the uprising's legacy on governance and class. The discussion also connects historical events to modern political ideologies, hinting at their continued relevance today.
65 snips
Jan 29, 2024 • 52min
413. The Peasants' Revolt: England Erupts (Part 1)
In late 14th-century England, social unrest simmers as peasants face skyrocketing poll taxes and a distrustful nobility. Tensions ignite into the Peasants' Revolt, led by the charismatic Wat Tyler, marking a pivotal moment for grassroots activism. John Ball's radical rhetoric galvanizes support, blending class struggle and ideological shifts. Vivid accounts of violent protests and strategic rallies reveal a society on the brink, as rebels aim to challenge the oppressive elite and redefine their place in history.
144 snips
Jan 25, 2024 • 53min
412. Romans in Space: Star Wars, Dune and Beyond...
Explore how 'Star Wars' mirrors the fall of republics in both ancient Rome and contemporary culture. Discover the parallels between Emperor Palpatine and historical tyrants, and how ‘Dune’ reflects Islamic history. The conversation dives into how these sci-fi classics use Roman imagery and themes to grapple with power, ambition, and decay. From classic hero journeys to the eerie representations of totalitarianism, the discussion unveils how popular narratives draw deeply from historical lessons.
25 snips
Jan 22, 2024 • 48min
411. The Man in the Iron Mask
Dive into the gripping enigma of the Man in the Iron Mask, a prisoner cloaked in secrecy during Louis XIV's reign. Explore wild theories about his identity, from an English spy to a possible twin brother of the king. Unravel the grandeur and intrigue of Versailles, the heart of absolute monarchy, while navigating the shadows cast by d'Artagnan and philosophical reflections from Voltaire. The rich tapestry of history reveals a world where power dynamics and mystique intertwine, leaving listeners to ponder the truth behind the mask.
61 snips
Jan 18, 2024 • 45min
410. The Nazis in Power: The Night of Broken Glass (Part 7)
In November 1938, Nazi Germany descended into chaos as anti-Semitic policies brutally intensified. The Night of Broken Glass marked a horrifying escalation, with synagogues destroyed and Jewish professionals targeted. The assassination of a Nazi official unleashed a wave of violence against Jewish communities. Historians critique the ideological motivations of the SS, revealing how societal complicity fueled these acts. Speculative narratives suggest grim alternatives for Jewish displacement, emphasizing the calculated oppression that trapped many during this dark era.
137 snips
Jan 16, 2024 • 52min
409. The Nazis in Power: Hitler's War on the Jews (Part 6)
The podcast dives into the chilling rise of Nazi anti-Semitism and the relentless persecution faced by Jews as Hitler solidifies power. It details horrific policies that marginalized Jewish citizens in all walks of life, the internal conflict of Jewish families navigating a violent landscape, and the grim reality of their deteriorating existence. The narrative also highlights the insidious blend of propaganda and societal apathy that enabled this oppression, painting a stark picture of a society veering into darkness.
170 snips
Jan 15, 2024 • 53min
408. The Nazis in Power: Hitler's Dream (Part 5)
Explore the chilling eugenics policies of the Nazis, where compulsory sterilization and euthanasia were justified under a twisted moral framework. Delve into Hitler's haunting ideology, rooted in a distorted sense of racial purity and ancient cultural appropriation. Uncover the dark transformation of antisemitism into a racial menace, shaping perceptions of Jews as biological threats. This unsettling discussion evokes deep questions about the nature of evil and the societal shifts that allowed such horrific beliefs to take hold in Germany.
72 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.
102 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.
