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
82 snips
Feb 6, 2023 • 58min
301: The Real Da Vinci Code
Dive into the thrilling world of secret societies and conspiracies surrounding the Da Vinci Code. Explore the mysterious Merovingian dynasty and its intriguing bloodline connections. Uncover the legacy of enigmatic figures like Pierre Plantard and their romanticized tales of hidden treasures. Delve into the Cathars and their clash with traditional narratives during the Albigensian Crusade. This captivating journey mixes historical intrigue with literary analysis, bringing fictional and real-life mysteries to life.
26 snips
Feb 2, 2023 • 52min
300: The Real Downton Abbey
Lucy Lethbridge, a historian specializing in British social history and author of "Servants: A Downstairs View of 20th Century Britain," joins the conversation to unravel the complexities of Edwardian domestic life. She critiques the romanticization of servants in shows like 'Downton Abbey' while highlighting the shifting dynamics of class and servitude. The discussion flows through the evolution of domestic roles during and after World War I, illustrating changing perceptions and the emergence of greater autonomy for workers in a rapidly modernizing society.
30 snips
Jan 30, 2023 • 54min
299: The Greatest Female Pharaoh
Discover the remarkable rise of Hatshepsut, ancient Egypt's most powerful female pharaoh. Uncover her journey from regent to ruler, defying a male-centric society. Delve into her monumental achievements and unique challenges, alongside her influential relationship with adviser Senenmut. Explore the complexities of her legacy and the historical attempts to erase her from memory, all while tracing the evolution of perceptions surrounding her reign. Get ready for a riveting exploration filled with intrigue and empowerment!
57 snips
Jan 26, 2023 • 57min
298: The Nazis: Total Power (Part 4)
The ascent of Hitler from chancellor to dictator is scrutinized, showcasing the political landscape and the strategic moves he made. The Reichstag fire is examined as a pivotal moment that allowed the Nazis to enforce propaganda and suppress opponents. The discussion highlights the unsettling alliance between Nazis and traditional political powers that led to totalitarian control. Moral contrasts between Nazism and communism are explored, reflecting on how historical conditions enabled extremist ideologies to thrive and warning of similar modern threats to democracy.
117 snips
Jan 23, 2023 • 59min
297: The Nazis: Hitler's Triumph (Part 3)
Explore the dramatic events that paved the way for Hitler's rise amid the chaos of the Great Depression. Discover the allure of Nazism through the tragic tale of Horst Wessel, and the fierce rivalries that rocked Weimar Germany. Delve into the misguided political maneuvers of figures like Franz von Papen, and the pivotal miscalculations that enabled the Nazis' ascent. Witness how Hitler's theatrical propaganda and calculated machinations, including the Reichstag fire, ultimately solidified his control over Germany.
95 snips
Jan 19, 2023 • 59min
296: The Nazis: The Beer Hall Putsch (Part 2)
Delve into the chaos of post-World War I Germany as hyperinflation fuels extremist sentiments. The Beer Hall Putsch emerges as a pivotal moment, showcasing Hitler's rise and the precariousness of the Weimar Republic. Political instability, fueled by resentment towards the Versailles Treaty, sets the stage for authoritarianism. The episode also reveals the profound effects of propaganda and the ideological foundations that shaped early Nazism. Humorously, it touches on mental well-being, linking personal support and historical turmoil.
157 snips
Jan 16, 2023 • 1h 3min
295: The Rise of the Nazis (Part 1)
The discussion dives into the origins of Nazism, exploring its complex historical background. Key factors include the aftermath of World War I and societal instability in post-war Germany. Insights on early racial ideologies and the influence of Darwinism uncover how aggressive nationalism took root. The speakers also reflect on Hitler's formative years and the antisemetic climate in Vienna that shaped his beliefs. The rise of radical ideologies in a tumultuous political landscape highlights the paradox of a democracy being used to seize power.
12 snips
Jan 12, 2023 • 49min
294: Lady Jane Grey: The Axe Falls (Part 2)
Explore the brief and tumultuous reign of Lady Jane Grey, who ruled for just nine days. Discover the political intrigue and familial pressures that led to her ascent and tragic downfall. Delve into the emotional struggles she faced amid religious turmoil and shifting loyalties during Tudor times. Learn about her composed demeanor at execution and why her legacy differs from Mary and Elizabeth. This captivating tale reveals the complexities of power, legitimacy, and the bittersweet fate of a young queen.
9 snips
Jan 9, 2023 • 52min
293: Lady Jane Grey: The Nine Days' Queen (Part 1)
The podcast delves into the fraught succession after Edward VI's death and how 15-year-old Lady Jane Grey claimed the throne. It highlights the political intrigue and religious tensions of her brief reign, often dubbed the Nine Days Queen. The hosts discuss the exclusion of her mother from the line of succession and the complexities of legitimacy in a male-dominated society. Insights into John Dudley’s pivotal role and the emotional turmoil Jane faced during her swift ascent add depth to this captivating historical narrative.
6 snips
Jan 5, 2023 • 44min
292: The Shadow of the Holocaust
In this thought-provoking discussion, Jonathan Freedland, author of 'The Escape Artist,' joins Tom and Dominic to unpack the Vrba-Wetzler report's global impact. They delve into how anti-Semitism influenced the Allies' responses to the Holocaust. The conversation touches on Churchill and Roosevelt's moral dilemmas, institutional resistance, and the complexities of Holocaust survivor narratives. Freedland emphasizes the importance of individual stories over statistics, shedding light on the human experiences that define this historical tragedy.
