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
13 snips
Apr 26, 2022 • 45min
179. French Presidents: 1981-2022 (Part 2)
Delve into the dynamic world of French politics from Mitterrand to Macron, uncovering fascinating transformations and rivalries. Discover François Mitterrand's shift from conservative roots to leftist leadership, and the political turmoil faced by Jacques Chirac and Nicolas Sarkozy. Explore the humorous contrasts of François Hollande and the ambitious rise of Emmanuel Macron. The discussion also highlights the evolving identity of young voters, reflecting on the influence of historical conflicts on today's political landscape.
Apr 25, 2022 • 41min
178. French Presidents: 1958-1981 (Part 1)
Dive into the riveting world of French politics as Tom and Dominic explore the legacies of Charles de Gaulle, Georges Pompidou, and Valéry Giscard d'Estaing. Discover how de Gaulle reshaped the presidency post-World War II and navigated the Algerian War. Uncover the cultural and political contributions of Pompidou, including his famous center. Plus, hear about bizarre political scandals and a peculiar literary venture of a former president that reveals the intersection of politics and personal narratives.
46 snips
Apr 21, 2022 • 54min
177. The Jewish Revolt (Part 3)
Unpack the devastating events of the Jewish Revolt, including the burning of the Temple and the siege of Masada. Discover how Vespasian and Titus shaped history through their brutal tactics and explore internal divisions among the Judeans. Dive into the lasting impact of the revolt on Jewish identity and its complex relationship with early Christianity. Josephus's narratives emerge as critical in understanding these events, offering a nuanced view of their significance in modern times.
53 snips
Apr 18, 2022 • 32min
176. The Jews Against Rome (Part 2)
The podcast dives into the gripping tale of the Jewish Revolt and the catastrophic destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans. It highlights pivotal figures like Pontius Pilate and Nero, alongside their complex interactions with the Jewish community. With humor sprinkled throughout, the hosts analyze Jesus' prophecies and their modern geopolitical implications. The buildup of tensions from oppressive Roman taxation sets the stage for rebellion, revealing deep cultural resentment and internal divisions among the Judeans. This historical conflict resonates in today's world.
52 snips
Apr 14, 2022 • 1h 5min
175. Crucifixion (Part 1)
Dive into the chilling origins and gruesome details of crucifixion in ancient Rome, a punishment reserved for slaves and rebels. Explore its dark history as a public spectacle and its critical role in the narrative of Jesus's death. The discussion includes the societal implications and the evolution of crucifixion's symbolism, transforming from a tool of execution to a powerful emblem in Christianity. They also touch on cinematic portrayals and philosophical critiques, urging a deeper understanding of this pivotal historical event.
32 snips
Apr 11, 2022 • 56min
174. Merlin, Magic and the British
Francis Young, author of 'Magic in Merlin's Realm', joins the discussion to unravel the intriguing ties between British history and magic. They explore the legendary Merlin's influence on monarchy and politics, linking him to figures like Richard II and his decline due to superstition. Young shares insights on the occult practices from Tudor to Stuart England, touching on witchcraft as a tool of political betrayal. They even delve into WWII's mysticism with medium Helen Duncan, highlighting how magic has shaped the power dynamics of British royalty.
93 snips
Apr 7, 2022 • 1h 4min
173. Chairman Mao & the Cultural Revolution
Rana Mitter, a Professor of the history and politics of modern China at Oxford, joins the discussion on the Cultural Revolution's brutal impacts. They dive into the origins of this upheaval, highlighting the Red Guards' role in dismantling traditional culture. Mitter elaborates on Mao's quest for power, the violent societal shifts, and the deeply ingrained fear within communities. The conversation also touches on the bizarre cult of Mao, symbolized by 'holy mangoes,' and examines how the legacy of this chaotic period continues to shape China's political landscape today.
9 snips
Apr 4, 2022 • 53min
172. The Falklands War: Afterlife (Part 4)
The discussion delves into the lasting legacy of the Falklands War on UK and Argentine identities. They explore how Britain’s victory may have set the stage for Brexit and examine the complex feelings of national pride and nostalgia. Personal anecdotes are shared, highlighting the emotional aftermath for individuals involved in the conflict. Additionally, the ongoing debates in Argentina about sovereignty over the islands are scrutinized, linking historical events to contemporary political tensions.
25 snips
Mar 31, 2022 • 52min
171. The Falklands War: Battle for the Islands (Part 3)
In this gripping installment, the controversial sinking of the Belgrano stirs heated debate and shifts public sentiment. British troops land in the Falklands, but the optimism quickly gives way to the grim realities of war. Audiences flash back to Reagan's appeal to Thatcher amidst the chaos. Emotional tales of soldiers on both sides paint a vivid picture of the conflict’s toll. The narrative weaves through military strategies and media portrayals, stirring reflections on courage, patriotism, and the personal impact of warfare.
28 snips
Mar 29, 2022 • 50min
170. The Falklands War: The Task Force Sails (Part 2)
In this engaging discussion, the podcast delves into the politically charged atmosphere of the Falklands War, highlighting Margaret Thatcher's evolving leadership style and the tense moments after Argentina's invasion. The emotional weight of national pride and the complexities of military strategy are examined, along with the mobilization efforts from Britain. Listeners will enjoy vivid portrayals of key figures and the pivotal decisions that shaped this historic conflict, all interspersed with humor and personal anecdotes.
