Explaining History
Nick Shepley
The Explaining History Podcast, created and hosted by Nick Shepley, offers a comprehensive exploration of 20th-century history through weekly episodes. For over a decade, this podcast has been providing students and history enthusiasts with in-depth analyses of key events, processes, and debates that shaped the modern world.The podcast covers a wide range of topics within 20th-century history, including:- Major historical events like World Wars I and II, The rise and fall of communism, fascism and imperialism- Political movements and ideologies- Economic developments and crises- Social and cultural changesEpisodes typically run for about 25 minutes, offering concise yet informative discussions on specific subjects. The podcast invites listeners to engage with complex historical topics in manageable segments, making it ideal for students and busy history enthusiasts.Expert InsightsNick frequently invites expert guests to contribute their knowledge and perspectives, enriching the podcast with diverse viewpoints and specialized expertise. This approach helps listeners understand the competing debates and interpretations surrounding historical events and processes.Educational FocusThe podcast is particularly valuable for students, especially those studying A-level history. It offers targeted content aligned with specific curricula, such as the AQA syllabus for Russian history. This educational focus makes it an excellent supplementary resource for formal history studies.Chronological ApproachWhile the podcast primarily focuses on the 20th century, it adopts a chronological approach to storytelling. This method allows listeners to follow the progression of events and understand how different historical moments are interconnectedEngaging PresentationNick's presentation style combines rigorous historical analysis with an engaging narrative approach. The podcast aims to not only inform but also captivate listeners, making complex historical topics accessible and interesting to a broad audienceBy offering this mix of comprehensive content, expert insights, and engaging presentation, the Explaining History Podcast serves as a valuable resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of 20th-century history. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 16, 2022 • 25min
Update: Sinn Fein, Northern Ireland and the prospects for reunion
Two weeks ago Sinn Fein achieved something that had previously been considered politically impossible in Northern Ireland, it gained a majority in the Northern Ireland Assembly elections and is now likely to form a government. This edition of the update explores the ramifications for Northern Ireland, Britain, the Irish Republic and the EU of this momentous event and the ongoing problems caused by Brexit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 11, 2022 • 28min
Empire, Fascism and War 1931-39
In today's episode of the podcast, I explore Richard Overy's arguments in Blood and Ruins and discuss his ideas around the necessity for expansionism during the 1930s among the three Axis powers, Germany, Italy and Japan. The great depression triggered ideas of expansionism as a solution to economic hardship and eugenic beliefs about growing, vital populations taking the resources of 'lesser' peoples. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 9, 2022 • 23min
Rebuilding Germany - 1945
Even before the war had officially ended, German cities began the process of clearing debris and rubble and rebuilding. Often, municipal authorities didn't wait for allied authorisation, they simply organised the clearances and began to move the millions of tonnes of brick and stone that had been left in the wake of allied bombing and Soviet shelling. In some instances, vigilante groups ordered former Nazi officials to carry out the clearance work, but before the allied occupation it had been slave labourers who had been used after repeated bombing raids from 1940 onwards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 5, 2022 • 23min
Britain's Convoys, Germany's U-Boats
Germany was able to inflict huge losses on Britain during the Battle of the Atlantic. The British organised merchant ships into trans-Atlantic convoys, but between 1940-41 the German U-Boat wolf packs sank millions of tonnes of shipping. The initial successes were gradually replaced with ever greater losses for Germany, as inadequate U-Boats (too small and too few), were met with improving intelligence and technology on the part of Britain and the USA. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 5, 2022 • 26min
Update: Roe vs Wade
This episode of the update explores the enormous consequences of the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn the Roe vs Wade ruling 1973, effectively giving states the power to make abortion illegal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 28, 2022 • 28min
Update: The long game emerging in Ukraine
Today's update focuses on the emerging dynamics of the Ukraine war and the possible long term position on the crisis that the Biden administration is taking. Plus, a short history of Moldova and Transnistria and the power of Russian gas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 26, 2022 • 28min
Stalin's War (Part One)
This is the first of many podcasts exploring the writing of historian Sean McMeekin in his revisionist exploration of the role of the USSR in World War Two. In this episode we examine how conventional ideas about Stalin's intentions, preparedness and his outlook regarding the prospects of the allied powers against Germany by 1941 need to be revised. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 26, 2022 • 42min
Two revolutions and a constitution: In conversation with James Philips
In today's episode we discuss author and lawyer James Philips new book, Two Revolutions and a Constitution, which explores the impact of Britain's Civil Wars in the 17th Century, and the American war of Independence in the 18th Century on the shaping of the US Constitution. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 26, 2022 • 26min
Update: Musk and Twitter
In today's update, we look at the implications for Twitter as it faces takeover by the tech billionaire Elon Musk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 25, 2022 • 27min
Chiang Kai Shek and war with Japan - 1937 (Part Two)
Part two of today's exploration of Chiang Kai Shek's decision making in the summer of 1937 as Japan's armies placed ever greater pressure on northern China. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
