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
Jul 7, 2019 • 25min
Truman and Congress 1945-46
In 1945 Truman inherited from Roosevelt a more prosperous America, but one which had moved politically to the right. Rising living standards and the Republican Party's successful capture of anti communist sentiment made for a difficult environment for New Deal liberalism to thrive in. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 6, 2019 • 26min
Intelligence gathering and the First World War
During the four years of the First World War, intelligence gathering from informants, captured soldiers, aerial reconnaissance and signals traffic developed in sophistication. In addition, the methods used to keep secrets secure kept up as an intelligence 'arms race' changed the nature of information gathering and warfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 30, 2019 • 24min
Expulsion, disenfranchisement and class war in Stalinist Russia
By the late 1920s alinist fears of subversion by enemy social classes saw the disenfranchisement and expulsion from jobs and homes of members of the former bourgeoisie. This policy had both supporters and opponents in local and national government. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 30, 2019 • 24min
The RAF, empire and strategic bombing 1918-39
In the inter war years as air policy developed in Britain, 'air policing' of the British Empire was a strategy adopted by the RAF in order to wage aerial warfare against colonised peoples in Africa and Asia. The same principals were applied later to Germany, in the flawed belief that strategic bombing would work in a similar way Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 24, 2019 • 25min
The advance of the fascist right in Spain 1933-4
In November 1933 the reactionary movement CEDA became the a key part of a new right wing government. CEDA actively proposed a violent fascist coup and began to prepare a militia to achieve this. The socialist party the PSOE threatened revolution in response but in reality lacked the determination or the means to carry it out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 23, 2019 • 24min
American air doctrine and the B-17a bomber
The development of air power in the USA from 1938 onwards in the shape of the B-17a four engine bomber was not matched by an official air doctrine, but a belief in the importance of mass bombing of industrial areas was emerging from planners, air force generals and junior officers throughout the decade. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 23, 2019 • 25min
The Marshall Plan 1947-2
The Marshall Plan was the most successful use of American soft power in the country's history. By offering $13 billion in economic aid to rebuild western Europe, America stabilised half the continent and created new markets for American corporations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 23, 2019 • 24min
Class persecution and former people in Stalinist Russia 1928-39
In the USSR during the Stalinist era, class origins defined all aspects of an individual and by the end of the decade were a matter of life and death. This podcast explores how 'former people' from enemy classes were treated and excluded from society. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 17, 2019 • 25min
The militarisation of the SS 1933-39
By 1939 the Camp SS, normally responsible for controlling prisons such as Dachau was equipped and trained to fight at the front line. This podcast explores the evolution of its role. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 16, 2019 • 25min
Mao's Famine and Szechuan Province 1958-62
In four years between 1958-62 a catastrophic famine in China killed 40 million people and a quarter of those died in Szechuan, a food rich province. This podcast explores the wilful blindness of Mao and the corruption of the communist party that cost so many lives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
