Afleveringen

  • Explore the wartime pharmacological history in this discussion episode, where I am joined by Jonathan, a fellow Berlin tour guide, to shed light on the pervasive use of amphetamines during the Second World War. Delve into the motivations, consequences, and the intricate relationship between soldiers and stimulants. We'll also talk about Adolf Hitler's addiction problem - he was addicted to many different drugs in the last ten years of his life, including methamphetamine, cocaine and pain killers. Join us for a stimulating look into a chapter of history where drugs played a strategic role in the theatre of war.


    Apologies for the poor quality of audio, this is back when I was using very basic microphones!


    You can find bonus content such as videos and extended versions of episodes over at The History Buff Patreon (it's free - for now!). You can also follow The History Buff on Instagram, TikTok and Youtube.


    Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram.


    Music: As History Unfolds by Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • It all began with the Treaty of Windsor in 1373, which formally allied Portugal and what was then England (superseded by Great Britain in 1707). Since then there have been numerous developments and treaties to strengthen the alliance, with the two countries working together on trade, war and diplomacy. In June 2023, the two countries celebrated the 650th anniversary of the alliance, with the Portuguese president Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa being hosted at Buckingham Palace by King Charles III for celebrations. In this episode, we'll dissect the complexities, tracing the evolution of this enduring relationship between the two countries. There have been ups and downs to the alliance, but one thing remains true: Portugal and Britain have maintained a steadfast friendship despite challenges, marked by substantial emigration flows in both directions for each nation, with each country contributing to the others culture in wonderful ways. Join us for a thoughtful examination of the shared endeavours, treaties, and geopolitical shifts that define the most enduring diplomatic alliance in history.


    The bond between these two countries is so deep and special, that Portugal is the real ‘Special Relationship’ for Britain. Forget the USA.


    You can find bonus content such as videos and extended versions of episodes over at The History Buff Patreon (it's free - for now!). You can also follow The History Buff on Instagram, TikTok and Youtube.


    Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram.


    Music: As History Unfolds by Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  • A few weeks back, we covered Operation Anthropoid, the assassination of high-ranking Nazi Reinhard Heydrich. On today's episode, we will cover the horrific Nazi reprisals that the Germans carried out in response to the assassination. Following the assassination of Reinhard Heydrich, the Nazis falsely accused Lidice's residents of aiding the assassins. On 10 June 1942, in a horrific act of reprisal, the entire village was obliterated, with its male population systematically executed, while women and children were sent to concentration camps. This event stands as one of the most notorious atrocities committed by the Nazis during the war.


    You can find bonus content such as videos and extended versions of episodes over at The History Buff Patreon (it's free - for now!). You can also follow The History Buff on Instagram, TikTok and Youtube.


    Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram.


    Music: As History Unfolds by Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • In the final episode of Ukraine's Story, we will be brought right up to the present day, and talk about the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War, which began in 2014. It is a complex conflict that arose following Russia's annexation of Crimea. The war escalated in eastern Ukraine, particularly in Donetsk and Luhansk, where pro-Russian separatist movements declared independent republics. The conflict has been characterised by a blend of conventional warfare and irregular tactics, with Russia allegedly supporting the separatists. Despite multiple ceasefire agreements, sporadic fighting and tensions persist, fuelling geopolitical and humanitarian concerns.


    But something we today all remember, it is etched into our collective memories, is waking up on 24 February 2022 to see the horrifying images of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which Ukrainians are still to this day trying bravely to repel. We don't know what will happen, but this episode will take you all through the war right up to towards the end of 2023.


    You can find bonus content such as videos and extended versions of episodes over at The History Buff Patreon (it's free - for now!). You can also follow The History Buff on Instagram, TikTok and Youtube.


    Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram.


    Music: As History Unfolds by Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Join me and fellow history buff Eliecer in this episode as we delve into the brief yet impactful era of Gran Colombia. We explore the charismatic leaders, political intrigue, and the ambitious vision that shaped the short-lived attempt to unify parts of South America, inspired by Simón Bolívar's dream. Gran Colombia, officially formed in 1819, encompassed present-day Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and parts of Peru, Panama, and Brazil. Unfortunately, internal disagreements led to its dissolution by 1831, marking the end of this visionary chapter in South American history. It does make me think what could have been...


    You can find bonus content such as videos and extended versions of episodes over at The History Buff Patreon (it's free - for now!). You can also follow The History Buff on Instagram, TikTok and Youtube.


    Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram.


    Music: As History Unfolds by Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Josip Broz Tito, the long term ruler of Yugoslavia, is a fascinating and complex figure considered by many as an example of a "good" dictator. During his tenure from the Second World War until his death in 1980, Tito skilfully navigated the intricate web of ethnic diversity within Yugoslavia, fostering relative stability and economic development. His policy of non-alignment during the Cold War allowed Yugoslavia to maintain independence from both the Eastern and Western blocs. Despite these achievements, Tito's leadership was not without criticism. His regime exhibited authoritarian tendencies, employing censorship and political repression to suppress dissent. Moreover, economic challenges emerged in the later years of his rule. The legacy of Tito is thus a nuanced one, reflecting the delicate balance he maintained between unity and control in Yugoslavia.


    In exploring his fascinating life, I am joined by fellow history buff Igor Radulovic, who himself is a historian from Montenegro (formerly a part of Yugoslavia). Igor is a member of the project team that educates teachers about the usage of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (Mechanism) archives when preparing history lessons on the 1990s conflicts in the former Yugoslavia. To find out more about Igor’s work, click here.


    You can find bonus content such as videos and extended versions of episodes over at The History Buff Patreon (it's free - for now!). You can also follow The History Buff on Instagram, TikTok and Youtube.


    Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram.


    Music: As History Unfolds by Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • On the tenth episode of the Ukraine's Story series, we will delve into the events of the Revolution of Dignity (or Euromaidan), which unfolded in late 2013 and early 2014. It was a series of mass protests and demonstrations in Ukraine's capital, Kyiv. Sparked by President Yanukovych's decision to suspend an association agreement with the European Union in favour of closer ties with Russia, the movement evolved into a broader call for democratic reforms, an end to government corruption and closer ties with Europe and the West. The protesters, known as Euromaidan activists, endured harsh winter conditions as they occupied Kyiv's Independence Square. The movement culminated in February 2014 with the ousting of President Yanukovych, marking a pivotal moment in Ukraine's modern history. Ukraine was at a crossroads, torn between closer ties with the West and maintaining historical ties with Russia, reflecting the nation's internal struggle in defining its geopolitical identity and future direction.


    You can find bonus content such as videos and extended versions of episodes over at The History Buff Patreon (it's free - for now!). You can also follow The History Buff on Instagram, TikTok and Youtube.


    Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram.


    Music: As History Unfolds by Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Frida Kahlo was a renowned and iconic Mexican artist, who is celebrated for her emotionally charged and surreal self-portraits that reflect the pain and suffering of her tumultuous life. Overcoming numerous physical and emotional challenges, Kahlo's distinctive style merges traditional Mexican folk art with elements of Surrealism, creating a unique and deeply personal body of work. Kahlo explored Mexican folklore, traditions, and the struggles of the working class, thereby fostering a deep sense of national pride. Her commitment to celebrating and preserving Mexican culture, coupled with her defiance of societal norms, has made her a symbol of empowerment, resilience, and a feminist icon in Mexico and around the world.


    For this discussion I am joined by Luis, a specialist in US and Latin American history.


    You can find bonus content such as videos and extended versions of episodes over at The History Buff Patreon (it's free - for now!). You can also follow The History Buff on Instagram, TikTok and Youtube.


    Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram.


    Music: As History Unfolds by Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • On the ninth part of the Ukraine's Story series, we will see how in the 1990s, Ukraine emerged from the shadows of the Soviet Union to reclaim its independence. The pivotal moment came on 24 August 1991, when the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, declared the country's independence following the failed coup attempt in Moscow. This declaration marked the end of decades of Soviet rule, allowing Ukraine to forge its own path as a sovereign nation. The 1990s were a period of profound transformation and nation-building for Ukraine, characterised by the establishment of democratic institutions, economic reforms, and the cultivation of a unique national identity after years under the Soviet umbrella. It wasn't all plain sailing though... at all.


    Find out how you can support Ukraine in its struggle for peace and freedom here.


    You can find bonus content such as videos and extended versions of episodes over at The History Buff Patreon (it's free - for now!). You can also follow The History Buff on Instagram, TikTok and Youtube.


    Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram.


    Music: As History Unfolds by Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • On this discussion episode, I am joined by Chris Hoitash, an expert in US and European military and political history. In this episode, we discuss the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which were pivotal events during Second World War, marking the first and only use of nuclear weapons in warfare. On 6 August 1945, the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, instantly killing tens of thousands of people and causing widespread devastation. Three days later, on 9 August, 1945, another atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki, leading to further catastrophic consequences. The bombings played a significant role in Japan's surrender, but they also raised ethical and moral questions about the use of nuclear weapons and their long-term consequences on human lives and the environment. The events underscored the devastating impact of nuclear warfare and contributed to the subsequent global efforts to control the proliferation of nuclear weapons.


    Find more from Chris at his website and on his Patreon.


    You can find bonus content such as videos and extended versions of episodes over at The History Buff Patreon (it's free - for now!). You can also follow The History Buff on Instagram, TikTok and Youtube.


    Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram.


    Music: As History Unfolds by Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • The Chernobyl disaster (Chornobyl in Ukrainian) stands out as one of the most pivotal events in Ukrainian history. On 26 April 1986, a catastrophic explosion at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant not only resulted in immediate loss of life and widespread health implications but also left an enduring environmental impact. The disaster exposed the shortcomings of the Soviet system, highlighting a lack of transparency and safety measures, and could be considered to have hastened the collapse of the Soviet Union, which occurred 5 years later in 1991. Join The History Buff as we talk about this fascinating but ultimately tragic event.


    Find out how you can support Ukraine in its struggle for peace and freedom here.


    You can find bonus content such as videos and extended versions of episodes over at The History Buff Patreon (it's free - for now!). You can also follow The History Buff on Instagram, TikTok and Youtube.


    Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and Instagram.


    Music: As History Unfolds by Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • The Soviet era in Ukraine left an indelible mark on the nation, shaping its socio-political landscape over the course of seven decades. From the forced collectivisation of agriculture to the devastating Holodomor famine, Ukrainians endured significant hardships under Soviet rule. The era witnessed cultural suppression and attempts to foster a distinct Soviet Ukrainian identity. Despite the challenges, the Soviet period also saw moments of industrialisation and urbanisation, transforming Ukraine into an important economic hub within the Soviet Union.


    Find out how you can support Ukraine in its struggle for peace and freedom here.


    You can find bonus content such as videos and extended versions of episodes over at The History Buff Patreon (it's free - for now!). You can also follow The History Buff on Instagram, TikTok and Youtube.


    Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram.


    Music: As History Unfolds by Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • In 1970, Chile sent shockwaves through the Cold War-ridden world, particularly rattling the White House in Washington DC, as Salvador Allende became the world's first democratically elected Marxist president. Allende promptly embarked on a socialist trajectory for Chile, but from the outset, he faced challenges from both internal and external forces. US President Richard Nixon instructed his Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger, to orchestrate measures aimed at causing upheaval in Chile, stating his desire to "make Chile scream."


    By 1973, Chile's economic situation had severely deteriorated, exacerbated in no small part by US economic blockades. The Chilean military, traditionally non-political until then, chose to intervene and oust Allende from power. The coup unfolded on September 11, 1973, a day that continues to cast a lingering shadow over Chile. The subsequent regime, led by dictator Augusto Pinochet, left an enduring legacy that still haunts the country to this day.


    I am joined by fellow history buff Teo to discuss the coup itself and its repercussions In Chile to this day.


    You can find bonus content such as videos and extended versions of episodes over at The History Buff Patreon (it's free - for now!). You can also follow The History Buff on Instagram, TikTok and Youtube.


    Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram.


    Music: As History Unfolds by Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • The fall of Nicolae Ceaușescu, the longtime ruler of Romania, marked a watershed moment in the country's history. In December 1989, widespread public discontent erupted into a full-scale revolution, leading to the overthrow of Ceaușescu's regime. Images of mass protests and the violent suppression of dissent shocked the world. The iconic moment came when Ceaușescu attempted to address the nation but was met with public outrage, eventually fleeing Bucharest. His capture, trial, and subsequent execution on Christmas Day 1989 symbolised the end of an era, paving the way for Romania's transition to a post-communist era and a new chapter in its political landscape. Images of his and his wife Elena's execution found their way on to television screens around the world.


    You can find bonus content such as videos and extended versions of episodes over at The History Buff Patreon (it's free - for now!). You can also follow The History Buff on Instagram, TikTok and Youtube.


    Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram.


    Music: As History Unfolds by Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Did you know Ukraine did in fact have a short period of independence after the Russian Revolution? When Russia descended into chaos after the abdication of the Tsar in March 1917, Ukraine seized its chance and became the Ukrainian People's Republic. Borne out of the turmoil of war and revolution, the UPR grappled with intense instability driven by shifting geopolitical forces, internal divisions, and foreign interventions, reflecting a volatile period of uncertainty and political flux. Unfortunately, it was doomed from the start.


    Find out how you can support Ukraine in its struggle for peace and freedom here.


    You can find bonus content such as videos and extended versions of episodes over at The History Buff Patreon (it's free - for now!). You can also follow The History Buff on Instagram, TikTok and Youtube.


    Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram.


    Music: As History Unfolds by Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • You may recognise her as the woman who, in the face of impending death from cancer at the age of just 33, implored Argentina not to cry for her from the iconic balcony of the Casa Rosada in Buenos Aires. She certainly made a lot of speeches from the balcony of the Casa Rosada. She knew how to connect to a crowd. She also knew how to ruffle feathers, and didn’t care that she did so. Even though it was actually her husband who was the president, Evita has become the enduring face of his political legacy (known as “Peronism”).


    In this episode, which is half an hour longer than the usual time limit (as there was so much to talk about and the original conversation was almost 3 hours long!), I am joined by Buenos Aires tour guide Mercedes as we delve deep into the life of Eva Perón, the First Lady of Argentina from 1946 until her death in 1952, and explore some of the controversies and myths surrounding her. Loved and despised in equal measure in Argentina, with no middle ground, her legacy is a very divisive one with each side claiming certain truths about her life. We’re going to try as much as possible to talk objectively about her and find the nuance between the two emotionally charged narratives of Evita.


    Due to the length of the episode, we only talk about her life and don’t go so much into her legacy. If you would like to learn about her legacy since she died, then you can listen to the full length episode at The History Buff Patreon. You can also follow The History Buff on Instagram, TikTok and Youtube.


    If you are planning on visiting Buenos Aires, do take a tour with Mercedes, she is absolutely fantastic - knowledgable, insightful, objective and impartial. 10/10. Book a tour with her.


    Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram.


    Music: As History Unfolds by Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • In the fifth episode of Ukraine's Story, we will focus on Ukraine's experience under yet another foreign rule, this time: the Russian Empire. From the reign of Catherine the Great up until the chaos of the 1917 Russian Revolution, we unravel the complex dynamics that shaped Ukraine's destiny within the imperial framework. Join us as we explore the cultural, social, and political landscape of Ukraine during this pivotal period, shedding light on how Ukrainian identity came into conflict with Russian Imperial forces, but how, ultimately, Ukrainian identity survived this domination and stayed alive - like a candle in a cave.


    Find out how you can support Ukraine in its struggle for peace and freedom here.


    You can find bonus content such as videos and extended versions of episodes over at The History Buff Patreon (it's free - for now!). You can also follow The History Buff on Instagram, TikTok and Youtube.


    Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram.


    Music: As History Unfolds by Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • In this gripping podcast episode, we delve into the dramatic events surrounding the assassination of Reinhard Heydrich, AKA "The Butcher of Prague" or "The Blonde Beast". Codenamed "Operation Anthropoid", the daring mission was undertaken by Czechoslovak agents in 1942 to eliminate Heydrich, who was one of the chief architects of the Holocaust. We'll unravel the intricate details of the operation, shedding light on the conspirators' courage, the aftermath of Heydrich's death, and the far-reaching implications of this audacious act within the context of the Second World War.


    You can find bonus content such as videos and extended versions of episodes over at The History Buff Patreon (it's free - for now!). You can also follow The History Buff on Instagram, TikTok and Youtube.


    Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram.


    Music: As History Unfolds by Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • In the fourth episode of Ukraine's Story, we're going to cover the Polish-Lithuanian era of Ukraine's history. From the late 14th century until the mid-17th century, Ukraine was under the rule of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, a powerful union of Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, that existed until the end of the 18th century. This era witnessed a complex interplay of cultural, religious, and political dynamics as vast swathes of Ukrainian territory became integral parts of the Commonwealth. Polish-Lithuanian rule represented yet another era of foreign domination for Ukraine, marked by a complex intermingling of cultures, political subjugation, and periodic tensions within the diverse socio-religious landscape of the region.


    Find out how you can support Ukraine in its struggle for peace and freedom here.


    You can find bonus content such as videos and extended versions of episodes over at The History Buff Patreon (it's free - for now!). You can also follow The History Buff on Instagram, TikTok and Youtube.


    Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram.


    Music: As History Unfolds by Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • The History Buff is back after a long break! Thanks for bearing with me, I was very busy over the summer with tours and then I spent the last few months getting heaps of new episodes together before I go travelling in January!


    We're starting off with some more episodes of the Ukraine's Story series, where we trace Ukraine's fascinating national story, all the way from the mediaeval Kyivan Rus, all the way up to independence and the current Russo-Ukrainian War.


    In this third part, I wanted to take a break from the various "eras" of Ukraine's history, and tell you about a very important part of Ukrainian national story - the Cossacks. These fascinating people, that originated from the steppes of Ukraine (the vast grassy expanses on the borderlands of Eastern Europe), were a unique culture unto themselves, fighting fierce battles, and leaving an enduring legacy that have helped shape Ukraine and Ukrainian identity.


    Find out how you can support Ukraine in its struggle for peace and freedom here.


    You can find bonus content such as videos and extended versions of episodes over at The History Buff Patreon (it's free - for now!). You can also follow The History Buff on Instagram, TikTok and Youtube.


    Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram.


    Music: As History Unfolds by Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.