High School History Recap

We delve into some Irish history with Prof Liam Kennedy. Liam has published a myriad of books on Irish history. We look closely at his 2020 book "Who was responsible for the Troubles".These are some of the questions we try to answer:What is a brief definition of the Troubles?What period are we looking at?Is Ireland part of the UK?What is at the heart of the violence of the Troubles?Which events led up to the Troubles?How did the division/partition of the island of Ireland come about?Why are the Troubles often described as a religious conflict?How does Irish English differ from British English?What are the roots of the ancient Gaelic language? What does it sound like?How did markers like Catholicism and Protestantism perpetuate divisions?Why does this division not extend to the Irish rugby team?Which events between the 1920s and 1960s laid the foundation for the Troubles?What was the nature of the Civil Rights Movement in Ulster?How successful was the Civil Rights Movement in bringing about equality in Northern Ireland?How did the IRA differ from the provisional IRA?Did the Republic of Ireland support the provisional IRA?What was the international extent of the Troubles?Why is December 1969 considered a turning point in the start of the Troubles?What was the nature of the conflict during the Troubles? What were Bloody Sunday and Bloody Friday?Who is responsible for starting/perpetuating the Troubles?Who were the leaders of the IRA?Why is the role of regional paramilitary groups so obscure?Why can't the Troubles be seen as a binary conflict?How did the Good Friday Agreement come about?How did Brexit change the dynamic on the island of Ireland?Who is the new IRA?Please send your questions and suggestions to highschoolhistoryrecap@gmail.com or find us on Twitter @WilliamHPalk or @C_duPlessis.Thanks for listening!Support the show

Link to Untextbooked.Have you ever heard about the East Bank Location Massacre on 9 November 1952? Neither have we. Dr Mignonne Breier joins us to talk about her book Bloody Sunday in which she uncovered the gruesome details of this massacre that upends the conventional apartheid narrative.Here are some of the questions we consider:Why do so few people know about the East Bank Location / Duncan Village Massacre?How was it possible to hide the murders of 200 people?Where is East Bank Location?Was it just geographical isolation or a purposeful cover-up?What is the story behind the East Bank Location / Duncan Village Massacre?What was the involvement of the ANC in arranging the meeting? Why didn't they expose the massacre?Who was Sister Aidan? Did her murder exacerbate events?How were the people of East Bank Location / Duncan Village killed?How does Bloody Sunday (the East Bank Location / Duncan Village Massacre) change the apartheid narrative?How would this massacre have changed people's perceptions of apartheid if they had known about it?Why did the Truth and Reconciliation (TRC) fail to uncover the massacre?Why did protesters' families not report their loved ones' deaths to the police?Why did Mignonne choose the title "Boody  Sunday"?How should we memorialize the Duncan Village Massacre of 1952?Why were the deaths of the people of Duncan Village dismissed?How did seven years of research change Mignonne's perception of South Africa's past?How does this story become part of the "conventional" apartheid narrative?What is Mignonne's advice to young people?You can email Dr Mignonne Breier at mignonne.breier@gmail.com or find her on Twitter @MignonneBreier. Send your questions and suggestions to @WilliamHPalk or @C_duPlessis.Please consider buying us a coffee if you've enjoyed this episode.Support the show

In this episode, we get our hands dirty with some military history. Prof Timothy Stapleton of the University of Calgary joins us to discuss South Africa's turbulent past. We look at wars from the earliest colonial times to the end of apartheid.These are the questions we try to answer:What is Prof Timothy Stapleton's connection to South Africa?Why do humans go to war?Is warfare irrational?How does the approach of the military historian differ from that of the ordinary historian?Do military historians glorify warfare?How are South African wars best categorised?Is there a unifying factor or golden thread to South Africa's military history?How did the British colonisation of the Cape Colony tip the balance of power?Did the Zulu kingdom manage to build a standing army?Which of the South African wars deserves its own movie?What is the link between the Mineral Revolution and warfare in South Africa?How significant was the South African War (Second Anglo-Boer War) in shaping modern-day South Africa?How did World War I divide South African society?Did the Second World War play into the creation of the apartheid state?When and where did the apartheid wars take place?Why are historians reluctant to talk about the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale?How did warfare bring about the end of apartheid?Are there any major security threats for the people of the African continent?To what extent does foreign intervention contribute to warfare in Africa?Where in Africa can we expect an upsurge in violence?You can email Prof Timothy Stapleton at timothy.stapleton@ucalgary.ca.Find us on Twitter @WilliamHPalk or @C_duPlessis.Click on the link below if you want to support the show. Thanks for listening!Support the show

How should we combat misinformation in the history classroom? What does it take to stop misinformation at the outset? Dr Jon Roozenbeek is a post-doctoral fellow in the Department of Psychology at the University of Cambridge and joins us to discuss his team's latest research on "prebunking" misinformation.Some of the questions we try to answer:Did Covid-19 contribute to an increase in fact-checking?Did the extent of misinformation grow in the last couple of months?What is the history of misinformation?How does prebunking misinformation differ from fact-checking?What does the Theory of Inoculation describe?What is the link between misinformation and social media usage?Are some social media platforms more prone to spreading misinformation?Does misinformation always rely on manipulation techniques?What are some examples of manipulation techniques?How easy was it to scale research on misinformation?Why does it work to "inoculate" people against misinformation?Why shouldn't we tell people what to believe?What is psychological reactance?Can you change attitudes with facts alone?Are we wired to be sceptical about the truth?What is more critical, cognition or being sociable?What is the future of misinformation?Should teachers play a more prominent role in fighting misinformation?Find Jon on Twitter @roozenbot and the five prebunking misinformation videos on Youtube.Send your questions and suggestions to @WilliamHPalk or @C_duPlessis.Thanks for listening!Support the show

Many streets and clinics bear Lilian Ngoyi's name, but who was she and what was the nature of her accomplishments as an anti-apartheid activist? Dr Martha Evans is working on a substantive biography of Ma'Ngoyi and joins us to share some interesting insights about Lilian's remarkable life. Here are some of the questions we try to answer:Why is Lilian called "the mother of black resistance against apartheid"?What was apartheid South Africa like?What is narrative literary journalism?Why are there so few historical sources on Lilian's life?What are the details of Lilian Ngoyi's life?Why didn't Lilian pursue her dream of becoming a nurse?How did living in the Shelters raise Lilian's political awareness?Was Lilian a founding member of FEDSAW?How did the Defiance Campaign contribute to Lilian's rise in the ranks of the ANC?Was there a conflict of interest between the ANC and being a member of FEDSAW?How did Lilian's travels to China and the Soviet Union change her perspectives?What put Lilian on the radar of the apartheid government?What was the Women's March of 9 August 1956 about?Why does Lilian's political career seem shortlived?What was it like to be banned and placed under house arrest?Why didn't she receive more support while she was alive?What should Lilian Ngoyi be remembered for?What would have been Lilian's message to women today?What was Lilian and Mandela's relationship like?What is Martha's favourite thing about Lilian Ngoyi?You can contact Dr Martha Evans at email martha.evans@uct.ac.za or Twitter handle @MarthaEvans16. Please send your questions and suggestions to @WilliamHPalk or @C_duPlessis. Thanks for listening.Support the show

Prof Bob Bain joins us, probably one of the biggest names in history teaching. This conversation brought a whole new dimension to what effective history teaching should look like.Questions we set out to answer:Does Bob Bain play the guitar?Why are all historians, in essence, teachers?The power of that ONE inspirational history teacher/lecturerWhy in the world would anyone want to study history?What is the purpose of situating the present in the context of the past?How do we deal with different accounts of the past?What is the OERProject all about?How is the OERProject different from typical MOOCs?How did the OERProject come about?What is the difference between Big History, World History or Global History?How does scale influence our understanding of the past?How do we link all the ways in which historians write history?What is the importance of scale switching?Does Big History move beyond the scope of history itself?"Bain's Hall" as a thinking tool in the history classWhy are claim testers central to the OERProject?How should history content/skills be assessed?How can history teachers be more innovative?Why should we be more mindful of employing thinking tools in the history classroom?Bob's favourite history booksBob's motivational words for history teachersBooks mentioned: "The Idea of History" by RG Collingwood and "Historians' Fallacies" by David Hackett Fischer.Visit the OERProject at www.oeproject.com and find Prof Bob Bain on Twitter @bain_bob.Please send your comments and suggestions to @WilliamHPalk or @C_duPlessis on Twitter.Thanks for listening!Support the show

In this first episode of our fifth season, we explore the field of learning. Dr Carolina Kuepper-Tetzel is a cognitive psychologist who specialises in how we learn best. She is part of an inspiring initiative called the Learning Scientists. She shares some of her valuable insights with us.Questions we explore:Is there a trick or a secret to communicating "science"?What motivated Carolina to take up a specialisation in learning?How do we find a balance between what and how we teach and how people learn?Briefly, what are the six learning strategies? The strategies include retrieval practice, spaced practice, elaboration, interleaving, concrete examples and dual coding.Do we remember visuals better than words?Are then any pitfalls to using the six learning strategies?How important is routine in learning?What is the importance of testing the learning strategies?How should we go about finding evidence-based content on the subject of learning?Books mentioned: Powerful Teaching by Pooja Agarwal and Patrice Bain, Uncommon Sense Teaching by Barbara Oakley, Beth Rogowsky and Terrence Sejnowski, How Learning Happens by Carl Hendrick and Paul Kirschner, Small Teaching by James Lang, any book by Kate JonesBlogs mentioned: The Learning Scientists (of course) and The Effortful Educator by Blake HarvardPodcasts: Besides The Learning Scientists also Exam Study Expert by William Wadsworth or The HippoCampus Podcast by Lisa QuinnHow do the Learning Scientists decide on which topics to cover?A quick question on intersectionality...Are there different learning strategies for content and skills?Is scaffolding retrieval practice good practice?How does a learning expert design a lesson?Is the school model compatible with the research findings on how we learn best?Find Dr Carolina Kuepper-Tetzel on Twitter @pimpmymemory and the Learning Scientists @AceThatTest. Visit www.learningscientists.org and listen to their podcast at The Learning Scientists Podcast.Please send your comments and suggestions to @WilliamHPalk or @C_duPlessis.Thanks for listening!Support the show

The following twitter post accompanies this episode of The Cradock Four.https://mobile.twitter.com/valavoosh/status/1276826105740169218The historian, Zikhona Valela, joins us to talk about the Cradock Four and, more specifically, misinformation around the supposed famous photo of the Cradock Four. Zikhona tells the story of the four men who were murdered on June 27th, 1985. How did it happen that two of the four men, and the trauma of their families, were actually erased from the historical record? Why do we continue sharing convenient narratives that are, on closer inspection, inaccurate and untrue? Zikhona helps us to piece together some of the missing parts of the Cradock Four. We also consider some of the failures of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).Some of the questions asked:Who were Matthew Goniwe, Fort Calata, Sparrow Mkhonto and Sicelo Mhlauli?What motivated Zikhona to fight misconceptions about the past?Is the South African public apathetic about their past?How should we go about dispelling misinformation about the past?What is missing from the conventional narrative of the Cradock Four?How do we do the story of the Cradock Four justice?Is the 1980s a turning point in South African history?How did the United Democratic Front (UDF) come into existence?Is the murders of Sparrow Mkhonto and Sicelo Mhlauli a case of mistaken identity?How does the supposed photo of the Cradock Four perpetuate a false narrative?How did it happen that Mbulelo Goniwe and Madoda Jacob were erased from history?Who took the photograph of the Cradock Four? When was it taken?The importance of crediting photographersWhat did the families of the Cradock Four know before truths were revealed at the TRC?Would the truth about the Cradock Four have come to light without the perpetrators testifying before the TRC?Why did the Mbeki government not proceed with TRC recommendations?Why was the late 1980s and early 1990s more violent than earlier decades?Why would some people think of Nelson Mandela as a sell-out?What were some of the failures of the TRC?What should the lesson be that we take from the story of the Cradock Four?Follow Zikhona Valela on twitter @valavoosh. Send questions and suggestions to William H Palk at @WilliamHPalk and Colin du Plessis at @C_duPlessis.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=Q8KGSAT37YCPA&source=url)

Join us for a conversation with Prof Sean McMeekin on his new book Stalin's War: A New History of World War II. This is a very timely discussion in light of the unfolding war in Ukraine.Some of the points of discussion:How is Stalin's War different from the conventional Hitler-centric account of World War II?How is it possible to even write a new history of World War II 77 years after the fact?Is the way we teach World War II unbalanced?How likely was the Hitler-Stalin pact?What are the main differences between fascism and communism?How much of a surprise was it when Germany invaded the Soviet Union?How much of the Nazi defeat can be attributed to Stalin's planning?What are the gaps in the conventional Hitler-centric account of the lead-up to the outbreak of World War II?Are there similarities between the invasion of Poland before World War II and the recent Russian invasion of Ukraine?What about Japan's role in the outbreak of World War II?What are the circumstances around “Poland's betrayal” at Tehran?What did Stalin want to get out of World War II?Is Stalin a model for Putin?Is Putin trying to establish the Soviet Union?Why didn't NATO seize to exist when the Soviet Union collapsed?Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=Q8KGSAT37YCPA&source=url)

Michael joins us again to challenge some widely held beliefs about the causes of WWI. The long-term causes of World War One are often conveniently taught using the acronym MAIN, which stands for militarism, alliances, imperialism, and nationalism. It is often argued that the presence of these ingredients in Europe made the First World War inevitable, or to use a term Michael taught us, overdetermined.  But by looking at each one of these factors, we learn that this is not necessarily the case. In fact, militarism, alliances, imperialism, and nationalism might have only really come to life because of the war itself! If you are comfortable with the conventional narrative and you want to keep MAIN as the centerpiece of your WWI causes, we suggest you do not listen to this episode!Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=Q8KGSAT37YCPA&source=url)

In this episode we explore Civic Online Reasoning in more depth. We are joined by Dr Joel Breakstone of the Stanford History Education Group (SHEG). This is in an effort to effectively fight misinformation. Why is it called Civic Online Reasoning?What does Civic Online Reasoning have to do with history?How does source analysis and source evaluation relate to Civic Online Reasoning?What does expertise look like in terms of evaluating online sources?Is misinformation a new thing?How does misinformation differ from disinformation?How do we ensure that our students access online sources more effectively?Are there skills/tools in place to fight misinformation?What exactly is lateral reading?How reliable is Wikipedia?How do we interrogate claims?Which lessons form part of the Civic Online Reasoning curriculum?What about the challenge of confirmation bias?Should we be more skeptical?The importance of finding corroborative evidenceThe importance of peer-reviewed studiesVisit the Civic Online Reasoning website for some great sources to use in the history classroom. Also follow the twitter handle @CivicOnline. Joel's twitter handle is @joelbreakstone. Please send us feedback on twitter @WilliamHPalk or @C_duPlessis. If you like what we do, please consider rating and supporting the show.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=Q8KGSAT37YCPA&source=url)

We are super excited about this new jingle! It was written and performed specifically for our show by Alwyn Bekker. When it comes to acoustic guitar chops, his guy is the real deal! It's like he has fifty fingers! I recommend you guys go and check out his band, Bad Peter, as well. Our favourite song is definitely "On This River".I hope you guys enjoy it! And thanks again, Alwyn!Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=Q8KGSAT37YCPA&source=url)

Taylor Downing joins us again for another discussion - this time about his newest work entitled 1942: Britain at the Brink. The book and this discussion delves into the fateful year of 1942 when British morale reached a new low - military defeats abroad saw the British public lose faith in their leadership and it seemed as though wartime prime minister Winston Churchill was facing his darkest hour. Well, let me not spoil it here...let historian, writer and broadcaster, Taylor Downing tell you all about it!Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=Q8KGSAT37YCPA&source=url)

In this episode Prof Peter N Stearns of the George Mason University provides an overview of the Industrial Revolution. The 5th edition of Peter's book, The Industrial Revolution in World History, was published in 2021.This is what we've discussed: How does the perspective of a world historian differ from that of an economic historian?Why is the Industrial Revolution considered the single most important development in human history over the past three centuries? Why should we study the Industrial Revolution?How should we understand the word "Revolution" as it relates to the Industrial Revolution?Was the Scientific Revolution a necessary precondition or precursor for the Industrial Revolution?Are we in the midst of a Fourth Industrial Revolution?When and where did the Industrial Revolution start and what were some of the big moments in the story of the Industrial Revolution?Why did the Industrial Revolution start in 18th century Britain?Is the Industrial Revolution a Western phenomenon?What was the social impact of the Industrial Revolution?Did industrialization outside of the West proceed along different paths?What is the link between industrialization and globalization?Did the Industrial Revolution make the world a better place?Can industrialization be more sustainable?What are the fascinating facets of the Industrial Revolution?How did the Industrial Revolution affect schooling?Peter's advice on teaching the Industrial Revolution.You can email Prof Peter Stearns at pstearns@gmu.edu or follow him on Twitter @StearnsPeter.Reach out to us @WilliamHPalk or @C_duPlessis. If you like what we do, consider buying us a coffee by following the link below.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=Q8KGSAT37YCPA&source=url)

In the third part of the series, Dr Dooling tells us about the various ways in which the people of South Africa resisted the oppressive Apartheid regime.  Dr Dooling delves into the different political currents in 20th century South Africa, touching on organisations such as the the ICU, the ANC, the PAC as well as the various affiliated organisations such as the ANC Youth League, MK and Poqo. We also discuss a few of the pivotal events in South African resistance history such as the Defiance Campaign, the Congress of the People and the Freedom Charter, the Women's March and of course the tragedy at Sharpeville. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=Q8KGSAT37YCPA&source=url)

At the end of 2021, we are very fortunate to talk to Dr Joel Breakstone of the Stanford History Education Group (SHEG) about their Reading Like a Historian lesson plans and Beyond the Bubble history skills assessments. We also find out more about SHEG's Civic Online Reasoning curriculum which will greatly benefit history learners in identifying misinformation.What we discuss:What does it mean to "read like a historian"?We look at the research of Sam Wineburg and Abby Reisman.How do we integrate source analysis with the conventional way of teaching history?How should we define a historical fact?What should be the starting point in the history classroom?Where does context end and where does source analysis start?How did learners react to SHEG lessons?How does the history teacher balance the different types of assessments?Can history assessment be meaningful and still allow learners to gain admission to university?How does Beyond the Bubble assessments complement the Reading Like a Historian lessons?How do we apply historical skills to fight misinformation?Why are fact checkers better at identifying problematic websites?What is lateral thinking?Tips on how to fight misinformation in the history class.Professional development courses offered by SHEG in 2022.At which age can learners start Reading Like a Historian?What projects are SHEG working on?Create your free login account on SHEG's website here. Find Dr Joel Breakstone on Twitter @joelbreakstone.Please share your questions and suggestions with us on Twitter @WilliamHPalk and @C_duPlessis.If you like what we do, please consider buying us a coffee at the support link below.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=Q8KGSAT37YCPA&source=url)

About a month ago, the University of Pretoria celebrated the life of Chief Albert Luthuli. At these celebrations, Prof Benda Hofmeyr gave a presentation on the philosophical legacy of Albert Luthuli with specific emphasis on his charismatic leadership style.What we discuss:Why did a philosophy professor take an interest in leadership styles and specifically Albert Luthuli?How does a philosophical approach to studying leadership differ from the historical approach?What is meant with a charismatic leadership style?Why did you base your interpretation of charismatic leadership on the writings of Max Weber?How did Luthuli balance his authority over others with his ability to charm them?Is charisma a personality trait or quality or something we see in the actions of a leader?Would stability not be a better leadership quality than charm?Did apartheid South Africa and the ANC foster Luthuli's charismatic leadership style?Are some people just naturally more charismatic than others?How do we identify a leader as charismatic rather than just merely effective?Why does charismatic leadership emerge in the setting of a movement for change?Is charismatic leadership something of the past?Did Albert Luthuli have a specific brand of charisma?What is the legacy of Albert Luthuli's charismatic leadership style?How close does the charismatic leader come to the idea of the philosopher king?If you want to read more of Benda's work, visit here website here.Find us on Twitter @WilliamHPalk or @C_duPlessis.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=Q8KGSAT37YCPA&source=url)

Join our history geek-out session with Kevin Manzel. Kevin is the senior director of content development at Wondrium. Colin and I are both big fans of Wondrium's history courses and use them as resources in our history classrooms.We cover the following:What is a history geek-out session?How does Wondrium connect disparate topics?What is Wondrium and how did it develop over time?What are some of the history courses on Wondrium?How does Wondrium decide which courses to develop?How does Wondrium ensure the quality and authority of its courses? How can Wondrium benefit the history teacher?An example of how to integrate Wondrium lectures into lessonsHow does Wondrium help push for different perspectives?Why is Wondrium the perfect tool for professional development?How does  the guidebook supplement a Wondrium course?How does Wondrium keep abreast with the latest research?What are the Wondrium learning paths?We share our favourite coursesAre there Wondrium courses on South African history? (Watch this space!)Learn more about Wondrium slogan "nothing about us without us"What can Wondrium subscribers look forward to in 2022?Hasan Jeffries' upcoming course on WondriumWe hope to make this a regular feature and bring you all the latest updates on Wondrium's history courses.Find Kevin Manzel on twitter or visit the Wondrium website for more info.Colin and William are available on twitter for any questions or suggestions or collaborations.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=Q8KGSAT37YCPA&source=url)

William talks to the learning expert, Donald Clark, about the history of learning theory and about the best way to teach and learn history.Questions covered:Where does Donald's interest in history come from?How has the way in which we learn changed over time?Why is the invention of writing the “Big Bang” moment of collective learning?Why is the invention of binary or computer language such an important moment in the development of learning?Is collective learning our unique trait?How did technology enable collective learning?Who are the experts in the field of learning?Does AI or machine learning give us any insight into human learning?Would it be possible to have Wikipedia in our heads?Who are the people who have changed our perceptions of learning?What are the major strands in learning theory?Have we arrived at a more scientific approach to understanding learning?What is the connection between learning and teaching?To what extent can the teacher be held responsible for the student's learning?Does critical thinking hold up as an abstract concept?How should we teach history if learning theories are incorporated?Why is it important to make history teaching more concrete?How should history teachers think about online learning design?Why should we let go of Bloom's taxonomy?Donald's advice to learn more effectively...You might want to read up on the following people: James Hutton, David C Geary, Daniel Kahneman, James Mark Baldwin, Tommy Flowers, Robin Dunbar, Douglas Engelbart, Clay Shirky, Donald Hebb, Herman Ebbinghaus, Edward Tolman, Albert Bandura, Henry Roediger, Jeffrey D Karpicke, Robert A Bjork, Barak Rosenshine, Robert Marzano, John Hattie, Paul Black and Dylan William.Or just visit Donald's blog here. He is also on twitter @DonaldClark Please let us know what you thought about this episode at highschoolhistoryrecap@gmail.com or find us on twitter: William and Colin.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=Q8KGSAT37YCPA&source=url)

In the second episode of the Apartheid Series we transition from the policies of Segregation in South Africa towards the implementation of Apartheid. In this episode Dr Dooling discusses some of the motivations behind the National Party's choice to put such a rigid system of racial segregation and separation in place. Topics such as Afrikaner Nationalism takes center stage as we look at why and how the NP won the 1948 elections. Some of the Apartheid laws are discussed and we look at how these laws affected the every day lives of South Africans, which will then lead us to our next episode - Resistance against Apartheid. Enjoy!Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=Q8KGSAT37YCPA&source=url)

In the first episode of our Apartheid Series, Colin is joined by Dr Wayne Dooling from  the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London. The conversation deals with the concept of segregation in South Africa, where it comes from and how it was implemented. As an expert on Race, Segregation, and Apartheid in Twentieth-century South Africa, Dr Dooling helps us make sense of the systems of racial separation that would lead to the overarching system of Apartheid.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=Q8KGSAT37YCPA&source=url)

A great collaboration with Kelly Chase of the History Detective! The perfect way to start Season 4. In this episode we aim give an overview of the policy and practice of apartheid in South Africa from 1948 to 1994. Here are some of the questions we cover.What does the Afrikaans word "apartheid" translate to?How did South Africa get to the point where the minority white government were able to discriminate against the majority black population?What were some of the apartheid laws?Who were the ANC and what was their role in protesting apartheid?Who was Nelson Mandela and what role did he play in the anti-apartheid movement?Which kinds of boycotts and protests occurred globally in response to apartheid?How did apartheid come to an end?Who are lesser known persons from history who made a contribution against apartheid?Visit the History Detective website or find Kelly Chase on twitter. Follow High School History Recap on twitter for updates on our latest episodes. Find all our episodes here.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=Q8KGSAT37YCPA&source=url)

In this episode, Colin is joined once again by the American military historian, Michael Neiberg. This time they discuss a little thing called D-Day a.k.a. the Normandy Invasion a.k.a. Operation Overlord. Operation Overlord is one of the largest operations in military history and in this discussion Michael and Colin delve into not only the events of June 6th, 1944, but also the logistical challenges faced by Dwight Eisenhower and his team of planners, French involvement in the operation, as well as the living legacy left on the beaches. So if you know a few things about D-Day but are wondering about Mulberry harbours called Winston, force multipliers, how to say Forces françaises de l'intérieur, and French citizens being riled up by poetry, this is the episode you've been looking for. Enjoy!Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=Q8KGSAT37YCPA&source=url)

In this episode Colin speaks to the author of  Choreomania: Dance and Disorder, Dr Kelina Gotman. Kelina is from King's College in London and her research interests include theatre, dance and performance history, and philosophy. In this episode we tackle  the formation of the concept of the ‘dancing disease' in nineteenth-century colonial medical, psychiatric and anthropological circles. What is choreomania really all about? Did people truly go mad and dance themselves to insanity? Well, Kelina sets the record straight!Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=Q8KGSAT37YCPA&source=url)

In this episode William discusses the neglected narrative of Dr Abdullah Abdurahman with Stephen Langtry. Dr Abdullah was South Africa's first elected black politician.Here are some of the questions we look at:·         The life and times of Dr Abdullah·         We discuss Martin Plaut's biography of Dr Abdullah·         Are there many lost figures in South African history?·         Why are some stories remembered at the expense of others?·         What is the balancing point in writing history?·         A short biography of Dr Abdullah·         The friendship between Dr Abdullah and Mahatma Gandhi·         The schools set up by Dr Abdullah·         Some background on District 6 (Was it similar to Sophiatown?)·         Why did Dr Abdullah call it the African Political Organization?·         Was there ever something like a Coloured nationalism?·         Who were some of Dr Abdullah's contemporaries?·         Does Dr Abdullah deserve more recognition?·         Do we neglect the historical context when we write biographies?·         Being mindful of person, context and contemporaries·         How did 1910 lie the foundation for the politics of the 20th century?·         Why did Dr Abdullah fall out of favor?·         Why is the Western Cape considered an island in South Africa?·         What is the main lesson we can learn from Dr Abdullah's legacy?Find us on twitter:William H PalkStephen LangtrySupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=Q8KGSAT37YCPA&source=url)

In this episode, William discusses the life and legacy of the enigmatic Khoi woman, Krotoa, with Professor Shanade Barnabas of the University of Johannesburg (UJ). The discussion is based on the award-winning 2017 film made to commemorate her life. Some of the questions include:What is the main storyline of Krotoa and why has it won so many awards?What are the available historical sources on Krotoa?Does the movie do the "real" story of Krotoa justice?How is Krotoa represented in the movie?What were some of the psychological effects of colonization?What are the political dimensions of the story of Krotoa?How do different groups justify their claims to Krotoa's legacy?What are the important themes in the movie?Should South Africans build a monument (metaphorically speaking) around the legacy of Krotoa?Should Krotoa be regarded as the mother of a nation?Why are women portrayed differently in how historical figures are commemorated?Has Krotoa been given her rightful place in history?What were some of the effects of Dutch colonization on the Khoikhoi people?What would be the best way to immortalize Krotoa?Find us on twitter:William H PalkProf Shanade BarnabasOr visit our website.Thanks for listening!Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=Q8KGSAT37YCPA&source=url)

In this episode William is in conversation with Dr Precious Mncayi about research she has done into South Africa's unemployment crisis.  We have an unemployment rate of at least 29% and it is therefore vital to look at the mismatches between education and the demands of the labour market.Read her article here.Questions asked in this podcast:Is SA facing an unemployment crisis?Is the focus on STEM warranted?How does SA’s unemployment figure compare to other countries?What is the link between STEM fields and economic growth?What are the demands of the labour market?What are the historical explanations for SA’s high unemployment figure?What is meant with education mismatch?Why is there a mismatch between what students set out to study and what they end up doing?SA has the largest share of mismatch workers...What does it mean to be underemployed?Is it still worthwhile to go and study?Are we ignorant about the demands of the labour market?Which factors determine study and career choice? Striking a balance between interest and demand...Where can we get more information on the demands of SA’s labour market?How has SA’s labour market change?Which qualifications have high employment prospects?Should you pursue a degree or a diploma?What about the humanities?Is there a shortage of teachers in SA?What is the average age of teachers in SA?How can high school learners make better subject choices?What should be the main aim of education in schools today?What is government’s role in solving SA’s education mismatch?What is the single most important change we can make to prevent education mismatch?Should psychometric testing determine university admission?Are matric distinctions a guarantee for university success?Resources:www.lmip.org.zawww.lmi-research.org.zaFind us on twitter:William H PalkDr Precious MncayiLet us know what you think:highschoolhistoryrecap@gmail.comSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=Q8KGSAT37YCPA&source=url)

In this episode Colin is joined by HSHR researcher, Gemma Mills, to discuss Ancient Greek mythology and religion. To help them understand the topic better, they have employed the help of an expert in the field in the form of the Roy D. and Margaret B. Wooster Professor of the Classics from Colgate University - Professor Robert Garland.  At the hand of a few examples, Prof Garland explains the difference between myth and religion, why mythology and religion was so important to the Ancient Greeks, why these myths are still around, and a few other interesting things about grieving mothers, seasons, spiders and revenge. If you have any questions or comments, or would like to support the show, please reach out to us!Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=Q8KGSAT37YCPA&source=url)

Archaeologist, Dr Tim Forssman, joins William to talk about San Rock Art. These are some of the questions they look at.Who are the San? Were they the only southern Africans that left behind rock art?How do archaeologists find rock art sites?How many rock art sites are there in southern Africa?Tim's favorite rock art site.How did the San go about painting their images? How did they mix their paint?How do you date San rock art? What are some of the oldest sites?What does San rock art tell us about their society and worldview?Did San rock art change over time?What are some good sources on San rock art?Find Tim on twitter. His handle is @Tim4sman.William's twitter handle @WilliamHPalk.HSHR's podcast siteHSHR's websiteIf you've enjoyed this episode, please consider buying us a coffee.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=Q8KGSAT37YCPA&source=url)

William is joined by one of his Grade 12 learners, Justine Naude, to discuss a question that appeared in last year's final IEB History paper. The question asked to critically evaluate whether or not the National Party undermined the negotiation process from 1990 to 1994. We discuss the NP's insistence on power sharing and whether their involvement in black-on-black violence in townships purposefully undermined negotiations for a democratic government. Justine reads her introductory paragraph to a discursive essay on the question and we use this to navigate some of the content of this important topic in South African history. Find us on twitter @WilliamHPalk, email us at highschoolhistoryrecap@gmail.com or visit our website.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=Q8KGSAT37YCPA&source=url)

"Never stop working for humanity" - Nina JablonskiAmerican anthropologist, Prof Nina Jablonski, joins us to discuss the evolution of skin colour. We discuss the biological concept of race and the social construct of racism. We differentiate between racial categorization and racial identification. Were the ancients indifferent to race? Did you know that neither Carl Linnaeus nor Charles Darwin placed people in a power hierarchy? Philosophers David Hume and Immanuel Kant had definite racist views. What might have been the reason for this? Racism took on its destructive modern form from the 18th century - the heydays of the Trans Atlantic Slave Trade. Join us to find out whether it's possible to eliminate racial labels. Find us on twitter @WilliamHPalk, @C_duPlessis and @NinaJablonski1.2:50 Why do people have different skin colours?7:40 How did skin colour become a social construct?16:00 Was Linnaeus responsible for laying the foundation of modern racism?20:00 People identify with either a superior or inferior mindset22:30 Racial categorization compared to racial identification26:00 How did racism become so entrenched in human society? 30:30 Can we get rid of racial labels?34:00 Othering does not mean subordination 37:20 Cooperation as an evolutionary strategy37:50 How do we change mindsets and attitudes?39:20 Turning history on its head40:00 Do the "powerful" need to give up their wealth and power?44:10 Humanity's special trait of collective learning45:40 Finding stories of cooperation47:50 What is the link between Darwinism and Social Darwinism and eugenics?53:00 Will genetic engineering play a role in shaping racial attitudes?Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=Q8KGSAT37YCPA&source=url)

William is joined by one of his Grade 11 students, Emma Theron, to discuss the causes of the Mfecane. This is a period of intense transformation amongst the African tribes in southern Africa. The Mfecane is dated to between 1750 and the 1830s and saw the rise of famous kingdoms like that of Shaka's Zulu kingdom. We look at the internal, environmental and external factors that played a role in bringing about the dramatic events of this turbulent time. Join us and find out more about the Madlatule famine, Shaka's amabutho and the beef and slave trade at Delagoa Bay. Emma also reads the discursive essay she wrote on the topic. If you've liked this episode, please let us know at highschoolhistoryrecap@gmail.com. Alternatively, visit our website or find us on twitter @WilliamHPalk or @C_duPlessis.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=Q8KGSAT37YCPA&source=url)

This is Part 2 of an interview William did with Ayanda Nenemba on the Ilibo Village Community YouTube channel. Ayanda's aim to build the South African community through conversation. Ayanda isn't someone who shies away from talking about the hard issues, but she wants to show the magnanimity of the South African nation. We want to extend an invitation to those of you who have something meaningful to add to the South African story. Please find Ayanda on twitter @restored_80. Alternatively visit her YouTube channel at Ilibo Village Community Cast. You can also visit HSHR's website here.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=Q8KGSAT37YCPA&source=url)

This is our interview with the team of Bones and Stones. Tim Forssman is an archaeologist at the University of Pretoria and he and his team is on a mission to make archaeology more accessible. They invited us for an episode on their YouTube channel, Bones and Stones. We hope to collaborate with them on an ongoing basis and bring archaeology into the high school history classroom. Find Tim on twitter @Tim4sman. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=Q8KGSAT37YCPA&source=url)

In this episode we explore the history of Tanzania with East African historian, Dr Derek R Peterson of the University of Michigan. We start by looking at the early history of this East African state: from the ancient Swahili to the creation of the East African slave trade. We also compare the legacies of German and British colonization (including a discussion of the Maji Maji Rebellion). We also trace the development of the Tanganyika African National Union (or TANU). Ultimately, we consider the socialist policy (called Ujamaa) of Tanzania's first (and long-reigning) president, Julius Nyerere. What should we make of Nyerere's impact on Tanzania's development? Nyerere clearly has a contested legacy. Join our conversation to find out why.Find Dr Derek Peterson on twitter @Unseen_Archive. There is also more information on our website. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=Q8KGSAT37YCPA&source=url)

In this second episode with archaeologist Dr Tim Forssman of the University of Pretoria, we take a closer look at his excavations at Little Muck and Dzombo and how the findings are shedding new light on the social relations between the San hunter-gatherers and early farmers of southern Africa. William finds out more about the "Kalahari debate" and the significance of Mapungubwe as an archaeological site. We also try our hand at the motto on South Africa's coat of arms. It is written in the Khoisan language of the /Xam people and is written as !ke e: /xarra //ke. Visit Tim's YouTube channel Bones&Stones and find more information on HSHR's website. Follow us on twitter at @WilliamHPalk, C_duPlessis and @Tim4sman.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=Q8KGSAT37YCPA&source=url)

In this episode of HSHR, Dr Nisa Paleker from The Department of Historical and Heritage Studies at the University of Pretoria, talks to us about the value of film in the study of History. Dr Paleker sheds some light on how film can be used in historical study by focusing on film as a source of history, film as history and film in history.Our discussion mostly centres on film as a representation of the social structures of the time, mostly focusing on the South African context. Topics explored range from African cinema and the B-scheme film subsidies of the 1970s all the way to fourth wave feminism within the film industry. We really did take quite a walk in this one, showing just how widespread and entrenched film is within society, and how necessary the study of film is within history. If you liked this episode and would like to support the show, please visit:Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=Q8KGSAT37YCPA&source=url)

In this episode of HSHR, Colin speaks to American military historian and Chair of War Studies at the US Army War College, Michael Neiberg. Michael specialises in 20th-century military history and has written numerous award-winning books including the acclaimed 2018 The Treaty of Versailles: A Concise History. So it seemed only appropriate that the topic for discussion would be the post-World War I negotiations. The episode delves into the challenges faced by especially the European powers following the carnage and destruction of World War I, and how the leaders involved attempted to deal with the issues. The majority of the discussion centres on the most prominent and well-known of the treaties signed in Paris in 1919 - The Treaty of Versailles signed by Germany. What exactly was the Treaty of Versailles? Was it as harsh as our textbooks claim? Was it responsible for the rise of the Nazis? Michael helps us to answer these questions and more.If you liked this episode or if you have any questions, please fell free to reach out to either Colin (@c_duplessis) or Michael (@michaelneiberg) on Twitter. If you would like to support the show and make even more episodes like these possible, please visit:Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=Q8KGSAT37YCPA&source=url)

In this episode, William talks to archaeologist Dr Tim Forssman about the early history of southern Africa. Tim is a senior lecturer at the University of Pretoria and hosts his own YouTube channel Bones and Stones. Tim helps us define archaeology and explains why Indiana Jones is probably not the best example of what it means to be an archaeologist. We discuss the earliest inhabitants of southern Africa, namely the San hunter-gatherers, and what the archaeological record has to say about them. Why did the San not take up farming? We also take a look at the earliest archaeological evidence for the emergence of farming in southern Africa. Find out why Mapungubwe is such a significant archaeological site in southern Africa. You can get hold of Tim on twitter @Tim4sman. Please reach out to us on Twitter @WilliamHPalk or @C_duPlessis. Here is the link to our website.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=Q8KGSAT37YCPA&source=url)

In this episode Colin speaks to foreign relations expert and author of Bitter Fruit: The Story of the American Coup in Guatemala, about the CIA-backed overthrow of Jacobo Arbenz , the democratically elected leader of Guatemala. Was this episode merely a Cold War incident or was there more to it than fears of communist insurrection? Was this a spontaneous revolt by frustrated Guatemalans, in which the US simply supported the will of free peoples, or was there a more sinister plot unfolding? The discussion centers on the involvement of American government agents, especially the CIA and those with ties to the United Fruit Company, in deposing Arbenz and installing a US-friendly leader in Castillo Armas. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=Q8KGSAT37YCPA&source=url)

A new year, and a new exciting season of High School History Recap! We kick off the year with a conversation with Kelly Chase of the History Detective podcast. Why did this history teacher venture into podcasting? We discuss the importance of creating a detective mindset to counter all the misinformation and conspiracy theories out there. Kelly also talks about the most difficult and most surprising cases she solved in 2020. Join us to find out more about Kelly's creative and empathizing sides as well. Visit Kelly's website historydetectivepodcast.com for all the episodes of season 1 and have a look at the great resources history teachers can use in their classes. She is also on twitter @HistoryDetect. For more information on High School History Recap, visit our website or find us on twitter @WilliamHPalk or C_duPlessis.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=Q8KGSAT37YCPA&source=url)

This is Part 2 of the story of Stoicism with Donald J Robertson. We discuss Socrates's uncomplicated take on the truth. How did the Stoic philosophy of Socrates differ from that of Marcus Aurelius? We look at how Stoicism (and beards) became popular in Rome. Some of the Stoics we talk about include Cato the Younger, Epictetus, . How did Roman (or Mediterranean) slavery differ from the Transatlantic Slave Trade? We look at why Roman senators plotted to assassinate Julius Caesar after he became "dictator for life". Did you know Brutus was a nephew of Cato? We discuss Octavian's rise to power and how he paved the way for Roman emperors to get into Stoicism. Donald tells us more about Nero's spin doctor, Seneca. Why did this famous Stoic writer remain loyal to the murderous Nero? We ultimately touch on the thinking of Marcus Aurelius. How would Marcus Aurelius have dealt with a year like 2020? He also faced a pandemic (the Antonine Plague) in lifetime, but to him there was a more serious pandemic - anger. A great conversation to end 2020 with!Visit Donald's website or find him on twitter @DonJRobertson. You can visit our website as well: High School History Recap, or find us on twitter as well @WilliamHPalk or C_duPlessis.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=Q8KGSAT37YCPA&source=url)

In this episode, I explore the story of Stoicism with Donald Robertson. It takes us all the way back to Socrates, who is considered to be the godfather of Stoicism. Donald tells a number of stories related to the emergence of this school of philosophy. Did you know that Plato's Academy was only one of many gymnasia in ancient Greece? We talk about the misfortunes of Zeno (the Phoenician dye merchant), and how his encounter with the Oracle of Delphi set him out on a quest to piece together the teachings of Socrates. But what is Stoicism all about? Find out more about developing a mindset that enables us to overcome our irrational passions, desires and emotions. Donald is a cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist and author of six books (the latest on the Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius). Visit his website, or follow him on twitter @DonJRobertson.You can also visit the High School History Recap website for more information.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=Q8KGSAT37YCPA&source=url)

In this episode Ayanda and I discuss a number of issues related to South African history. Ayanda is the founder of the Ilibo Group - a Village Comcast initiative aimed at "telling South African stories the South African way". If you want to watch the interview, please follow this link. Find Ayanda on twitter @restored_80 or subscribe to her YouTube channel at Ilibo Village Community Cast. Let us know what you think @WilliamHPalk. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=Q8KGSAT37YCPA&source=url)

In this episode Colin and I look at the causes of World War I. We first discuss the components of the historical narrative and then move on to that very famous spark of the war: the assassination of Franz Ferdinand. We look at some of the long term causes of the war as well, including nationalism, militarism, imperialism and alliances (the MAIN causes). Please find us on twitter @WilliamHPalk or @C_duPlessis. If you want to join us on the show to discuss your teaching techniques, latest research or upcoming book, please do make contact! We want to grow the love for history.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=Q8KGSAT37YCPA&source=url)

In his resignation address in December 1991, Gorbachev referred to the "suffocating shackles of the Soviet Union's bureaucratic command system". What was Gorbachev's role in the collapse of the Soviet Union? We start the story with the fall of the Berlin Wall as the signature event of the end of the Cold War, but we also look at how the Soviet Union arrived at the point where they would (or could) no longer assert their power of countries in Eastern Europe. We assess Gorbachev's policies of perestroika and glasnost and how he set events in motion of which he could no longer control the outcome. We consider what happened in Poland in the 1980's and how a new and democratic Solidarity government rose to power and how this fueled democratic revolutions across Eastern Europe. We also take a look at the rise of Boris Yeltsin in Russia and his stand-off with the new Russian parliament. If you want a PDF Presentation of this episode, please mail us at williamhpalk78@gmail.com. Alternatively, reach out to us on twitter @WilliamHPalk or @C_duPlessis.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=Q8KGSAT37YCPA&source=url)

Join us for a discussion on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) with African historian, Dr Glen Ncube. We take a broad view of the history of the Congo from the time of Belgian king Leopold II to Mobutu Sese Seko. We zoom in on how the Congo became an independent country under Patrice Lumumba and find out more about his unfortunate assassination. How did Joseph Mobutu come to power? We also place the struggles in the Congo in the wider context of the Cold War. How authentic was Mobutu's policy of Africanization (or Mobutuism)? What is the link between the Rwandan Genocide and the end of Mobutu's rule? Find us on twitter @WilliamHPalk or @C_duPlessis.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=Q8KGSAT37YCPA&source=url)

In this episode we tell the story of the Anglo-Boer War with the help of 10 objects. Dane Swanepoel is the educational specialist at the Anglo-Boer War Museum in Bloemfontein. The objects include: a French postcard on British Imperialism, a cartoon on Cecil John Rhodes and his Cape to Cairo Railway, a statue titled Afskeid, a bust of De La Rey, a statue of the agterryers, a bust of Sol Plaatjie, a blockhouse, a statue of a Bittereinder and the Women's Memorial. Please email William at williamhpalk78@gmail.com or Dane at dane@anglo-boer.co.za if you would like to receive a pdf doc with all images of all the objects. You can also find us on twitter @WilliamHPalk or @C_duPlessis. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=Q8KGSAT37YCPA&source=url)

An episode on the historian's craft! Professor Karen Harris joins us on the podcast to tell us more about an initiative she started at the University of Pretoria to expose history students to archival material. We discuss how the teaching of history has changed over the years. Prof Harris points to the importance of the subject of history, but also the instrumental role of the history teacher. What is "doing" history really about? How is it different from just "learning" history? Prof Harris invites us to go beyond Von Ranke's straightjacket and really read against the grain. "What's in the Box" is a brilliant initiative that all history teachers should consider using in their teaching strategies. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=Q8KGSAT37YCPA&source=url)

In this episode we look at the reasons for Hitler's decision to invade the Soviet Union in June 1941. Why was it called Operation Barbarossa? The Germans put together a large army (of up to almost 4 million soldiers) and they employed a three-pronged invasion strategy. We look at the role of the Einsatzgruppen in executing part of the Nazi's Final Solution. Why did Operation Barbarossa come to a halt in July 1941? We discuss the Russian winter, but also consider the willpower of the Russian soldiers. Was this invasion Hitler's biggest mistake? Find us on twitter @WilliamHPalk or @C_duPlessis. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=Q8KGSAT37YCPA&source=url)

In this episode, Taylor Downing joins us to discuss his latest book "1983 The World at the Brink". Taylor is an historian who has written several best selling books (on topics like World War II and the Cold War). After getting some Cold War context, we dive into the question of how close the world came to nuclear Armageddon. Most of us know about the Cuban Missile Crisis, but the events of 1983 brought us even closer to the edge. We've asked Taylor about the significance of the doctrine of mutually assured destruction ("MAD") and whether that kept the superpowers at bay. This did not deter the US and Soviet Union from stockpiling their nuclear arsenals to full capacity. We discuss the presidency of Ronald Reagan and why Americans were so oblivious about the events that unfolded in 1983. Did the events of 1983 contribute to the end of the Cold? Find us on twitter at @WilliamHPalk or C_duPlessis.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=Q8KGSAT37YCPA&source=url)