The History of Current Events

Détente had come to an end. With the paranoid former KGB head Yuri Andropov assuming the Premiership and the election of the staunchly anti-communist Ronald Reagan, things were heating up in the Cold War.   As the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan reached its peak and Reagan's rhetoric became more and more aggressive, things had reached a fever pitch. The accidental downing of Korean Airlines 007 by the Soviets brought the two Superpowers to the point of no return.  Stanislav Petrov, lieutenant colonel of the Soviet nuclear early warning systems received a message one night. That the United States was preparing to launch numerous nuclear strikes on the Soviet Union. His decision that night saved the world from global nuclear war.Support the show

The official story is that Brazil was discovered by Pedro Álvares Cabral, a Portuguese sailor who while far out at sea on a voyage to India around the African continent spotted some seaweed and found what he believed to be a large island sitting in the Atlantic. However the French nobility claim to have discovered it 4 years earlier. This episode explores the early years of Brazil, its founding, use of Degredadoes, and Cabral's failed voyage to India.Support the show

The show has returned, Sorry for the long hiatus. This new series will focus on Brazil.  Former Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has defeated Brazilian Incumbent president, Jair Messias Bolsonaro in the 2022 Brazilian presidential election, leading to the first time in that country's history that an incumbent president has lost the next election.   Bolsonaro was controversial to say the least, called by some journalists the Brazilian Trump, this title does not give credit to the nastiness that is Jair Bolsonaro. This episode will begin to explain the dark history of Brazil, a history of slavery and colonialism that eventually led to a brutal dictatorship, now notorious for its use of rape, torture and murder to subjugate its peoples. and how a former captain for the army in the dictatorship Bolsonaro rose to the highest office in the land.Support the show

This episode explores the history of the Russian and Ukrainian peoples, explaining the commonalities and differences in language, history, and culture. The second half of the show explains the modern history of Ukraine and Russia's attempt to absorb them into the Russian and Soviet Empires. The final chapter explains the Ukrainian invasion from the Russian perspective.Support the show

Oldie but goldie! Sorry for the lack of shows lately my lovely fans, I am still alive. This is one of my favorite episodes from the podcast covering a range of things I find nostalgic. The Japanese Beethoven  I am working on an episode about the Brazilian election which I hope to get out soon.Support the show

Oda Nobunaga, fresh from his victories in the east was ready for the final battle that would determine the fate of Japan. All that remained in his way was the Mori clan, beaten and battered, located around the western tip of Honshu, Japan's largest Island. Nobunaga summoned his forces to meet Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who had conquered deep into Mori territory, this army would consist of his son and heir Oda Nobutada, one of his oldest and most trusted generals Akechi Mitsuhide and Oda Nobunaga himself, leading the army.   Before meeting his army, Nobunaga and Nobutada rested in Honnō-ji temple in Kyoto. What happened next was the Honnō-ji incident which would shape the fate of Japan until the present day.TOPICS COVEREDThe Death of Tokugawa Ieyasu's Son and WifeThe Siege of TakamatsuThe Honnō-ji IncidentTokugawa Ieyasu Smuggled Out of Kyoto by NinjasThe Reasons Behind Mitsuhide's betrayalThe Legacy of Oda NobunagaSupport the show

Oda Nobunaga was nearing his dream, of a unified Japan under his rule, all that remained were the wavering Ikko-Ikki and Mori clan. Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Akechi Mitsuhide, two of Nobunaga's most trusted generals, began a final campaign against the Mori. Hideyoshi was successful however Mitsuhide struggled leading to resentment. Once again thanks to Nobunaga's meritocratic mindset and innovative tactics both the Ikko-Ikki and Mori began to fall. In the East The sons of the Tiger and Dragon were failing to fill their father's shoes. Oda Nobunaga, after decades of warfare, was nearing his dream.   Topics Covered Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Akechi Mitsuhide's Campaign against the Mori The 2nd Battle of Kizugawaguchi The Surrender of Ishiyama Hongan-Ji Yasuke, the Black Samurai The Uesugi Civil War The Fall of the TakedaSupport the show

The samurai were the result of centuries of corruption from the oldest clan in Japan, the Fujiwara. The Fujiwara held complete control of the government of ancient Japan, even at one-point controlling the emperor. Through this power abuse rose the Taira and Minamoto who eventually took over and then fought a civil war between themselves with the Minamoto coming out on top. A Daimyo could not become Shogun unless he had lineage dating back to the Minamoto clan, The Oda did not have this. One such clan that did have this lineage was the Mori clan of Western Japan. The Mori were famed seamen and through the leadership of their great lord Mori Motonari, they became the most powerful clan of Western Japan.  Topics Covered Ancient Japan The Fujiwara Clan The Rise of the Taira and Minamoto The Genpei War The Kamakura Shogunate Part II Oda Nobunaga Destroys the Ashikaga Shogunate The History of the Mori Clan Mori Motonari The Battle of Miyajima The Mori Declare War On the OdaSupport the show

The story continues after the inconclusive battles of the Kawanakajima plains. The Tiger of Kai, Takeda Shingen returned to the Tokugawa lands, but his untimely death would lead his son Takeda Katsuyori to become leader of the Takeda clan, Katsuyori was not his father and he would lead the Takeda clan into almost complete insignificance. The Dragon of Echigo, Uesugi Kenshin would have more success in extending his realm, even defeating Oda Nobunaga decisively, however his untimely death would lead to another position of turmoil for the Uesugi...  Topics Covered The Death of Takeda Shingen Takeda Katsuyori Takes Power The Fall of The Takeda (The Battle of Nagashino) The Tiger and the Dragon Unite The Battle of Tedorigawa The Death of Uesugi KenshinSupport the show

The age of the samurai was full of great men and great stories to go along with them. None are more iconic than the tale of Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin, the Tiger of Kai and the Dragon of Echigo. Although Sengoku Jidai is best remembered through the eyes of the three great unifiers, there were stories of bravery, cunning and deceit all throughout the land.  This is the story of the Tiger and the Dragon, and their battle for domination of Eastern Japan.  Topics Covered The Takeda Clan Takeda Shingen Uesugi Kenshin Kenshin Takes Control of Echigo The Battles of Kawanakajima Operation Woodpecker The Great Lords Meet Face to FaceSupport the show

The Oda clan was at war on all fronts, if not for the disloyalty the other Daimyo had towards one another, the Oda would have certainly fallen. There was also disloyalty among the family of Nobunaga which was a constant thorn in his side. With Kyoto in his grasp and the Ikko-Ikki peasants revolt sparking up all over the country the enemy now lies within. Just as the Oda begin to make some ground they are once again betrayed and attacked by the great Takeda Clan of the East. With Nobunaga's greatest ally the Tokugawa Clan annihilated on the field of Mikatagahara, can the Oda maintain control?  Topics Covered Ikko-Ikki Ishiyama Hongan-ji War The Slaughter at Mt. Hiei The Demon King and Nobunaga's Fascination with Europe The Siege of Iwamura Castle The Great Takeda Clan Attacks The Battle of Mikatagahara Vengeance Is Taken upon The Asakura and AzaiSupport the show

Oda Nobunaga was one of the most powerful lords and contender to be the new Shogun after his heroic victory at Okehazama, however he still had one problem to deal with, Saito clan in Mino province. Mino lay between the Oda homeland of Owari and Kyoto, seat of the Shogun and to take Kyoto he would have to take Mino first. The Saito clan was originally friendly to Nobunaga, the lord was Nobunaga's father-in-law and was even considering giving his home seat to Nobunaga on his death. However, when his son learned of this he overthrew his father in a bloody coup. This episode focuses on family intrigue and betrayal something which had become commonplace in the world of Feudal Japan  Topics Covered Toyotomi Hideyoshi The Siege of Inabayama Castle A New Shogun The Azai-Asakura Attack on Nobunaga Assassination Attempt on Oda NobunagaThe Battle of AnegawaA Secret AllianceSupport the show

Japan was once in a state of constant warfare and chaos, known as the Sengoku Jidai. This was the time of the Samurai, who ruled the land and fought each other for power in service of the emperor. Three great men would rise above all others and create the Japan we know today. Our story begins with a young noble named Nobunaga of the Oda clan, a clan and boy that were not expected for great things. Due to his sheer force of personality and brutality Oda Nobunaga would go on to become the first Great Unifier of Japan. This episode goes into the early years of Oda Nobunaga and his rise to power.Topics CoveredSengoku JidaiHouse YamatoŌnin WarThe Dying Ashikaga ShogunateThe Arrival of Europeans in JapanOda NobunagaConsolidating Power in the Oda ClanThe Battle of OkehazamaThe Three Great Unifiers of JapanSupport the show

Shinzo Abe the longest serving Japanese PM and legend in Japanese politics was assassinated this week. The assassin did this because of Abe's alleged links to a bizarre cult based in South Korea, whose followers are called "Moonies" of which the assassin's mother was a member. This covers the sad demise of Shinzo Abe, the assassin's story, Japan's culture, and a look at what Abe has done in his long and fruitful career.TOPICS COVEREDThe Assassination of Shinzo AbeThe Motives Behind the Murder"Moonies" CultJapan and Gun ViolenceAbe as MarioThe Legacy of Shinzo AbeAbenomicsSupport the show

Japan entered the 1960s on a bad note. The ANPO protests, the resignation of Prime Minister Nobusuke Kishi and finally the assassination of Inejiro Asanuma. However Japan would make a complete turn around by the mid 60s becoming one of the most successful nations in the world. This episode covers the legacy of Nobusuke Kishi and Japan's transformation into the Japan we know today.Topics coveredAssassination of Inejiro AsanumaSuicide of Otoya YamaguchiHayato Ikeda Rises to the CallJapan Becomes an Economic PowerhouseThe Turbulence of '68The Legacy of Nobusuke KishiSupport the show

With the American occupation ending, Japan in the 1950s seemed to have a bright future ahead. This however was not the case, for virtually the entire decade of 1950 Japan went from protest to protest which brought chaos and instability to the land. Nobusuke Kishi having garnered mass power and political connections would eventually assume the premiership, can this former war criminal, with his brutal methods, bring stability to Japan?Topics CoveredBloody May DaySunagawa StruggleNobusuke Kishi becomes Prime MinisterGirard IncidentTreaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between the United States and JapanANPOThe May 19th IncidentAnti-treaty protestsThe Hagerty IncidentThe Anpo ProtestsSupport the show

Following the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki as well as the Soviet invasion of Manchukuo, Japan formally accepted the unconditional surrender terms imposed on her by the Allies. As general Douglas MacArthur landed on Japanese soil he immediately called for the arrest of suspected war criminals Hideki Tojo and Nobusuke Kishi, the Tokyo Trial then ensued.  After years of war Japanese cities were decimated by incendiary and the atomic bombings while the Japanese populace was on the brink of mass starvation. MacArthur now has the goal of restoring this annihilated nation and rebuilding it. With the Cold War forming what does the future of Japan hold?  Topics Covered  Potsdam acceptance Tokyo Trial Rebuilding Japan Article 9 and the new constitution China falls to the reds Korean War Douglas MacArthur gets sackedSupport the show

Shinzo Abe is Japan's longest serving prime minister. Abe comes from a long dynasty of politicians including those who served The Empire of Japan in World War II. Japan unlike Germany was able to avoid most of the punishment dulled out after WWII.  Nobusuke Kishi is Abe's maternal grandfather who would become Prime Minister and go on to shape post war Japan. Kishi was mentored by Hideki Tojo and was a war criminal, who ruled over Manchukuo or the Japanese puppet state in China. His nickname was the "Monster of the Showa Era".  This is the story of Nobusuke Kishi and his rise to power, subsequent fall, and rise to power again in an American aligned Japan.Support the show

From Putin's Russia to fundamentalist Iran, appeasement is a word often used disparagingly in the media to describe an unconfrontational, cowardly way of avoiding international bullies. Appeasement became famous before World War II when the Western allies Britian and France did everything possible to avoid a second great war with Nazi Germany. This is the story of Arthur Neville Chamberlain and his attempt to bring peace at any cost.Topics CoveredThe Great WarArthur Neville ChamberlainAnschluss with AustriaCzechoslovakiaThe SudetenlandNuremberg RallyAdolf HitlerThe Start of World War IISupport the show

This episode explores the history of the Russian and Ukrainian peoples, explaining the commonalities and differences in language, history, and culture. The second half of the show explains the modern history of Ukraine and Russia's attempt to absorb them into the Russian and Soviet Empires. The final chapter explains the Ukrainian invasion from the Russian perspective.Topics CoveredHistory of The Russian and Ukrainian peoplesRussian and Ukrainian languages A Shared History?History of UkraineHolodomorModern UkraineThe Budapest MemorandumThe Maidan RevolutionEuromaidanAnnexation of CrimeaSupport the show

On February 24th Russia invaded Ukraine, sparking off the largest war Europe has seen since World War II. This invasion has sparked massive protests all over the world, and has seen the tanking of the Russian economy. This episode explains what has been going on for the first 5 days of this war.Topics CoveredThe Ghost of Kiev and other heroesVolodymyr ZelenskyThe Battles of Kyiv and KarhkivRussian Nuclear ThreatsSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/abriefhistory?fan_landing=true)

Kazakhstan entered the New Year with a series of riots, the largest in the country's history. The riots were sparked by a hike in gas prices. More importanlty however they stem from the leadership of probably the most famous Kazakh man, Borat. Just kidding Nursultan Nazarbayev. This episode covers the history of Kazakhstan and the Kazakh people, as well as the life of Nursultan Nazarbayev and what led to the Kazakh riots.I finally learned how to spell Kazakhstan.Support the show

Jimmy Carter entered the presidency as a breath of fresh air, he walked the streets to the White House. His approval rating skyrocketed in the early days of his presidency however it wouldn't last long. This episode covers the presidency and post presidency of Jimmy Carter.Topics CoveredTorrijos-Carter TreatiesIranian RevolutionSALT IISoviet-Afghan InvasionOperation Desert ClawSupport the show

Jimmy Carter is perhaps the most misunderstood president of the modern era. Carter who is just a few IQ points shy of being considered a genius is one of our smartest presidents yet his presidency was viewed as a failure by most. This episode covers the early years of Jimmy Carter.Part ISupport the show

Christianity was integral to the formation of the Apartheid state. Since the Dutch brought Christianity to the land of South Africa it has taken numerous forms, often times coming from a combination of the church and local customs.Prophets and seers were common throughout South African history, such as Siener Van Rensburg, who convinced many Boers to revolt against the Smuts government. Enoch Mgijima a prophet who would play an important role in the downfall of Smuts and the rise of what would evolve into a proletariat Afrikaner State.Topics covered-Bulhoek MassacreThe Rand RebellionThe Nationalist Party RisesSouth Africa In World War IISupport the show

With the declaration of war on Germany by Great Britain, South Africa answered the call. The South African government was eager to expand it's borders and German South-West Africa was a neighboring province. In this neighboring province was a large number of Boers. All of the ethnic groups of South Africa fervently joined in support of their country. The blacks, Indians, Colourds and British. However a large portion of Boers saw Germany as the true ally and rose in rebellion.This episode coversThe Maritz RebellionThe Invasion of German South-West AfricaThe Invasion of German East AfricaThe Somme The Treaty of Versailles The conclusion of The Great WarSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/abriefhistory?fan_landing=true)

Mahatma Gandhi and Winston Churchill both came of age in South Africa, today they are the founding fathers of their respective countries, India and the United Kingdom. Both Gandhi and Churchill have come to face scrutiny in recent years for things they had said and done however they are still held in high regard almost universally. South Africa's founding father wasn't as lucky as these two great men. Jan Smuts is a name you probably haven't heard of, he was a brilliant intellectual, who taught as well as created philosophy, he signed the UN Charter of Human Rights, he fought on the front in World War I and Winston Churchill considered him the only man he could confide in during Britain's Darkest Hour. Jan Smuts is the founding father of South Africa, however he was also instrumental in the creation of the Apartheid state, and posterity has left his reputation to insignificance and ruin. This episode covers the foundation of The Union of South Africa, the events that led Mahatma Gandhi to create his Satyagraha or passive resistance, and South Africa's entry into World War I.Support the show

Beginning with the history of modern South Africa, we explore what happened when the Dutch arrived in 1652. Jumping ahead in time we explore the tribal groups that made-up 17th century South Africa and that today, make-up modern South Africa. The ANC and EFF parties both claim they have the answer to what to do with the land that was stolen from the native African populations by the white Europeans. Is land expropriation the answer, or will it lead to another Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe situation? The story then returns to South Africa in the 19th century. with the Boer wars and Britain's dominance on the continent. These events lead into the calamitous 20th century and 1st and 2nd World Wars, where an unwilling Dutch populace, sympathetic to Right-wing segregationist policies find themselves aligned with the British Crown.Topics covered Die Groot Trek - The Great TrekEmpty Land MythLand ExpropriationJulius Malema Jacob ZumaThe First and Second Boer WarsSupport the show

South Africa has been labeled the protest capital of the world and rightfully so as its history has been filled with racism, inequality and political unrest. On July 9th, 2021, after a call was placed to arrest the former President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma on corruption charges, his supporters took to the streets and began protesting. It soon turned into a riot. The riots were not about Jacob Zuma they were about wealth inequality. South Africa is the most unequal nation on the planet. This inequality stems from a long history of a country that ruled with a system of racial segregation called Apartheid. This episode introduces a series on modern South Africa and what has led to the chaos seen there today.Support the show

***IMPORTANT***The History of Current Events --- Is the new name of this show! I decided to change the name to something a bit less common. A Brief History of

What is going on in Afghanistan? The Taliban has taken back Afghanistan, after their lightning quick offensive, which began on May 1st. What will the future hold for Afghanistan? What about the Afghani women? This episode explains the potential future of the former American Satellite State.Includes stories of an American soldier and stories of Afghan refugees.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/abriefhistory?fan_landing=true)

On June 26th 1963, the fifteenth anniversary of the Berlin airlift. US president John F. Kennedy was walking the streets of Berlin. Taking in the sight of the newly constructed Berlin Wall. Kennedy who had to give a speech later in the day had a change of heart, he disregarded the milk toast speech given to him about peace with the soviets and decided instead to craft a speech of his own. A speech that would become one of the greatest moments of the Cold War.Support the show

Cuba as of July 2021 has seen massive protests over Corona restrictions all over the Island. What has caused the seemingly peaceful Caribbean island to suddenly enter a state of turmoil? This episode goes into the history of Cuba and what has caused something as simple as Corona to push its people to the breaking point.Covering topics from Che Guevara, and Fidel Castro's communist revolution in Cuba, to the Bay of pigs and Cuban Missile Crisis. This episode explores the events leading up to the revolution occurring today in Cuba.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/abriefhistory?fan_landing=true)

The Free Syrian Army, having been crushed by Russian airstrikes and abandoned by all its friends, struggles to defend its final stronghold, the very place where the war started all those years ago, Daraa Syria. With the war drawing to a close we learn who the victor or victors are, and what the future of post-war Syria will hold. The brutal 10 year civil war that has caused the deaths of over a half a million people and displaced over 10 million finally comes to an end. Support the show

As US troops withdrawal from Afghanistan its perhaps well to ask who are the Taliban and where did they come from? This episode explores the tumultuous history of Afghanistan, a country that has been tainted and destroyed from outside powers trying to impose their way of life on the rural Afghan subsistence farmers. This episode explores the Soviet-Afghan war, the Taliban and Al-Qaeda, and the US invasion and attempts at nation building.For an extended version of the show go subscribe to my Patreon. The extended episode includes an extra 30 minutes on Afghan culture, Wahhabism, the Karzai government and the revealing truth of the Afghan Papers.Support the show

 ''one man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter''Abdullah Öcalan is a Kurdish-Turkish revolutionary who has been fighting for Kurds to achieve equal rights since the 1970s. He started the PKK a communist party which goal is either the achievement of equal rights for the Kurdish peoples or a separate Kurdish state. He spent much of his life on the run from the Turkish government who sought to end his rebellion. His followers largely make up the Syrian faction Rojava or the SDF, one of the major factions of the Syrian Civil war.This episode focuses on Rojava and their many conflicts with Turkey which would eventually lead Turkey into the Syrian Civil war.Support the show

As the war in Syria continues, it ceases to be a civil war and becomes a proxy war between outside players.  Giving a detailed explanation of the backstories of Russia and Turkey and why they are so invested in Syria as well as their dictators Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The second half of the episode returns to our story; expanding into the destruction of ISIS and the aftermath. With ISIS getting obliterated by American and Russian airstrikes who will step in to fill the power vacuum left behind?Support the show

Saddam Hussein ruled with an iron fist and it kept the Middle East stable, after his deposition, chaos arose in Iraq. As ISIS proclaims their worldwide Caliphate, they begin taking vast swarms of land, the Middle East begins falling apart. The brutal executions of Kayla Mueller, James Foley and Steven Sotloff shows the western world how dire the situation really is. As America and the West ramp up their involvement in the war, Russia and NATO ally Turkey begin getting involved on their own account.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/abriefhistory?fan_landing=true)

Where has the show been? Is the show still going to be continued? What happened to Ancient Persian soldier Mithridates and the 10,000 Greek mercenaries who marched through Persia on a death mission???All will be answered in the show update dear listenersSupport the show

The Syrian Civil War has been one of the best recorded, as well as one of the most brutal wars. This episode tracks the events that led to the civil war, from decolonization to dictatorships to religious and ethnic struggle. It explains the combatants on the multi-sided war and the outside players such as The USA, Russia, Iran and Saudi Arabia, who struggle to find a side to support. The brutality ramps up when eventually the chaos leads to a new front in the war, when The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria emerges.Support the show

Japan is a country where video game soundtracks more often than not appear in their Billboard top 10. What often doesn't appear in their top 10 is the Classical Music genre. One man, decided to change that, a man who by his own admission was said to have been a child prodigy, Mamoru Samuragochi. This story follows the weird tale of Mamoru Samuragochi, a man who faked deafness to avoid answering questions about his art, faked a broken hand to avoid playing his art and had an unknown university teacher ghost write his work. He rose to the top of Japan's limelight only to have his lies catch up with him and have it all come crashing down.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/abriefhistory?fan_landing=true)

As the trial of Derek Chauvin goes on we look back at the life of George Perry Floyd. You can get a better idea of the type of person he was. This is a biography on his life from his childhood to his death. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/abriefhistory?fan_landing=true)

Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated after giving one of the greatest speeches of his career, "I've Been to the Mountaintop". In this speech he prophetically predicted an early demise. At the same time of Martin Luther King Jr's assassination, Robert Francis Kennedy, the younger brother of the late President John F. Kennedy was giving a speech of his own in Muncie, Indiana relating to his proposed 1968 Presidential run. After arriving in his final destination for the day, Indianapolis, Indiana RFK learned of MLK's death. Arriving in the heart of Indianapolis's ghetto he spoke from his heart and gave one of the most genuine and greatest speeches in American history.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/abriefhistory?fan_landing=true)

Alexander the Accursed's conquest of Persia, not only shocked the world but devastated it. In the blink of an eye the young Greek warlord changed the world. After Alexander's unexpected death his generals tried to stabilize what he left behind. This episode discusses the successor states of the Achaemenid Empire, the Seleucids, the Parthians and the Sassanids. Finally after 1,300 years of struggle Iran finds its identity again, Right before Muhammad the prophet of God changes Iranian culture forever.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/abriefhistory?fan_landing=true)

Paul Robeson, the name might not sound too familiar, that's because he was blacklisted during the 2nd Red Scare, Paul Robeson was a superstar of the 1920's-60s. The highest paid concertist of his day; With his beautiful voice, talented acting and social rights activities he truly was larger than life!Please check out my Patreon!You can find it under Thehistoryofcurrenteventshttps://www.patreon.com/abriefhistorySupport the show

The second half of the Persian Achaemenid Empire not only set the template for how all future empires would rule, it also set the template for how they would fall. Constant warfare, a populace that over the centuries lost its sense of itself and leaders obsessed with power would lead to its eventual downfall. A man would rise in the west, a man who idolized Cyrus the Great; Alexander was coming for the Empire.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/abriefhistory?fan_landing=true)

In this episode we discuss the first superpower the world has seen, The Persian Achaemenid. Founded by Cyrus the Great, a cult figure in Iran even still today, roughly 2,500 years after his death. Cyrus laid the foundation for how all empires after his Persian Empire would rule, he set the template for centralized bureaucratic administration. Making a cameo are the Ancient Greeks, whose culture and history were often at odds and even envious of the Persian Empire it later eclipsed.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/abriefhistory?fan_landing=true)

From humble beginnings to the Whitehouse, In this episode we go over everything about Joe Biden... From his early days to his scandals, from pathological lies to dementia from his personal tragedy to the presidency.  This is an autobiography using a combination of recorded moments from throughout his life, to give a better feel for the 46th president. Support the show

2021 is off to a great start. An attempted coup in the US capitol building happened just 6 days in. This podcast breaks-down the events leading up to the coup attempt. Using audio clips from Donald Trump, Joe Biden, and many senators to understand the events of January 6th.At the end I give an analysis of the Republican Party and the United States.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/abriefhistory?fan_landing=true)

The final part of the Suez Crisis series. The beginning of the Crisis is met with many similarities to the US invasion of Iraq. An assassination attempt, an aerial bombardment followed by land invasion... We see if Anthony Eden, Guy Mollet and David Ben-Gurion's gamble will pay off and defeat the boisterous Gamel Abdel Nasser.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/abriefhistory?fan_landing=true)

In part II of the Suez Crisis series we get into the over-throwing of the Kingdom of Egypt as well as the rise of Gamel Abdel Nasser. Sir Anthony Eden the British Prime Minister is introduced . Nasser and Eden meet and it doesn't go so well, which leads to Nasser Nationalizing the Suez Canal. Following this a secret meeting is hatched in the French suburb of Sèvres.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/abriefhistory?fan_landing=true)