Shows
History's MostHistory's Most Special: Ludendorff and HindenburgIn the first episode of 2022, we discuss some of the topics seen in Alex's new book Hindenburg, Ludendorff & Hitler, including Erich Ludendorff's post-war writings and memoirs, which allow for a glimpse into his mental state following the harrowing defeat of World War I. As well, we examine Paul von Hindenburg's close relationship with Hitler and the Nazis after they took power, and debunk some popular thoughts about Hindenburg and the Nazis. Check out Alex's new book here: https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Hindenburg-Ludendorff-and-Hitler-Hardback/p/20139 Check out our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel...2022-01-251h 00
History's Most45. History's Most Holiday Special: Islands and Micronations (ft. Freddy Clifford)We're back! In this episode, we are joined by Alex's brother Freddy to have a discussion about the history of some of the most isolated, sparsely populated, and unique places on the planet. From the world's most remote island in the South Atlantic, to an island in the South Pacific inhabited by direct descendants of the Mutiny on the Bounty, to a bizarre 'nation' off the coast of England, this episode of History's Most is full of interesting stories. Thanks so much to Freddy for coming on the show! Check out Alex's new book here...2021-12-101h 42
The History of China Podcast#214 - History's Most: "History's Worst Civil War," with Alexander Clifford & Peter DaisleyA great conversation with Alex & Peter of "History's Most" about the worst civil war many have *still* never heard of - the Taiping Rebellion!
Check out their great show at:
https://historysmost.libsyn.com/2021-04-171h 16
The History of China#214 - History's Most: "History's Worst Civil War," with Alexander Clifford & Peter DaisleyA great conversation with Alex & Peter of "History's Most" about the worst civil war many have *still* never heard of - the Taiping Rebellion!Check out their great show at:https://historysmost.libsyn.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2021-04-171h 18
History's MostHistory's Worst Civil War (ft. Chris from The History of China)In this episode, we are joined by fellow podcaster Chris Stewart of The History of China to discuss one of the bloodiest wars in all of human history: the Taiping Rebellion. We take a look at a timeline of the conflict, from the formation of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom by its leader, Hong Xiuquan (a man who believed himself to be Jesus's brother), through their growth and expansion throughout eastern China, to some of their conflicts with the Qing Dynasty and eventual defeat. We also discuss the fascinating religious beliefs that motivated Hong Xiuquan, how...2021-04-121h 20
History's MostHistory's Most: Ludendorff Revisited (ft. Jay Lockenour)Today, we are joined by Professor, Historian, and Author Jay Lockenour to discuss a man we talked about all the way back in Episode 1 of History's Most: Erich Ludendorff. We discuss his post-war life, including his mental breakdown (and whether it should be considered relevant), close association (and then disassociation) with the Nazis, the creation of the Tannenberg League, how his wife impacted his political beliefs, and much more. A huge thanks to Jay for coming on the show! Find his new book, Dragonslayer: The Legend of Erich Ludendorff in the Weimar Republic and Third...2021-03-291h 35
History's MostIntelligent Speech Conference on the 24th of AprilWe'd like to invite all History's Most listeners to the Spring 2021 Intelligent Speech Conference on the 24th of April at 10 AM EST/3 PM BST! Hear Alex and many other fantastic content creators talk about fascinating stories from history, all revolving around the theme of 'escape'. Early bird ticket prices are $20 until March 24th, and you can get a further 10% off (and help support the show) by using the discount code 'WAR' at checkout. Thanks everyone, and hope to see you at Intelligent Speech! https://www.intelligentspeechconference.com/2021-03-2003 min
History's MostHistory's Most Conflicted Culture (ft. Jack Arscott)In this episode, we are joined by Jack Arscott, PhD student at the Institute of Modern Languages Research in London, to discuss Weimar journalism, literary culture, patriotism, and many other topics that made up part of Weimar Germany's culture at large. From the story of Die Weltbühne, a magazine which published several stories about German rearmament in violation of the Treaty of Versailles, to wider discussions about patriotism, nationalism, and much more, we take a look at what made Weimar Germany host to History's Most Conflicted Culture. Thanks to Jack for joining us! Find h...2021-03-151h 32
History's MostHistory's Most Dangerous Conspiracy Theory (ft. George Vascik)Today, we're joined by Professor and Author George Vascik to discuss the infamous stab-in-the-back myth, a conspiracy theory born out of the loss of World War I, and one that would become entrenched in many aspects of Weimar Germany's culture and politics. From its quick spread in the early days of the Republic, to its impact on the rise of the Nazis, we take a look at how it began, how it impacted the downfall of Weimar Germany, and how there are surprising parallels with modern day conspiracy theories. Thanks to George for joining us...2021-03-011h 33
History's MostHistory's Most Precarious Democracy, Pt. 2In the second part of our series on Weimar Germany, we move forward to the early 1920s, a time rife with political assassinations, continued political instability, and economic hardships. We discuss the rise and the actions of Organization Consul, the murder of Walther Rathenau and its aftermath, the occupation of the Ruhr, the period of Germany's severe hyperinflation, and more in this episode of History's Most. Check out Alex's new book, Fighting for Spain here: https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Fighting-for-Spain-Hardback/p/17936 Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/historysmost Our Facebook: https://www...2020-11-161h 29
History's MostHistory's Most Precarious DemocracyIn the first episode of this series on interwar Germany, we discuss the first perilous years of the Weimar Republic. From the last days of World War I and the outbreak of revolution in Germany, the abdication of the Kaiser, the signing of the Treaty of Versailles and more, we take a look at the early days of History's Most Precarious Democracy, Weimar Germany, and the seemingly endless list of problems that it was mired in. Check out Alex's new book, Fighting for Spain here: https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Fighting-for-Spain-Hardback/p/17936 Our Patreon: https...2020-11-021h 38
History's MostPerfidious Albion in the Spanish Civil War (ft. Scott Ramsay and Stephen Rainbird)Today, we are joined by Scott Ramsay and Stephen Rainbird, PhD students at University of Leeds, who are researching Anglo-Iberian relations, to discuss Britain's role in the Spanish Civil War. We take an in depth look at British foreign policy during the Civil War and its aftermath and ask: Was Perfidious Albion responsible for Franco's victory and survival in Spain? Thanks so much to Scott and Stephen for coming on the show. You can find an article from Scott on this topic here: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09592296.2020.1721059 Check out Alex's new book, Fighting...2020-10-201h 24
History's MostHistory's Most Corrupt Political Class (ft. Paul Preston)In this special, anniversary episode of History's Most, we are joined by author, historian, and Hispanist, Sir Paul Preston to discuss the political history of Spain, particularly the corruption and political incompetence that plagued Spanish politics during the late 19th century, and throughout the 20th century. From the Turno Pacifico, Primo de Rivera's reign, the Second Spanish Republic, to Franco and more, we take a hard look at History's Most Corrupt Political Class. A huge thanks to Paul for coming on the show. Find his newest book here: https://www.amazon.com/People-Betrayed-Corruption-Political-Incompetence-ebook/dp/B085RG7BDH2020-10-051h 04
History's MostHistory's Most Forgotten Fighters (ft. Séan Scullion)In this episode, we are joined by Hispanist Séan Scullion to discuss the fascinating story of Spaniards who fought in the British Army during World War II. Following the Spanish Civil War, many Republicans fled Spain and began serving in the French military. Following the fall of France, those same Republicans ended up in the British Army. Join us as we take a look at their experiences, where they served, what units they were in, and much more. Big thanks to Séan for coming to us with this topic! Find him here: https://twitter.com/se...2020-09-221h 45
History's MostHistory's Most Unlikely Warriors (ft. Richard Baxell)In today's episode, we are joined by author of the book Unlikely Warriors, and research fellow at the London School of Economics, Richard Baxell, to discuss the International Brigades in the Spanish Civil War. From how the Brigades were formed, to why and how people flocked to Spain, the battles they fought, and the people who served in them, we go in depth about how these men became History's Most Unlikely Warriors. A big thanks to Richard for joining us. Find his book Unlikely Warriors here: https://www.quartoknows.com/books/9781781312339/Unlikely-Warriors.html Check out...2020-09-071h 47
History's MostFree Virtual Book Launch 27th AugustWe'd like to invite History's Most listeners to the virtual launch of Alex's new book, Fighting for Spain! To sign up, send an email to fightingforspain@gmail.com to book your place for free. Thursday, 27th of August at 7:30 PM BST2020-08-1802 min
History's MostHistory's Worst Colonial War (ft. Mark from Record of Arms)In this episode, we are joined by Mark Seven of the Record of Arms Podcast to talk about one of the most important events in the history of both Spain and Morocco: The Rif War. We take a look at Spain's presence in North Africa before the war, the reasons it happened, the sheer brutality of the conflict itself and the impact it had on the people fighting it, and what impact it would have on Spain's future, both long term and short term. BIG thanks to Mark Seven from the Record of Arms Podcast. Find...2020-08-111h 22
History's MostHistory's Worst Stalemate (ft. Fredrick Clifford)In today's episode, Alex's brother joins us to discuss History's Worst Stalemate: the Isonzo Front of 1915-1918. We take a look at all 12 battles of the front, discussing the tactics, the equipment used, and the sheer incompetency of the leadership that brought them to 12 battles to begin with. Alex's interview on the WW2 podcast: http://ww2podcast.com/ww2-podcast/120-the-peoples-army-in-the-spanish-civil-war/ Music: Sergei Rachmaninoff - String Quartet No. 2 as recorded by Steve's Bedroom Band and Steve Jones licensed under Creative Commons 4.0.2020-07-151h 50
History's MostHistory's Most Democratic FascistIn this episode, we offer a final addendum to our series on 20th century Spain. After 40 years of fascism under the rule of Francisco Franco, Spain looks to a young new leader, Adolfo Suárez, to take up the mantle and to lead Spain forward. Propped up by years of being a well-liked figure within the Francoist ranks, Suárez would seem to be the man for the job to carry the party into the future. But as the title of this episode suggests, his vision for Spain might not be what the old guard were expecting... Ou...2020-03-231h 26
History's MostHistory's Most Complicated War, Pt. 2In this episode, we conclude our series on 20th century Spain by discussing the most important event in modern Spanish history: The Spanish Civil War. We discuss the politics of both Franco's nationalists and the Republicans, the foreign support for both sides, the role of the International Brigades, and more about what makes this truly History's Most Complicated War. Purchase Alex's new book here: https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/The-Peoples-Army-in-the-Spanish-Civil-War-Hardback/p/17104 His article on HistoryHit: https://www.historyhit.com/why-did-the-republicans-lose-the-spanish-civil-war/ His interview with Cris Alvarez: https://warscholar.org/spanish-civil-war-military-history-book-the-peoples-army-in-the-spanish-civil-war-pen-sword-books-2020-alex-clifford-interview/2020-03-091h 12
History's MostHistory's Most Complicated War, Pt. 1In this episode, as part of our series on 20th Century Spain, we discuss the Second Spanish Republic. Finally free from the shackles of the corrupt turno parties, the monarchy, and Primo de Rivera's dictatorship, the formation of a true republic could signal a new era for Spain... But with clashing ambitions from the left and right, and the great depression impacting the world economy, it certainly won't be easy for the new government to find its footing. And on the horizon, something else looms for Spain... Purchase Alex's new book here: https://www.pen-and-sword.co...2020-02-241h 27
History's MostHistory's Most Benevolent DictatorIn this episode, we explore the fascinating character of Miguel Primo de Rivera, the Spanish dictator who ruled from 1923 to 1930. Often regarded as a populist and a paternalist, and calling himself an "Iron Surgeon", Primo de Rivera is one of the most fascinating dictators of 20th century Europe, and one of the most fascinating people of 20th century Spain as well. With Spain's best interests at heart, he set out to revitalize the country from the old days of the turno pacifico, root out the political corruption prevalent in the Spanish political system, quell the civil unrest, and deal w...2020-01-301h 13
History's MostHistory's Worst DemocracyThis episode is the first in a trilogy on 20th century Spain and tells the story of the unbelievably corrupt Turno system installed in the late 1800s which survived up to 1923. Bribery and coercion determined the results of elections as two official parties peacefully alternated in office to give the illusion of democracy. Amidst staggering levels of incompetence and egotism, the system began to break down in the 1910s as the Turno parties fell apart and the effects of the Great War began to be felt even in neutral Spain. Failing on practically every front, when the system finally...2020-01-101h 05
History's MostHistory's Most Christmas SpecialThis episode of History's Most is our Christmas special! Join us as we discuss three small "stocking filler" stories from history, followed by a few recommendations for historical books, movies, and shows, that we've enjoyed, and that we think our listeners will enjoy as well! Happy holidays and a very merry Christmas from History's Most! Pre-order Alex's upcoming book here: https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/The-Peoples-Army-in-the-Spanish-Civil-War-Hardback/p/17104 Music: We Wish You A Merry Christmas (Instrumental Jazz) by E's Jammy Jams Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) https://creativecommons...2019-12-141h 06