In this episode, we talk to Max Adams about his new book, The Museum of the Wood Age. We discuss the relationship and history between humanity and wood, from the invention and use of the wheel, to the mysterious prehistoric monument of Seahenge on the Norfolk coast, and much more. Thanks so much to Max for coming back on the show! Find his new book…

In 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 t…

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 b…

In this episode, we are joined by author, historian, and archaeologist, Dr. Matthew McCarty, for a discussion about one of the most enigmatic religions ever: Mithraism. A religion in stark contrast to the other contemporaries, Mithraism was often practiced in small, dark temples as opposed wide open spaces, and generally, each temple had a relative…

In this episode, we are joined by historian, professor, and author of the book France in the Second World War, Chris Millington. With him, we take a deep, reevaluating look at the 1940 fall of France, questioning the popular narrative of French cowardice, lack of preparation, and inferior military capability as being the reasons for their defeat. F…

Hi everyone! We're starting a new video series over on our YouTube channel about Britain's 1931 crisis called The Crisis. In it, we'll be looking at the key figures involved, the decisions they made, and the events as they happened, week by week, and sometimes day by day. And don't worry: this Podcast will be continuing alongside the video series! …

In this episode, we continue our in-depth discussion with Stuart Ball on Britain in the 1930s, particularly focusing on the actions of the National Government, which we discussed the formation of in the last episode. From the economic and social reforms they passed, to their rearmament programs, to the outbreak of war, and much more, we take a look…

In this episode, we are joined by Stuart Ball, Emeritus Professor of Modern History at Leicester University, for a discussion about Britain's 1931 budget crisis, and the formation of the National Government. We take a look at the political situation in Britain in the years before, the people involved in the crisis, the critical moments during it, a…

In this episode, we are joined by fellow podcaster Wesley Livesay of History of the Great War and History of the Second World War to discuss one of the most intriguing, historically important, yet oft-forgotten pieces of interwar history: Allied intervention during the Russian Civil War. With his help, we take a look at the reasons why the Allied p…

In this episode, we are joined by Professor and Author Nicholas Higham to continue our discussion about Britain's 5th century. We begin to dive into the legend of Arthur, his historicity and how legendary figures can be distorted into factual, historical ones as time passes, even into the 20th century. As well as that, we take a look into Gildas's …

In this episode, we continue our discussion of 5th Century Britain. This time, we are joined by Emeritus Professor of Medieval Archaeology at Cambridge, and author of The Emergence of the English, Susan Oosthuizen. With her help, we continue to dive down the rabbit-hole of Britain's so-called "Dark Ages", to hear her opinions on change vs. continui…

In this episode, we are joined by archaeologist, historian, and author Max Adams to discuss one of the most fascinating and mysterious periods of time: the 5th Century in Britain. With very little contemporary sources, the dark ages are a widely debated era, where fact is very hard to separate from myth. But over the next few episodes, we will be t…

In this episode, we are joined by Professor Alan McPherson to discuss the assassination of Orlando Letelier: the topic of his book Ghosts of Sheridan Circle: How a Washington Assassination Brought Pinochet's Terror State to Justice. In September 1976, former Chilean ambassador and human rights advocate Orlando Letelier was killed in a car bombing o…

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),…

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 creati…

We'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 …

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 rearma…

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 Naz…

In today's episode, we are joined by historian and author William B. Taylor to discuss the story behind his new book, Fugitive Freedom: The Improbable Lives of Two Impostors in Late Colonial Mexico. We take a look at the lives of Joseph Aguayo and Juan Atondo, two men who had impersonated priests during the late Mexican Inquisition, their reasons f…

In this episode, we conclude our 4-part discussion of Weimar Germany. We take a look at the Great Depression and its effects on Germany, the resumption of political violence and how it came about, the German elections of 1932, and how the decisions made in the final years of the Republic eventually led to its downfall. Our Patreon: https://www.patr…

In our first episode of 2021, we continue our exploration of interwar Germany by taking a look at the so-called "Golden Age" of the Weimar Republic. A time of stability only in comparison to the proceeding (and following) years, we take a look at the German economy, and how it recovered from hyperinflation, the way negotiations with the allies impa…

In this episode, we are joined by historian and author Robert Gerwarth to discuss the Kiel Mutiny and the German Revolution of 1918. From the long-term causes of the revolution, to the mutiny itself, the revolution that followed, and more, we take a deep look at this complex and still controversial event in history. Thanks so much to Robert for joi…

In 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 …

In 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, Wei…

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…

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 R…

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 …

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 today's episode, we are joined by Dr. Guy Perry to discuss the unique story of John of Brienne. From being a nobleman in France, to becoming the King of Jerusalem, leading a Crusade, to eventually becoming the Emperor of Constantinople, John of Brienne's life was full of surprises, and he can definitely lay claim to having History's Most Varied …

We'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 BSTBy Alexander Clifford and Peter Daisley

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 fi…

In this episode, we return to Oliver Cromwell to discuss what we weren't able to in Episode 17: Cromwell's politics, and his tenure as Lord Protector. Taking us through his complex life and political career is Martyn Bennett, Professor at Nottingham Trent University, and author of the book Cromwell at War. With him, we take a look at what makes Cro…

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…

In this episode, we discuss the military career of one of the most important, controversial, and divisive figures in British history: Oliver Cromwell. From his early days as a landowner and as a member of Parliament, to raising some of the best cavalry troops ever seen and ultimately creating the New Model Army, we take an in-depth look at the man,…

In this episode, we take a look at inquisition-era Iberia, particularly Portugal, and the experiences and stories of the Sephardic Jews from during, and after the Portuguese Inquisition. Joining us is Brad Pomerance, host of the show Air, Land & Sea on Jewish Life TV. He guides us through the fascinating history of Jews in Portugal and Spain, from …

In today's episode, we take an in depth look at one of the most important and influential civilizations in all of history: Byzantium. And guiding us through this storied and complex civilization is Robin Pierson, host of The History of Byzantium podcast. From its vast, thousand-year history, to parallels with the modern world, we discuss what makes…

In today's episode, we are diving down the rabbit hole of the causes of History's Most Complicated Revolution: The French Revolution. Guiding us down this rabbit hole is Gary Girod, host of The French History Podcast, helping us to understand the intricacies of what exactly caused the world-changing revolution. From France's financial situation at …

In this episode of History's Most, we return to the Crusades, specifically taking a look at the Fourth Crusade; one of the most shocking and bizarre stories we've discussed on the show so far. A story of bad decisions, a lack of funding, and self-interested and deceptive leaders, which culminates in History's Worst Friendly Fire Incident: an attack…

Was Hitler a socialist? Were the Nazis, who were allied with people like Franco and Mussolini actually leftists? Do modern liberalism and fascism "share the same intellectual roots"? The answer to these questions is a resounding no. In this episode of History's Most, we discuss where these questions have come from, why they're being asked more ofte…

In this very special episode, we are going further back than History's Most has ever gone before: back to 9 CE to discuss one of the most important people in German and Roman history, Arminius. Taking us through his life is Jacob Collier, a fellow podcaster, from Podcast on Germany. From early days in Rome, to his decisive victory at Teutoburg Fore…

In 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 …

In 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 M…

In 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 d…

In 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 cent…

This 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 …

This 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…

Today we go back nearly 1000 years to the First Crusade for History's Most Unlikely Victory. How did a ragtag, multinational army of Western knights, nobles and peasants reconquer much of Asia Minor and the Holy Land against a numerically superior enemy, without clear leadership or planning, in the face of crippling supply and desertion issues and …

History's Most Disastrous Voyage comes to a terrible end at the Battle of Tsushima, May 1905. Somehow, Rozhestvensky's fleet makes it to the Pacific, only for more mistakes and mishaps to lead to a deadly clash with the Japanese Imperial Navy. If you thought last episode was bad, things are about to get a whole lot worse... Music: Sergei Rachmanino…

This episode of History's Most brings us to 1904, where we follow the Russian Navy's 18,000 mile long journey from the port of Saint Petersburg in the Baltic Sea to the Tsushima Strait off the coast of Japan. We dive in-depth to each mishap and incident along the way, discussing what truly made this journey History's Most Disastrous Voyage. Music: …

Our first episode investigates Erich Ludendorff, Germany's World War One general. We examine his fascinating life, and explore the fateful decisions he made which had dire consequences for European history. We discuss his accountability for unleashing the Bolshevik Revolution, unnecessarily prolonging WWI, undermining German democracy and aiding th…