Key Battles of American History

The Second World War completely changed the world. In this episode, Sean and James discuss the human cost of the war, the rise and fall of empires, the beginning of the Cold War, and major changes within the United States. Also discussed is the crucial July-August Potsdam Conference.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Sean and James discuss the 2004 German film Downfall, which gives an inside view of the final days of Hitler, his closest advisors, and the Third Reich itself.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

By the early spring of 1945, the Third Reich was on its last legs. Forces of the Western Allies crossed into Germany and pushed eastward, while in eastern Germany, Soviet forces surrounded Berlin. On April 30, Hitler committed suicide, and a week later, Germany surrendered. Join Sean and James as they tell the gripping story of the last weeks of Nazi Germany and the end of the war in Europe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Sean and James discuss the 2014 film Fury, which tells the story of an American tank crew fighting against stubborn German resistance during the final weeks of the European theater of World War II.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Having destroyed the German Army Group Center and pushed back Army Group North and Army Group South, the Soviet Army in late 1944 and early 1945 swept through the Balkans and Poland, while thousands of German refugees fled westward. Join Sean and James as they discuss the westward drive of the Soviet juggernaut as well as the fateful February 1945 Yalta Conference.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Teddy Roosevelt faced many challenges at the end of his life. Racked by rheumatism, a ticking embolism, pathogens in his blood, a bad leg from an accident, and a bullet in his chest from an assassination attempt. But none of that stopped Roosevelt from attempting to reassemble the Rough Riders for a final charge against the Germans in World War One, pushing them into a likely suicide mission of a cavalry attack against 50 caliber machine guns.Suffering from grief and guilt, marginalized by world events, the great glow that had been his life was now but a dimming lantern. But TR’s final years were productive ones as well: he churned out several “instant” books that promoted U.S. entry into the Great War, and he was making plans for another run at the Presidency in 1920 at the time of his death. Indeed, his political influence was so great that his opposition to the policies of Woodrow Wilson helped the Republican Party take back the Congress in 1918. To look at Roosevelt’s final years, Scott Rank, host of History Unplugged, speaks with Bill Hazelgrove, author of “The Last Charge of the Rough Rider.” It was Roosevelt’s quest for the “vigorous life” that, ironically, may have led to his early demise at the age of sixty. "The Old Lion is dead,” TR’s son Archie cabled his brother on January 6, 1919, and so, too, ended a historic era in American life and politics. Subscribe to History Unplugged with Scott Rank:Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Ysc7ZgSpotify: https://spoti.fi/3j0QRJyParthenon: https://www.parthenonpodcast.com/history-unplugged-podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Sean and James discuss the 1949 classic film Battleground, starring Van Johnson, which presents a surprisingly realistic depiction of the Battle of the Bulge through the lens of a single squad.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the early hours of December 16, the pre-dawn stillness experienced by the thinly held American line at the eastern edge of the Ardennes Forest was shattered by a massive German offensive. After a summer of rapid advance, and a frustrating fall of dogged resistance to their advance towards the German border, American troops and leaders expected a period of winter quiet from an army that was thought to be nearly beaten. Instead, the German military offensive intended to turn the course of the war created a massive Bulge in the Allied line and became the largest, costliest land battle in American history. In this episode, Sean and James discuss the epic battle that came to be known as the Battle of the Bulge.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Sean and James discuss the 1977 epic film A Bridge Too Far, which dramatizes Operation Market Garden. The movie had a big budget and an all-star cast, but does it live up to the hype? Listen and find out!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the fall of 1944, the Allied push toward Germany began to slow down due to supply and logistical problems. The daring September offensive codenamed Operation Market Garden, designed to break the logjam, failed miserably. By the end of November, the Allied armies had settled in near the German border, hoping to soon resume offensive operations and drive into Germany. Join Sean and James as they discuss the Allies’ fall 1944 attempt to bring the war in Europe to a close.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Generally considered the one of the greatest–if not THE greatest–war movies ever made, Steven Spielberg’s 1998 film Saving Private Ryan revolutionized the genre of war movies. In this episode, Sean and James present an in-depth discussion of this modern-day classic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After eight weeks of grinding, grueling combat that expanded the Normandy beachhead, the Allies conducted a remarkable series of offensives that led to one of the great breakthroughs of the war, carrying the Allies to Paris and beyond to the defenses of Germany itself. Join Sean and James as they discuss the critical Allied advances from July to September 1944.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In The History of North America Podcast, historian Mark Vinet takes us on an exciting and fascinating journey through time, exploring and focusing on the interesting, compelling, wonderful, tragic, intriguing, and inspiring stories of North America. In this episode, Mark explores one of the most glorious Mesoamerican societies and encounters the Pre-Hispanic Mexico ancient culture & civilization that was the Aztec Empire.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, James interviews foreign policy expert Sean Mirski about his recently published book We May Dominate the World: Ambition, Anxiety, and the Rise of the American Colossus.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 1962 docudrama movie The Longest Day was a groundbreaking war film. Join Sean and James as they discuss this classic film, with its all-star cast and realistic depiction of the 1944 Normandy Invasion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On June 6, 1944, a massive Allied land, sea, and air force crossed the English Channel and conducted the largest amphibious attack in world history, hitting Normandy at five different beaches. The German defenders were well-trained, well-armed, and dug in. Would the attack succeed? Join Sean and James as they discuss Operation Overlord, the invasion of Normandy, often popularly referred to as simply “D-Day.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Sean and James discuss the 2007 film Valkyrie, which deals with the “July Plot,” an attempt to assassinate Adolf Hitler which came very close to succeeding. Tom Cruise stars as Klaus von Stauffenberg, the leader of the conspiracy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On June 22, 1944–three years to the day after the German invasion of the Soviet Union began–the Soviets launched a massive offensive called Operation Bagration, which resulted in the destruction of the German Army Group Center and the opening of the way to Berlin. In this episode, Sean and James discuss Bagration, as well as Soviet advances in the north and south, the “July Plot” to assassinate Adolf Hitler, and the Warsaw Uprising of August-September 1944.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Organized Crime and Punishment: A History and Crime Podcast, historian Steve Guerra and his trusty sidekick “Mustache Chris'' explore the rise of organized crime in various regions of the world and delve into the lives of some of the most renowned criminals and notorious gangsters. Every week, you’ll hear historical recollections and exclusive interviews about everything organized crime, from the American Mafia to modern-day cartels! Start listening now and take the journey through the shadowy world of organized crime, exploring its history, impact, and ongoing influence on our societies today!Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/organized-crime-and-punishment/id1690217862 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5peY6z7nFz8Q7tZNqK9JOc?si=70d9eb49cfd44c14See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Under President Franklin Roosevelt’s resolute leadership, the United States rose from poverty and solitude to defeat the greatest evils of the twentieth century. Join James as he interviews historian Craig Nelson, author of the recently-released book V is for Victory: Franklin Roosevelt’s American Revolution and the Triumph of World War II. In the interview, Nelson explains how Roosevelt, assisted by thousands of unsung heroes, guided the U. S. out of the Great Depression and into superpower status, establishing the “Arsenal of Democracy.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Sean and James discuss the 1990 film Memphis Belle, which narrates the harrowing story of the 25th and final mission of the most famous B-17 bomber of World War 2.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Allied strategic bombing campaign against Germany was long, difficult, costly, and still elicits controversy. The battle went through different phases, with constantly evolving tactics, objectives, and technology, but the end result was critical to the defeat of the German war effort. Join Sean and James in this topic episode that covers the crucial air war over Europe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Sean and James discuss the 2021 Netflix film Operation Mincemeat, which tells the story of one of the most successful examples of military deception in history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On July 9, 1943, Allied forces launched Operation Husky, the invasion of Sicily. 38 days later, the entire island was under Allied control. On September 3, British and American forces took the fight to the Italian peninsula, although this time, the going would be much slower and more difficult. Join Sean and James as they tell the story of the Allies’ effort to conquer the first fascist state in Europe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Sean and James discuss the epic biographical 1970 classic film Patton, starring George C. Scott in the title role. Patton narrates the life and career of General George S. Patton, from his taking command of the American Second Corps in 1943 through the end of the war.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the final days of the great defeat of Rommel’s Panzerarmee Afrika at El Alamein, a new enemy appeared to threaten the Axis position in North Africa. For the first time in the war, America took the field against the Nazis as they invaded the Vichy French territories of Morocco and Algeria. Join Sean and James as they discuss Operation Torch, the epic Allied invasion of North Africa.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Sean and James discuss the brief but gripping 2020 film Greyhound, starring Tom Hanks. Greyhound tells the story of a group of American, British, and Canadian destroyers that are trying to defend a supply convoy from a pack of German submarines during the Battle of the Atlantic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and Germany’s declaration of war on the United States opened a new and more deadly chapter in the War at Sea in the Second World War. The fight for control of the vital sea lanes to and from Great Britain would rage from the Arctic Circle to the very shores of the Americas. In this episode, Sean and James discuss the naval war around Europe from 1942 to the end of the war.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

World War II pilots were often pushed to the limit of human endurance, especially in the early years of the war. The classic 1948 film Twelve O’Clock High tells the story of a fictional air group based in the UK that conducted hundreds of daytime bombing raids over Germany. Even the tough, no-nonsense Group Commander (played by Gregory Peck) is not immune from the stress of combat. Join Sean and James as they discuss this fascinating and highly psychological film.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the beginning of 1941, Italian forces had suffered a catastrophic defeat in North Africa at the hands of the British Army in Egypt. Il Duce’s fortunes were on the wane, but the arrival of a capable German commander and a small Panzer Korps would radically change the situation in North Africa. Join Sean and James as they tell about the epic battle between Field Marshal Erwin Rommel (the “Desert Fox”) and the British forces in North Africa (the “Desert Rats”).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The epic Battle of Stalingrad was one of the most horrific and bloody battles of the Second World War. Several movies have tried to capture the horror of the war, but none does so better than the 1993 German-Russian production. Few, if any, movies in this series are more realistic and brutal than this one. In this episode, Sean and James break down the movie for you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Before the German Army Group South could capture the oil fields of the Caucasus, it needed to secure the key city of Stalingrad. The fight for Stalingrad turned into one of the most brutal and nasty battles of the war. In this episode, Sean and James do their best to tell the story of Stalingrad, as well as to describe the Battle of Kursk, the largest tank battle in history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this clip from the Eyewitness History Podcast, former Vietnam War veteran & "tunnel rat" Nick Sanza discusses his experience overseas, what it's like coming from a long lineage of military service, and what he learned from the tunnels in this interview from the Eyewitness History podcast. Continue listening to Eyewitness History: Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/44jShCiSpotify: https://spoti.fi/3LPfaXdSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In June 1941, Hitler launched Operation Barbarossa, the largest invasion in world history. Three massive German armies targeted Leningrad, Moscow, and the Caucasus oil fields. One army put Leningrad under siege, another swept through Ukraine, and the third another reached the outskirts of Moscow. The USSR appeared doomed. But was it? Listen,and you will find out!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US First Infantry Division is one of the US Army’s most storied units, due largely to the crucial role it played in World War II. The 1980 film The Big Red One, Starring Lee Marvin and Mark Hamill, follows one squad of soldiers from the invasion of North Africa to the end of the war. Join Sean and James as they discuss this exciting and realistic film.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prior to launching his massive attack on the Soviet Union, Hitler wanted to make sure his flanks were secure. He secured his “left flank” (Finland) and part of his “right flank” (the Balkans) through a combination of threats and diplomacy. However, Yugoslavia and Greece refused to knuckle under, and so Hitler invaded them. In this episode, Sean and James discuss the status of Finland and the Balkans in 1940 and 1941 and Hitler’s efforts to bring them under Axis control.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Italian dictator Benito Mussolini desired to create a “New Roman Empire.” In the 1920s, he strengthened Italy’s control over Libya, and in 1935, he ordered the invasion of Ethiopia, adding it to his empire the next year. Between 1939 and 1941, Italy conquered Albania and then tried to take over parts of France, Yugoslavia, and Greece. But did Mussolini bite off more than he could chew? Join Sean and James as they tell the story of Mussolini’s attempt to expand his empire.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Naval combat played a major role throughout the European Theater of the Second World War. Without constant supply convoys from the United States to Great Britain and the Soviet Union, the Allies could not have defeated Hitler. But those convoys had to be protected from attacks by German U-boats and other warships. In this episode, Sean and James narrate the early years of the naval war around Europe, including the epic story of the search for and destruction of the massive German battleship Bismarck.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Naval combat played a major role throughout the European Theater of the Second World War. Without constant supply convoys from the United States to Great Britain and the Soviet Union, the Allies could not have defeated Hitler. But those convoys had to be protected from attacks by German U-boats and other warships. In this episode, Sean and James narrate the early years of the naval war around Europe, including the epic story of the search for and destruction of the massive German battleship Bismarck.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Sean and James discuss the 1969 movie Battle of Britain, which tells the gripping story of the fight for air supremacy over the United Kingdom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Having conquered most of Western Europe, Hitler was determined to invade the United Kingdom and bring it to its knees. But before the Germans could launch the invasion, they needed to crush the Royal Air Force. Accordingly, the Fuhrer ordered a bombing campaign on RAF bases throughout southern England, in a campaign that came to be known as the Battle of Britain. Join Sean and James as they narrate this pivotal battle of the early war.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As German forces swept through the Low Countries and France, about half a million Allied soldiers became trapped near the port city of Dunkirk. Between May 26 and June 4, the overwhelming majority were evacuated to Britain by British military and civilian vessels. In this episode, Sean and James discuss the 2017 movie Dunkirk, which tells the amazing story of the “Miracle of Dunkirk.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In May 1940, over three million German soldiers crossed Germany’s western border and quickly conquered the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. Germany implemented direct rule over part of France, while setting up the puppet regime of Vichy France to govern the rest. In the meantime, hundreds of British naval and civilian vessels evacuated over 300,000 trapped Allied soldiers to Britain, to fight another day. Britain was now the only nation left in the struggle against Germany. Join Sean and James as they narrate the fall of the Low Countries and France.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The life of a German submarine crewman was filled with challenges, including cramped and dank quarters, poor food, and the constant threat of being spotted and attacked by Allied ships. 75% of German submarine crews eventually met their doom. The 1982 German film Das Boot takes you down under the water with one crew, providing a gripping account of the horrors of submarine warfare. Join Sean and James as they discuss this outstanding film.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the fall of 1939, Germany and the Soviet Union signed the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, a peace treaty in which the two nations also agreed to divide Poland. Soon afterward, the German army invaded Poland, unveiling a new type of warfare that became known as “Blitzkrieg.” After the fall of Poland, Europe settled into an uneasy calm. Meanwhile, Soviet soldiers invaded Finland but met with fierce resistance. In this episode, Sean and James tell the story of Blitzkrieg, Sitzkrieg, and the Winter War between the USSR and Finland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Upon becoming Prime Minister of the UK in 1940, Winston Churchill’s first and greatest challenge was how to deal with the growing threat posed by Nazi Germany. Many key British leaders urged Churchill to make a peace deal with Germany, but Churchill refused. In this episode, Sean and James discuss the 2017 film Darkest Hour, starring Gary Oldman as Churchill, in an Academy-award winning performance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In March 1938, Germany declared its annexation of Austria. Soon after, Hitler demanded that the Sudetenland, an area of Czechoslovakia with a heavy German population, also be added to the Reich. On 15 September, Hitler met with the leaders of Great Britain and France, signing the Munich Agreement, in which the western Allies formally recognized Hitler’s territorial expansion. Hitler declared the Sudetenland to be "the last territorial demand I have to make in Europe." But was it? Join Sean and James and you will find out!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Sean and James discuss the 2002 BBC made-for-TV movie The Gathering Storm, which tells the story of Winston Churchill’s return to power after several years in the political “wilderness” and his efforts to warn Parliament and the British government about the threat posed by Adolph Hitler. Albert Finney stars as Churchill.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1923, Benito Mussolini became Prime Minister of Italy and the first fascist leader in Europe. He would not be the last. In less than two decades, many more nations in Europe would be taken over by fascist or semi-fascist leaders, including the most notorious of them all: Adolf Hitler. In this episode, Sean and James narrate the rise of fascism and militarism and the continent’s accelerated march toward war.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Gill, Sr. was the Third Mate on the Liberty Ship SS Nathanael Greene which sailed to Archangel, Russia, with Convoy PQ18 in September 1942. Armageddon in the Arctic Ocean is Gill’s memoir chronicling his life from the Great Depression through his service in the US Navy during WWII and his later graduation from Harvard Business School. Along the way, readers will learn of Gill's enrollment in the Civilian Conservation Corps at age fifteen; how he joined the Merchant Marine and made eight passages to European ports as a sixteen-year-old; his riding the rails across the United States in search of work in 1938; his return to the Merchant Marine and ascension "up the hawse pipe" to become a licensed Merchant Marine officer; his participation in the biggest convoy battle of World War II; the destruction of the Nathanael Greene off the coast of North Africa by U-565; and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.