The History of WWII Podcast

While the official government story has always been that no Allied POWs were held in German concentration camps, 168 Allied airmen were beaten, experimented on, and otherwise mistreated in Buchenwald, where the famous rocket scientist Wernher von Braun obtained slave labor for his V-2 factory, the Mittelwerk. Here is the story of one of those airmen, Frederic Martini. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode covers the first attack wave of Japanese aircraft, from the Japanese point of view. Battleship Row is hit, but Fuchida's plan is far from perfect. Then came the high level bombers, which inflicted damage on every battleship, sinking 3 of them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The first air wave of attacking Japanese warplanes reaches Oahu, on their way to Pearl Harbor. But before they reach Battleship Row, several civilian planes offer the excited pilots a chance to score their first kills. The locals and US Military personnel on the ground can't believe their eyes. They assume, it's the most life like war game ever put on by the Army and Navy Brass. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Writer Robin Hutton talks about her latest book which tells of the animals who contributed to the Allied effort of WWII. There's Chips, who served as a sentry dog for the Roosevelt-Churchill conference; Ding, a paradog whose plane was hit by enemy fire on D-Day, ended up in a tree, and once on the ground still saved lives. G.I. Joe, who flew 20 miles in 20 minutes and stopped the planes on the tarmac from bombing a town that had just been taken over by allied forces, saving the lives of over 100 British soldiers. And Winkie, the first Dickin recipient, who saved members of a downed plane when she flew 129 miles with oil clogged wings with an SOS message that helped a rescue team find the crew. Hutton's previous book was Sgt. Reckless: America's War Horse. This episode is brought to you by Audible.com. Start a 30-day trial and your first audiobook is free. Go to audible.com/WORLDWAR2 or text WORLDWAR2 to 500500. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the predawn darkness, the Japanese Strike Force has prepared to launch its first wave of bombers and fighters. Meanwhile, the US Naval Base at Pearl Harbor sleeps. However, a strange looking submarine is spotted and fired upon near the entrance to Pearl, by the USS Ward. Word of this gets back to Adm. Husband Kimmel, who then has to decide how to react. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Writer Mary Jo McConahay comes on the show to discuss her latest book, The Tango War: The Struggle for the Hearts, Minds and Riches of Latin America during WWII. We discuss Latin America's involvement in WWII, which includes Mexican Oil, Brazilian Rubber, The Smoking Cobras and Mickey Mouse. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On December 7, 1941, Ambassador Nomura and Special Envoy Kurusu are about to give Secretary of State Hull and FDR Japan's response to the Hull Note. But really, it's a declaration of war. That is, until the Japanese Military changes the wording. All of America will find out about the attack on Pearl Harbor before the Japanese representatives do. Pictured is Nomura, Hull and Kurusu. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Multiple Japanese Assault Fleets are on the move, but with so much incoming information, President Roosevelt and his cabinet do not pick up on the threat to Pearl Harbor. Besides, the military men advising FDR still can not imagine the smaller nation starting an all out war. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Attacked on 30 July 1945, the heavy cruiser was torpedoed by the Imperial Japanese Navy submarine I-58, and sank in 12 minutes. However, the two authors seek nothing short than to tell the entire story and return the USS indianpolis to its rightful place as the proud and courageous flagship of the US 5th Fleet during WWII. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emperor Hirohito reluctantly gives his approval for the attack on Pearl Harbor. As Tojo said, "With war, if you don't try it, you can't know how it will turn out." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Through MAGIC, the US's ability to read Japan's diplomatic messages, FDR learns of a final deadline and a coming Japanese attack. Pictured are Ambassador Nomura and special representative Kurusu. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tokyo and Washington seem to be making progress in their peace talks. And yet, the Japanese 1st Air Fleet departs for its attack on Pearl Harbor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Prince Konoye's government collapses as Gen. Tojo demands war with the U.S. Emperor Hirohito then orders Tojo to form his own government, hoping this will cause the Japanese Army to be more cautious. Meanwhile the alerts sent to Pearl Harbor by Washington remain vague. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Vinogradova comes back to the show to discuss her latest book, Defending the Motherland: The Soviet Women Who Fought Hiter's Aces. This episode's sponsor: parcast.com/gone Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the various issues with attacking Pearl Harbor are overcome, the Japanese Military evades telling the truth to Emperor Hirohito and PM Konoye. And they, in learn, deceive President Roosevelt's cabinet. Please support the show by checking out our sponson, mackweldon.com. Use "worldwar" promo code at checkout to say 20% off your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Washington and Tokyo continue their diplomatic dance but neither side is willing to give in. The Americans have broken the Japanese Diplomatic cypher codes, but so have the Japanese, of American Diplomatic codes. Then the Japanese Army finishes occupying the rest of French Indo-China. Of FDR's many responses, one is to reactivate Douglas MacArthur and send him to the Philippines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With Washington and Tokyo trying to bend the other to its will, President Roosevelt seeks to strangle Japan's aggression in China with a trade blockade while Adm. Isoroku Yamamoto begins to plan his attack on the U.S. Naval Base at Pearl Harbor. War seems imminent, but both sides still hope for peace through negotiations, on their own terms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chiang Kai-Shek struggles to keep China in the war, knowing the Soviet-German Non Aggression Pact can not last. The question is what will Japan do, once Russia is brought low. Meanwhile, the Japanese attack French Indochina and force Churchill to close the Burma Road. 1941 goes by with the U.S. and Japanese Empire negotiating, hoping to bring the other to heel. Neither side is participating in good faith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Having chased Chiang Kai-Shek back to Chongqing, the Japanese Empire is still unable to get him to surrender. So, on to Chongqing it is, but events in Europe: The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, Nazi Germany’s invasion of Poland and then the war in the West will stymie one Japanese government after another. Which leaves Japan to head towards SE Asia and in conflict with the United States, setting up the attack on Pearl Harbor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chiang Kai-Shek starts over, again, in Chongqing, as the Japanese military seek to deny him the east coast. First Canton will fall, then other port cities. Meanwhile, British controlled Burma and the Nationalists work together to construct the Burma… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chiang Kai-Shek is staking everything on his defense of Wuhan. As such, the various Japanese forces attempt to encircle the city. Chiang throws everything he has at the enemy, even scoring one major victory at Tai’erzhuang. However, this is not…delete Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Chiang Kai-Shek moves his capital and military Head Quarters west and Hideki Tojo becomes directly involved in the war to the north, the Japanese troops move out from Shanghai to Nanjing. There, their pent up frustration over the Nationalists… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chiang Kai-Shek's forces are barely holding out. But when a second enemy Expeditionary Force lands, it spells the end of Shanghai's freedom. Stalin agrees to supply the Chinese Nationalists, but the Japanese forces then move on to the Chinese capital Nanjing. The Rape of Nanjing will be bring the horror of occupation to a whole new level. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Japanese Expeditionary Force continues to push south to gain access to Shanghai. Meanwhile, Chiang Kai-Shek's nationalist troops continue to retreat. Yet, to show the world its defiance and courage, Chiang will leave one Battalion north of the Suzhou River, to face the Japanese alone. Link for book- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chinese Nationalists are loosing the battle of Shanghai. Yet, Chiang has to hold on as the League of Nations will soon be discussing the conflict. Then U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt steps into the fray by criticizing Japan's aggression. Still, it seems that Chiang's holdings north of Shanghai will have to be abandoned. Yet, to make sure the world doesn't forget about the Chinese, 1000 soldiers will be left near the Foreign Settlements, so the westerns can watch these men be slaughtered and write home. These victims will be remembered as China's Lost Battalion. Becoming Hitler- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Japanese Expeditionary forces set the stage for a much larger attack, once their reinforcements arrive. The plan is to cut Shanghai off from any assistance. Meanwhile, Chiang Kai-Shek has taken personal command of the 3rd War Zone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chinese Nationalist forces have pulled back from the coast, yet are determined to establish their own Maginot Line. But as both sides have reinforcements in route, the fighting around Shanghai will continue. Thus giving the world, its first large clash, using modern weapons within a civilian population, five years before Stalingrad. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Lyuba Vinogradova discusses her research and the resulting book that covers the young women of Stalin's USSR, who are conscripted to the Sniper Corps. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chiang Kai Shek and his ordinary soldiers are more determined than ever to defend Shanghai in 1937. However, the officers in the middle, due to their experience, see the writing on the wall. Thus Nationalist China will adopt the famous policy of trading land for time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Japanese invasion of Shanghai, nor their desire to teach the Chinese a lesson, is moving forward fast enough for Tokyo. So when the Expeditionary commander requests 5 additional divisions, the Japanese Imperial Staff and Navy acquiesce with alacrity. Their new goal is to expand their holdings and when reinforced to push west on a general front. However, Chiang Kai-Shek has reached an agreement with Stalin and soon Soviet military supplies will be on the way. For now the Chinese Nationalist forces have the single task of holding out, until then. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Japanese are unloading men and material at a frustratingly slow rate, due to the tides. Until they are ready to launch their assault, their navy and air force keep Chiang Kai-Shek's forces pinned down. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Japanese bring reinforcements to Shanghai as their marines are bogged down by Chiang Kai-Shek's best troops. Meanwhile, retired US Army Air Force Captain Claire Lee Chennault, finds the Chinese pilots woefully inadequate in deflecting the building assault. The Japanese invaders come ashore and now the fate of Shanghai is in the balance, as British and American civilians flee the International Settlement. Please fill out the survey at http://survey.libsyn.com/wwiipodcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chiang Kai-Shek decides that the time has come to openly fight back against Japan. His chosen site is the port city of Shanghai. Both sides build up their forces there, but the Chinese Nationalists will attempt to deliver a surprise attack. As the war enlarges, Stalin decides to assist the Chinese. Tokyo will widen the battle of Shanghai, as their first attempt is blunted. Please help me out and fill out a survey at http://survey.libsyn.com/wwiipodcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Japanese forces bring war to the China main land. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we officially begin the Pacific Theatre, this episode covers the building tension between The Japanese Empire, dominated by the military and the Chinese Nationalist Government. From the Russo-Japanese War to the Mukden Incident, to the take over of Manchuria, to the fighting over Shanghai and at the Great Wall itself, Japanese desire for more and more Chinese territory, dominates relations between the two countries. The episode ends, with the beginning of the events at the Marco Polo Bridge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Roosevelt sends Harry Hopkins, again to London, to set up a meeting between himself and Churchill. The U.S. still seems far from entering the war, but coordination is needed if Hitler is to be defeated. But Hopkins also ends up flying to Moscow to meet with Stalin, the first high ranking American to do so. Meanwhile, as Washington wonders what to do about the Japanese Empire, Tokyo decides on its own to take the initiative. Pictured is Harry Hopkins and Stalin during their first meeting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nazi Germany launches its war against the USSR. As such, FDR hopes Germany's attention will slacken on the Atlantic. Yet, if Soviet Russia collapses, then Japan would be free to attack Siberia or Western held territory in Asia. FDR must decide it now is the time to move forcefully against Hitler. Meanwhile Churchill and FDR learn of the slaughter of the Jews in Poland. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Great War is over, but the Allies don't know what to do with Russia. So, the german troops in Russian territory are ordered to remain where they are. Lenin has the task of turning Marxism into a function government. Stalin faces accusations of his time in Tsaritsyn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With us is Sally Mott Freeman as we discuss her book, The Jersey Brothers: A Missing Naval Officer in the Pacific and His Family's Quest to Bring Him Home. We cover FDR's Map Room, Pearl Harbor, the Fall of the Philippines, MacArthur, Siapan, Guadalcanal and of course, the missing naval officer Barton Mott, who was captured by the Japanese after MacArthur's Retreat. The search for this young man is the core of the book. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Hitler tries to lower the tension between the U.S. and Nazi Germany, the opposite is happening between the Japanese Empire and the U.S. As such Adm. Yamamoto draws up plans to strike at U.S. Naval forces at Pearl Harbor. It's a gamble, but if a surprise strike can be made, then Japan will have the time it needs to consolidate more territory throughout SE Asia. Pictured is Adm. Yamamoto. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Roosevelt wins a third term, but the American people still refuse to commit to war. Meanwhile, FDR has to find a way to help the Chinese and the British fight off their enemies, until the US is strong enough or the Axis fire first. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Franklin Roosevelt succeeds in his 3rd term attempt and with the passage of Lend Lease, Hitler knows the war will be prolonged. His answer to continued British resistance and the eventual entry of the U.S., is to plan an attack against Stalin's USSR. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the Kaiser's forces coming ever closer to Petrograd and Moscow, many Russians lose confidence in Lenin and his Bolsheviks. As such, no party member is safe. Bolshevik members begin to disappear, or are openly murdered. Even Lenin is unsafe. This chaos eventually forms into the Russia Civil War. Fortunately, Stalin is far away in the south, gathering grain for the Russian peasants. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nazi Germany is not the only threat to U.S. peace as the Empire of Japan continues its attacks against China. Meanwhile President Roosevelt pulls out all the political tricks he can to weaken the isolationists and help Great Britain stay in the fight against Hitlerism. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the Nazi menace grows across Europe, President Roosevelt knows that America will be threatened one day. His best plan for keeping the United States out of the conflict is by helping Churchill defeat Hitler. But in his way are his country's neutrality laws and the isolationists. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lenin's Bolsheviks pull Russia out of the Great with the Brest Litovsk Treaty, but the Imperial German Army keeps advancing towards Petrograd, because there is no Russia army to stop them. Lenin orders a retreat to Russia's ancient capital, Moscow. Meanwhile, Stalin is given the task of feeding Petrograd and Moscow and will do anything to succeed, to further make Trotsky look weak. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mr. Miller's latest book, Agent 110: An American Spymaster and the German Resistance in WWII, covers America's attempt to build an espionage network after Pearl Harbor, which leads Allen Dulles to met up with a strange cast of characters, some want to help Germany end the war and some only want to help themselves. Those conspirators within Nazi Germany have to content with Hitler's popularity after his many military successes, but then get a chance after his failure in Russia, namely Operation Valkyrie. Joins us as we discover who was Allen Dulles and how early there was talk of getting rid of Hitler. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode covers the naval battles between the British Royal Navy and the Kriegsmarine just prior to the Battle of Norway. It also touches on the Oscarborg Fortress protecting Oslo and the following submarine battles of the North Sea. Pictured, the Oscarborg Fortress. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Back with us are Bob Drury and Tom Clavin, authors of Lucky 666: The Impossible Mission. Today we discuss, the Pacific Theatre in general and MacArthur's Retreat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Lenin deflects others trying to take control of Revolutionary Russia, his Bolshevik Central Committee has to deal with the Central Powers and the Great War. The question posed, is peace worth any price. Lenin and Stalin believe the answer is yes, but Trotsky offers another option. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices