When Diplomacy Fails Podcast

The Korean War was fought from 1950-1953, and while many of us today have a rough idea of how it went, to most it is those two lines in a textbook, an irrelevant blip on the Cold War radar. An unimportant, unappreciated event in the crowded literature of the 20th century. To me, the Korean War is many things, and over the last few months I have been working tirelessly to create the most comprehensive, authentic and accurate account of the diplomatic and political origins of this conflict. Not only that, but I will also be dropping some controversial conclusions and hypothoses on you guys, as we follow the trend of projects like the July Crisis and 1916 by giving you a fresh, revisionist take. Not merely for the sake of it, of course, but because I have come to be persuaded to see this war in a certain light, and I have come to understand its cause and effect formula in a different way to most conventional narratives. If you will let me then, I hope you take you on something of a journey. Make sure to look out for the other two introduction episodes, yes TWO, but for now, try to place yourself in the era of the post-war world, as we go somewhere WDF has never gone before. I hope you enjoy it, and that you are excited to finally explore the Korean War. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here we are as promised, opening up the new year with a detailed look at where WDF is going next, why it's going there and why you should care! We address the following issues within:- massive thanksss given all round for a fantastic year.- we read out the Patrons at the end- we talk about having to launch an archive feed!- we talk about whether or not we should launch a Facebook group- we unwrap the upcoming series; the Korean War, the Patrons' exclusive 1956, the Versailles Anniversary Project, Poland Is Not Yet Lost and much more!A huge thanksss to everyone who made WDF's year so special! I can't tell you how much I appreciate you all!Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/WhenDiplomacyFailsFollow on Twitter: @wdfpodcastLike on Facebook under the same name, and find our website wdfpodcast.com where you can visit the blog - the Vassal State!Be sure to check out this podcast by our Patron Shawn Warwick - the American History Podcast! http://theamericanhistorypodcast.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dear and valued listeners, we return instantly with the second part of my Christmas present to you! Was Louis' fp a success or not, let's find out!Here we examine Louis' reign from the early 1680s, and consider the damage he inflicted on European public opinion, juxtaposed with the material and military gains accrued to France because of Louis' largely victorious wars. I hope you enjoy this concluding episode of our two-parter history friends and patrons. Thanksss for listening, happy Christmas and make sure YOU join WDF in the new year for some incredible new stories and approaches to history. If you want to throw some monies our way AND help make history thrive then you can! Simply visit www.patreon.com/WhenDiplomacyFails and receive some :D Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As a special Christmas present to all my lovely listeners, after you have given me such a fantastic year, here is the first of a two parter which I released to Patrons at the $5 level earlier this year, now freeto listen for YOU! Make sure you let me know if you enjoyed this episode, as we close out the eventful year of 2017 with a BANG! Thankssss!Herein we ask the question - was Louis XIV's foreign policy a success? We know he experienced military success and tore Europe asunder; we know he was a formidable character and an implacable ruler, but do his successes and strengths outweigh the damage and cost which was wrought on France? Here we take this question up to the point of the early 1680s, while the next episode will conclude the question and answer it, hopefully to your conclusion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's here! The conclusion to our 16 part story which we've been building towards for several weeks, months and years. Since we began the tale of the Thirty Years War, our narrative has, in several ways, been moving towards this incredible culmination of east meeting west. On 12th September 1683, the forces of the Ottoman Empire under Kara Mustafa met and did battle with the relief army comprised of several troops from countries as diverse as Poland, Saxony, Austria, France, Bavaria, Spain and more! The pressing question wasn't just 'Would we make it in time?' To the relief army, led by Charles of Lorraine, King Jan Sobieski of Poland and General Waldeck, the question remained as to whether they could in fact defeat the most formidable force ever mobilised by the Turks, or would they succumb, just like so many others, to the Grand Vizier's might. It was a tale of revenge, of heroism, of resistance and defiance - a battle of epic proportions, and a conclusion which, while likely to be of no surprise to you guys, sets us up well for our coverage to come.Of course, you may also know, we're taking a break from this era for a while, as we delve into pastures new for the next year or so. Our next spotlight will fall on the Korean War from January, but for now, it suffices to leave our epic narrative outside the walls of Vienna, where the forces of history met together on one incredible day in 1683. A huge thanksss to all of you guys for your interest and feedback in making this all possible, and make sure YOU don't forget to check out the simultaneous story of Jan Sobieski's life and times. What brought the King of the Poles to the field on that day, and what stories did he have under his belt by the time he arrived to support the allied charge? Make sure you don't miss out! Other than that, a huge thanksss, and make sure you tune in for our State of the Podcast Address on 1st January 2018, so that you know what's next for WDF!Remember also history friends, that YOU can support us on Patreon and help make history thrive as you do so! Want to start your new year off with a bang? From as little as $2 a month YOU can access additional content and get the good stuff FIRST! See www.patreon.com/WhenDiplomacyFails today and see if we can help you help us! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

They're Here!After several months of waiting and buildup, we finally reach that incredible tale - when for two grisly months, the defenders of Vienna worked miracles to protect their city from the relentless Turk, and when Count Stahremberg used every fibre of his being to keep his men in high enough spirits to continue onwards in their bloody business. Incredible tension, great drama and a story almost too fantastic to be true are contained in this episode, so I hope you enjoy it! Even though it's a long one, it's packed full of juiciness, and I feel gives us a fitting conclusion as our penultimate episode. Finally, they're here.Remember history friends, YOU can help make WDF and history thrive! Head on over to www.patreon.com/WhenDiplomacyFails now and for those of us following BEFIT to the letter, be sure to find us on Facebook and follow on Twitter @wdfpodcast THANKSSSS! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

They're here! After so many weeks of marching, Kara Mustafa's terrifying host reaches the walls of Vienna, but after a few critical days' worth of preparations, Vienna's remaining populace were as prepared as they would ever be for what was to come. Grimly reconciled to the arrival of their greatest foe, only great acts of bravery, tenacity and ingenuity would hold back the Grand Vizier's determined assault. As we can see in this handy homemade diagram of the Vienna defences, such defences were as rudimentary as they were to be effective. Mercifully though, Vienna was not alone.Several hundreds of miles away, the allies of the Holy Roman Emperor marched in the name of rescuing Vienna from this grave threat. From Bavaria, Saxony, Poland, Lithuania and elsewhere they marched, but the real question still lingered in the air - would they get there on time? This episode is episode 14 out of 16 my lovely patrons, so we are in fact nearly at the end of this incredible story, but under no circumstances should you expect it to go out with anything other than a bang!Remember history friends, YOU can help make history THRIVE by heading over to www.patreon.com/WhenDIplomacyFails and by engaging in some healthy dosages of BEFIT today! Thanksss :D Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Something special for all lovely fans of WDF for the month of December, it's...something completely unrelated to Christmas!In this episode of WDF THINKS we ask the very relevant question - was Queen Elizabeth I of England all that great at diplomacy? Sure there was that whole Armada thing, but what about her actual talents and abilities as a diplomatist, particularly a female diplomatist in a world where few such things existed? Well, WDF is proud to take up the challenge by examining a lesser known event from Elizabeth's history - the curious issue of the Portuguese Pretender, a certain Don Antonio, the illegitimate son of the extinct Portuguese House, where King Philip II of Spain now claimed overlordship.Liz's mission was to make use of Don Antonio throughout the frightful events of the 1580s, and to somehow help him without offending the Spanish, only to greatly offend and threaten the Spanish when it suited her. Much depended on whether or not Elizabeth needed a Portuguese bargaining chip, or a stick, with which it could beat up the Spanish King. Her record in balancing the right policy was impressive, but was it good enough to justify her place as a named Patreon tier, where only the greatest diplomatists in history reside in that pantheon of thankssss? You simply must find out, and you also must let me know what you thought!Also, make sure that you check the blog post on this very episode - why not put some faces to the names?www.wdfpodcast.com/thevassalstate/wdfthinkslizThis episode was launched to assess the career of Queen Liz, but we also have another reason for doing it. Queen Elizabeth I of England has her own named Patreon tier, and for a certain amount every month, you can select her or her similarly named peers by heading over to www.patreon.com/WhenDiplomacyFails If WDF THINKS is something you enjoyed, why not share the love and making me even more excited to pod well into the future. Thanksss to the support I've received from history friends JUST LIKE YOU, I've been able to make this into a part time job, but we can always go further! Let's bring history podcasting to new heights - let's make WDF and history thrive! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

First things first - DON'T MIND ME! Whatever I call it, it's the River Raab not the River 'Raba'. I think the phlegm has moved into my brain!In our latest episode examines the moment when Kara Mustafa finally did it. Overcoming the expectations and assumptions of the high command of the Habsburgs in their Vienna seclusion, the Ottomans outmanoeuvred Charles of Lorraine completely, heading due north-west, crossing the River Raab, bypassing Gyor and utterly flummoxing the Habsburg family. As Leopold and his entourage fled the city on 7th July 1683, a Turkish storm was coming. Thanks to procrastination, misinformation, internal division, arrogance and ignorance, the greatest threat to the Holy Roman Empire was marching virtually unopposed towards the Golden Apple. Only time would tell if Kara Mustafa’s attempt to take the city would be as terrifyingly unstoppable as his march across the Hungarian plains had been, but the odds certainly did not look to be in the favour of Vienna’s residents, who now took up shovels for the long, arduous test ahead.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our story continues, as in episode 12 of the Long War, the Habsburgs scramble their forces together in the midst of increasingly worrying news across all fronts. Ernst Stahremberg (pictured) makes an appearance, and sets to work building up the defences of Vienna for whatever may transpire. Meanwhile, Charles of Lorraine is celebrated as the man in charge of Habsburg forces, but this ragtag bunch of Europeans will have to shape up before they face up to the terrible might of the Turks.All the while, Kara Mustafa seems to move faster than anyone ever expected, his focus set on...where? Only ever so gradually would the Habsburgs in their Hofburg palace find out.(Above) Layered defences outside of Vienna. (Below) the mind map of square marshy plains which makes up the land to the east of Vienna.************************The story is heating up, and remember where to go if you want EVEN MORE stuff relating to the Last Siege of Vienna - PATREON of course! Jan Sobieski Biography will take you there in a different vehicle, and I've been hearing great things about it, so why not check it out for yourself? Thankssss!www.patreon.com/WhenDiplomacyFails Facebook Twitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're not QUITE ready to watch the Turk batter down the walls of Vienna - instead, we're spending a few more minutes examining the motives of the Ottoman's two leading men. Is it really possible to properly grasp what led these two figures, Kara Mustafa and Sultan Mehmed IV, in their charge for the Golden Apple? Furthermore, is it possible to gauge a point when peace ended and war began, or are things far less straightforward than that? Indeed history friends, sometimes simple formulas do not quite work, and the rules of diplomatic history do not apply, but either way, a storm was coming which the Habsburgs, if only they would actually wake up and smell the approaching doom!Remember history friends, YOU are the glue that holds WDF together! Without you, there's no tales about Louis XIV, none about Kara Mustafa, and no WDF in general! What a terrible thought, but if you want to make this history nerd world of ours a better place, why not head on over to Patreon and see what we can do for you? I have so much great plans for WDF into the future, and all patrons will get to feast upon a range of wonderful goods. Whether its $2, $5 or $25, your support is what enabled me to work on this joy of mine, so let's keep it going well into the future! www.patreon.com/WhenDiplomacyFails Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our coverage of the complex and juicy diplomacy continues! While the main event is the examination at last of the Habsburg-Polish treaty of alliance, the events leading up to such an event are also something to behold. The French threat remained strong and Louis XIV's presence across the Rhine remained a menace to those German potentates who otherwise would have jumped at the chance to crusade against the Turk. This, as we've by now learned, was no accident. By keeping the Habsburgs and their German allies divided, Louis could ensure that he had more security and influence to lord over his weaker German neighbours.As the episode progresses, you'll notice the sense of re-arming that seemed to characterise much of what the Germans in particular were doing. Everyone seemed either to be grouping themselves into an alliance bloc or preparing for some kind of conflict. At the top of this alliance building we find the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, led of course by King Jan Sobieski, and the subject of our very special biography if you weren't aware! It would prove a battle in itself not merely negotiating, but also ratifying this treaty in the Polish Sejm, as the vested interests of the foreign powers culminated, not for the last time, in heated scenes at such a weighted time in Polish history. In the event, Sobieski would agree to march, but the campaign would be nothing like what he expected...Remember history friends, you can help make WDF thrive! Head on over to www.patreon.com/WhenDiplomacyFails now and support us to bring history podcasting to new heights and receive some awesome audio goodies in return! For everything else, make sure to head to www.wdfpodcast.com and as always, Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Albert Caprara has a really bad time in this episode, as he is plucked from his far more enjoyable job in the University of Bologna and selected by Leopold to negotiate with the Turks. These same Turks who had been preparing themselves for war for the last few months, were found by Caprara to have been - surprise surprise - preparing themselves for war, rather than preparing themselves to sign a new peace treaty with the Habsburgs. News of this development comes slowly to Vienna though, and in the meantime there is plenty to distract Leopold's court over the course of 1682. A number of initiatives directed towards the French spring up in Germany, as William III attempts to arrange something of use with the Swedes, as the Emperor looks on, only ever so gradually and reluctantly turning his attentions to the east, beyond the Hungarian wasteland, and towards a threat which was preparing to achieve its crowning glory at his expense. Remember history friends, YOU can help make history thrive! Check out our website www.wdfpodcast.com Follow us on Twitter @wdfpodcast and visit the blog www.wdfpodcast.com/thevassalstateFor those that want to take history and this lovely pod even further, remember that there's some wonderful extras and rewards to be had on our Patreon www.patreon.com/WhenDiplomacyFails check us out now at the $5 level to feast upon our Jan Sobieski biography! Thanksssss :D Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What an incredible treat we have for you today! Norman Ohler, internationally bestselling author responsible for one of the most significant new perspectives on the Third Reich and Adolf Hitler joins us on the podcast for a very special collaboration. Ohler's ideas have been plucked straight from the previously underrated notes of Dr Theodor Morell, Hitler's personal physician, so you know they hold water, as Morell saw Hitler more than anyone else in the last portion of his life. A window into the insane world of Nazi Germany is what Ohler's book provides, as the use and abuse of a whole range of drugs sheds stunning new light on what we think we know about Hitler, the Nazis and their greatest military triumphs. We talk about: the state of drug use in both the Weimar Republic and the Third Reich before the outbreak of WW2, where the happy pill Pervitin came into all this, how careful Ohler had to be in expressing his views, the controversies and critics, the much-appreciated praise, the research process, incredible facts about the archives and how untouched they remain to this day, the hypocrisy and myths surrounding the Nazis and their willing abuse of drugs, the way in which Hitler came to depend upon the cocktail of drugs which Morell fed to him and what we can take from such incredible revelations. Norman Ohler took time out of his very busy schedule to talk to little old me about his book and I really appreciate it. You can show some love to Ohler and his efforts by visiting his site, and of course buying his book - I can tell you now you won't regret it!https://www.amazon.co.uk/Blitzed-Drugs-Germany-Norman-Ohler/dp/0141983167/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1509123010&sr=8-1&keywords=norman+ohler+blitzedRemember that we wrote a blog post for this episode, so if you want some further analysis or to put faces to some of the names mentioned here, be sure to visit that post in our Vassal State blog, head to www.wdfpodcast.com/thevassalstateAs always, remember that WDF is supported by history friends just like YOU! So make sure you tell those that may be interested about this interesting conversation, remember to visit the website www.wdfpodcast.com and consider becoming a patron if you want EVEN MORE from your WDF experience! www.patreon.com/WhenDiplomacyFailsThanksssssssss! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You have all been very patient, so I am so excited to finally begin unpacking the incredibly fascinating and interconnected era of the 1680s. This episode here should tie us back to the first three episodes we did on Louis XIV, because it relates Leopold’s concerns to the military and diplomatic situation in the west, and explains why exactly Leopold believed until it was almost too late that France, rather than the Ottomans, posed the gravest threat to the Habsburgs in Europe.While the Habsburg alliance with Jan Sobieski and the PLC is probably the most famous outcome of this diplomatic wrangling, before that destination was arrived at, the Habsburgs had to traverse some pretty difficult issues and their agents had to overcome the pre-existing agendas of the other powers, especially when those powers preferred to pursue their own relationships with Louis XIV independent of the Habsburgs.The Electors of Saxony (pictured), Bavaria, Brandenburg, Hanover and so many other minor powers make an appearance, as re-arming becomes the norm, and everyone begins to see the importance in picking a side.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 7 of the Long War hits us like a Hungarian-shaped bang, as we are introduced first to the Sultan's method of war making as the resources, men and monies were gathered together by spring 1683, but also to the major incentive which moved the Ottomans to make war.In this episode I explain why I believe the Ottomans chose to attack the Habsburgs after 20 years of peace. The Hungarian situation was simply too ideal to let go, as the nemesis of the Habsburg rule in Hungary, a noble by the name of Imre Thokoly, began his rebellion against Vienna.Calling upon the Turk for support, Thokoly's actions and rebellions seriously contradicted the idea that the Habsburg-Ottoman clash was one of Christian vs Muslim, but that's not all we have to startle you with! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the second part, Sebastian talks to us about all things to do with the Last Siege of Vienna, an event which has really captured our narrative and which will hold our attention for the next few months, so it should come as no surprise that Mr Major was enthralled by it too! What does he like about the event, what myths really struck him about it, and what are some of the dangers about the myths which can be commonly perpetuated? Find out here, in our final part of a lovely collab. A huge thankssss again to Mr Major, and if you want to check out his wonderful pod be sure to head on over to www.ourfakehistory.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we examine the relationship between the Ottoman Empire and its most important vassal, the Crimean Tartars. How this relationship was formed, the extent to which the Ottomans relied upon this steppe people and the utter devastation which said people could inflict - all of these are critically important topics to wrap our heads around if we're to grasp what was to come for Europe was a particular vengeance in summer 1683...Remember history friends, I rely on your support both moral and monetary and I appreciate it all so much - we are bring history and WDF to more people than ever before, and if you want to be a part of this journey then make sure you check us out on Patreon:www.patreon.com/WhenDiplomacyFailsOur website:www.wdfpodcast.comOur Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/WhenDiplomacyFailsPodcast/Our Twitter:https://twitter.com/wdfpodcastYaaay let's make history thrive :DZack Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello there! It's a good day to be a listener of WDF, because I've managed to convince myself to share the first episode of the EXCLUSIVE biography on Jan Sobieski, a 12 part series which will keep us fed and watered in the Xtra feed for the remainder of this year, and which will be releasing every single week until the final week of 2017! YOWZA! What can you expect from this series, and what exactly did Sobieski do when he wasn't charging to the rescue of his peers outside Vienna in 1683? Well, as you'll soon discover, there's so much more to Sobieski than merely Vienna and its siege. He is our window into the era of the turbulent 17th century. He is our weather gauge as we measure the turmoil which afflicted the portion of Europe around the Polish-Russian-Ukrainian border. As a story it sets us up well for our new Podcast on Poland in the 18th century, which is due out on in April, 2018. I hope you'll give it a listen, and remember if you want the full story, this whopper and wonderful series, as well as so many others, are only a few clicks away! Thankssss history friends, and I hope to welcome you soon to the best band of history fans this side of audio! :DGo to www.patreon.com/WhenDiplomacyFails today to begin your Xtra feed membership! For only $5 a month you could be accessing incredible content just like this, as well as so much other quality stuff! For the price of a really overpriced coffee that you didn't even enjoy the other day, you could also be helping to make history THRIVE! Thankssss guys, you're all awesome :D Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sebastian Major, otherwise known as the man, the myth, the legend behind Our Fake History, joins us for the first of two parts in this very special collab.In this first part, we talk to Sebby on a personal level, history podcaster to history podcaster, and find out what makes him tick, why he decided to begin history podcasting, what his day job is and why exactly the concept of Our Fake History so appealed to him in the first place. So much more goes on in here that I can't even recount it all, but join us here if you like your conversations fun and the atmosphere warm.You can find Mr Major on his podcast's website http://ourfakehistory.com/Remember history friends, if you want BOTH parts right away, you can join us on Patreon, and be a part of the best group of history friends this side of audio! Head on over to www.patreon.com/WhenDiplomacyFails and from as little as $2 a month, YOU can avail of some audio goodies!Thanksssss! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Check the screen and a map of the Hungarian plain should be there - if not do let me know!In this episode we continue our narrative of the period immediately following the fall of Hungary and the escalation of the Ottoman-Habsburg rivalry. We investigate why that rivalry was so potent and how effected the relationships and development of the two states. The 17th century had taught the Habsburgs much, but the Ottomans seemed surprisingly content to rest on their laurels, even while they confronted an allied army at the Battle of St Gotthard. At first, all seemed well, but this victory would in time solidify the hostility between both camps, and lead us handily to the situation we find ourselves in by 1683, so make sure you listen in! Thankssss!Remember history friends, I rely on your support both moral and monetary and I appreciate it all so much - we are bring history and WDF to more people than ever before, and if you want to be a part of this journey then make sure you check us out on Patreon:www.patreon.com/WhenDiplomacyFailsOur website:www.wdfpodcast.comOur Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/WhenDiplomacyFailsPodcast/Our Twitter:https://twitter.com/wdfpodcastYaaay let's make history thrive :DZack Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Louis II, King of Hungary and many other places, ruled over a kingdom that hid a terrible secret. Not only had his nobility eroded the central power of the Crown, but on his doorstep was a great and terrifying enemy which he was terminally unable to halt. As unbalanced as the power match was, neither he nor his neighbours could imagine what would befall the spectators of Europe following the 1526 Battle of Mohacs. Stop by here history friends and patrons, as we begin our climb towards the peak of this tale, outside the walls of Vienna! Thankssss!Remember history friends, I rely on your support both moral and monetary and I appreciate it all so much - we are bring history and WDF to more people than ever before, and if you want to be a part of this journey then make sure you check us out on Patreon:www.patreon.com/WhenDiplomacyFailsOur website:www.wdfpodcast.comOur Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/WhenDiplomacyFailsPodcast/Our Twitter:https://twitter.com/wdfpodcastYaaay let's make history thrive :DZack Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we examine the War of the Reunions, as Spain finally gets sick of Louis' penchant for milking treaties and history. What follows is a bit of a smacking about of Spain, since everyone else is either busy or doesn't care. By the time of its conclusion, Louis will have grabbed what he wanted, but at what cost? Let's find out, in our last episode in the West before we turn our attention to the goings on in Vienna!Remember history friends, I rely on your support both moral and monetary and I appreciate it all so much - we are bring history and WDF to more people than ever before, and if you want to be a part of this journey then make sure you check us out on Patreon:www.patreon.com/WhenDiplomacyFailsOur website:www.wdfpodcast.comOur Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/WhenDiplomacyFailsPodcast/Our Twitter:https://twitter.com/wdfpodcastYaaay let's make history thrive :DZack Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to the post-Nijmegen age of the early 1680s - you haven't been gone long! Herein we detail how Louis XIV planned to get what he wanted and turn the situation around in Europe. The war with the Dutch hadn't been universally satisfying, and to compensate, Louis sought to bring the peace to its logical conclusion. Before war would be arrived at, it remained to push the envelope as far as possible, and no better example of this exists than what Louis XIV did in Lorraine, a duchy on the eastern border of France which had more than its fair share of French schemes over the last few years. Louis was looking to take this to next level, and it is through the lens of what Louis tried to do in Lorraine that we explain what we trying to do on a wider scale with the so-called Reunions. Sound boring? IT'S NOT! Give it a listen, and make sure to let me know what you think! Remember history friends, I rely on your support both moral and monetary and I appreciate it all so much - we are bring history and WDF to more people than ever before, and if you want to be a part of this journey then make sure you check us out on Patreon:www.patreon.com/WhenDiplomacyFailsOur website:www.wdfpodcast.comOur Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/WhenDiplomacyFailsPodcast/Our Twitter:https://twitter.com/wdfpodcastYaaay let's make history thrive :DZack Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

[PATRONS] Welcome to our first collab after Five Weeks To Run Wild! Joining us today is the one and only, Daniele Bolelli, and he and I have a great conversation about all sorts of goings on in the world of history podcasting. How did Daniele get into academia? What's his thought process when designing a new episode? Which medium does he truly prefer? All of these are questions asked and answered here, so I hope you enjoy this brilliant talk between two history podcasters. A huge thanksss again to Daniele for making this happen, and be sure to check him out at his website http://www.danielebolelli.com/ as well as http://historyonfirepodcast.com/episodes/ and finally http://thedrunkentaoist.com/For those of you that are just joining us for the first time, you can find more When Diplomacy Fails in the following places: our website www.wdfpodcast.com on Twitter @wdfpodast on Facebook as FB Page "When Diplomacy Fails Podcast" and through emailing me directly if you have a question or comment to add [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At long last, we're back! In our special series covering the Long War, we bring you the series of interconnected conflicts which waged across Europe between 1679-1699, and included everything from Reunions, to the last siege of Vienna, to the Glorious Revolution, to the War of the League of Augsburg...PHEW! We're in for the long haul with this LONG war, so I hope to have you with me for the very entertaining ride. Since WDF is now officially my job - partly at least - we are here to bring you the best and worst of the era, starting, appropriately enough, with Louis XIV in a France barely removed from the Franco-Dutch War. The dust had settled, but it was clear that nothing would ever be the same and, more importantly, that Louis XIV was not finished yet.Remember history friends, I rely on your support both moral and monetary and I appreciate it all so much - we are bring history and WDF to more people than ever before, and if you want to be a part of this journey then make sure you check us out on Patreon:www.patreon.com/WhenDiplomacyFailsOur website:www.wdfpodcast.comOur Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/WhenDiplomacyFailsPodcast/Our Twitter:https://twitter.com/wdfpodcastYaaay let's make history thrive :DZack Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amazing! That is the best word to describe our situation now. Thanks to your guys' support with Patreon, When Diplomacy Fails Podcast is now officially MY JOB! It's finally happened and I couldn't be more excited to let you guys in on this brilliant news, as well some other great updates, so have a listen in here if you guys are interested! Thankssss to my lovely patrons for making this transition in my life possible. Thanks to all of you, I now get to do what I LOVE for a living, and I can't tell you how much I appreciate it.If you want to sign up and contribute to what is now my LIVING (I know right!) then follow this linky pie here www.patreon.com/WhenDiplomacyFailsRemember our website too www.wdfpodcast.comThanksssss! :D Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hey guys, welcome to the first proper feature episode of WDF THINKS! Here we begin what will hopefully be a common trend, of releasing an episode in line with an accompanying blog post, so follow this link here if you're interested in checking the episode out.http://www.wdfpodcast.com/thevassalstate/thetragicheirIn this episode we examine the tragic but fascinating case of Alexis, son and heir to the greatest ruler Russia had ever known, Peter the Great. Peter did great things for Russia, and is rightly viewed today as a great reformer and thinker. Yet, as we discover here, Peter appreciated that such great gains came with a cost. His regime was vulnerable to inner revolt, and Peter was willing to do anything to find such revolts and squash them before they turned into an open rebellion.Just how willing was he? The title says it all, but let's just say that when it came to fatherhood, Tsar Peter was anything but Great.**********History friends! If you enjoyed this episode be sure to let me know through the usual channels!Find everything you need on our site www.wdfpodcast.comSupport us on Patreon for great goodies and rewards www.patreon.com/WhenDiplomacyFailsRemember find us on Facebook and Twitter too!Thanksssssssss Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Continuing our analysis of Louis XIV's Arms & Armies in the month of August, we've got some absolutely brilliant content on the way for all $5 patrons of this podcast! Remember to check us out at www.patreon.com/WhenDiplomacyFails if you want to join the party, but what's in the box here? Well in our four episodes for August we have the following tasters:Episode 6: the importance of quartering is further examined, as is the massive emphasis in the French command on siege warfare, as Vauban developed new ways to make the French attack unbeatable to the defender.Episode 7: we begin an enlightening look at the French navy with some incredible facts and figures - yes, the French navy really was the largest in Western Europe - the problem was, it was split between two seas.Episode 8: our coverage of the French naval arm continues, as we examine how naval officers, rare as they were during the period, honed their craft and sought advancement in a state still very dominated by the idea of military service on land.Episode 9: we conclude our analysis of the navy by examining how things became more familiar to those that know their history. The French decline in naval power came in the 1690s, when they began to spend more on the land armies and less on seapower, with the result that the French state navy resorted to some very effective and lucrative piratical policies. It wasn't what Colbert would have wanted, but it still stands out as an incredible period of history, when Louis XIV was able to hold his enemies at bay on sea and on land simultaneously.If any of these episodes sound interesting to you, my dear history friends, then be sure to have a look at the patreon page www.patreon.com/WhenDiplomacyFails once there you'll find a whole load of additional Xtra content, not to mention that there's a whole load of content to come, with a Jan Sobieski biography and of course a Bismarck biography exclusively for Patrons at the $5 level still to come. It's all very exciting indeed, so I hope you'll take a look! I hope also that you're looking forward to our normal episodic coverage resuming from Monday 4th September 2017 when we begin our examination of the Long War - this is going to be epic, and I'm so excited to begin!Remember you can follow us on Twitter @wdfpodcast and find us on Facebook to keep up to date with the latest in our schedule and news. You should also visit the website www.wdfpodcast.comOther than that, thanksssss for listening history friends, you're the best! :D Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the WDF newsroom! Here we have a very informative episode which aims to bring you guys up to speed on some very exciting news. We are making better use of the Facebook page, and plan to build up a regular schedule of posts over the week to keep our FB followers entertained, so don't miss out! Also make sure you check out the Twitter @wdfpodcast where we'll be making polls and reaching out to all interested history friends. WDF THINKS is incoming, and gives you guys the chance to have a say in what we'll cover in WDF. Stay tuned for more information, but it promises to be a great opportunity to break off from our usual programming to explore some new topics. Keep an eye on the blog as well, go to www.wdfpodcast.com/thevassalstate to read our weekly articles, released every Wednesday for your reading pleasure!Of course we must also talk about how changes are coming to the Patrons of this podcast. From 4th September 2017, $2 Patrons will be able to access the AXESS feed, which will give you early listening privileges, ad and BEFIT free episodes and the chance to binge on groups of episodes as they're released in a block. We're giving all history friends a choice - if you wanted to support but didn't think you'd have time to justify the XTRA feed's content, now there's a great alternative for you guys to enjoy.Finally, the other purpose of this episode was to explain what's to come in WDF's schedule. If you're interested, and not afraid of spoilers, make sure you stick around for the last third or so of the episode, where from 27:00 we'll be enlightening you guys on what's to come in WDF, effectively for the next two+ years. Any comments, questions or queries etc., you all know where to find me! A small reminder to check out the Patreon page of course - www.patreon.com/WhenDiplomacyFailsThanksssssss! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the month of July the Xtra feed is lit up with five installments of Louis XIV's Arms & Armies, a very exciting and fascinating 10 part series (with the tenth part released in September) looking at how Louis managed to wage war with his troops, what he changed in the French state to make it happen and what the legacy of such changes was. It makes for some very interesting listening, and herein we give you a sample of each of the five episodes releasing in the Xtra feed in July, so I hope you'll check them out! For the record, here's a brief rundown of each ep. Episode 1: setting the scene of 17th century warfare and the French experience, how France had been threatened and how Louis planned to react.Episode 2: how Louis furthered the changes advanced by his predecessors in the constitution of French armies; how the armies wielded by the state went from mostly mercenaries to state funded and organised institutions in their own right, and how Louis XIV organised the monies around to pay for them.Episode 3: technology of infantry, above all the musket, and how it was gradually upgraded and adapted to make the most efficient use of its strengths, while making allowances for its limitations on the field.Episode 4: how the terrible impact of warfare in the 17th century forced Louis' armies to adapt and develop their own military drill, which came in time to represent a set of hard and fast rules religiously adhered to by each rank and file soldier. The aim was to produce an unthinking and unfearing killing machine, answerable only to his officers and immune to the concerns posed by the warfare waging around him.Episode 5: How the obsession for security in Louis' mind prompted Vauban to advocate the siege above all, and how the siege came to represent the fundamental backbone of all military procedures going forward, rather than the less conclusive and more costly pitched battle.I hope you enjoy these teasers history friends, and if you do, I hope again that you'll consider joining up to the greatest history club in podcasting, if I do say so myself! Check out www.patreon.com/WhenDiplomacyFails and sign up at the $5 level now to access all of this great content and so much more besides!Remember also to follow us on Twitter @wdfpodcastVisit the website: www.wdfpodcast.comFollow the journey on Facebook too!Thanksssssss! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sick of me yet? Honestly history friends, I wouldn't blame you by this stage! Listen in here for my rundown on how I feel this whole crazy project went. Five Weeks To Run Wild - was it all worth it, what would I do differently, how was the feedback and what should you expect from WDF in the future. Whether you're a patron or just a regular listener, we've got lots planned, and there's a whole load to be excited about ahead. For the sake of closure, for the sake of ending this whole mad project in a satisfying way, I though it'd be best to wrap my thoughts and plans up all in one somewhat tidy episode, so I hope you'll give it a listen if you want my take on things. Thanksssss to everyone who has supported and joined us on this incredible journey, and to the new Patrons listening on their Xtra feed now - you are all so very welcome!It has been a pleasure, and I can't wait to unleash everything WDF has to offer. Until then though my name is Zack, and I'll be seeing you all soon!Remember that you can join... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To wrap up our coverage of the First Italo Ethiopian War and to serve as our final word on the Remastered project (sniff sniff) we have none other than Mr Italy himself, Benjamin Ashwell. Benjamin's a great guy who's been on WDF's radar since the beginning, so it was only right we got him on for a conversation that sheds true light on the plight of Italy, and delves into issues and questions which my analysis could not. Make sure to check Mr Ashwell out by going to http://www.talkinghistorypodcast.com/ and you can also tweet at him and let him know how much you care @TalkHistoryPodRemember also history friends, to make sure that you BEFIT! Visit our website www.wdfpodcast.com Follow us on Twitter @wdfpodcast Find us on Patreon by going to www.patreon.com/WhenDiplomacyFails Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the war is provoked between Italy and Ethiopia, Francesco Crispi attempts to bring about a victory overseas which would bolster Italian unity at home and Italian prestige in the world concert of powers, but all of these ambitions would be foiled by a tenacious defender far from Italian sensibilities, who, would you believe it, was in fact a lost white man! I hope you enjoyed this, the last uniform remastered episode in this project. Please do get in touch and let me know what you thought of it overall, and make sure you stay tuned for one more collaboration episode.Remember also history friends, to make sure that you BEFIT! Visit our website www.wdfpodcast.com Follow us on Twitter @wdfpodcast Find us on Patreon by going to www.patreon.com/WhenDiplomacyFails Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The cursed episode returns, as we do our best to improve upon the howlers we made first time around. A revamped episode is your reward, and here we examine the complexities of Italian unification, and how the strength Rome tried to project was mostly paper thin. How this would lead to outbursts in Africa, is another story.Remember also history friends, to make sure that you BEFIT! Visit our website www.wdfpodcast.com Follow us on Twitter @wdfpodcast Find us on Patreon by going to www.patreon.com/WhenDiplomacyFails Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

By bringing the war to an end, much of what Bismarck had striven to achieve in Europe fell to pieces. Yet, Bismarck's careful alliance system was far from the only casualty of the peace - the Ottoman Empire, it seemed, was on its last legs. Britain's task of protecting Constantinople from Russia had come close to another war, but it was evidently a task that was far from finished.Remember also history friends, to make sure that you BEFIT! Visit our website www.wdfpodcast.com Follow us on Twitter @wdfpodcast Find us on Patreon by going to www.patreon.com/WhenDiplomacyFails Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the revolts in their Balkan territories casts a shadow over the Ottoman Empire's ability to conduct itself on the world stage, the other powers weigh in on the debate. Disraeli attempted to ignore the problem, as did Bismarck, while the Vienna watched Bosnia with a barely veiled hunger. Let's see what went down!Remember also history friends, to make sure that you BEFIT! Visit our website www.wdfpodcast.com Follow us on Twitter @wdfpodcast Find us on Patreon by going to www.patreon.com/WhenDiplomacyFails Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A conflict which should be eerily familiar to you guys, as we've sallied forth into its events and impact on Britain for our Britain Goes To War series. Why should you listen in here? Mainly because this time our focus will not be on Britain alone, and we'll have the opportunity to place all of the continent under the microscope, so come and join us for this important scene setting experience. Thanksss!Remember also history friends, to make sure that you BEFIT! Visit our website www.wdfpodcast.com Follow us on Twitter @wdfpodcast Find us on Patreon by going to www.patreon.com/WhenDiplomacyFails Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here we conclude our analysis of the war. Unable to provoke what he wanted from Vienna, Bismarck would go for broke and make a mountain out of a molehill. For a few precious moments, it seemed as though all was in jeopardy, but then the brilliance of Prussian arms was brought to bear, and all would be transformed.Remember also history friends, to make sure that you BEFIT! Visit our website www.wdfpodcast.com Follow us on Twitter @wdfpodcast Find us on Patreon by going to www.patreon.com/WhenDiplomacyFails Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How did Bismarck plan on getting the Austrians to declare war, and could such a feat really be accomplished when a cynical Europe looked on? Bismarck appreciated where he needed affairs to progress, but if he couldn't wait for nature to take its course, he was perfectly willing to shove them in the right direction, whatever the rest of Europe thought.Remember also history friends, to make sure that you BEFIT! Visit our website www.wdfpodcast.com Follow us on Twitter @wdfpodcast Find us on Patreon by going to www.patreon.com/WhenDiplomacyFails Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We couldn't redo these episodes without delving into arguably Otto's greatest hit, as he aimed to completely change the status quo in Europe before it was cool. While he would distinguish himself in time, here we set the background in Europe as the German Dualism issue remained intense. Would it be Vienna or Berlin? No spoilers please!Remember also history friends, to make sure that you BEFIT! Visit our website www.wdfpodcast.com Follow us on Twitter @wdfpodcast Find us on Patreon by going to www.patreon.com/WhenDiplomacyFails Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We return with part two of the collab, where we talk about historical inspiration, turning your art into a profession, the importance of history to what Aziz does, to continue our theme of course, and whether a fan of fantasy a la Game of Thrones can be led into loving history, or maybe historical fiction as a kind of gateway drug, so to speak. All very interesting stuff, and I also get a bit real as I discuss what happened to me recently thanks to my own silly ambitions. Maybe you're not all that interested in my personal life - that is of course fine - but I hope you'll give the episode a listen anyways history friends!To those of you that are joining me again from the History of Westeros after our sneaky plug, you're very welcome! And I hope you will all let me know what you thought through the usual channels, remember guys it's simply a matter of http://www.historyofwesteros.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are here with a huge two parter from our friend Aziz, from the History of Westeros podcast. Some of you may be super excited to hear what he has to say on a whole range of topics, others may be skeptical that a guy whose podcast is on "history" can have anything worthwhile to say - well ye of little faith! Aziz is full of wisdom, and his podcast on the History of Westeros explores the Game of Thrones universe as though it was a true life setting - an incredible fact when you consider that such a universe was all born from one man's mind - that of George RR Martin.Aziz is plainly a massive fan of the guy's creation, much like I am of Bismarck, and there's a lot to be said for the ability to create a world that lives and breathes like ours. Give it a listen and let Aziz and I know what you thought - and a huge welcome of course to all those that joined me here from the History of Westeros just to hear what their favourite host Aziz had to say for himself - I hope I do your maester proud!Find Aziz at... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With a well established presence, it remained to be see whether the British would become too big for their boots as their victories piled up and the native resistance vanished, just as the British control over the subcontinent became more total. Through an unintentional process, the incredible fact was that by the 1840s, the British possessed a monopoly on Indian affairs. The problem was this control seemed insufficient - they not only wanted to control Indian resources, but Indian hearts and minds as well. It was surely a recipe for disaster, but it utterly transformed the British Raj and the world once it occurred.Remember also history friends, to make sure that you BEFIT! Visit our website www.wdfpodcast.com Follow us on Twitter @wdfpodcast Find us on Patreon by going to www.patreon.com/WhenDiplomacyFails Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We return to this oft misunderstood event in British and Indian history, and this episode here essentially gives us the excuse we've been waiting for to unwrap the details of Britain's colonial experience in India, which began with great hopes and investment in 1600, when the first voyage set sail to establish what would become the East India Company. Have a listen and let me know what you all thought!Remember also history friends, to make sure that you BEFIT! Visit our website www.wdfpodcast.com Follow us on Twitter @wdfpodcast Find us on Patreon by going to www.patreon.com/WhenDiplomacyFails Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne stays with us for an important rundown on the varied events of podcasting. Anne asks me some interesting questions, which for the most part I wasn't expecting! Where did the name When Diplomacy Fails come from? Do I worry that people will see WDF and connect the dots to Mark Maron if you know what I mean? We get into it all here, and connect the dots together, rounding out what was a really enjoyable conversation, so hopefully it will be just as good to listen to. Remember you can find Anne http://anneisaman.blogspot.ie/ pr by simply searching for him in all good search engines. He's got a lot to say and you should listen, for he is wise! Thanksss for listening history friends, and remember to let us both know what you thought by tweeting at Anne @rabiakivaRemember also history friends, to make sure that you BEFIT! Visit our website www.wdfpodcast.com Follow us on Twitter @wdfpodcast Find us on Patreon by going to www.patreon.com/WhenDiplomacyFails Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are very excited to be joined on the podcast by Chris Stewart from a History of China, a chronological narrative of Chinese history from the most unpronounceable dynasty to the even more unpronounceable! Chris is a great historian, podcaster and fellow Agora alumni, so make sure you check him out and show him some love by visiting him https://thehistoryofchina.wordpress.com/ and tell him you loved hearing his unique take on the Boxers by tweeting him @thocpodcastRemember also history friends, to make sure that you BEFIT! Visit our website www.wdfpodcast.com Follow us on Twitter @wdfpodcast Find us on Patreon by going to www.patreon.com/WhenDiplomacyFails Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We return and bear witness to the eruption of the Boxer Rebellion, as the Empress and her court feel compelled to throw their lot in with the Boxers, in the face of the insufferable demands of the Eight Power Alliance. How would the rest of the world react to this lucrative and highly beneficial client state descending into turmoil? The truth was, it formed just another chapter in the fractured international system, so I hope you'll give it a listen! ThanksssRemember also history friends, to make sure that you BEFIT! Visit our website www.wdfpodcast.com Follow us on Twitter @wdfpodcast Find us on Patreon by going to www.patreon.com/WhenDiplomacyFails Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Returning with better pronunciations and ideally a better analysis, we're back with the Boxer Rebellion, which occurred in a tumultuous summer in 1900. Here we examine the circumstances which led to such an event, which itself contributed significantly to the worsening international situation, and played a key part in the increasing Anglo-Russian rivalry. Have a listen and let me know what you thought. Thankssss!Remember also history friends, to make sure that you BEFIT! Visit our website www.wdfpodcast.com Follow us on Twitter @wdfpodcast Find us on Patreon by going to www.patreon.com/WhenDiplomacyFails Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The podcast reviewer extraordinaire joins us for a fun and detailed collaboration as we talk through a number of interesting points. The world of history podcasting comes under our microscope, and Anne [pronounced "AW-NUH"] lets us in on his view of it all. Anne has been around the block, and began talking about history podcasting waaay before it was what it is today. His podcast review blog can be found here: http://anneisaman.blogspot.ie/This was what got him started in this crazy world, and ever since he's been sinking all of his teeth into history podcasts, some he liked, and some he didn't, but all came under his microscope. Sometimes referred to as Anne the GRUMPY Man, Anne's opinions are important, and even if I don't agree with EVERYTHING he says, for the most part he's got my vote, and was a tremendous guest to have for the show. As a guest he makes this whole project come full circle, so I hope you'll give it a listen in its entirety! Make sure you tell Anne that you loved hearing his dulcet... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.