History Rage

In this electrifying instalment of History Rage, we crack open the vault of wartime secrets to confront the enduring myths of Bletchley Park's role in World War II. Dr. David Kenyan, esteemed historian and Bletchley Park insider, joins us to dismantle the widely propagated belief that the codebreakers' work shortened the war by two years. Prepare for a historical upheaval as we decode the truth behind this controversial claim.Unraveling the Enigma of Bletchley's Impact:- Dr. Kenyan challenges the entrenched narrative, questioning the validity of the "two-year" assertion and exploring alternative outcomes of the war.The Real Heroes Behind the Machines:- Discover the unsung masterminds of Bletchley Park, from the mathematicians who conceived groundbreaking methods to the engineers who turned theory into reality.The Strategic Mastery of Codebreaking:- Dive into the strategic prowess of Bletchley's intelligence, which provided the Allies with a comprehensive understanding of Axis forces, shaping pivotal decisions from D-Day to the broader war effort.The Coventry Conundrum:- Dr. Kenyan debunks the persistent myth that Coventry was sacrificed to protect Ultra's secrecy, revealing the complexities of wartime intelligence.A Salute to the Overlooked:- We spotlight the vital contributions of air section and their meticulous unraveling of Luftwaffe communications, a triumph of intellect that rarely receives its due.Join us as we navigate the intricate web of wartime intelligence, honor the true architects of Bletchley's success, and give voice to the untold stories that shaped the course of history. For a deeper dive into Dr. Kenyan's research, grab a copy of his illuminating books on Bletchley Park's influence on D-Day and the Arctic convoys from the History Rage Bookshop.Visit Bletchley Park at https://bletchleypark.org.uk/Don't let myths cloud your understanding of history. Follow History Rage on Twitter @HistoryRage and share your historical pet peeves using the hashtag #HistoryRage. And if you're craving more rage-fueled revelations, join our 'Angry Mob' on Patreon for exclusive perks, including early episode access and the esteemed History Rage mug.

**EXPLICIT LANGUAGE WARNNIG**Prepare to have your preconceptions of prehistoric movement shattered in this episode of History Rage, where we take a spirited walk through the ages with Dr. Jim Leary. As an archaeologist with a penchant for the paths less travelled, Dr. Leary is here to debunk the static snapshot view of history and shine a light on the dynamic dance of ancient mobility.The Misconception of Static Prehistory:Dr. Leary passionately dismantles the myth that ancient societies were stationary, revealing the vibrant and varied movements of Mesolithic hunter-gatherers and Neolithic farmers. He challenges the notion that the past was a time of immobility, arguing for a more nuanced understanding of our ancestors' travels.The Roads Less Travelled:Join us as we journey beyond the Roman roads, exploring the intricate network of Iron Age routes and the profound impact of animal-driven pathways on the British landscape. Dr. Leary exposes the fallacy of the Roman road monopoly and the misattributed ancient pedigree of the Ridgeway.The Constraints and Catalysts of Movement:Discover how gender, social status, and economic factors influenced the ability to traverse the land. From the enclosure movements that restricted commoners' access to the land to the Eggfet girl's Bronze Age travels, Dr. Leary examines the complex interplay between societal structures and individual wanderlust.Dr. Leary's book, "Footmarks: A Journey into Our Restless Past," available in the History Rage Bookshop, offers a deeper dive into the untold stories of prehistoric movement. Follow his enlightening and occasionally infuriating musings on Twitter @jim_leary.If you're ready to have your historical horizons expanded and your assumptions upended, don't miss this episode. Subscribe to our Patreon at patreon.com/historyrage for early access to episodes, the chance to ask questions to our guests, and, of course, the much-desired History Rage mug.Remember to stay curious, question the narratives, and embrace the rage with us every week on History Rage.

Episode SummaryIn this episode of the History Rage podcast, Calder Walton, author of "Spies: The Epic Intelligence War Between East and West," joins Paul to delve into the historical context of Russian election interference. Key Topics:1.     Henry Wallace's Third-Party Bid: Wallace's failed third-party bid in the 1948 election, orchestrated with Stalin's input, reveals early attempts at election interference. Despite meticulous planning, Wallace's campaign imploded.2.     KGB Operations in the 1984 Election: The KGB's attempts to influence the 1984 U.S. presidential election involved recruiting agents and organizing demonstrations outside the Democratic National Convention. The strategy echoed tactics seen in the 2016 election but lacked the amplification capabilities of today's social media.3.     Soviet Exploitation of British Intelligence: The recruitment of the Cambridge spies, including Kim Philby, exposed a significant security failure in British intelligence. Soviet intelligence successfully targeted individuals from elite backgrounds who were least likely to be suspected as communist sympathizers.4.     Oleg Gordievsky's Espionage Feat: Gordievsky's remarkable role as a double agent within the KGB and head of station in London allowed him to brief both sides during crucial diplomatic negotiations. His dramatic escape from Moscow adds a cinematic touch to the espionage narrative.5.     Putin's KGB Mythology: The discussion dispels myths surrounding Vladimir Putin's KGB career, highlighting its mediocrity. Putin's attempts to project an image of deep cover illegals and elite intelligence involvement are debunked.6.     Western Covert Action During the Cold War: Efforts to destabilize the Soviet bloc during the Cold War, often through covert actions, faced internal sabotage and operational shortcomings. The asymmetry between open democracies and authoritarian states affected the effectiveness of these operations.Recommendations and Resources:·        Calder Walton's book: "Spies: The Epic Intelligence War Between East and West"·        Texas National Security Review article by Calder Walton: "What's Old is New Again: Russian Disinformation and the 'Active Measures' Campaign"·        Follow Calder Walton on Twitter: @calder_waltonYou can follow History Rage on Twitter @HistoryRage or Paul individually @PaulBavill and let us know what you wish people would just stop believing using the Hashtag #HistoryRage. You can join our 'Angry Mob' on Patreon as well. £5 per month gets you episodes 3 months early, the invite to choose questions, entry into our prize draws and the coveted History Rage mug. Subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/historyrage

In this special D-Day 80th anniversary episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by historian Dr. Joseph Quinn to delve into the surprisingly wide access to the plans for Operation Overlord at the time. As the project coordinator for the "Their Finest Hour" initiative, Dr. Quinn shares insights into the extensive digital crowdsourcing efforts aimed at preserving Second World War heritage.Key Points:Introduction to "Their Finest Hour" Project:Overview of the digital crowdsourcing model developed by Dr. Stuart Lee.Efforts to recover and digitally conserve personal recollections and object heritage from the Second World War.Democratisation of Operation Overlord:The widespread sharing of the invasion plan among junior and mid-ranking officers.Examples of officers like Major George Stidwell who were briefed as early as July 1943.Operation Fortitude:The grand deception plan to mislead the Germans about the invasion location.Critical roles played by double agents like Juan Pujol Garcia and Duško Popov.Secrecy and Leaks:Instances of leaks and measures taken to prevent them, such as mail censorship and securing sensitive documents.Guest Information:Visit the "Their Finest Hour" project at theirfinesthour.org.Follow the project on Twitter @WW2FinestHour and Instagram @their_finest_hour.You can follow History Rage on Twitter @HistoryRage or Paul individually @PaulBavill and let us know what you wish people would just stop believing using the Hashtag #HistoryRage.You can join our 'Angry Mob' on Patreon as well. £5 per month gets you episodes 3 months early, the invite to choose questions, entry into our prize draws and the coveted History Rage mug. Subscribe at www.patreon.com/historyrageTo catch up on all the rage from bygone times go to the website www.historyrage.comIf you want to get in touch with History Rage then email historyragepod@gmail.comFollow History Rage on Social MediaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/HistoryRageTwitter: https://twitter.com/HistoryRageInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyrage/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/historyrage.bsky.socialStay Angry, Stay Informed - History Rage

In this thought-provoking episode, Jackson van Uden joins the History Rage podcast to dissect the nuances of totalitarian regimes, comparing the atrocities committed by Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin during the 20th century. The conversation delves into the nature of political terror, genocidal actions, and the dynamics that led to the rise of dictators.Key Points:Defining Totalitarian Regimes: Jackson explores the evolution from democracy to dictatorship, authoritarianism, and finally totalitarianism. He cites examples like Juan Peron in Argentina, showcasing the varying degrees of control and power.Comparing Hitler and Stalin: The discussion revolves around the World War II era, drawing parallels between Nazi atrocities and Soviet actions. The episode highlights the Holocaust, Stalin's forced deportation of Crimean Tartars, and the genocidal actions against the kulaks.Stalin's Micromanagement: A crucial distinction is made between Hitler's overseeing approach and Stalin's micromanagement style. The conversation dissects Stalin's direct involvement in political terror, deportation, and decision-making within his regime.The Uncomfortable Alliances: Jackson examines how post-World War II alliances influenced the narrative around Stalin. The surprising portrayal of Stalin as "Uncle Joe" and positive remarks by Western leaders like Roosevelt and Churchill contribute to a skewed historical perspective.Candidates for Totalitarianism: Beyond Hitler and Stalin, Mao's regime and post-revolution France are considered. Mao's Cultural Revolution and the estimates of 30 to 45 million deaths are discussed, emphasizing the different forms of political terror.Jews in the Soviet Union vs. Nazi Germany: The episode highlights the contrasting fates of Jews in the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany. While persecution existed in both, Jackson notes that Soviet actions were often tied to factors beyond religious identity.Airbrushing History: The role of Western powers in airbrushing Stalin's actions from history is explored, questioning the academic bias during the post-World War II period and the social acceptability of communism compared to fascism.Closing Message: Jackson emphasizes the prevalence of political terror in the 20th century and calls for renewed awareness in the 21st century. The commitment to "never again" is challenged, urging people to be mindful of global events and persecution.Conclusion: This episode provides a comprehensive analysis of totalitarian regimes, shedding light on the complex factors that shaped 20th-century history. Jackson's insights into political terror, alliances, and the selective portrayal of historical figures offer a thought-provoking perspective on the challenges of interpreting the past.For more in-depth discussions on history, follow Jackson on Twitter @historyWJackson and check out his book, available from Pen and Sword.You can follow History Rage on Twitter @HistoryRage or Paul individually @PaulBavill and let us know what you wish people would just stop believing using the Hashtag #HistoryRage.You can join our 'Angry Mob' on Patreon as well. £5 per month gets you episodes 3 months early, the invite to choose questions, entry into our prize draws and the coveted History Rage mug. Subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/historyrage

In this riveting episode of History Rage, host Paul delves into the gruesome details of executions in early modern Britain with the expert insights of historian Blessin Adams. Covering a wide range of topics from heresy trials to the role of executioners, the discussion provides a unique and unsettling perspective on the historical practices of punishment.Key Points:Heresy Trials and Executions:John Foxe, a contemporary theologian, collected accounts of heresy trials and executions, particularly in his work known as "Foxe's Book of Martyrs."The punishment for heresy was intentionally designed to be horrific due to the perceived severity of the crime.Blessin highlights the biases in historical accounts, urging caution in interpreting firsthand narratives.Burning at the Stake for Heresy:The descriptions of heretics burning at the stake often glorify the martyrs, with a balance of horror and strange beauty portrayed by Fox.Blessin explores the unintended consequence of encouraging admiration for martyrs, possibly influencing others to face a similar fate.Petty Traitors and True Crime Presses:Execution accounts of petty traitors differ significantly from those of heretics, emphasizing societal disgust and fear towards women who committed violent acts.True crime presses in the early modern period sensationalized these executions for entertainment and profit.Execution Methods:Blessin discusses the absence of professional executioners like Pierpoint and Marwood in the early modern period.Hangings were a common method, and Blessin describes the disturbing scene of multiple hangings at the Tyburn tree.Attempts to Hasten Executions:The discussion touches on historical attempts to hasten death using substances like tar pitch on the condemned's clothes.William Blackstone's argument that women were burned to maintain modesty due to concerns about nudity is explored.Modesty and Execution Practices:Blessin shares insights into the strange dichotomy of modesty in executions, citing instances of women being buried alive to maintain decency.The discussion also addresses the myth of the executioner's mask.Witnessing Executions:Blessin sheds light on the role of prison ordinaries who had unique access to condemned individuals and provided firsthand accounts of executions.The fascination with executions extended to public interest in final speeches and confessions, leading to a profitable market for printed accounts.The Harsh Reality of Hangings:Blessin explores the brutal aspects of hangings, including family members attempting to expedite the deaths of their loved ones and the hangman's involvement.Connect with Blessin Adams:WebsiteTwitter: @adams_blessinGreat and Horrible News: Murder and Mayhem in Early Modern Britain [History Rage Bookshop]Support History Rage on Patreon:Patreon

**EXPLICIT LANGUAGE WARNING**In this captivating episode, Charlotte White explores the tumultuous life of Barbara Villiers, a woman who wielded unparalleled influence at the heart of Charles II's court. From her strategic manoeuvres in politics to her controversial love affair with the king, Barbara's story is one of power, passion, and scandal.Key Points:Introduction to Barbara Villiers:Mother of five children with Charles II.Intricate details of her relationships and influence.Barbara vs. Clarendon and Stewart:Barbara's role in removing key figures like the Earl of Clarendon and Francis Stewart.Insights into Charles II's obsession with Francis Stewart.Barbara's Relationship with Charles II:Charles's infatuation and Barbara's tantrums.Complications arising from Charles's pursuit of a 15-year-old Frances Stewart.Barbara's Political Manoeuvres:Her involvement in politics and influence over Charles's ministers.The Carbel and Buckingham's ambitions.The Artistic and Cultural Legacy of Barbara:Barbara as a pin-up girl and her influence on art.Support for playwright John Dryden and promotion of the arts.Long-Term Consequences:Legacy in Royal Lineage:Prince William as a descendant of Charles II and Barbara Villiers.The intricate family tree and the long-term impact on the monarchy.Comparison with Nell Gwyn:Nell's enduring popularity compared to Barbara.Barbara's controversial actions and her portrayal in history.Barbara: The Uncrowned Queen:Barbara's power surpassing the Queen's.Controversial incidents, such as hanging her underwear in the privy gardens.Historical Challenges in Portraying Barbara:Struggles in writing a biography of Barbara Villiers.The complexity of interpreting her actions in modern terms.Conclusion:Encouragement to delve into Barbara Villiers' life and legacy.The richness and wildness of Barbara's story, often overlooked in history.Guest Information:Charlotte's book recommendation: "Kings and Queens" by Ian Dale.Follow Charlotte on Twitter and Instagram: @restorationcake.You can see the painting Paul and Charlotte talk about here:You can follow History Rage on Twitter @HistoryRage or Paul individually @PaulBavill and let us know what you wish people would just stop believing using the Hashtag #HistoryRage.You can join our 'Angry Mob' on Patreon as well. £5 per month gets you episodes 3 months early, the invite to choose questions, entry into our prize draws and the coveted History Rage mug. Subscribe at www.patreon.com/historyrage

The Series 12 trailer is here. Starting on 20th May on General Release we'll be bringing you Authors Blessin Adams, Calder Walton, Jim Leary, David Kenyon, Helena Kelly and Guy Walters, Podcasters Charlotte White, Jackson van Uden and Penny Griffiths Morgan and from Academia WW1 Aviation Historian Michael Terry.Support the showYou can follow History Rage on Twitter @HistoryRage and let us know what you wish people would just stop believing using the Hashtag #HistoryRage.You can join our 'Angry Mob' on Patreon as well. £5 per month gets you episodes 3 months early, the invite to choose questions, entry into our prize draws and the coveted History Rage mug. Subscribe at www.patreon.com/historyrage

In this episode of the History Rage Podcast, host Paul Bavill interviews Richard Duckett, author of "The Special Operations Executive in Burma." The discussion delves into the lesser-known aspects of the Special Operations Executive (SOE) in the Far East during World War II.Key Points:Diversity of Operations: Richard sheds light on SOE's operations in Burma, covering a diverse range of ethnic groups involved, including Chinese, Kachin, Karen, and more. The narrative dispels the misconception that all factions in Burma sided with the Japanese.Survival Stories: The conversation explores epic stories of survival by British prisoners of war (POWs) in Japanese camps. Richard highlights the brutalities faced by British agents, emphasizing the risks and challenges unique to the Far East theatre.Major Hugh Seagram: Richard recounts the heroic actions of Major Hugh Seagram, who surrendered to the Japanese to halt atrocities against the Karen people. The narrative extends to individuals like Saw Polar, a lieutenant with a remarkable escape and survival story.Operations Dilwin and Billet: Richard unveils significant SOE operations like Dilwin, a prolonged venture in Kachin territory, and Billet, focused on the Burma Independence Army. These operations contributed significantly to intelligence gathering and securing the Burmese resistance.Challenges in the Far East: The discussion explores the unique challenges faced by SOE in the Far East, including adapting to diverse ethnic groups, navigating the complex colonial context, and overcoming logistical hurdles in the vast and challenging environment.Collaboration with OSS: Richard shares insights into the collaboration between SOE and the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), highlighting the forging of relationships that laid the foundation for future cooperation between British and American special forces.Resistance Movements: The episode touches upon the various resistance movements in Burma, encompassing Burmese nationalists, communists, and smaller ethnic groups. The complexities of these movements and their alliances are discussed in the context of the broader wartime narrative.Please subscribe to the History Rage Podcast on your favourite platform and consider supporting us on Patreon to get early access to episodes and exclusive perks. Join the conversation on TwitterYou can buy Richard’s book “SOE in Burma” at Amazon and you can follow Richard on Twitter @richard_duckettYou can follow History Rage on Twitter @HistoryRage or Paul individually @PaulBavill and let us know what you wish people would just stop believing using the Hashtag #HistoryRage.You can join our 'Angry Mob' on Patreon as well. £5 per month gets you episodes 3 months early, the invite to choose questions, entry into our prize draws and the coveted History Rage mug. Subscribe at www.patreon.com/historyrage