History Rage

Latest Episodes:

244. The U-Boat War Was Not a Close Run Thing with Roger Moorhouse Oct 08, 2025

Show notes

Think the WWII U-Boat War was Britain’s closest brush with defeat? Think again. In this live History Rage special, historian Roger Moorhouse – author of Wolfpack: Inside Hitler’s U-Boat War – joins host Paul Bavill to torpedo one of the Second World War’s most persistent myths.

Drawing on brand-new research from the German perspective, Roger reveals why the Battle of the Atlantic was not the near-disaster Churchill’s famous quote suggests.

He walks us through:

Why most English-language histories ignore the German side of the U-boat campaign.
How a brief “happy time” in 1940–41 shaped Britain’s self-image as plucky underdog.
The statistics showing how Liberty ships and countermeasures reversed the threat.
Inside the cramped, stressful life aboard a Type VII U-boat — from “tin can rage” to PTSD-like symptoms.
The propaganda, recruitment and astonishing casualty rates of the Kriegsmarine’s submarine arm.
Enigma, aerial radar, hedgehog mortars and other Allied innovations that made 1943 the turning point.

It’s WWII history as you’ve never heard it before — directly from the other side of the periscope. If you’re fascinated by Second World War naval history, military myths, or the Battle of the Atlantic, this episode is a must-listen. Roger Moorhouse blends gripping stories with hard data to show how the real U-boat war unfolded — and why understanding it matters.

Roger’s new book Wolfpack: Inside Hitler’s U-Boat War (out 9 October) is the definitive account of Germany’s submarine campaign told from the inside.

🔗 Listen now to bust the “close-run” myth of the U-boat war.

📚 Pre-order Roger Moorhouse’s book: Wolfpack: Inside Hitler’s U-Boat War

https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9780008644895

💬 Join the History Rage Live community – for £5/month on Patreon you can take part in monthly livestreams, ask your own questions, win prizes and bag the coveted History Rage mug.

👉 Subscribe on your favourite podcast app and leave us a 5-star review to help more history fans find the show.

Connect with Roger Moorhouse:

- Follow Roger on Twitter: @roger_moorhouse

Stay connected with History Rage on social media:

- Twitter: @HistoryRage

- Instagram: @historyrage

- Facebook: HistoryRage

Stay curious, stay passionate, and most importantly, stay angry!

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243. Wild West Woes: How Hollywood's Cowboys Misled a Nation with Jem Duducu Oct 05, 2025

Show notes

In this gripping episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by historian and author Jem Duducu, who returns to tackle the myths surrounding the Wild West. Together, they delve into the fantastical narratives spun by Hollywood and how these portrayals have distorted our understanding of American history.

Myth vs. Reality:

- Jem passionately argues that the glorified image of cowboys and gunfights has overshadowed the true complexities of life on the frontier, revealing how the reality was far less glamorous than the movies suggest.

The Role of the US Army:

- Discover the uncomfortable truths about the US Army’s role in the westward expansion and how it contributed to the displacement and suffering of Native American populations.

Rethinking Cowboys:

- Explore the actual duties of cowboys, who were primarily ranch hands, and learn how their portrayal in film has led to a misunderstanding of their lives and contributions.

Hollywood's Influence:

- Jem critiques the Western genre, highlighting how films have shaped popular perceptions of historical events while often sacrificing accuracy for entertainment value.

Unpacking Cultural Representation:

- The conversation also touches on the representation of women and people of colour in Westerns, challenging the simplistic narratives that have dominated the genre.

Join us for an enlightening discussion that not only dissects the myths of the Wild West but also encourages a deeper understanding of the historical realities that shaped it. Jem's latest book, History of Western Movies, will be available this September, and you can catch more of his insights on the Condensed Histories podcast.

Connect with Jem:

- Follow Jem on Instagram: @jemduducu and on Bluesky: @jemduducu

Buy the book: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781538177068

Support History Rage:

If you’re enjoying this episode, consider joining the 'Angry Mob' on Patreon at patreon.com/historyrage for exclusive content, early access, and the iconic History Rage mug.

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- Twitter: @HistoryRage

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From all of us at History Rage, stay curious, stay passionate, and most importantly, stay angry!

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242. We Should Understand The Troubles More with Oliver Webb-Carter | Imperial War Museum Podcast Live Festival Oct 01, 2025

Show notes

The Troubles remain one of the most defining and misunderstood chapters in modern British and Irish history. In this powerful episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by Oliver Webb-Carter, host of the Aspects of History podcast, to confront the myths, explore the roots of conflict, and reveal why Britain has too often turned a blind eye to Northern Ireland’s past.

Oliver explains how partition, systemic discrimination, and political mismanagement created a cycle of unrest that escalated into 30 years of violence. From the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s to the IRA split, from Bloody Sunday in 1972 to the shocking events of Mad March 1988—including the Gibraltar shootings, Milltown Cemetery attack, and Enniskillen bombing—this conversation cuts through euphemism to show the real human and political cost of the Troubles.

For Oliver, the rage is clear: too many in mainland Britain still ignore Irish history, even though its legacy shapes politics and society today. His passion is matched with deep historical knowledge, making this essential listening for anyone who wants to understand the path that eventually led to the Good Friday Agreement.

🎟️ Be part of the conversation live! Get your tickets now for the Imperial War Museum Podcast Live Festival on 1st November at IWM London: https://www.iwm.org.uk/events/podcast-live

📚 Find out more from Oliver Webb-Carter:

Listen to the Aspects of History podcast wherever you get your podcasts
Visit www.aspectsofhistory.com
Follow on X (Twitter): @AspectsHistory

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241. Early Quaker History is NOT Dull with Erica Canela | Gloucester History Festival LIVE Sep 29, 2025

Show notes

Think Quakers are all pacifism, porridge and quiet meetings? 🕊️🥣 Think again.

In this electrifying History Rage LIVE episode recorded at the Gloucester History Festival, host Paul Bavill welcomes historian Dr. Erica Canela to uncover the shocking, dramatic and often law-breaking beginnings of Quakerism.

From the 17th-century English Civil Wars to miracle attempts on the banks of the Severn, Erica reveals how early Friends were anything but mild-mannered. Discover:

Why the Quaker Oats brand has nothing to do with Quakers
How George Fox built a radical movement of spiritual seekers
The “infestation of locusts” style missionary tactics that terrified authorities
Fierce female ministers preaching equality centuries ahead of their time
The failed resurrection of William Poole in Worcester
The infamous “Great Book of Sufferings” chronicling persecution and prison life

If you’ve only known the Quakers as a peaceful, progressive religious society, this episode will change everything. You’ll gain a fresh, deeper understanding of how a disruptive 17th-century sect transformed into a global movement renowned for social justice, abolitionism and pacifism — what Dr. Canela calls the Quakers’ “incredible glow-up.”

Connect with Dr. Erica Cannella:

- Follow Erica on Social Media: @ericanela

Buy the Book: The Dark Side of the Early Quakers:

https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781036112141

Support History Rage on Patreon for exclusive content, early access to episodes, and more at patreon.com/historyrage.

Stay connected with History Rage on social media:

- Twitter: @HistoryRage

- Instagram: @historyrage

- Facebook: HistoryRage

Stay curious, stay passionate, and most importantly, stay angry!

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240. The Holy Roman Empire Was Indeed Holy, Roman, and an Empire! with Dirk Hoffman-Becking Sep 28, 2025

Show notes

In this gripping episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by historian and podcaster Dirk Hoffman-Becking to challenge one of the most pervasive myths about the Holy Roman Empire. Together, they dissect the infamous quip that it is "neither holy, nor Roman, nor an empire," revealing the rich and complex history that contradicts this oversimplification.

Unraveling the Myth:

- Dirk passionately argues against the misconception that the Holy Roman Empire was irrelevant, highlighting its significance as a political institution that lasted for over a millennium and shaped the course of European history.

The Role of the Emperor:

- Explore the pivotal role of emperors like Charlemagne and Otto I in the development of medieval Christianity and the reform of the Church, showcasing how they were integral to the spiritual and political landscape of Europe.

A Holy Institution:

- Discover how the concept of 'holiness' was intertwined with the empire's legitimacy, as emperors took on the mantle of spiritual leadership during a time of significant church reform.

Roman Legacies:

- Delve into the Roman influences that permeated the empire, from legal frameworks to architectural styles, and understand how these connections shaped the identity of the Holy Roman Empire.

Challenges of Power:

- Dirk discusses the intricate balance of power between the emperor and the pope, revealing the tensions that arose and the consequences of their conflicts for the empire's stability.

Join us as we navigate the intricacies of the Holy Roman Empire, dispelling myths and illuminating the historical truths that deserve recognition. For more insights from Dirk, don't miss his podcast, The History of the Germans, available on all major platforms and at www.historyofthegermans.com

Follow Dirk on social media: Instagram at @history_of_the_germans and on Bluesky at @hotgpod.

Support History Rage:

If you’re enjoying this episode, consider joining the 'Angry Mob' on Patreon at patreon.com/historyrage for exclusive content, early access, and the iconic History Rage mug.

Follow the Rage:

- Twitter: @HistoryRage

- Instagram: @historyrage

- Facebook: History Rage

From all of us at History Rage, stay curious, stay passionate, and most importantly, stay angry!

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239. There is more to Josephine Baker than a banana skirt with Hanna Diamond Sep 21, 2025

Show notes

In this eye-opening episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by Professor Hanna Diamond, a leading expert in French history and author of "Josephine Baker's Secret War." Together, they uncover the remarkable and often overlooked wartime contributions of the iconic entertainer and spy, Josephine Baker, who defied expectations and played a crucial role in the Second World War.

Episode Highlights:

- The Real Josephine Baker: Hanna passionately debunks the myth of Baker as merely a performer in a banana skirt, revealing her as a brave spy and activist who used her fame to fight for justice.
- Unseen Wartime Activities: Discover the extent of Baker's involvement in espionage, including her vital contributions to the Allied efforts in North Africa and her work with General de Gaulle.
- Celebrity and Intelligence: Explore how Baker's celebrity status allowed her to navigate dangerous territories, gathering intelligence while performing for troops and dignitaries alike.
- Intersection of Race and War: The discussion highlights Baker's experiences as a woman of colour in a predominantly white intelligence world, and how her identity both aided and complicated her efforts.
- Post-War Activism: Hanna shares insights into Baker's transformation into a civil rights activist, advocating for equality and using her platform to address segregation in America.

Join us for a compelling journey through history that not only celebrates Josephine Baker's extraordinary life but also challenges us to reconsider the narratives we hold about historical figures. For those eager to learn more, Hanna's book "Josephine Baker's Secret War" is a must-read.

Connect with Professor Hanna Diamond:

- Follow Hanna on Twitter: @hannaediamond

- Follow Hanna on Instagram: @hdiamond2010

- Find her on Bluesky: hdiamond.bsky.social

Buy the Book: Josephine Baker’s Secret War: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9780300279986

Support History Rage on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive content, and the chance to engage with future guests at patreon.com/historyrage.

Stay connected with History Rage on social media:

- Twitter: @HistoryRage

- Instagram: @historyrage

- Facebook: HistoryRage

Stay curious, stay passionate, and most importantly, stay angry!

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238. The Hollywood idea of Gladiators is completely wrong with Alexandra Sills Sep 14, 2025

Show notes

In this riveting episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill welcomes ancient historian and author Alexandra Sills to explore the captivating world of gladiators in ancient Rome and Greece. Together, they cut through the myths and misconceptions surrounding these iconic figures, offering a fresh perspective on their roles in society and the true nature of the games.

Setting the Record Straight:

- Alexandra passionately debunks the Hollywood portrayal of gladiators as mere mindless killers, arguing instead that the reality was far more complex and nuanced.

Gladiators: More Than Just Fighters:

- Discover how gladiators were not just slaves, but often free citizens and even members of the elite, challenging the stereotype that has long persisted in popular culture.

The Spectacle of the Games:

- Learn about the diverse forms of entertainment in ancient Rome, from chariot races to naval battles, and how gladiatorial combat was just one part of a larger spectacle designed to engage and enthral the audience.

Trauma and Entertainment:

- Explore the idea that gladiatorial games were a form of mass trauma response, a way for Romans to cope with the psychological impact of military defeats and societal upheaval.

Women in the Arena:

- Alexandra reveals the scant evidence of female gladiators, discussing their portrayal and the cultural implications of their presence in the arena.

Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that challenges preconceived notions and sheds light on the true nature of gladiatorial combat and its significance in ancient society. Follow Alexandra on Bluesky at @belovedofoises for more insights into her research.

Support History Rage on Patreon at patreon.com/historyrage for exclusive content, early episode access, and the chance to engage with future guests.

Stay connected with History Rage on social media:

Twitter: @HistoryRage

Instagram: @historyrage

Facebook: HistoryRage

Bluesky: historyrage.bsky.social

Stay curious, stay passionate, and most importantly, stay angry!

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237. Shadows and Swords: The Real Story Behind Assassins and Templars with Dr. Steve Tibble Sep 08, 2025

Show notes

In this captivating episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by medievalist and author Dr. Steve Tibble to dissect the mythos surrounding two of history's most notorious groups: the Assassins and the Templars. With a blend of scholarly insight and engaging storytelling, Steve explores the realities of these enigmatic factions, challenging the misconceptions that have arisen over centuries.

The Origins of the Assassins:

Steve delves into the historical context of the Nizari Ismailis, known as the Assassins, revealing their roots as a persecuted religious minority during the tumultuous period of the Crusades. He explains how their survival strategy involved the projection of power through targeted assassinations, countering the myth that they were merely drug-crazed fanatics.

The Templars: Myth vs. Reality:

Examining the Templars, Steve illuminates their role as a military order within the Christian community, highlighting their fierce commitment to their cause and the complexities of their interactions with the Assassins. He draws parallels between the two groups, showcasing their similarities in tactics and the shared experience of being outnumbered in a violent world.

Notable Assassination Attempts:

Listeners will be enthralled by recounts of failed assassination attempts, including the botched attack on Prince Edward, which underscores the human side of these historical figures and their often chaotic methods. Steve's anecdotes bring to life the drama and unpredictability of medieval politics.

The Legacy of the Assassins and Templars:

As the discussion unfolds, Steve reflects on the enduring legacy of both groups and their impact on contemporary perceptions of loyalty, commitment, and the nature of power. He invites listeners to consider the broader implications of their stories in today's world.

Join Paul and Steve for an engaging exploration that promises to challenge your understanding of these legendary figures. This episode is a reminder of the complexities of history and the individuals who shaped it.

Guest Information:

Follow Dr. Steve Tibble on Twitter: @drstevetibble and on Instagram @stevetibble

Pre-order Steve's upcoming book, Templars and Assassins, launching on September 9th, through the History Rage bookshop:

https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9780300282122

Support History Rage on Patreon for exclusive content and early access to episodes and the History Rage Mug at www.patreon.com/historyrage.

You can also subscribe on Apple for £3 per month to get ad-free access and early releases.

Follow History Rage on Social Media:

Twitter: @HistoryRage

Facebook: History Rage

Instagram: @historyrage

Stay curious, stay informed, and keep the rage for historical truth alive!

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236. GPS Was Never Military-Only: Debunking the Myths with Richard Easton Sep 07, 2025

Show notes

Forget Korean Air 007: GPS was always meant for civilians.

What if everything you thought you knew about GPS was wrong? Far from being a secret military tool reluctantly unlocked after tragedy in 1983, GPS was designed with civilian use in mind from the very beginning — and surveyors were using it years before most of us had heard of it.

Paul Bavill welcomes writer and researcher Richard Easton, co-author of GPS Declassified: From Smart Bombs to Smartphones. With a unique perspective — his father, Roger Easton, is one of GPS’s credited inventors — Richard debunks the biggest misconceptions about GPS and reveals the surprising story of its development.

You’ll discover:

The Civilian Myth: Why GPS was never “military-only” — and who used it first.
The Korean Airliner 007 Story: Why the 1983 tragedy did not open GPS to the world.
The Lonely Halls Meeting: How the tale of GPS being “invented over a weekend” simply doesn’t hold up.
Selective Availability: Why the US government deliberately degraded civilian signals — and why that ended.
The Bigger Picture: How GPS fits into a global system alongside GLONASS, Galileo, and Beidou.

Join us for a myth-busting conversation that rewrites the story of GPS, replacing legends with the truth of politics, persistence, and surprising civilian allies. To dive deeper, grab Richard’s book GPS Declassified: From Smart Bombs to Smartphones.

👉 https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781640123076

Support the show on Patreon for early access, exclusive content, and of course, the iconic History Rage mug: patreon.com/historyrage

Follow the Rage:

Twitter: @HistoryRage

Facebook: History Rage

Instagram: @historyrage

From all of us at History Rage: stay curious, stay passionate, and above all — stay angry!

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235. Spying Wasn’t Just Walsingham and the Boys with Nadine Akkerman & Pete Langman | Gloucester History Festival Sep 04, 2025

Show notes

Discover how invisible ink, codes, and women shaped early modern espionage.

Paul Bavill is joined by historians Nadine Akkerman and Pete Langman, co-authors of Spycraft: Tricks and Tools of the Dangerous Trade from Elizabeth I to the Restoration, to expose the myths and realities of Tudor and Stuart espionage. In partnership with the Gloucester History Festival, they explore the hidden world of spies, secret codes, and the overlooked women who shaped Britain’s first intelligence wars.

Breaking the Myth:

Spying wasn’t a men-only game. Nadine and Pete challenge the enduring assumption that espionage in this period was dominated by Walsingham and Cecil, revealing the crucial roles played by women—often underestimated, unseen, and therefore the perfect agents.

The Tricks of the Trade:

Listeners are taken deep into the techniques of early modern spycraft. From invisible inks and counterfeit seals to origami-like folded letters and even messages swallowed in wax balls, the sophistication of Tudor and Stuart espionage is laid bare.

Plots and Intrigue:

From the Babington Plot and the downfall of Mary Queen of Scots to the near-success of the Gunpowder Plot, Nadine and Pete uncover how these intelligence networks worked—and how luck, deception, and paranoia often decided the fate of monarchs.

Forgotten Figures:

Far beyond the famous “spymasters,” we meet Arthur Gregory, an inventive genius who poisoned himself in pursuit of better forgery methods, and Lady Carlisle, a double agent whose true loyalties remain mysterious. These overlooked individuals demonstrate the real breadth of Britain’s first intelligence wars.

This episode reveals espionage not as a primitive sideline to Tudor politics, but as a dangerous, ingenious, and often deadly world—where women played a far greater role than history usually admits.

Guest Information:

Catch Nadine Akkerman and Pete Langman at the Gloucester History Festival on Wednesday, 17th September at 8:00 pm. Tickets are available at 👉 https://www.gloucesterhistoryfestival.co.uk/events/spycraft/

Buy their book Spycraft: Tricks and Tools of the Dangerous Trade from Elizabeth I to the Restoration: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9780300267549

Follow Nadine on X (Twitter): @misswalsingham

Follow Pete on X (Twitter): @elegantfowl

🔴 If you’re enjoying this then you can support the rage on Patreon. For £5 per month you will get ad-free episodes, early releases 3 months early, access to the monthly livestream, the invite to put questions to future guests and the coveted History Rage mug. Subscribe at 👉 www.patreon.com/historyrage

Follow History Rage on Social Media:

Twitter: @historyrage

Facebook: History Rage

Instagram: @historyrage

Stay informed, stay passionate, and let the rage for historical truth burn on!

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