Korean War Podcast

Bismarck's War - Blood and Iron Aug 20, 2024

An introduction to my new podcast series which will be published from September dealing with the wars of German unification and influence of Otto von Bismarck on Germany and Europe. The first series will deal with the Revolutuion of 1848 and the First Schleswig War. Later series will deal with the Second Schleswig War, the Seven Weeks War between Austria and Prussia and the Franco - Prussian War, then it will finish with the final years of Bismarck as Germen chancellro.

This first episode deals with Prussia before 1848. You can listen to this and further episodes on a different feed from September onwards.

Episode 8.20 Jan 13, 2024

In this final episode of this season, I will be discussing nuclear weapons and the threat of a nuclear war which hung over the world during the cold war.

Episode 8.19 Jan 06, 2024

After Che Guevara left Cuba, he would try to led two revolutions in the Congo and in Bolivia, neither of which would succeed. He would be captured by the Bolivian Army and murdered in cold blood but he death, he would become an idea to many young people with left wing values.

Episode 8.18 Dec 30, 2023

An American U2 spy plane is shot down over Cuba by a Soviet Surface to Air missile. The tension between the United States and the Soviet Union increases but President Kennedy decides not to bomb Cuba. He uses a message from the Soviet leader to end the crisis and the Soviet nuclear missiles are withdrawn from Cuba.

Episode 8.17 Dec 23, 2023

An American U2 spy fight discovered Soviet missiles in Cuba. The American military chiefs wanted an invasion of Cuba but President Kennedy decides above a naval blockade of Cuba instead. President Kennedy address the nation on television to tell them of the Soviet missiles now based in Cuba.

Episode 8.16 Dec 16, 2023

The Soviets send nuclear weapons and fifty thousand military personal to Cuba, all without being observed by the Americans. The Soviet nuclear missiles pose a serious danger to the United States. A biography of the Soviet military commander in Cuba, General Pliev. In October 1963, an American U2 flight will plunge the world into crisis.

Episode 8.15 Dec 09, 2023

Cuban exiles with the secret support of the American Government would in 1961, attempt a landing on the south coast of Cuba at the Bay of Pigs. The invasion was crushed by the Cuban Army, President Kennedy would not allow the American military to become directly involved, although the American Government involvement soon became known.

Episode 8.14 Dec 02, 2023

When Fidel Castro took power in Cuba in 1959, his mask of being a liberal and a democrat fell. There would be no free elections in Cuba. Those who had fought in the Cuban revolution for a free and democratic Cuba would become the victims of repression, imprisonment and execution, another revolution was eating its children.

Episode 8.13 Nov 25, 2023

1958 saw the Guerrilla armies in Cuba grow in number. The Cuban Army was sent to crush Fidel Castro and his rebels in operation summer, it nearly success but Fidel Castro led his men out of a trap. The American Government turn against the Cuban dictator and he is forced to flee. In December 1958, the rebels overcame the Cuban Army.

Episode 8.12 Nov 18, 2023

During 1957, Fidel Castro guerrilla band would grow in numbers, they attacked isolated Army garrisons in Eastern Cuba and the Cuban Army would abandon parts of the countryside to the rebels. Fidel Castro would prove to a master of public relations and reassure the world he was a democrat not a Communist. A biography of his brother Raul.

Episode 8.11 Nov 11, 2023

Fidel and Raul Castro would form a small army of Cuban exiles in Mexico, to train and return to Cuba, to try to overthrow the Cuban dictatorship. They would be joined by an Argentina doctor Che Guevara, his biography is given. They and eighty other rebels would travel back on a boat the Granma but within a few days most would be dead.

Episode 8.10 Nov 10, 2023

Fidel Castro in 1952, when Cuba fell under a military dictatorship. He founded the Movement an underground resistance to the Cuban Dictatorship. The Movement in July 1953 launched an attack on a army garrison the attack was a failure and Fidel and his brother Raul were sent to prison but not for long for they would be released and would go into exile in Mexico.

Episode 8.9 Oct 28, 2023

After the Spanish - American War, Americans dominated Cuba's economy. Elections are often were marred by fraud. In 1933 a revolution brought in a left wing Government but it lasted only a hundred days. It was overthrown by Batista a former sergeant who became Cuba's military strongman, he would overthrown another Democratically elected Government in 1952 and introduce a brutal dictatorship into the island.

Episode 8.8 Oct 21, 2023

The story of Latin America's most brutal dictator Trujillo who govern the Dominican Republic for 31 years and killed 50,000 of his people. Yet even after his death the country was political unstable and in 1965, President Johnson would sent American troops to the country to put down a left wing revolt. Also a look at decolonisation in the British West Indies and Canada's foreign policy.

Episode 8.7 Oct 14, 2023

A political review of the states of South and Central America between 1945 and 1965. Sadly it will be a story mainly of dictators, repression, unstable political environments, corruption and poverty. Power largely in the hands of elites not the people. Armies more active in overthrowing their Governments than defending them.

Episode 8.6 Oct 07, 2023

American involvement in Central America in the first half of the 20th Century. The story of two countries, in the post war period which the Americans supported coups, one in Costa Rica, which established a stable democracy and in Guatemala which overthrow and a left wing democratic Government and would led to a 36 year long civil war.

Episode 8.5 Sep 30, 2023

The story of the early years of the American Central Intelligence Agency and it most important director Allan Dulles. The CIA go on from a disappointing start during the Korean War to became the oversea convert operations agency for the American Government but some of its actions would latter be questioned.

Episode 8.4 Sep 23, 2023

When Eisenhower ran for President in 1952, the Korean War was an important issue during the election campaign. When he became President he tried to end the Korean War, at first time without success but then in March 1953, Stalin died and it was possible to begin talks to end the war.

Episode 8.3 Sep 16, 2023

For years President Truman had failed to invest in South Korea's defence, the North Korea invasion invasion in June 1950 came as a shock but Truman decided to commit American troops to the defence of South Korea. General Mac Arthur invasion at Inchon turned around the Korean but his relation with the Truman became strained leading to the firing of the General.

Episode 8.2 Sep 09, 2023

The rise and fall of Senator Joe McCarthy, a biography of him is given. Following a speech by him in 1950 he became the most famous anti-communist in American. Hearing he chaired destroy the reputation of many. However when he started to investigate the Army, President Eisenhower was prepared to the same tactics to bring down Senator McCarthy.

Episode 8.1 Sep 02, 2023

By 1945, the Soviet Union had established a highly effective spy ring operating in the United States. Many of their spies were key figures within the American Government, they also spies in the atomic bomb programme, who would pass on information which helped the Soviets build their own atomic bomb. A biograph of two Soviet spies who would be executed, Julius and Ethel Rosenburg.

Episode 7.20 Jan 20, 2023

In 1964, Brezhnev ousts Khrushchev from the Soviet leadership in a coup. A biography of Brezhnev is given. He would firmly establish his leadership in 1965 and afterwards and remained leader until his death in 1982. During time it seemed that Soviet Union was strong but internal weakness was undermining it.

Episode 7.19 Jan 14, 2023

The Soviets bring down an American U2 spy plane over the Soviet Union and capture the pilot, this leads an international incident. The building of the Berlin Wall in 1961, dividing the City of Berlin into two, in order to stop East Germans fleeing to the West.

Episode 7.18 Jan 07, 2023

A review of the course of the Cold War in Asia between 1945 and 1965. This review will briefly deal with the effects of the Chinese Civil War, the First Indochina War, the Korean War, the start of the Vietnam War as well as other wars in Asia n this period.

Episode 7.17 Dec 24, 2022

General Khan the military ruler of Pakistan decided to go to war against India in 1965. The war began in Kashmir but soon was being fought along the border between West Pakistan and India. Both sides were fairly equal in the air and in tanks and the war ended in a draw.

Episode 7.16 Dec 17, 2022

In this second episode on the Sino - Indian War of 1962, I look at the fighting in the Aksai Chin region in Eastern Kashmir where Chinese troops defeated the Indian Army and occupied the region. I also look at the long term effect of the war.

Episode 7.15 Dec 10, 2022

In October 1962 at the time of the Cuban Missile Crisis, Chinese troops attacked Indian along their disputed border. This episode looks at the fighting in the North east frontier Area. A biography is given of V.K.K. Menon, the Indian defence minister who failed to prepare the Indian military for the Chinese attack.

Episode 7.14 Dec 03, 2022

A biography of Indian Prime Minister Nehru and the story of his work with the international non aligned movement which attached a great deal of support from the newly independent third world nations. However relations between India and China which had been good for a decade decline.

Episode 7.13 Nov 26, 2022

India and Pakistan between 1947 and 1949 fight their first war against each other for control of Kashmir. The population of the area was mainly Muslim but its ruler was not., he tried to keep Kashmir independent but when Pakistani troops invaded he was forced to call for help from India, which sent troops and airplanes to fight for control of the area.

Episode 7.12 India's Wars Nov 19, 2022

In 1947 India was to gain its independence but it had to broken up into two nations, India and Pakistan known as Partition. In the run up to this the India was to witness an outbreak of murder, rape and the following out from their homes of millions of people. A biography of the first leader of Pakistan, Muhammad Jinnah is given.

Episode 7.11 Queen Elizabeth II Nov 12, 2022

This is a special one off tribute to Queen Elizabeth the Second who died in September. It tells of her life and the British armed forces which she commanded from 1952 to 1965, when British troops, sailors and airmen were active in fighting in several parts of the world.

Episode 7.10 China under Mao Nov 05, 2022

In this episode I will tell of the rule of Mao over China following the Communist victory in the civil war to his death. It was a very bloody period with millions of Chinese dying during this time. Purges would be a regular event.

Episode 7.9 China and the Korean War Oct 29, 2022

An overview of the Chinese military intervention into the Korean War and how the Chinese military developed during the Korean War. Improvements in the Chinese logistic system and the ability to dug tunnels to avoid American firepower.

Episode 7.8 Tibetan Uprising Oct 22, 2022

An account of Tibetan resistance to Chinese control of Tibet. In 1959 this would led to the Tibetan uprising in which over eighty thousand people would be killed. The Dai Lai would go into exile in India and form a Tibetan Government in exile. The biography of the Dai Lai is given.

Episode 7.7 Chinese Civil War Oct 17, 2022

The Chinese Communists saw Tibet as part of China. Talks between the Chinese and Tibetan Government failed to reach an agreement. The People's Liberation Army defeats a Tibetan Army led by Ngapoi, who would become an ally of the Chinese as they took control of Tibet, his biography up to 1954. is given.

Episode 7.6 Chinese Civil War Oct 08, 2022

The Chinese Communists overrun the Nationalists in Southern Chain and capture the island Hainan. They then defeat the warlords in Northern Western China. The Nationalist flee to Taiwan where Chiang Kai-Shek regains power. In the United States the Republicans blame President Truman and his secretary of state George Marshall for the lost of China.

Episode 7.5 Chinese Civil War Oct 01, 2022

Chiang Kai - Shek is removed from power as Nationalist leader. Stalin suggest a cease fire but the Chinese Communists reject it. A British warship is trapped by Communist artillery in the River Yangtze River. Communist troops cross the River Yangtze and capture the city of Shanghai.

Episode 7.4 Chinese Civil War Sep 24, 2022

After the Communist victory in Manchuria, they march into Eastern China. The capital Beijing falls to them after a 40 day siege. The Communist win another major victory in a battle in Eastern China. An account of Deng Xiaoping (a future leader of China) during the Chinese Civil War. How Communist terror gained them control of the countryside.

Episode 7.3 Chinese Civil War Sep 17, 2022

Chiang Kai-Shek in June 1946 sends his Nationalist Army into North China and Manchuria to destroy the Communists. The American Government imposed an arms embargo which includes, new motor lorries, the Nationalist supply system collapses. The Nationalist forces in Manchuria are first besieged and then defeated by the 8th Red Route Army commanded by Lin Biao, his biography is given.

Episode 7.2 Chinese Civil War Sep 10, 2022

After the Japanese surrender in August 1945, the Chinese Nationalist reoccupied the cites of Eastern Police along with them came their secret police led by Dai Li, known as the Chinese Himmler, his biography is given. Under American and Soviet Government pressure Chiang Kai Shek and Mao meet and pretend to reach a peace agreement. In fact fighting was already breaking in some areas as early as 1945.

Episode 7.1 Chinese Civil War Sep 03, 2022

The Long March to Civil War

The background to the Chinese Civil War, the fighting between the Nationalists and the Communists, in the twenties and thirites. The Long March when Mao led the Communists to North China. The uneasy peace between the two sides in order to fight the Japanese from 1937. A biography of Nationalist leader Chian Kai-Shek. The problems within the Chinese Nationalist Army in their war against Japan. August 1945 when the Soviet Red Army invades Manchuria.

Episode 6.20 (Vietnam 1955 - 1965) Jan 15, 2022

The American bombing of North Vietnam is halted over the 1965 Christmas period. In this final episode of this series, I look at the state of the American military effort in South Vietnam at the end of 1965 though the prism of the Fulbright Hearing in the US Senate held in February 1966. A biography of Senator Fulbright.

Episode 6.19 (Vietnam 1955 -1965) Jan 08, 2022

Military actions in South Vietnam during November and December 1965. The American Army launch a series of search and destroy operations including operation Hump to find and kill the Viet Cong, yet none of them result in a total victory, thee Viet Cong when they wish are able to break off contact. Growing doubts exist within the American military leadership of General Westmoreland's tactics.

Episode 6.18 (Vietnam 1955 - 1965) Jan 01, 2022

The first major battle between regular American soldiers from the 1st Cavalry Division and regular North Vietnamese troops. There re two major engagements, one at landing zone X-Ray, biography of the American commander Lieutenant Colonel Moore. Hundreds of American troops are killed but even more North Vietnamese die too.

Episode 6.17 (Vietnam 1955 - 1965) Dec 25, 2021

Military operations in South Vietnam in September and October 1965. Australian and New Zealand military involvement in South Vietnam in 1965. A biography of Major Charles Beckworth an American special forces soldier serving in South Vietnam in 1965.

Episode 6.16 (Vietnam 1955 - 1965) Dec 18, 2021

At first American troops in South Vietnam simply protect American bases but General Westmoreland get permission to change their role to include search and destroy operations to go out an fin the enemy and kill them. One of the first is Operation Starlite carried out by American Marines in the north of South Vietnam.

Episode 6.15 (Vietnam 1955-1965) Dec 11, 2021

In this episode, I deal with the Viet Cong and the North Vietnamese Army their effective use of ambushes and bobby traps.. I compare their main gun the AK47 and the American M14 rifle and why the more rugged AK47 proved to be a better weapon in the jungle of South Vietnam.

Episode 6.14 (Vietnam 1955 - 1965) Dec 04, 2021

In this episode I look at the American Army in South Vietnam in 1965 as it builds up its resources in the country and begins to fight the Viet Cong and the North Vietnamese Army. I shall deal with how the American Army is organised from the command of MACV down to the battalion and company. I deal with some of the weapon of the American Army and look at the Huey helicopter.

Episode 6.13 (Vietnam 1955 - 1965) Nov 27, 2021

American ground forces build up in South Vietnam, air fields and barracks are built, to cope with the needs of an army from across the Pacific Ocean. A biography of key figure in the Government of South Vietnam General Ky is given. The American Navy cuts the supply of arms and equipment across the coast in Operation Market Time.

Episode 6.12 (Vietnam 1955 -1965) Nov 20, 2021

President Johnson orders the bombing of North Vietnam first during Operation Flaming Dart and then Rolling Thunder which would last until 1968 to force North Vietnam to give up its war in the South, The Communists would refuse to do so and the bombing campaign failed to destroy the North Vietnamese military. There was also bombing in Laos. The story of one American airmen captured by the North Vietnamese.

Episode 6.11 (Vietnam 1955 - 1965) Nov 13, 2021

President Johnson decides to commit American Ground Troops to South Vietnam and to bomb North Vietnam, that is despite his own doubts as to whether a war in South Vietnam can be won, that is shared by Secretary of Defence Robert Mac Namara. There are those in the American Government who oppose this including under secretary of state George Ball, his biography is given.

Episode 6.10 (Vietnam (1955 - 1965) Nov 06, 2021

A biography of General Westmoreland the commander of the American military in South Vietnam from 1964 to 1968. The Viet Cong launch several attacks in the latter part of 1964 but for the first time, regular North Vietnamese Army regiments take to the field in South Vietnam.

Episode 6.9 (Vietnam 1955 -1965) Oct 30, 2021

North Vietnamese torpedo boats attack an American Destroyer in the Gulf of Tonkin, the attack fails. However it is reports of a second attack which did not take place which makes the congress pass a resolution which allow President Johnson to take what have military action he wishes to in Vietnam, it would be the legal base for the Vietnam War.

Episode 6.8 (Vietnam 1955- 1965) Oct 23, 2021

A profile of American Secretary of Defence Robert Mac Namara. The gap between the positive view of how the war was going by General Harkins and MACV using doubtful data and that far less rosy view presented by journalists and junior Army officers who had served in South Vietnam and who witnessed the growth of the Viet Cong revolt in the countryside.

Episode 6.7 (Vietnam 1955 - 1965) Oct 16, 2021

Following the murder of Diem there is political chaos in South Vietnam, there is a second coup within just two months as the South Vietnamese Army Generals struggle for power between themselves. This leaves support for the Government of South Vietnam even weaker among the people. President Kennedy is killed and replaced by President Johnson.

Episode 6.6 (Vietnam 1955 - 1965) Oct 09, 2021

As Buddhist protests against President Diem grow in South Vietnam. After much debate President Kennedy agrees to the demand of ambassador Henry Cabot Lodge to arrange a coup to bring down president Diem. As a result of that coup, Diem is murdered in cold blood shot in the back of an armoured personnel carrier.

Episode 6.5 (Vietnam 1955 - 1965) Oct 02, 2021

Even with the Viet Cong revolt in the south going badly for the Government. President Diem now picks a fight with the majority Buddhist population, this leads to violent protest in the Cities of South Vietnam and monks burning themselves to death. The American Government begins to question its support to Diem. A biography of American ambassador Henry Cabot Lodge.

Episode 6.4 (Vietnam 1955 - 1965) Sep 25, 2021

Events in Vietnam and Laos in 1962 and the first week of 1963. Despite the increase in American military support for the South Vietnamese Government, the Viet Cong revolt grows in scale. This is shown in the first week of 1963, when the Viet Cong inflict a serious reserve on the South Vietnamese Army Army near the village of Ap Bac.

Episode 6.3 (Vietnam 1955 - 1965) Sep 18, 2021

Event in Vietnam and Laos in 1961. A biography of President Kennedy. President Kennedy greatly increases the number of American military personnel from less than thousand to over sixteen thousand by November 1963 in order to help the South Vietnamese Government to resist the Viet Cong revolt in the country.

Episode 6.2 Vietnam 1955 - 1965 Sep 11, 2021

Events in Vietnam and Laos in 1959 and 1960. In 1959 the National Liberation Front is formed by the Communist they became commonly known as the Viet Cong with aid from North Vietnam the Communist revolt in the South becomes much more serious. Details of events in Laos up to the end of 1960 is told. The corruption of South Vietnamese President Diem's brother and sister in law shocks the nation.

Episode 6.1 Vietnam 1955 - 1965 Sep 04, 2021

In this first of twenty episodes dealing with Vietnam between 1955 to 1965. I look at the history of South Vietnam up to 1958 and its leader President Diem, for a short the country seemed stable but the underlying problems within Diem regime was clearly there. Lack of land reforms, corruption and a Government that favoured the minority Catholic community.

Introduction to Season six Aug 07, 2021

Season six of this podcast season begin on Saturday September 4th. It will deal with the military and political events in Vietnam and Laos between 1955 and 1965. From the end of the First Indochina War to intervention of American ground in 1965.

Episode 5.35 May 01, 2021

This episode deals with the Civil War in North Yemen and the final years of Nasser's rule in Egypt and the two subjects are highly interconnected because seventy thousand Egyptian troops would sent to the country to fight an unwinnable guerrilla war against the Royalist forces. Nasser would die in 1970 his reputation much lower than it had been ten years earlier.

Episode 5.34 Apr 24, 2021

This episode deals with the Civil War in the Congo between 1960 and 1965 following independence from Belgium. It became a proxy war of the cold war with the United States and the Soviet Union supporting different political factions in the Congo. A biography of Mobutu who would become the dictator of the Congo for over thirty years from 1965.

Episode 5.33 Apr 17, 2021

The British Army fought three guerrilla wars in the middle eastern region. In Cyprus the British Army was involved in a guerrilla war against EOKA who fought for your union between Cyprus and Greece. A biography of Sir John Harding the Government of Cyprus. The British Army always fought in wars in Oman and Aden.

Episode 5.32 Suez Crisis 10 Apr 10, 2021

Nasser reaps the rewards from the Suez Crisis. British and French power in the middle east declines. A biography of the new British Prime Minster Harold Macmillan. The end of the British Empire. The distrust between the French and British Government after the Suez Crisis. The American military involvement in the Lebanon in 1958.

Episode 5.31 Suez Crisis 9 Apr 03, 2021

After just two days of fighting, the British Prime Sir Anthony Eden orders a cease fire, this would be followed by a humiliation withdraw from Port Said by British and French Forces. Why, well the American Government created a run on the pound which caused Eden to panic. United Nations Peace keepers are sent to region, this is proposed by Canadian Foreign Minister Lester Pearson, his biography is given.

Episode 5.30 Suez Criisis 8 Mar 27, 2021

British and French para-troops are landed around Port Said at the northern end of the Suez Canal. Landings by a Royal Marine Brigade are brought forward to the next day, helicopters are used for the first time in a seaborne invasion. the Egyptians put up a firm resistance at several locations. A cease fire is called for by British Prime Minister Sir Anthony Eden.

Episode 2.29 Suez Crisis 7 Mar 20, 2021

The Royal Air Force and the French Air Force strike at the Egyptian military quickly destroying the Egyptian Air Force as an effective military force, helping the Israeli military in their campaign in the Sinai as well as preparing for the Anglo - French invasion of Port Said. A biography of General Stockwell the commander of the Anglo - French military invasion force.

Episode 5.28 Suez Crisis 6 Mar 13, 2021

As had been agreed between the Israeli, British and French Government, the Israeli Army invades the Sinai, dropping para-troops near to the Suez Canal. The Israeli Army defeats the Egyptian Army and captures the Sinai and Gaza. This invasion allows the British and French Government to invade the Suez Canal.

Episode 5.27 Suez Crisis 5 Mar 06, 2021

British public opinion is heavily divided by the decision of the Eden Government to commit British Armed Forces to an invasion of the Suez Canal. The Labour Party is totally opposed to the use of armed force. A biography of Labour Party leader Hugh Gaitskell. Audio clips from Sir Anthony Eden and Labour Foreign spokesman Bevan are included in this episode.

Episode 5.26 Suez Crisis 4 Feb 27, 2021

The British and French build up their military forces in Malta and Cyprus, ready for an invasion of the Suez Canal. Senior members of the British, French and Israeli Government meet in secret to plan for the coming war, an agreement is reached. A biography of British Foreign Secretary John Selwyn Lloyd. The American Government remains opposed to any military action.

Episode 5.25 Suez Crisis 3 Feb 20, 2021

President Nasser of Egypt links with the West grow worse, while his ties with the Soviet Union improve, the Communist block supplies new modern weapons to Egypt. American and British Government now wish to remove Nasser from power. So does the French Government who blames Nasser for his support from Algerian independence. A biography of French Prime Guy Mollet.

Episode 5.24 Suez Crisis 2 Feb 13, 2021

King Fakour of Egypt is deposed. Within a few months, Nasser becomes the Egyptian leader, at first with American support. A biography of Nasser is given. Britain agrees to remove its military from the Suez Canal Zone. Egypt begins to support Palestine guerrilla attacks into Israel, there are border clashes between Egypt and Israel.

Episode 5.23 Suez Crisis 1 Feb 06, 2021

The Suez Canal is built in 1869, it becomes a vital sea link for Britain who later occupy Egypt. Britain takes military action to defend the Suez Canal in two world war and maintain a large military garrison along the Canal. King Fakour of Egypt tries to get the British Government to remove it military from the Canal, the British refuse. A terrorism campaign is launched against the British Canal Zone as a result the British storm an Egyptian Police Station. A biography and profile of British Prime Minister in 1956, Sir Anthony Eden.

Episode 5.22 Algerian War of Independence 10 Jan 30, 2021

De Gaulle agrees to Algerian independence. A million Pied Noir leave Algeria, most go to France, some to Spain, Canada and Israel. A history of Algeria since 1962, FLN seize power and the country becomes a one party state. A biography of Boumediene the president of Algeria between 1965 and 1978, Under his rule many of those who fought for Algerian independence suffer under his regime.

Episode 5.21 Algerian War of Independence 9 Jan 25, 2021

The senior Army leadership becomes increasingly disturbed by the policy of French President Charles De Gaulle towards Algeria. Fearing that De Gaulle was moving towards giving Algeria independence. A coup is staged, it including two former Army commanders in Algeria General Salan and Challe as well as General Zeller, his biography is given. The coup collapses after four days.

Episode 5.20 Algerian War of Independence 8 Jan 16, 2021

Militant Pied Noir leaders anger at De Gaulle talk of Algerian self determination stage a revolt in Algiers in January 1960, there is violence and the revolt last a week before it is ended. A biography of Pied Noir leader Joe Ortiz. De Gaulle tries to reach a comprise with Algerian Nationalist but FLN carries on the war.

Episode 5.19 Algerian War of Independence 7 Jan 09, 2021

The French Army launch a series of offensive against the FLN. A biography of French Army commander General Challe. Attempts by French President Charles De Gaulle to reach out to Algerian Nationalist movement anger the Pied Noir and the FLN reject De Gaulle peace offers.

Episode 5.18 Algerian War of Independence 6 Jan 02, 2021

The French built a wall between Algeria and Tunisia to prevent the flow of arms into Algeria. The French Army and the Pied Noir grow angry with the Governments of the French Fourth Republic. The Army in 1958 stage a coup in Algiers. It seems as if there might civil war. However the French Fourth Republic is replaced by a Government led by Charles De Gaulle, his biography is given.

Episode 5.17 Algerian War of Independence 5 Dec 26, 2020

The French Tenth Para-troop Division is sent to Algiers to combat FLN terrorism in the City. A biography of General Massu, the commander of the Tenth Para-troop Division. The French para-troops use torture to gain information on the FLN. More than three thousand suspected FLN supporters are murdered by the French Army in Algiers. The power of the FLN in Algiers is broken.

Episode 5.16 Algerian War of Independence 4 Dec 19, 2020

The number of French troops sent to Algeria increase to a massive half a million but they even large a force can not defeat the FLN. The FLN begins a campaign of terrorism in the City of Algiers killing and maiming Pied Noir civilians. A biography of FLN leader in Algiers, Abane. The French governor decides to sent in the Paratroops into Algiers

Episode 5.15 Algerian War of Independence 3 Dec 12, 2020

French Army reinforcements are sent to Algeria but they can not defeat the FLN. A biography of FLN military leader Krim. In August 1955, in and around the town of Phillipeville the FLN carry out a massacre of Pied Noir civilians. In return the French Army murder local Muslims civilians. These events polarise the Pied Noir and Muslim populations.

Episode 5.14 Algerian War of Independence 2 Dec 05, 2020

Proposed reforms for Algeria, are frustrated by the French Colonial Officials. Young Algerian Muslims begin to believe that can be no chance of equality with independence and that can only achieved by violence. A biograph of the militant Ben Bella. The Algerian War of Independence begin on All Saints Day 1954.

Episode 5.13 Algerian War of Independence 1 Nov 28, 2020

In,1830, France begin a conquest of Algeria. European immigrants move to Algeria, they would be known as the Pied Noir, they were granted French citizenship, not so the Algerian Muslims. The Setif revolt of May 1945. A biography of moderate Algerian Muslim Fermat Abbas.

Episode 5,12 Iran 1953 Nov 21, 2020

The Iranian oil industry was controlled by the British. Iranian Prime Minister Mosaddegh nationalise the Oil industry, the British try to boycott the sale of Iranian Oil. A biography of Mosaddegh, he becomes increasingly illiberal losing some public support, this allows the CIA and MI5 to organise a plot against him in 1953. The Shah take control of the Country and represents opposition.

Episode 5.11 First Arab - Israeli War 10 Nov 14, 2020

The peace talks between Israel and the Arab states which ended the war. The plight of refugees from Palestine. The expulsion of hundreds of thousands of Jews. from the Arab states. Why the good relations between the Soviet Union and Israel grew worse. The overthrow of Egyptian King Fakour and his biography.

Episode 5.10 First Arab - Israeli War 9 Nov 07, 2020

The Israeli Army wins control of the Western Negev. The Israeli Army then invades the Sinai, the British Government threatens war if the Israelis did not withdrew from the Sinai, so David Ben Gurion agrees to do so.. In January 1949 the Israeli Army cuts off the Egyptian Army in Gaza. The Egyptian Government is forced to begin peace talks.

Episode 5.9 First Arab - Israeli War 8 Oct 31, 2020

The third ad final phase of the war begins in October 1948, with the Israeli Army concentrating its forces in the south against the Egyptian Army. The Israeli Army encircle the Egyptian Fourth Brigade. The Israeli Army relives Jewish settlements and conquers the Negev. A biography of General Allon who led the Israeli Army in this offensive.

Episode 5.8 First Arab - Israeli War 7 Oct 24, 2020

The story of the second United Nations Cease Fire between July and October 1948, the life and murder of UN peace maker Count Bernadotte. The end of the Arab enclave of the Little Triangle, south of Haifa. The start of the third phase of the war and the campaign in Northern Israel.

Episode 5.7 First Arab - Israeli War 6 Oct 17, 2020

The first UN backed cease fire breaks down and it takes ten days to arrange a second cease fire. In the ten days of fighting the Israeli Army captures Nazareth, Ramla and Southern Judea but attempts to take Latrun and the Old City Jewish quarter in Jerusalem are repulsed by the Arab Legion. A biography of Egyptian Army commander in Palestine Major General Al - Mwawi.

Episode 5.6 First Arab - Israeli War 5 Oct 10, 2020

The Israeli Army suffered a series of defeats in the West Bank, an attempt to take the town of Jenin is beaten by the Iraqi Army. Jordan's Arab Legion beat off Israeli attacks on Latrum and Radar Hill. The Arab Legion captured the Jewish Old City. Yet the Israelis build a new road to supply the Jewish areas of Jerusalem breaking the siege. A biography of Mickey Marcus the first Israeli General and commander in the Jerusalem sector.

Episode 5.5 First Arab - Israeli War 4 Oct 03, 2020

The Syrian Army invades North Eastern Israel but they are firmly repulsed. The commander of the Israeli forces is Mosha Daylan a biography of him. The Egyptian Army advances along the coast towards Tel Avia but they are halted. The reason for the Soviet support for the creation of the state of Israel. The importance of the Communist arms sales to Israel.

Episode 5.4 First Arab Israeli War3 Sep 26, 2020

The state of Israel was created in May 1948, it was a state born in battle for it would be attacked by the Arab states. However the Arab armies were a poor shape to conduct a modern war. A review of the problems faced by the Egyptian and Syrian Armies. The one Arab army that was well trained, well armed and well led was the Arab Legion of the Army of Jordan. A biography of its British born commander Glubb Pasha.

Episode 5.3 First Arab - Israeli War 2 Sep 19, 2020

In the led up to the end of the British mandate, the level of violence between the Jewish and Arab community grows in scale. The both sides prepare for war. Jewish forces captured Arab cities such as Haifa, Jaffa and Acre, Arab refugees flee. Five thousand Arab fighters from the rest of the middle east arrive in Palestine to help the Arabs. Fighting starts well before the end of the British mandate. A profile of the King of Jordan.

Episode 5.2 First Arab - Israeli War 1 Sep 12, 2020

The history of the British mandate in Palestine from 1917 to 1947. Jewish immigration into Palestine. The Arab revolt between 1936 and 1939. After the Second World War growing violence in Palestine which a hundred thousand British soldiers in Palestine can not control. British decides to withdraw from Palestine and leaves the United Nations to decide upon the future of Palestine.

Episode 5.1 Africa 1945 - 1956 Sep 05, 2020

In the this first episode of season five dealing with the Cold War in Africa and the Middle East. I talk of two colonial wars, the Madagascan uprising against the French and the Mau Mau revolt in Kenya against British rule.

Episode 4.27 The Military Balance Mar 14, 2020

In this last episode of season four, i discuss the Military Balance in Europe between 1945 and 1956. After the Second World War ended the Soviets maintained a much larger military force than the Western powers. Yet the Americans always a larger number of atomic weapons, which would have used if the Soviets had invaded Western Europe. The creation of NATO, the Warsaw Pact and the West German armed forces.

Episode 2.26 Hungarian Revolution 10 Mar 07, 2020

The history of the rest of Kadar dictatorship of Hungary until the fall of Communism. Then a brief history of Hungary from 1988 to the present date. A biography of the Catholic Archbishop of Hungary Josef Mindszenty, a former prisioner of the Communists who took refuge in the American embassy in Budapest for 15 years.

episode 4.25 Hungarian Revolution 9 Feb 29, 2020

Following the crushing of the Hungarian Revolution by the Soviet Army., the Hungarian Communist Government of Kadar takes revenge, thousands are imprisoned and hundreds are hanged. Many spend years in prison. Two hundred thousand Hungarians flee the country. Imre Nagy is arrested, put on trail and hanged alongside of Pal Maleter and Miklos Gimes. A biography of Miklos Gimes, Hungarian freedom fighter and friend of Imre Nagy.

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