The History of the Twentieth Century

Latest Episodes:

159 The Liberal Crisis Jun 30, 2019

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The Great War was framed in the West as a fight for the future of democracy, but in this episode we ponder how the demands of war are weakening democracy at home.

158 So Thoroughly Policed Jun 23, 2019

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We look at economic and social changes in America brought on by the war, including the Espionage Act and new restrictions on freedom of expression.

157 A Path Strewn with Roses Jun 09, 2019

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Early 1918 saw both Germany and Russia each eager to make peace for their own reasons, but the power of the German military forced the Bolshevik government in Russia to accept the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk.

156 Locomotives for Heads Jun 02, 2019

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The October Revolution was seen at the time as merely replacing one temporary arrangement with another. But the Bolsheviks had other ideas.

155 A Lake of Blood May 26, 2019

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Although Iran was not a belligerent in the Great War, Russian and Turkish armies clashed in Iran and the nation suffered. The Greek government split over the war question.

154 The Balfour Declaration May 12, 2019

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As British troops advance into Palestine, the British Cabinet formally embraces the concept of a Jewish homeland in Palestine, but does not explain what that means.

153 The Visionary and the Evangelist May 05, 2019

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Is it because of the Great War that Billy Sunday had his greatest revival ever? Or that peasant children in Portugal witness miracles?

152 Like a River Flowing On Apr 28, 2019

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The Chinese government (despite its many internal problems) was willing to enter the Great War in order to reclaim concessions lost to Germany and Austria. The Allies were initially hesitant, but as the casualties mounted and the shortage of manpower became acute, Chinese civilian laborers began working behind the front lines. Later, after a U-boat attack killed hundreds of Chinese, China formally entered the war.

151 The Eye of the Day Apr 14, 2019

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Mata Hari earned internationally acclaim as a dancer during the Belle Époque by trading on her exotic (and mostly invented) origins. But during the Great War, being mysterious and not entirely honest can get you killed.

150 Caporetto Apr 07, 2019

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In the autumn of 1917, the Germans lend the Austrians a hand in their losing struggle with Italy. The result is the Battle of Caporetto, which undoes all of Italy's previous gains and brings the Central Powers within 20 miles of Venice.

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