The History of the Twentieth Century

Latest Episodes:

149 Passchendaele Mar 24, 2019

Show notes

After the failure of the Nivelle Offensive, and with Russia collapsing into chaos, the British Cabinet unleashes Haig, who begins his latest offensive.

148 Peace, Land, and Bread Mar 17, 2019

Show notes

By autumn of 1917, the Russian Provisional Government had failed. It lost popular support, the Army was collapsing, and the Germans were advancing on Petrograd. Lenin determined it was time for the Bolsheviks to make their move.

147 The Kornilov Affair Mar 10, 2019

Show notes

Following the July Days, Alexander Kerensky became convinced that the biggest threat to his government now loomed on the political right, and he became increasingly suspicious of the new army commander-in-chief, Lavr Kornilov.

146 Chaos in the Army Feb 24, 2019

Show notes

The Kerensky Offensive was supposed to prove that the Russian Provisional Government was in control and that Russia could still field an effective army. Instead, it demonstrated that neither of these were true.

145 The July Days Feb 17, 2019

Show notes

The Kerensky Offensive provoked discontent among soldiers in Petrograd which triggered a Bolshevik uprising against the Provisional Government. The uprising was put down and evidence was made public that the Bolsheviks were being supported and funded by Germany.

144 All Power to the Soviets Feb 10, 2019

Show notes

With the Bolsheviks relentlessly criticizing the Russian government, the question of war aims came to the fore. When the liberals in the government couldn't give a straight answer, a cabinet shuffle followed, giving socialists more power than before.

143 Disabling the Russian Colossus Jan 27, 2019

Show notes

The Russian Provisional Government had declared a political amnesty that allowed political exiles to return home, notably Leon Trotsky and Vladimir Lenin, who got an assist from the German government.

142 Lafayette, We Are Here Jan 20, 2019

Show notes

The US entered the war in early 1917, but it would take time for her to have an impact on the war. Brazil also joined the war in 1917, and in Canada, the political fight over conscription leads to a divisive general election.

141 The Cossacks Are Not Coming Jan 13, 2019

Show notes

By 1917, many in German and Austrian official and military circles had given up hope of winning the Great War on the battlefield and were ready to discuss peace terms. Hindenburg and Ludendorff, however, insisted that victory was at hand.

140 The Hindenburg Line Dec 23, 2018

Show notes

With Russia in disarray, and the Eastern Front in a de facto armistice, we shift our attention to the West, where the French begin the latest "final" offensive.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

The History of the Twentieth Century

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected