The Battle of Bosworth
22 January - 44 minsIn August 1485, the would-be king Henry Tudor went head-to-head with King Richard III - the final, decisive battle of the Wars of the Roses. Only one of these men would leave the battlefield alive, and this bloody clash between Houses York and Tudor would decide the future of Britain.
Joining us is Matt Lewis, host of the Gone Medieval podcast, to take us through this climactic moment in British history.
Produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Dougal Patmore.
Dan Snow's History Hit is now available on YouTube! Check it out at: https://www.youtube.com/@DSHHPodcast
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The Battle of Gettysburg
In July 1863, the quiet town of Gettysburg became the site of one of the most decisive clashes of the American Civil War. Over three intense days, Union and Confederate forces fought across fields, hills and ridges in a battle that helped shape the future of the United States. To tell us this story, we're joined by Jonathan Bratten, a historian and serving Major in the Maine National Guard. Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore. Listen to Civil War Rivals: Robert E. Lee vs Ulysses Grant via Spotify. Listen to Civil War Rivals: Robert E. Lee vs Ulysses Grant via Apple Podcasts. Dan Snow's History Hit is now available on YouTube! Check it out at: https://www.youtube.com/@DSHHPodcast Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. You can also email the podcast directly at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1 hour 5 mins
12 March Finished
Can Air Power Alone Topple Governments?
With the Iran war still unfolding, we ask the question: Can air power alone topple a government? From the First World War onward, military strategists have argued that bombing from the air could break a nation’s will and force political change without costly ground invasions. Today, we test that claim through a century of conflict - from WWI to NATO's intervention in Kosovo in the 1990s. Joining us is Mike Pavelec, a military historian at McGill University, to provide some insight into the efficacy of air power. Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore. Dan Snow's History Hit is now available on YouTube! Check it out at: https://www.youtube.com/@DSHHPodcast Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. You can also email the podcast directly at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
45 mins
10 March Finished
The Commanders: Montgomery
Celebrated for his victories in North Africa and Europe, Bernard Montgomery built a reputation for meticulous planning and caution that many soldiers admired. But his record was not without controversy, from tense rivalries with his allies to the failed gamble of Operation Market Garden. Was 'Monty' truly one of the war’s great commanders, or has his reputation been shaped by myth and wartime propaganda? This is the second episode of our "Commanders" series, where we dig into the lives and decisions of five legendary WWII commanders. To guide us through the story of Monty, we're joined by Peter Caddick-Adams, a military historian and author specialising in the Second World War. Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore. Dan Snow's History Hit is now available on YouTube! Check it out at: https://www.youtube.com/@DSHHPodcast Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. You can also email the podcast directly at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1 hour 19 mins
9 March Finished
Edward VIII & Wallis Simpson: A Royal Scandal
In this episode, we explore the dramatic love story between King Edward VIII and the twice-divorced American socialite Wallis Simpson - a romance that shook the British monarchy to its core. Set against the backdrop of rising tensions in 1930s Europe, the scandal divided the government, the public and the royal family. And ultimately, Edward chose love over the crown. To hear all about this, we're joined by Kate Williams, a historian and broadcaster who specialises in Royal history. She unpacks how their romance spiralled into a constitutional crisis. Produced by Beth Donaldson and James Hickmann, and edited by Dougal Patmore. Dan Snow's History Hit is now available on YouTube! Check it out at: https://www.youtube.com/@DSHHPodcast Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. We'd love to hear your feedback - you can take part in our podcast survey here: https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on. You can also email the podcast directly at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
38 mins
5 March Finished
The Commanders: Rommel
In the sands of North Africa, Erwin Rommel became a battlefield legend. His bold manoeuvres and audacious tactics captured the imagination of friend and foe alike. But how did he become that commander? Does he deserve his reputation for tactical brilliance, and how should we think about his legacy today? This is the first episode of our "Commanders" series, where we dig into the lives and decisions of five legendary WWII commanders. To guide us through the story of Rommel, we're joined by Saul David, historian and author of "Tunisgrad: Victory in Africa". Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore. Dan Snow's History Hit is now available on YouTube! Check it out at: https://www.youtube.com/@DSHHPodcast Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. You can also email the podcast directly at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1 hour 7 mins
2 March Finished
The Forbidden City
At the heart of Beijing sits the Forbidden City, one of the greatest architectural achievements in human history. It's the largest palace complex on Earth. Constructed in the early 15th century as the hidden heart of imperial power, it was a city within a city — sealed off from the world, governed by rigid ritual, political intrigue, and absolute authority. How did a daring coup bring this colossal complex into existence? What was daily life really like behind its towering walls? And, how did it endure revolution, the rise and fall of dynasties, and catastrophe to become a symbol of China itself? Dan travels to the heart of Beijing to reveal its extraordinary story. You can learn more in Dan's History Hit TV documentary 'Beijing Central Axis: China's Medieval Wonder'. Sign up to watch at: https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. Produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Dougal Patmore You can email the podcast at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1 hour 15 mins
26 February Finished