[PATRONS] The cursed episode returns, as we do our best to improve upon the howlers we made first time around. A revamped episode is your reward, and here we examine the complexities of Italian unification, and how the strength Rome tried to project was mostly paper thin. How this would lead to outbursts in Africa, is another story.
2017-05-18 00:26:01 +0000 UTC View Post
[PATRONS] By bringing the war to an end, much of what Bismarck had striven to achieve in Europe fell to pieces. Yet, Bismarck's careful alliance system was far from the only casualty of the peace - the Ottoman Empire, it seemed, was on its last legs. Britain's task of protecting Constantinople from Russia had come close to another war, but it was evidently a task that was far from finished.
2017-05-18 00:25:01 +0000 UTC View Post
[PATRONS] As the revolts in their Balkan territories casts a shadow over the Ottoman Empire's ability to conduct itself on the world stage, the other powers weigh in on the debate. Disraeli attempted to ignore the problem, as did Bismarck, while the Vienna watched Bosnia with a barely veiled hunger. Let's see what went down!
2017-05-18 00:24:01 +0000 UTC View Post
[PATRONS] A conflict which should be eerily familiar to you guys, as we've sallied forth into its events and impact on Britain for our Britain Goes To War series. Why should you listen in here? Mainly because this time our focus will not be on Britain alone, and we'll have the opportunity to place all of the continent under the microscope, so come and join us for this important scene setting experience. Thanksss!
2017-05-18 00:23:01 +0000 UTC View Post
[PATRONS] Here we conclude our analysis of the war. Unable to provoke what he wanted from Vienna, Bismarck would go for broke and make a mountain out of a molehill. For a few precious moments, it seemed as though all was in jeopardy, but then the brilliance of Prussian arms was brought to bear, and all would be transformed.
2017-05-18 00:22:00 +0000 UTC View Post
[PATRONS] How did Bismarck plan on getting the Austrians to declare war, and could such a feat really be accomplished when a cynical Europe looked on? Bismarck appreciated where he needed affairs to progress, but if he couldn't wait for nature to take its course, he was perfectly willing to shove them in the right direction, whatever the rest of Europe thought.
2017-05-18 00:21:01 +0000 UTC View Post
[PATRONS] We couldn't redo these episodes without delving into arguably Otto's greatest hit, as he aimed to completely change the status quo in Europe before it was cool. While he would distinguish himself in time, here we set the background in Europe as the German Dualism issue remained intense. Would it be Vienna or Berlin? No spoilers please!
2017-05-18 00:20:00 +0000 UTC View Post
[PATRONS] We return with part two of the collab, where we talk about historical inspiration, turning your art into a profession, the importance of history to what Aziz does, to continue our theme of course, and whether a fan of fantasy a la Game of Thrones can be led into loving history, or maybe historical fiction as a kind of gateway drug, so to speak. All very interesting stuff, and I also get a bit real as I discuss what happened to me recently thanks to my own silly ambitions. Maybe you're ...
2017-05-18 00:19:00 +0000 UTC View Post
[PATRONS] We are here with a huge two parter from our friend Aziz, from the History of Westeros podcast. Some of you may be super excited to hear what he has to say on a whole range of topics, others may be skeptical that a guy whose podcast is on "history" can have anything worthwhile to say - well ye of little faith! Aziz is full of wisdom, and his podcast on the History of Westeros explores the Game of Thrones universe as though it was a true life setting - an incredible fact when you conside...
2017-05-18 00:18:00 +0000 UTC View Post
[PATRONS] With a well established presence, it remained to be see whether the British would become too big for their boots as their victories piled up and the native resistance vanished, just as the British control over the subcontinent became more total. Through an unintentional process, the incredible fact was that by the 1840s, the British possessed a monopoly on Indian affairs. The problem was this control seemed insufficient - they not only wanted to control Indian resources, but Indian hea...
2017-05-18 00:17:00 +0000 UTC View Post
[PATRONS] We return to this oft misunderstood event in British and Indian history, and this episode here essentially gives us the excuse we've been waiting for to unwrap the details of Britain's colonial experience in India, which began with great hopes and investment in 1600, when the first voyage set sail to establish what would become the East India Company. Have a listen and let me know what you all thought!
2017-05-18 00:16:01 +0000 UTC View Post
[PATRONS] We are very excited to be joined on the podcast by Chris Stewart from a History of China, a chronological narrative of Chinese history from the most unpronounceable dynasty to the even more unpronounceable! Chris is a great historian, podcaster and fellow Agora alumni, so make sure you check him out and show him some love by visiting him https://thehistoryofchina.wordpress.com/ and tell him you loved heari...
2017-05-18 00:15:01 +0000 UTC View Post
[PATRONS] We return and bear witness to the eruption of the Boxer Rebellion, as the Empress and her court feel compelled to throw their lot in with the Boxers, in the face of the insufferable demands of the Eight Power Alliance. How would the rest of the world react to this lucrative and highly beneficial client state descending into turmoil? The truth was, it formed just another chapter in the fractured international system, so I hope you'll give it a listen! Thanksss
2017-05-18 00:14:01 +0000 UTC View Post
[PATRONS] Returning with better pronunciations and ideally a better analysis, we're back with the Boxer Rebellion, which occurred in a tumultuous summer in 1900. Here we examine the circumstances which led to such an event, which itself contributed significantly to the worsening international situation, and played a key part in the increasing Anglo-Russian rivalry. Have a listen and let me know what you thought. Thankssss!
[PATRONS] If you need more 1812 in your life right now, then look no further than this classic TALK episode between two friends, as we detail the ins and outs of the war of 1812 as only we know how - with much banter and self-depreciating humour. Thankssss!
Remember to tweet me and let me know you enjoyed the episode! @wdfpodcast Be sure to tell people that you support me, and that you are a proud member of the WDF family - history friends unite! Let's get the word out t...
2017-05-18 00:12:01 +0000 UTC View Post
[PATRONS] For part 2, the war erupts and both sides don't do particularly well, though the Yanks suffer a pretty devastating sight when their capital is set alight. What could have led to such an eventuality? Find out here! Thanksss Patrons!
Remember to tweet me and let me know you enjoyed the episode! @wdfpodcast Be sure to tell people that you support me, and that you are a proud member of the WDF family - history friends unite! Let's get the word out to as many people...
2017-05-18 00:11:01 +0000 UTC View Post
[PATRONS] Here we examine the War of 1812 once more, a sideshow of the Napoleonic Wars and a significant one at that. First we ask, what could have compelled Britain and America to come to blows in the first place? Find out here! Thanksss Patrons!
Remember to tweet me and let me know you enjoyed the episode! @wdfpodcast Be sure to tell people that you support me, and that you are a proud member of the WDF family - history friends unite! Let's get the word out to as many ...
2017-05-18 00:10:01 +0000 UTC View Post
[PATRONS] Welcome to a conversational collaborational episode once again, as Jordan Harbour [Twilight Histories Podcast and long time friend of the show] talk through a range of alternative history scenarios which I've encountered in the first 19 episodes which I remastered for this birthday party. I hope you enjoy it, remember to check Jordan's great work out at http://www.twilighthistories.com/
Remember to ...
2017-05-18 00:09:01 +0000 UTC View Post
[PATRONS] Here we conclude this incredible story, which is 2/3 alternative history and 1/3 a breakdown of whether I believe this makes sense and why I went with what I did. I hope you've enjoyed a different path instead of the dire one we got in 1914. Would the world be a better place had Princip missed? That's probably a story for another day, but for now we examine how the Entente came to collapse, and what this meant for the thoroughly victorious allies. Thanksss for joining me as we bring th...
2017-05-18 00:08:01 +0000 UTC View Post
[PATRONS] As lovely patrons, you guys get this and part 4 to feast on, as my brain expands and brings you on an alternative journey through 1914/15. How plausible was it all? You decide. This could be a very fun topic to have a number of debates on, but here we look at the opening phases of the war and what went right/wrong for each side. Irish troubles? Of course they are ever present!
Remember to tweet me and let me know you enjoyed the episode! @wdfpodcast Be sure to tell people...
2017-05-18 00:07:01 +0000 UTC View Post
[PATRONS] With the change in Serbian government and increasing tensions provoking reactionary policies across the Balkans, it remained to be seen whether the European alliance system would save the peace or help destroy it. Find out here, and remember you catch Part 3 & 4 on Patreon, if you want to know what happens once the war begins. Thanksss! And either way remember to stay tuned for the interview I have with Jordan Harbour about all things alternative after the episode.
Re...
2017-05-18 00:06:00 +0000 UTC View Post
[PATRONS] Welcome history friends, as we launch into a little sideshow I cooked up for you all. This is the first in a 4 parter series on alternative history, where we build a different world in the style you're used to, having asked the question - what would have happened if Gavrilo Princip missed, rather than actually successfully assassinated the Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand. Using all I've gathered in my years studying the First World War and the July Crisis in particular, I give you my...
2017-05-18 00:05:01 +0000 UTC View Post
We continue our trifecta of TALKS for this period with a detailed look at everything Boer and wonderful. After the remastered two-parter which you of course listened to, this guy right here should prove a great accompaniment, even if it is 5 years old! Thanksss!
[PATRONS] Remember to tweet me and let me know you enjoyed the episode! @wdfpodcast Be sure to tell people that you support me, and that you are a proud member of the WDF family - history friends unite! Let's get...
2017-05-18 00:04:01 +0000 UTC View Post
[PATRONS] Welcome back to part 2, as the Boers unleash the expected torrent upon the British, and all does not go according to plan, for anyone. In the end, only one power could be standing in the region, but just what were the Germans up to? Or is that the Russians? See here, and thanksss Patrons!
Remember to tweet me and let me know you enjoyed the episode! @wdfpodcast Be sure to tell people that you support me, and that you are a proud member of the WDF family - histo...
2017-05-18 00:03:01 +0000 UTC View Post
[PATRONS] Welcome to the Boer War, where hopefully I'll pronounce things right this time around! Thanksss for tuning in, and I hope you haven't been scared off by the content yet! I for one am really enjoying this foray back in time to the era of the Scramble for Africa, when not a Boer nor a Zulu nor a Brit was safe!
Remember to tweet me and let me know you enjoyed the episode! @wdfpodcast Be sure to tell people that you support me, and that you are a proud member of th...
2017-05-18 00:02:01 +0000 UTC View Post
[PATRONS] Anne stays with us for an important rundown on the varied events of podcasting. Anne asks me some interesting questions, which for the most part I wasn't expecting! Where did the name When Diplomacy Fails come from? Do I worry that people will see WDF and connect the dots to Mark Maron if you know what I mean? We get into it all here, and connect the dots together, rounding out what was a really enjoyable conversation, so hopefully it will be just as good to listen to. Remember you can...
2017-05-18 00:01:01 +0000 UTC View Post
[PATRONS] The podcast reviewer extraordinaire joins us for a fun and detailed collaboration as we talk through a number of interesting points. The world of history podcasting comes under our microscope, and Anne [pronounced "AW-NUH"] lets us in on his view of it all. Anne has been around the block, and began talking about history podcasting waaay before it was what it is today. His podcast review blog can be found here: http://an...
2017-05-18 00:00:01 +0000 UTC View Post
[PATRONS] The Crimean War doesn't change, so why should we? Have a listen right here to find out what happens when two bestos talk themselves silly about the geopolitical situation of the 1850s, and whether people really were that careless with men's lives after all. Thanksss!
Remember to tweet me and let me know you enjoyed the episode! @wdfpodcast Be sure to tell people that you support me, and that you are a proud member of the WDF family - history friends unite! Let'...
2017-05-17 23:59:01 +0000 UTC View Post
[PATRONS] Welcome to part 2, where we examine the terrible events which characterized the war, as well as the international moves which were made that brought it to the next level. Thanksss!
Remember to tweet me and let me know you enjoyed the episode! @wdfpodcast Be sure to tell people that you support me, and that you are a proud member of the WDF family - history friends unite! Let's get the word out to as many peoples as possible! You guys are all awesome - happy bir...
2017-05-17 23:58:01 +0000 UTC View Post
[PATRONS] Welcome back to this era, which I have to say is probably one of my personal favourites. I thought that much remained here for me to revisist the first time around, so here I am with a fresh perspective and a lot of sad horses. Thanksss Patrons!
Remember to tweet me and let me know you enjoyed the episode! @wdfpodcast Be sure to tell people that you support me, and that you are a proud member of the WDF family - history friends unite! Let's get the word out to ...
2017-05-17 23:57:01 +0000 UTC View Post