The History of WWII Podcast
Episodes
Episode 220-An Interview with Lyuba Vinogradova: Defending the Motherland
25 Apr 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Vinogradova comes back to the show to discuss her latest book, Defending the Motherland: The Soviet Women Who Fought Hiter's Aces. This episode's ...
Episode 219-When Diplomacy Fails
24 Apr 2018
Contributed by Lukas
As the various issues with attacking Pearl Harbor are overcome, the Japanese Military evades telling the truth to Emperor Hirohito and PM Konoye. And ...
Episode 218-Pearl Harbor: The Strongest Fortress in the World
20 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Washington and Tokyo continue their diplomatic dance but neither side is willing to give in. The Americans have broken the Japanese Diplomatic cypher ...
Episode 217-Japan: Do or Die
05 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
With Washington and Tokyo trying to bend the other to its will, President Roosevelt seeks to strangle Japan's aggression in China with a trade blockad...
Episode 216-The World Goes to War
12 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Chiang Kai-Shek struggles to keep China in the war, knowing the Soviet-German Non Aggression Pact can not last. The question is what will Japan do, on...
Episode 215: Collision Course, the Road to Pearl Harbor.
05 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Having chased Chiang Kai-Shek back to Chongqing, the Japanese Empire is still unable to get him to surrender. So, on to Chongqing it is, but events in...
214-Betrayal, the Burma Road and The Battle of Nomonhan
29 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Chiang Kai-Shek starts over, again, in Chongqing, as the Japanese military seek to deny him the east coast. First Canton will fall, then other port ci...
213-The 2nd Sino-Japanese War: The Fall of Wuhan
24 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Chiang Kai-Shek is staking everything on his defense of Wuhan. As such, the various Japanese forces attempt to encircle the city. Chiang throws everyt...
212-The Massacre of Nanjing
15 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
As Chiang Kai-Shek moves his capital and military Head Quarters west and Hideki Tojo becomes directly involved in the war to the north, the Japanese t...
Episode 211-The End of the Battle of Shanghai
08 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Chiang Kai-Shek's forces are barely holding out. But when a second enemy Expeditionary Force lands, it spells the end of Shanghai's freedom. Stalin ag...
Episode 210-China's Lost Battalion
10 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
The Japanese Expeditionary Force continues to push south to gain access to Shanghai. Meanwhile, Chiang Kai-Shek's nationalist troops continue to retre...
Episode 209-Dark Days for Chiang Kai-Shek
04 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
The Chinese Nationalists are loosing the battle of Shanghai. Yet, Chiang has to hold on as the League of Nations will soon be discussing the conflict....
Episode 208-The Battle of Shanghai: Japanese Reinforcements
04 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
The Japanese Expeditionary forces set the stage for a much larger attack, once their reinforcements arrive. The plan is to cut Shanghai off from any a...
Episode 207-Shanghai Becomes Chiang Kai-Shek's Stalingrad
30 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
The Chinese Nationalist forces have pulled back from the coast, yet are determined to establish their own Maginot Line. But as both sides have reinfor...
Episode 206-Interview with Dr. Lyuba Vinogradova about her book Avenging Angels: The Young Women of the Soviet Union's WWII Sniper Corps
20 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Lyuba Vinogradova discusses her research and the resulting book that covers the young women of Stalin's USSR, who are conscripted to the Sniper Co...
Episode 205-Chiang Kai-Shek's Pyrrhic Victory
16 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Chiang Kai Shek and his ordinary soldiers are more determined than ever to defend Shanghai in 1937. However, the officers in the middle, due to their ...
Episode 204-The Japanese Empire Doubles Down in Shanghai
10 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
The Japanese invasion of Shanghai, nor their desire to teach the Chinese a lesson, is moving forward fast enough for Tokyo. So when the Expeditionary ...
Episode 203-Shanghai: The Dominance of Japanese Air and Sea Power
03 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
The Japanese are unloading men and material at a frustratingly slow rate, due to the tides. Until they are ready to launch their assault, their navy a...
Episode 202-The Battle of Shanghai Part 2
15 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
The Japanese bring reinforcements to Shanghai as their marines are bogged down by Chiang Kai-Shek's best troops. Meanwhile, retired US Army Air Force ...
Episode 201-The Battle of Shanghai, Part 1
09 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Chiang Kai-Shek decides that the time has come to openly fight back against Japan. His chosen site is the port city of Shanghai. Both sides build up t...
Episode 200-The Marco Polo Bridge Incident
01 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Japanese forces bring war to the China main land. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 199-The Pacific Theatre-Prologue Sino-Japanese Relations
23 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
As we officially begin the Pacific Theatre, this episode covers the building tension between The Japanese Empire, dominated by the military and the Ch...
Episode 198-The Beginning of the Big Three
18 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
President Roosevelt sends Harry Hopkins, again to London, to set up a meeting between himself and Churchill. The U.S. still seems far from entering th...
Episode 197-The Beginning of the Final Solution
12 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Nazi Germany launches its war against the USSR. As such, FDR hopes Germany's attention will slacken on the Atlantic. Yet, if Soviet Russia collapses, ...
Episode 196-Stalin: Lenin's Protege
11 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
The Great War is over, but the Allies don't know what to do with Russia. So, the german troops in Russian territory are ordered to remain where they a...
Episode 194-Interview with Sally Mott Freeman about her book: The Jersey Brothers
03 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
With us is Sally Mott Freeman as we discuss her book, The Jersey Brothers: A Missing Naval Officer in the Pacific and His Family's Quest to Bring Him ...
Episode 195-The Beginnings of Pearl Harbor
03 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
As Hitler tries to lower the tension between the U.S. and Nazi Germany, the opposite is happening between the Japanese Empire and the U.S. As such Adm...
Episode 193-Churchill and Chiang Kai-Shek, FDR’s Warriors
29 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
President Roosevelt wins a third term, but the American people still refuse to commit to war. Meanwhile, FDR has to find a way to help the Chinese and...
Episode 192-Hitler’s Reaction to Lend lease and FDR’s Third Term
20 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
President Franklin Roosevelt succeeds in his 3rd term attempt and with the passage of Lend Lease, Hitler knows the war will be prolonged. His answer t...
Episode 191: Lenin's Cruelty, Stalin's Ambition
14 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
With the Kaiser's forces coming ever closer to Petrograd and Moscow, many Russians lose confidence in Lenin and his Bolsheviks. As such, no party memb...
Episode 190-The Axis Powers and their New World Order
07 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Nazi Germany is not the only threat to U.S. peace as the Empire of Japan continues its attacks against China. Meanwhile President Roosevelt pulls out ...
Episode 189-Roosevelt's Secret War against Hitler
30 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
As the Nazi menace grows across Europe, President Roosevelt knows that America will be threatened one day. His best plan for keeping the United States...
Episode 188-The Great War, Brest-Litovsk and Lenin's Retreat
16 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Lenin's Bolsheviks pull Russia out of the Great with the Brest Litovsk Treaty, but the Imperial German Army keeps advancing towards Petrograd, because...
Episode 187-Interview with Scott Miller
27 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Mr. Miller's latest book, Agent 110: An American Spymaster and the German Resistance in WWII, covers America's attempt to build an espionage network a...
Episode 186-The Battle for Norway, Vidkun Quisling and the North Sea
05 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This episode covers the naval battles between the British Royal Navy and the Kriegsmarine just prior to the Battle of Norway. It also touches on the O...
Episode 185-The Pacific Theatre-MacArthur's Retreat
25 Feb 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Back with us are Bob Drury and Tom Clavin, authors of Lucky 666: The Impossible Mission. Today we discuss, the Pacific Theatre in general and MacArthu...
Episode 184-The Question of Peace, Lenin and Stalin versus Trotsky
05 Feb 2017
Contributed by Lukas
As Lenin deflects others trying to take control of Revolutionary Russia, his Bolshevik Central Committee has to deal with the Central Powers and the G...
Episode 182-Churchill and Hitler Race for Norway, Episode 183-Stalin: Lenin's Mouthpiece
29 Jan 2017
Contributed by Lukas
With neither side trusting the other, both the Allies and Nazi Germany ready plans to invade Norway. For Episode 183, Lenin again proves he's a force ...
Episode 180: Sea Battles, Death at Scapa Flow. Ep 181-The Rule of Lenin and the Bolsheviks
15 Jan 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Commodore Donitz, in charge of the German submarines, plans a daring raid against the British battleships in Scapa Flow. In Episode 181, Lenin and the...
Episode 179-Flashback: The Battle of the Atlantic Begins
07 Jan 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Backing up a bit, we begin the story of the battle for the Atlantic, as German U-boats attempt to starve Britain into submission. Meanwhile, the U.S. ...
Episode 177-Rommel Retreats, The End of Operation Crusader Ep 178-Lenin's Pillars: Stalin and Trotsky
11 Dec 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Gen. Rommel keeps winning battles but losses men and tanks, that are not replaced. Meanwhile, British 8th Army, refuses to give up, each time it's bea...
Episode 175-Rommel knows Best Episode 176-Stalin steps in for Lenin
14 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Ep 175-As Gen. Rommel sends his panzers to surprise the British 8th Army near the Frontier Wire, Gen. Cunningham's forces finally reach Tobruk to help...
Episode 174-Lucky 666: The Impossible Mission by Bob Drury and Tom Clavin
23 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Our guests today are writers Bob Drury and Tom Clavin to discuss their latest book, Lucky 666-The Impossible Mission. Mavericks or "Screw ups" Jay Zea...
Episode 172-Rommel readies for Success Ep 173-Lenin's Civil War
09 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Acting on misinformation, both generals, Rommel and Cunningham make plans for the next day, hoping to wipe out the other's armor. Yet Rommel is in a m...
Episode 170-Crusader Part 4 Rommel Rises to the Occasion & Episode 171 Lenin comes Home
28 Aug 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Ep 170-As Operation Crusader goes forward Gen. Cunningham feels confident as his tanks make it close to Tobruk. However Rommel feels threatened, even ...
Episode 168-Opearation Crusader Part 3 & Episode 169-Stalin and The Great War
14 Aug 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Gen. Auchinleck's Operation Crusader is finally launched, but Rommel does not react as predicted as his focus is still on taking Tobruk. AND Tsar Nich...
Episode 167-Operation Crusader Part 2
02 Aug 2016
Contributed by Lukas
The British Western Desert Army is transformed into the 8th British Army proper. C in C ME Auchinleck has tapped Gen. Sir Alan Cunningham to lead it. ...
Episode 166-Lenin's Gift to Stalin
23 Jul 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Stalin will endure several more arrests, but while in exile, Lenin will maneuver to have Koba made a member of the newly created Bolshevik Central Com...
Episode 164-Lenin's Trigger Man
12 Jul 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Stalin is newly married, but has little time for his wife and soon to arrive child. He is still focused on the Marxism revolution and his rise in the ...
Episode 165-Meanwhile back in North Africa-Operation Crusader Part 1
09 Jul 2016
Contributed by Lukas
With a new commander in the Middle East, Churchill wants the war against Rommel renewed, but C in C Auchinleck has his own ideas. Yet the Desert Fox w...
Episode 163-Stalin: Family Man
16 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Young Stalin begins to the learn of the wider world of international politics and the intrigues that comes with it. Lenin his hero, does not measure u...
Episode 162-The Winter Fortress Interview with Neal Bascomb
03 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In early 1942, the U.S. and Great Britain work together to develop the Atomic Bomb, but London needs to make sure Nazi Germany doesn't get there first...
Episode 161-Stalin Bio Part 5
19 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Stalin, the young revolutionary, stumbles and is on the outs with the Georgian Social Democratic Worker's Party. Yet, after making another mistake, he...
Episode 160-Leningrad under Siege, Part 2 Unarmed for War
27 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Leningraders volunteer in such numbers that the Stavka orders several divisions to be organized, to resist the German invaders. Yet the men are thrown...
Episode 159-Stalin Bio Part 4-The Rise of Koba
19 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Ioseph Jughashvili, AKA Stalin, leaves the seminary under mysterious circumstances. Following the path of his mentor Lado Ketskhoveli, Soso becomes a ...
Episode 158- Leningrad Under Siege
12 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
The people of Leningrad take an affront to Nazi Germany invading their country. The men volunteer in droves for military service, the women are sent o...
Episode 157-Stalin Bio Part 3
07 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Young Stalin begins the process of moving away from the Seminary and towards the life of a revolutionary. The picture is of Marx and Engels. Learn m...
Episode 156-Stalin Strikes Back
29 Feb 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Army Group South continues pressing closer towards the Soviet Capital. But General Secretary Stalin and General Zhukov attempt to defy the invaders. T...
Episode 155-Stalin Bio 2
21 Feb 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Sixteen year old Soso (Stalin) enters the Tiflis Theological Seminary, on his way to becoming a priest. But what the boy may not know is that, he has ...
Episode 154-The Spires of Moscow
15 Feb 2016
Contributed by Lukas
With the mud now frozen hard, Army Group Center advances on Moscow, deciding the weak link is just to the NW of the city. This guess proves correct. A...
Episode 153-Stalin Bio 1
08 Feb 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Stalin, the future Soviet leader is born, far from Moscow and begins his provincial life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoic...
Episode 152-Operation Typhoon: Behind the Lines
18 Jan 2016
Contributed by Lukas
This episode, narrated Tim Martin, of the newly launched Valiant: Stories of Heroes Podcast, covers Guderian's dash to Tula. Ray will be back next tim...
Episode 151-Operation Typhoon Part 2
09 Jan 2016
Contributed by Lukas
OKH Chief Franz Halder makes plans for a modest end to 1941 for Operation Barbarossa, but Hitler overrides him and orders the capture of Moscow, befor...
Episode 150-Operation Typhoon
21 Dec 2015
Contributed by Lukas
The Germans smash through the latest Soviet Defensive lines. The 4th Panzer Group, along with Gen. Kluge's 4th Army now have men just 128 KM or 80 mil...
Episode 149-The March to Moscow Part 3
19 Dec 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Having shattered the Russian defensive line at Viaz'ma, the Germans expand on their ambitious attack plans, attacking to the north and south of the ma...
Episode 148-The March on Moscow Part 2
12 Dec 2015
Contributed by Lukas
The Germans and Russians clash to the west of Moscow. But within mere days, the Soviet's three Fronts are either destroyed or encircled. The road to M...
Episode 147-The March to Moscow, Part 1
05 Dec 2015
Contributed by Lukas
With Leningrad cut off and the far South stabilized, Hitler has decreed that the time has come to launch Operation Typhoon, Nazi Germany's attack agai...
Episode 146-The Siege of Leningrad Part 3, Slugfest
28 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Hitler has renewed the drive to Moscow, Operation Typhoon, and needs the panzers from Army Group North. Which means, Leningrad needs to be cut off fro...
Episode 145-The Siege of Leningrad Part 2
27 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Leeb, commander of Army Group North launches his last major assault before having to turn over most of his motorized units to Army Group Center, as it...
Episode 144-The Siege of Leningrad Part 1
14 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
The Germans come ever closer to Leningrad, so Stalin sends his best general to cope, Zhukov. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/ad...
Episode 143-The Road to Moscow
07 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Army Group Center makes its way East, past Minsk and now on to Smolensk. But waiting for them is the largest Soviet counter attack, to date. Meanwhile...
Episode 142- Douglas Waller Interview
24 Oct 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Douglas Waller's latest book, Disciples: The World War II Missions of the CIA Directors Who Fought for Wild Bill Donovan. OSS Agents penetrate Nazi Ge...
Episode 141-Stalin's Mistake
27 Sep 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Stalin's lack of military training causes his country to loose everything to the South, west of the Dnieper River. The German Panzers race east and ma...
Episode 140-Of Two Minds
20 Sep 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Marshal Mannerheim of Finland agrees to attack towards Leningrad and around Lake Ladoga, but not much more than that. Learn more about your ad choic...
Episode 139-Finland: Ally to the North
12 Sep 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Hitler manages to bring Finland into his attack against Soviet Russia, but the Finns are mostly concerned with recapturing lost land. Like the three A...
Episode 138-Trading Punches
05 Sep 2015
Contributed by Lukas
The Panzers come ever closer to Leningrad, though losing men and machines along the way. Meanwhile, Army Group Center moves toward the Dvina River. As...
Episode 137-All Good Deeds
29 Aug 2015
Contributed by Lukas
The German invaders are now in Russia, proper and are still advancing, but suffer heavier than expected losses. But in SE Russia, the Soviet 6th and 1...
Episode 136-The Fall of Minsk
21 Aug 2015
Contributed by Lukas
The three German Army Groups advance further into Russia, but Army Group Center has has the most success. Perhaps some of its panzers should be turned...
Episode 135-Russia is never as strong as she looks; nor as weak as she looks
16 Aug 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Now that Operation Barbarossa had been launched, Hilter attempts to convince the world that this battle is only in the defense of Nazi Germany. That S...
Episode 134-Reactions to Barbarossa
09 Aug 2015
Contributed by Lukas
The leaders of the combatant countries react to Nazi Germany invading Soviet Russia. We also cover Army Group North and South's initial assaults. Le...
Episode 133-It Has Begun
24 Jul 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Before the sun rises on June 22, 1941, Nazi Germany unleashes Operation Barbarossa, its attack on Soviet Russia and Stalin. Learn more about your ad c...
Episode 132-Operation Barbarossa
11 Jul 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Earlier than most people think, Hilter started planning his war against Soviet Russia and Stalin. Operation Barbarossa begins to take shape during the...
Episode 131-Third Time's the Charm
18 Jun 2015
Contributed by Lukas
FDR comes through his third election and the British are expectant. Yet there are still hurdles to overcome. But eventually, the president comes up wi...
Episode 130-Sleight of Hand
08 Jun 2015
Contributed by Lukas
President Roosevelt continues his struggle against Congress and the Isolationists in trying to help the Allies. France falls from the fight. Learn m...
Episode 129-Lend Lease
03 Jun 2015
Contributed by Lukas
It becomes apparant to the U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt that Britian and France are going to need American war material and financial assistance ...
Episode 128-The end of Wavell, Battle Axe and Exporter
16 May 2015
Contributed by Lukas
With the failure of Operation Battle Axe and the bloody victory in Syria, Churchill finally rids himself of C in C Gen. Archibald Wavell. And wants hi...
Episode 127-Operation Battle Axe
09 May 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Though Operation Exporter is stalled, Operation Battle Axe is launched. Yet the British attack plans are not very creative and Rommel can hear most of...
Episode 126-Operation Exporter, Part 2
04 May 2015
Contributed by Lukas
The Allies come up against stiff French (Vichy) resistence in Syria and Lebanon. But that was just to set up the counter attack, which commenced on Ju...
Episode 125-Operation Exporter
19 Apr 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Churchill and the Free French get their way, Vichy controlled Syria will be invaded. But C in C Wavell's Middle East Command is stretched as it is, re...
Episode 124- The End of Crete
03 Apr 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Here is the last episode of the Battle of Crete. The Allies never contested for air superiority and thus the Germans were able to constantly push them...
Episode 123- Crete Part 4
18 Mar 2015
Contributed by Lukas
The Allied defense under Gen. Freyberg continues to back pedal on Crete. Meanwhile Adm. Cunningham continues to lose ships, although the land battle i...
Episode 122: Crete Part 3
14 Mar 2015
Contributed by Lukas
The Allied counter attack faulters, which allows the Germans to land more troops at Maleme. The Royal Navy is doing what it can, but suffering for it....
Episode 121- Crete: Part II
01 Mar 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Gen. Student tries to figure out how to salvage the disaster that has befallen his airborne troops, during that first day of Operation Mercury. 1,800 ...
Episode 120-Crete, Part 1
14 Feb 2015
Contributed by Lukas
The Germans begin, Operation Mercury, their attack on the island, to further confuse Russia and keep the British away from Hitler's oil fields. Yet as...
Episode 119-Churchill, 1932
05 Feb 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Back by popular demand! Winston S. Churchill. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 118-Operation Brevity, Iraq and Crete
01 Feb 2015
Contributed by Lukas
C in C M.E. Wavell gives into pressure from Churchill to attack Rommel, before the tanks and planes of Convoy Tiger can be off loaded. Next, the situa...
Episode 117-Tobruk and Iraq
10 Jan 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Rommel is ready to have another crack at Tobruk, but Berlin is focused on Operation Barbarossa. Yet, Rommel gets permission to move ahead and finish o...
Episode 116-The Axis Tide
27 Dec 2014
Contributed by Lukas
German forces complete their conquest of the Greek mainland. Meanwhile Rommel shocks the British led forces in North Africa. Learn more about your ad ...
Episode 115-Operation Marita Part III
14 Nov 2014
Contributed by Lukas
The Germans continue to drive south, the Greeks throw in the towell and the Allies make plans to evacuate. But wanting more Gen. Von List of the Germa...
Episode 114-Operation Marita, Part 2
07 Nov 2014
Contributed by Lukas
The Alikmon Line is breached, the Allies fall back. But the German forces are right behind them all the way. Greek General Papagos believes the end of...