20 The Secret WWII Scramble for Saudi Oil episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 6, 2026 · 19 MIN

20 The Secret WWII Scramble for Saudi Oil

from Crude Ambition: This is the story of power · host By Seven Media

In the middle of World War Two, America's top geologist looks at the Saudi desert and declares the age of American oil dominance is over. This is the episode where presidents draw maps on napkins, kings sleep in tents on warships, and a bureaucrat tries to nationalize an entire oil company to stop the British from stealing it. FDR gives Ibn Saud his spare wheelchair. Churchill insults the king with perfume and cigars. Two meetings, two very different futures - and the birth of the alliance that still shapes the world today.

NOW PLAYING

20 The Secret WWII Scramble for Saudi Oil

0:00 19:11

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Crude Ambition: This is the story of power?

This episode is 19 minutes long.

When was this Crude Ambition: This is the story of power episode published?

This episode was published on April 6, 2026.

What is this episode about?

In the middle of World War Two, America's top geologist looks at the Saudi desert and declares the age of American oil dominance is over. This is the episode where presidents draw maps on napkins, kings sleep in tents on warships, and a bureaucrat...

Can I download this Crude Ambition: This is the story of power episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.
URL copied to clipboard!