History Pondered and Explored

The Triangle fire happened on March 25, 1911. It was the deadliest workplace disaster in New York for nearly a century. This wasn.t the first garment factory fire in NYC at that time. In fact the owners of the Triangle had several previous fires, almost always coinciding with then end of the fashion season, when having leftover inventory was bad for business.Several decades prior to the fire, such fire safety innovations (sprinklers, fire doors and many more) and been effectively put into action in New England cotton mills, the use of such innovations was rare in the garment factories of NYC at the time. Fires tended to get paid off by insurance, insurance brokers found ways to make money despite the fires and the political machine Tammany Hall certainly was not helping matters.Yet a series of very unlikely events made the aftermath of the Triangle Fire different. Women union organizers, such as Clara Lemlich, and politicians, such as Francis Perkins, who became the first woman US cabinet member, as Secretary of Labor, through continued hard work and resilience, were able to influence Tammany Hall help push through laws in NYC. These were laws such as child labor laws , minimum wage laws, working hours laws and the right for women to vote.These laws moved from New York onto the rest of the U.S.The high levels of corruption, grifting and graft were minimized to the extent possible, at least for the time being.#History #trianglefire #suffragists #America

One of the most important battles of all time. But was it really the beginning of Western Civilization? The battle pitted the city-state of Athens vs the one super power at the time-Persia. Up to 490 BC, the Persians virtually never lost, especially against any Greek city states.The Persians had a professional army whereas the Athenians only had the Hoplites, heavy infantry mostly used against other Greek city-states. The Athenians were outnumbered at least 2-1 and more likely outnumbered way more than that.So how in the world did the Athenians win? And what about the claim that, after this battle, Western Civilization began?Tune in and find out. Also go to History_Pondered on Insta to see the battle site and so much more!#History #Battle #Greeks #ancient

The finale of this epic saga! The fascinating and at times, almost unbelievable stories of the initial SAS. Audacious, clever, brave, sometimes reckless and nonchalant, but just packed with incredible stories and people. In particular, Jock Lewes, Paddy Mayne and David Stirling. They are the type of stories that for the TV series made from the book- Rogue Heroes, the History of the SAS- certain actual events were toned down as it was thought the viewing public might not believe these events actually happened. But they did!#History #WW2 #SAS #rogueheroes #Britain

The SAS- Special Air Service- who saw that something had to be done in the deserts of North Africa to change the course of WW2 in favor of the Allies. Ingenuity, tragedy, bravery and nonchalance were among the many ingredients, that together, created not only the SAS, but the concept of modern day Special Forces.The exploits of the initial SAS, starting in July 1941 created many myths and legends. The actual stories are more unbelievable than the myths. The SAS made the impossible probable and the unthinkable doable.Their motto: Who Dares Wins- tells a lot about this incredible group. But there is so much more in this epic and fascinating storyThis episode, in its entirety was created by me. Roberto. Research, writing, editing, the music, the lot

Just a few years after the Korean War became a frozen conflict, a military coup came to power in South Korea. Nearly 20 years later, another military coup came to power. During these years, while "The Miracle of the Han River" greatly increased the industrialization and commercialization of the country- due in part as with similar "miracles" of the past- the influx of outside finance. This miracle came at a cost for many South Koreans, especially those in South Jeolla Province, where the city of Gwangju was situated at the time. Couple this with decades of alleged human rights oppression and marginalization, a seemingly routine protest and demonstration, quickly turns into something else entirely.An experience that many of the citizens found difficult to express. An experience that could not be openly expressed for years because of the continued political situation.The experience, if survived, made the nation take notice, eventually leading to the democratization of the country.A key source for this episode is the book - The Gwangju Uprising- the Pivotal Democratic Movement That Changed the History of Modern Korea, by Choi Jungwoon as translated by Yu Young-nan. The episode was also influenced by the novel- Human Acts- by Han Kang and the movie "A Taxi Driver" directed by Jang Hoon. These sources all show how ordinary people may react in the face of state v1olenceProduced, researched and created by Roberto. All music by Roberto#democracy #korea #history @hankang @jangboon @choijungwoon

Hard to believe but before the Mona Lisa was stolen, it was viewed as a fine example of Italian Renaissance Art- especially by the intelligentsia and some of the artists in Paris. Others, if they even went into the Louvre, may have likely walked past it or given it a quick look. It was tucked away in a gallery amongst many other paintings.In 1911 the Mona Lisa was stolen. In part due to its relatively diminutive size, which made it much easier to abscond into the streets of Paris.For two years, the painting was missing. The newspapers in Europe and then North America were awash with stories of the theft, the bungling of the security, and almost any other thing the papers could come up with to feed the frenzy of the public.In 1913, it was recovered and the thief caught, which started the stories up to a new frenzy and new heights of story telling.Only the sinking of the Titanic in 1912 and later, the beginnings and rumblings regarding WW1 could keep the Mona Lisa out of the papers.

Theirs is not to reason why, theirs is but to do and die. From the poem the Charge of the Light Brigade, by Alfred, Lord Tennyson. These two lines are probably the most famous lines from the poem and likely famous across the world due to the bravery inferred by the British Light Brigade Calvary in the Crimean War. Yet in the same stanza, there is the line- Someone had blundered.The takeaway from the poem is primarily the bravery and yet the statement is made- someone blundered. Was the Charge a case of Lions led by donkeys? If so, who were the donkeys? Who blundered?Tune in for the rest of the story of the valiant charge along with the somewhat ludicrous leaders that ordered the charge.#Crimeanwar #History #England #France #Russia

In a word- Mussolini. Obviously there is more to it than that yet what put him and kept him in power was very ineffective when it came to major military operations.World War I showed the world that war was now conducted on an industrial scale with industry and innovation necessary to even think about being in a big operation.Chaos, confusion and propaganda can be helpful components of such an operation but you have to have the capability to back it up. You have to have short term and long term planning. Consideration of supply and training and reserves is needed.Some of the other major powers that entered World War II understood all of this better than others, there was still learning to do with regard to planning, operations and industrialization turning into military might.Italy and Mussolini learned only when it was way to late. While some of his planners made plain that Italy was not yet prepared and would not be for years, that message did not make at difference...at first...but within just a few years, that message came back loud and clear...when it was way too late

The Elizabethan age, Shakespeare, "this is England", it is a fair question to ponder- how much did Elizabeth have to do with the glory her reign seems to have.One of her goals was her own survival and this she achieved. Given the circumstance, that was a difficult goal to achieve so good for her. And yet, how come there is so little talk about the disaster that was the English Armada? In fact, how much did the English have to do with the defeat of the Spanish Armada - the first one...there were several.Her sister had the sobriquet of Bloody Mary....and the same could have been given to Elizabeth. In fact her methods lived up to the name whereas Mary should have been Fiery, Smokey or maybe AshyHow was her policy to the Irish...not good. Mary Queen of Scots, and the Rising of the North- Elizabeth did win out on that tune in and find out if she lived up to the billing#england #history #tudors #scotland #france

Honestly, she should have been called Smokey, or Ashy or even Fiery Mary. It was Elizabeth who should have been called Bloody based her methods of riddance. Mary accused many of heresy which gets a very proscribed method in which that person is "taken care of"Mary got a bad rap due to her circumstances and her sister and others propaganda. However, she did not always help her self PR wise. That and many of the paintings of her make her look like she is barely holding her anger in. She also married someone that she probably should not have.This episode is presented in a format of the times of lightness for Mary and the times of darkness. Much more dark times#tudor #Bloodymary #history #England

You likely know Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, maybe even Bloody Mary, but who has heard of Edward VI? The only Tudor that might be less known is Edward's grandfather, Henry VII.Even during Edward's reign, he was often overshadowed by two guys, both of which made themselves Dukes. The first was the Duke of Somerset. He set himself up as the power during Edward's early reign, which started when Edward was 9 years old. Somerset was eventually outplayed by another self created Duke, the Duke of Northumberland. This duke had his son marry Lady Jane Grey and then tried to make her the queen once Edward was no longer. It is often said that Edward agreed to this or that it was even his idea. About suspicious regardless as The Tudors would be no more while the Dudleys (Northumberland) would become the dynasty.This also means Edward was attempting to take his sisters out of the line of succession.While Edward plays a pretty minor role, the intrigues during his reign are very intriguing and fascinating.The entire production and all music is done by me

When English Kings are thought of, it is likely Henry VIII that comes to mind. A fascinating and intriguing story, no doubt, yet one that typically venerates and perhaps denigrates Henry at the same time. There are the 6 wives of course. Sometimes he gets credit (undue) for the English Reformation.Henry seems to get a pass or excuses for his behavior or blunders by some historians. He was handed the kingdom on a platter, flush with money thanks to his dad, Henry VII. By definition, sovereigns are entitled but Henry VIII takes it to the extreme. The only people that did not immediately do what he said, including Anne Boleyn, got the block.Produced, written and edited by Roberto. All music by RobertoKey words: Tudors, England, History, Kings, Henry VII

The Tudor dynasty - With about the thinnest possible claim to the throne, Henry Tudor, who had many tragedies and adventures BEFORE he becomes king, does indeed become King. An incredibly engaging and thought provoking story from history that is often forgotten. Discover and explore the story of Henry Tudor, who not only won the crown on the battlefield at Bosworth Field, he also ended the War of the Roses and stabilized England. In fact, when Henry VII was born, it would have been absurd to even think he would some day become king and yet today, the Tudors are the most well known English dynasty. Henry Tudor's story is fascinating history.#history #Tudors #England #engaginghistory

The Emu War- Australia 1932. What started out as a great gesture, giving land to farm to returning WW1 veterans, turned into an unfortunate situation with a ridiculous solution. This was the time of The Great Depression and a time in the Campion region of Australia whose farmers, those veterans, were suffering financial. It probably did not help that they land these veterans was called marginal. Yet the crucial element became the destruction caused by the Emu. The emu, indigenous to Australia, are the second largest bird on earth. They had pretty consistent migration patterns until this land was opened up. To the emu it was a cornucopia, new and easy resources- water and food. However, given the difficulties already sustained with farming the land, these farmers reached out to the Australian government. The response- send 3 from the military with two Lewis guns and get rid of the birds...this effort was not successful as the military had to withdraw.The Pastry War- Mexico was in the midst of gaining their independence from Spain. This time was fraught with many internal struggles. Bandits and others were looting private property and no one was doing anything about it. However, some residents from France reached out to the French King...including a pastry chef....from their French ships sailed to Mexico. Tune in to find out all that happened on History Pondered and Explored#history #australia #mexico #france #emu #emuwar #pastrywar

At least 8 movies have been made about the Alamo. This is the battle, the siege, where the Texans lost? Amongst all the game changing events that happened in North America, in about a 20 year period, with the the Alamo kind of in the middle, why is it so legendary, mythologized.What were the other events that occurred? How much territory did the US gain and Mexico lose? All this and more on this weeks episode#alamo #texas #history #mexico

The Plantagenets- what is not to like? A bunch of Henrys, Edwards and Richards....with one John. A rollercoaster ride for the people of England with the Plantagenets. For every Plantagenet King that does what is expected of a medieval king, there is usually another, that is useless.The 100 Years War, Black Plague, Chevauchees, Guts, Glory, Horror.... and the English court finally starts speaking English...what is not to like.Some truly fascinating and epic wins....and failures. This episode stops prior to the War of the Roses as that epic will get its own episode...and, well, it is very complicatedThis podcast has covered the Anglo Saxon Kings and now the Plantagenets. Someday soon will be the Tudors, apparently everyone's favorite English Dynasty. However, for fascination, horror, crazy and fun...and battles...it is hard to beat THE PLANTAGENETS!#history #england #plantagents #fun

Yup, first Benedict Arnold, now with the British and after becoming a turncoat. raided up and down the James River. He did scorched earth policy up and down the river, including the Berkely Plantation, as the owner, Harrison, was a member of the Continental Congress. Benedict reportedly did this because Harrison was a "traitor" Unbelievable. When it came to Richmond, Benedict wrote Thomas Jefferson, telling him that if there was no resistance, no harm would come to Richmond, just let me (Benedict) get all your tobacco and other things we might need. TJ said no. How can you trust Arnold? So Arnold took some stuff and then burned the town.Next, with the American Civil War effectively over and Richmond evacuated, the confederates set fire to Richmond in early April 1865, so that the Union would not get anything. A few days later, Lee surrendered. Meanwhile, the Union was able to put out the fire, which had gone out of control

It is true, the war continued for another 7 days after the siege was won by the Union. But like in a game of chess, when each opponent knows and can see the end game and that a checkmate is inevitable, so too both Grant and Lee had to have seen this.The siege is a prototype for the trenches in WW1.The number of interesting characters at the siege, both honorable and some less so, is fascinating. The siege, so complex and important, seems to be sometimes overlooked compared to other battles. At the end of the day, while there are a few more battles that occur during Lee's retreat, particularly the horrific Sayler's Creek, the Siege is effectively what ends the American Civil War`

One of the most fascinating things discovered is the use, by the English, of the long bow. For a period of time the long bow changed how battles were fought and strategies set.Somewhat ironically, the long bow also helped hasten the end of the chivalric code in the battles of medieval Europe as projectiles rather than hand to hand fighting with swords etc. became of vital importance.Projectiles, of a kind, continue in this matter to this day. However, gun powder saw the end of the effectiveness of the long bowALSO- Edward III big moments. He likened himself to King Arthur and for a good while, he did a great job at it. He won the two battles discussed here and was always great at jousting tourneys.After Crecy, it is his son Edward of Woodstock, who has the next great victory for the English over the FrenchFinally, in old age, Edward, who up to this point was more similar to his grandfather, Ed I, ends up being more like his dad, Ed II, by letting a favorite, in Ed III's case- Alice Perrers, run the roostEnjoy!

Edward the 1st, as medieval English kings go, was awesome. He was the grandfather of Edward III. Edward II, he was about as bad a king as could be. He was Edward III father.From his grandfather, Edward III learned what to do. From his father he learned exactly what not to doThings were very tricky for Edward III during his childhood and teenage years. His mother Queen Isabella, with her lover, Roger Mortimer, betrays Edward II and invade and take over England. So his father is jailed and dies.Edward III does marry Phillipa and the do get along splendidly, at least for a long time. Yet it is when Edward takes out Mortimer that he truly becomes king

The movie star, Hedy Lamarr, once called the most beautiful woman in the world and the composer- the self-titled Bad Boy of Music, George Antheil, did indeed come up with the foundational idea, encoded frequency hopping, now called spread spectrum, from which innovations such as WIFI, Bluetooth and GPS were developed.Believe it or not, the coding and methods similar to encryption were developed by the pair using piano player paper rolls.A player piano is one in which, using the coded rolls, plays itself.Sounds implausible, sounds like a myth, but it is all true

Beaumarchais- his efforts sending badly needed supplies to the colonies in the early days of the American War of Independence were vital in helping the Americans continue against the British.It is even possible that there could have been a different outcome without the help of BeaumarchaisHe was also a spy, a speculator, a libertine, a writer of famous plays- The Barber of Seville; The Marriage of Figaro; - He was an inventor who made pocket watches actually tell time with reliability. He was even instrumental in the creation of copyright laws, which brought him fame but also nearly ruined him.His life was a rollercoaster and his motto should have been- get obsessed, stay obsessed- as once he put his efforts into something, he was all inWithout a doubt, one of the most fascinating, interesting and yet unknown stories, in particular his efforts for the American colonies.You have to hear this to believe it

What was the impact of a very rich noble from France that believed so much in the American War of Independence that he left the easy life behind and risked life and limb to make a difference? What was the impact he really made?Well he made a very large impact and his story is fascinating and daringTune in and find out

Consanguinity is in this episode just as with the previous episode (royals marrying their cousins, roughly speaking)Eleanor's sons revolt against their father, King Henry 2nd of England. Did she lead the revolt? Is she a dark arts kind of person or more golden halo?Does she ever get a moment of peace?Tune in and find out on History Pondered-

Eleanor of Aquitaine: Queen of France and later Queen of England.Let's see: consanguinity (marrying your cousin), yup, that comes up a lot. Excommunication (getting thrown out of the church), that too is pretty common in this story.Is Eleanor a sorceress, messing around with the dark arts and causing all sorts of trouble? Or is she the Golden Legend, who is all powerful despite all the kings and archbishops who try to stand in her way?Or is her story something else entirely? Well, tune in and find out#history, #middleages #france #england #aquitane #myths #legends

After the Battle of Leipzig and Napoleon's defeat, he is exiled. He comes back of course but he meets the Duke of Wellington at Waterloo. This is really the end for Napoleon. Wellington joins the British pantheon of national heroesThe battle itself...the five phases of the battle primarily all go Wellington's way although there are definitely some dicey moments. There is also a French general that marches his troops back and forth and back again....never meeting his opponent....quite hilarious actually

There were real world consequences to this plot, but likely not what you would expect. It reminds one how cultural hysteria, and the reasons for it, can lead to disastrous consequences.The plot twist is one for the ages!Unfortunate and absurd, although still understandable given the relatively recent Gunpowder Plot in England, this story is a fascinating look at the culture of England during the reign of Charles 2nd of England

If his sobriquet does not give it away, this episode sure will! Charles the Bad is the very opposite of chivalry and while he is bad and does bad things, he is the comic book super villain of the 100 years war.. He is the kind whose schemes and shenanigans never work out! Worst still, a King of England and a King of France fall for his same scheme... more than once!In a strange and comical way, he is one of my favorites of the 100 Years War epic. He stands out precisely because he is not chivalric at the height of chivalry. He is the type that does not have loads of books written about him...because he is bad. Check it out

Two women, in Littlehampton UK in the 1920s, have a battle. One of the women starts to send anonymous, obscene libelous letters, which are unintentionally hilarious. for some. Yet serious consequences occur, and Scotland Yard is called in to investigate.One of the women is Edith Swan. She is said to "have a good reputation." The other woman, Rose Gooding, well she is not thought about in the same way.This is a small story that ended up being national news in the UK, and one that gives us a small glimpse into the lives of people....that are not Kings, Queens or generals and all that. All the same, there is more than one battle taking place and this story remains relevant today

Mists of Time, the romance of Camelot, the kingdoms of Mercia, Wessex, Northumbria and so on. Well, that is a clue regarding the question - English Kings? Warlords or kings or warlord kings....does sound not quite Camelot does it? Fear not however. Do to the Mists of Time...and the lack of much in the way of contemporary sources for a portion of the Anglo-Saxon kings, leaves us with mystery, with intrigue and a puzzle.I had a lot of fun with this one and I hope you do too

Coming on the defeat and loss of the Grand Armee in Russia, Napoleon's invincibiliy and his PR machine took a big hit. Closing following on the heels of this defeat, Napoleon put together another Grand Armee, but perhaps this one was more of an "Just Okay" Armee...many young and untested soldiers made up the ranks.At the Battle of Leipzig, this Okay Armee was roundly defeated and soon after, Napoleon was forced to abdicate.He did come back for one more go, for abut 100 days, and The English Army of the Duke of Wellington and the Prussian army decisively defeated Napoleon which ended in his final exileWas Leipzig, following quickly on the heels of the defeat in Russia, really the end of Napoleon? Was Waterloo the takedown of an already defeated man?Tune in and find out#wellington #napoleon #history

This battle lasted nearly all of 1916. France versus Germany. Verdun with its many forts was a symbolic place for France.General Falkenhayn of Germany thought he could end the western front at Verdun. Was he mistaken? Tune in and find out

Did the murder of Franz Ferdinand, the heir to the Austro-Hungarian Empire the event that started the Great War, WW1?That is a question even today 101 years and one week after the armistice that ended the war was signed.This episode, the second of the series, discusses the Victims (Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie), the Conspiracy, which included many more than the killer, the Crime itself, and the Aftermath. With all this, can we finally answer the question?

The murders of Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian empire is often considered the event that sparked the Great War- World War 1. But did it? This question remains even after the armistice was signed, 101 years ago todayIn this first episode Gavrilo Princip (the killer) and the empire are put into frame. Was there more to it than that. Well, on June 28th, 1914, Gavrilo Princip was not the only person on that street with the same intent. Yes, there was a conspiracy afoot! Find out, when I review the some of the pieces of the puzzle

The first month of the war, the Germans swept through Belgium and ran roughshod over the French Army in all battles to date. That was about to change. The leaders of the French, German and British troops were all very fascinating, a bit odd and most quite old. Their character, both good and bad, and how they "attended" to the war, had great impact on what happened not only in the first World War, but perhaps the entire 20th century#WW1 #themarne

So many to choose from. The stories, in turn, may be tragic, horrifying, and kind of funny. Most of the stories are very, very strange. Some of the historical figures - the Oracle of Delphi, Alexander the Great, Richard Nixon and many more...7 more actually. This is an episode to dive into

Are vampires real? Well, lets start with the literary and film history? Where did those ideas come from? Are the graves with stakes in the heart? Yeah. But really, how did this whole thing get started? There are different versions of the undead....mummies, zombies, vampires. But vampires are different. But why? Tune in and find out. Happy October and Halloween

Modernized the horror story. Brought the psychological dread into it. Credited with writing the first detective story with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle himself admitting he as inspired by Poe's detectiveBut who was Edgar Allan Poe? Was it his life experiences that inspired his poems and stories. Did the first biography written about him sully his reputation forever? Nevermore!Tune in and find out. History Pondered. Spotify, Apple, Amazon

A rollercoaster of a story in Part 3 of this series. Unfortunately for Joan, she was not around for the Trial of Rehabilitation. However, her beliefs were so strong and her conviction only really faltering once, Joan likely understood what was going to happen and perhaps remaining true to her beliefs was a better end then being chained to a wall in a men's prison for the rest of her life

Okay! In this second Episode of the epic series, the Siege of Orleans is discussed and Joan of Arc's efforts in the matter. We discuss her getting a full suit of armor, her two banners, and her efforts, due to what her angels tell her to do- to get the Dauphin crowned King of France, in the Cathedral of Reims. Is she successful? If so, why is she later burned at the stake? That question and more is answered in the upcoming Episode 3 of this series

This is a new release of Part 1 on Joan of Arc. Where did she come from? What did she hear and see? What was her mission and was she successful?At about age 13, Joan hears voices and visions. Joan says it is St. Michael and later, St. Catherine and St. Margaret. Were these visions real and what did they tell her? Tune in and find out on History Pondered

Here is the battle. The English army, starving, exhausted and greatly outnumbered by the French. What is the result? There is a slaughter but by whom? Tune in and find out

We few, we happy few, we band of brothers- Henry V- part of his speech courtesy of Shakespeare. This first episode of a two part series provides a brief overview of the 100 Years War, Henry V decision to do a siege on Harfleur....successful but at a cost, his march to Calais, that is interrupted by the French which leads to the Battle of AgincourtWe also touch on the question- why did the English longbow men cut big holes in the back of their pants? A great and needed setup for the actual battle. The actual battle is discussed in Part 2 of this series

Is it wise to put a beheaded head on your saddle? How about trying to hug the moon when drunk? Did someone actual laugh to death? How bad was Charles the Bad? Find out on this and more on this episode of History Offhand#middleages #medieval #unusualdeaths

Johnny Appleseed lived a long and interesting life....or was he just another American folktale? Did he really wear a tin soup bowl for a hat? Did he just walk about throwing apple seeds and not worry at all about the bears nearby? Why did this guy have so many stories, poems and songs written about him?#johnnyappleseed#folktales#americanfolktales

The accusations begin to fly and build up steam. Who were the accusers? Who were the accused? Why the hell didn't anybody stop this?#Witch#Salemwitchtrials#witchtrials

What is the Massachusetts Bay Charter Colony? Think of the soundtrack to the movie "Midsommar" A very religious community / business dealing with:Devastation, Salvation, Starvation, Elitism, War, Predestination, Death by Animals and don't forget...Satan walks among you….at all times#dread #Satan #Salemwitchtrials #didIsaydread #witches#evil #salvation #warDevastation, Salvation, Starvation, Wealth, Elitism, War,Predestination, Killed by Animals, Certainty resting on uncertainty, Scienceand yet Satan walks among you….at all times

So what else was TE Lawrence up to? What was he like as a person outside of his well known exploits during the Arab Revolt?How much did PTSD potentially change the rest of his life? Find out this and more with History Offhand#Lawrenceofarabia

No prisoners...the myth, legend and actual person, TE Lawrence... better known as Lawrence of ArabiaStrategy, tactics, battles...to what extent was Lawrence involved in the Arab Revolt during World War 1? How much killing did he actually do?This episode lets you in on the real Lawrence during the initial phases of his life and WW1#Worldwar1#Lawrenceofarabia

Washington Irving is often recognized as the first American author and influenced authors in America, such as Fenimore Cooper and Edgar Allen Poe, as well as British authors like Charles Dickens.