History's Devils

In Part Two of this two-part History's Devils episode, James and Jayne finish the story of Donald Trump and Vince McMahon by explaining how the psychology of professional wrestling shaped Trump's two presidencies, and altered the way in which American politics operates. Along the way, they discuss the similarities between alternative facts and Kayfabe (wrestling speak for "keeping it fake") and the connections between WWE and the MAGA movement, whilst pondering what a Vince McMahon presidency would look like? Further ReadingRingmaster: Vince McMahon and the Unmaking of AmericaThings to Know About Donald Trump's Relationship with Vince McMahon 00:00 - Introduction: Wrestling psychology in politics02:15 - The concept of kayfabe and its significance05:37 - Projecting success and inflating figures in rallies08:11 - Trump’s manipulation of perceptions and alternate realities13:08 - The use of promos, nickname attacks, and soundbites17:14 - The rise of soundbite politics and social media dominance21:26 - How Trump creates and blends realities with "alternative facts"26:37 - The evolution of Trump's self-image and propaganda portraits29:38 - The distortion of January 6th and the concept of political kayfabe32:43 - The role of audience suspension of disbelief in support36:31 - The spectacle ecosystem: rallies, chaos, and entertainment as political currency40:37 - Pro wrestling, UFC, and the culture of machismo in Trump’s narrative45:15 - The influence of WWE, political endorsements, and celebrity ties50:07 - Hypothetical: Vince McMahon as a president and the wrestling of power50:42 - Episode wrap-up and future reflections on political kayfabeThanks to SOULFULJAMTRACKS for their tune "Dark Halloween"Follow HISTORY's DEVILS On Instagram @historysdevilshttps://www.instagram.com/historysdevils/On Substackhttps://jamescrossland.substack.com/Follow JAMES CROSSLANDOn Bluesky @jamescrossland.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/jamescrossland.bsky.socialTag HISTORY's DEVILS@historysdevils#historysdevils #jamescrossland #darkhistory #weirdhistory #history #historypodcast #historyfacts #didyouknow #storytelling 

SummaryDive into one of the strangest and most revealing alliances in modern history as History’s Devils unpacks the decades-long relationship between Donald Trump and Vince McMahon.In Part One of this two-part series, James and Jayne trace a 40-year connection between the future U.S. president and the controversial boss of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). From glitzy spectacle to behind-the-scenes scandal, they explore how ambition, media manipulation, and controversy fuelled both men’s rise to power.Along the way, the hosts introduce a provocative thesis: to truly understand Donald Trump, you must first understand professional wrestling. Is modern American politics more performance than policy? And did the world of scripted rivalries, crowd psychology, and larger-than-life personas help shape a presidency? Further ReadingRingmaster: Vince McMahon and the Unmaking of AmericaThings to Know About Donald Trump's Relationship with Vince McMahon Chapters 00:00 - Welcome to History’s Devils: Exploring Modern Scoundrels02:07 - The Multi-Dimensional Influence of WWE on Politics04:02 - Trump and McMahon: Masters of Audience Suspension of Disbelief09:20 - Vince McMahon’s Childhood and Persona: Power and Insecurity15:19 - Wrestling Territories, Monopoly, and Ruthless Business Tactics18:05 - The Birth of WrestleMania and Its Cultural Impact22:15 - Scandals, Legal Troubles, and Teflon Resilience28:13 - Trump’s Early Wrestling Ties and the 1980s ‘Greed is Good’ Era31:49 - WrestleMania in Atlantic City: Branding Manipulation36:27 - Trump’s Return to Wrestling in the 2000s and ‘The Apprentice’42:45 - Building the Trump Gimmick: From Wrestler to Reality TV Star52:36 - The 2007 WrestleMania 23 and the ‘Battle of the Billionaires’59:55 - The Final Face-Off and Trump’s Iconic WWE Persona62:09 - Wrestling, Politics, Power, and the Future Landscape Thanks to SOULFULJAMTRACKS for their tune "Dark Halloween"Follow HISTORY's DEVILS On Instagram @historysdevilshttps://www.instagram.com/historysdevils/On Substackhttps://jamescrossland.substack.com/Follow JAMES CROSSLANDOn Bluesky @jamescrossland.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/jamescrossland.bsky.socialTag HISTORY's DEVILS@historysdevils#historysdevils #jamescrossland #darkhistory #weirdhistory #history #historypodcast #historyfacts #didyouknow #storytelling 

This week, James is taking a backseat and letting Paul Bavill (History Rage Podcast) dive into one of the most chilling true crime stories in British history – the poisonous rampage of Mary Ann Cotton. Widely believed to be Britain’s first female serial killer, Cotton was a seemingly ordinary Victorian who woman became known as the infamous “Black Widow,” accused of poisoning those closest to her for financial gain.Set against the grim backdrop of Victorian England, this episode examines the disturbing pattern of deaths that followed Mary Ann Cotton wherever she went, and how life insurance schemes may have motivated her crimes – leaving a legacy that the people of Britain still feel today. A must listen episode for fans of true crime, serial killer stories and tales of Victorian depravation. When you’re done listening to this, check out History Rage Thanks to SOULFULJAMTRACKS for their tune "Dark Halloween"Follow HISTORY's DEVILS On Instagram @historysdevilshttps://www.instagram.com/historysdevils/On Substackhttps://jamescrossland.substack.com/Follow JAMES CROSSLANDOn Bluesky @jamescrossland.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/jamescrossland.bsky.socialTag HISTORY's DEVILS@historysdevils#historysdevils #jamescrossland #darkhistory #weirdhistory #history #historypodcast #historyfacts #didyouknow #storytelling 

In this episode of HISTORY’S DEVILS, host James Crossland is joined by historian, author and scholar of Satan, Mikki Brock to explore the extraordinary life of John Dee, the famed court magician of Elizabeth I.From occult practices and alchemy to conversations with angels - and possibly demons - this episode dives into Dee’s myth-making, confidence tricks, and his role in the intrigues of Queen Elizabeth's court. Discover how Dee’s influence extended from mystical experiments to shaping the idea of the British Empire.Perfect for listeners fascinated by true history, the Elizabethan era, magic and the occult, royal intrigue, and the hidden stories that shaped the modern world.🎙️  Buy Mikki’s Book – https://manchesteruniversitypress.co.uk/9781526160904/ Follow Mikki on Instagram – @historymikki  Further ReadingBenjamin Woolet, The Queen’s Conjurer: The Life and Magic of Dr John Dee (2002)Glynn Parry, The Arch-Conjuror of England: John Dee (2013)   Chapters00:00 Introduction to John Dee: The Man Behind the Mystique02:35 John Dee's Early Life and Education04:45 The Intersection of Mathematics and Magic07:47 Navigating Political Turmoil: Dee's Context11:59 Dee's Relationship with Queen Elizabeth I16:01 Alchemy: The Quest for Gold25:09 Exploration and the Search for Riches29:55 The Vision of a British Empire32:21 The Myth of the British Empire33:26 Mathematics and Navigation34:07 Mirrors, Kabbalah, and Angelic Communication37:05 The Role of Edward Kelly40:59 Adventures and Misadventures in Europe44:56 The Decline of John Dee48:47 Legacy and Impact of John Dee Thanks to SOULFULJAMTRACKS for their tune "Dark Halloween"Follow HISTORY's DEVILS On Instagram @historysdevilshttps://www.instagram.com/historysdevils/On Substackhttps://jamescrossland.substack.com/Follow JAMES CROSSLANDOn Bluesky @jamescrossland.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/jamescrossland.bsky.socialTag HISTORY's DEVILS@historysdevils#historysdevils #jamescrossland #darkhistory #weirdhistory #history #historypodcast #historyfacts #didyouknow #storytelling 

In this episode of HISTORY’S DEVILS, host James Crossland is joined by historian and author Chris Kempshall to explore the rise, fall, and legacy of Darth Vader—one of the greatest villains in cinematic history.From his origins as Anakin Skywalker to his transformation into a Sith Lord, this episode dives deep into Vader’s character development across the Star Wars saga. What drove his fall the dark sides? And how does his story reflect real-world history, politics, and ideology?Drawing on Chris' The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire and The History and Politics of Star Wars, the pair breakdown the historical influences behind Vader, the nature of power and authoritarianism, and the enduring cultural impact of this iconic character.From analysing Vader’s crimes to exploring his place at the heart of the Star Wars universe, this episode blends film analysis, history, and pop culture into one compelling deep dive.If you're interested in Star Wars, film history, villains, or the real-world ideas behind iconic characters, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.See what Chris is up to and purchase his books at: https://chriskempshall.com/  Further ReadingChris’ Stuff – it’s all you need. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Star Wars and Personal Memories03:14 Darth Vader: The Iconic Villain09:26 Real-World Influences on Star Wars14:45 Character Development of Darth Vader20:22 Darth Vader's Symbolism and Design28:22 The Tragedy of Anakin Skywalker32:27 The Dark Path of Anakin Skywalker35:28 Anakin's Dark Turn39:57 The Weight of Choices41:59 Vader's Evolution in the Franchise47:43 The Legacy of Darth Vader55:34 Cultural Impact and Parodies of VaderThanks to SOULFULJAMTRACKS for their tune "Dark Halloween"Follow HISTORY's DEVILS On Instagram @historysdevilshttps://www.instagram.com/historysdevils/On Substackhttps://jamescrossland.substack.com/Follow JAMES CROSSLANDOn Bluesky @jamescrossland.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/jamescrossland.bsky.socialTag HISTORY's DEVILS@historysdevils#historysdevils #jamescrossland #darkhistory #weirdhistory #history #historypodcast #historyfacts #didyouknow #storytelling 

In this episode of HISTORY’S DEVILS, host James Crossland is joined by Lisa Traynor (Royal Armouries) to uncover the story of Felice Orsini—the little-known figure behind the first modern terrorist attack.A radical Italian nationalist, Orsini changed undertandings of political violence with his 1858 assassination attempt on Napoleon III in Paris. Using a unique improvised explosive device known as the Orsini Bomb, his actions inspired a generationa of radicals and pioneered the tactic of terrorism for the modern age.This episode explores the origins of terrorism, revolutionary politics, and the rise of political violence in 19th-century Europe. How did Orsini’s attack influence future extremists? And why has his legacy been largely forgotten? Check out James’ book on the subject: The Rise of Devils: Fear & The Origins of Modern TerrorismSee what Lisa and her team are up to at Britain’s Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds Further ReadingMichael St John Packe, The Bombs of OrsiniCarola Dietze, The Invention of Terrorism in Europe, Russia and the United States Chapters00:00 Introduction to Modern Terrorism02:46 The Life and Times of Felice Orsini05:38 Political Context of 19th Century Italy08:28 The Rise of Italian Nationalism11:12 Orsini's Revolutionary Activities14:14 The Daring Escape from Prison17:01 Orsini's Celebrity Status and Impact19:43 The Shift to Terrorism as Tactic22:36 The Availability of Weapons in the 19th Century26:17 The Velodog and Personal Protection28:32 Orsini's Revolutionary Ideals29:31 The Design and Function of the Orsini Bomb35:20 The Spectacle of Terrorism41:32 The Aftermath and Political Repercussions49:19 Legacy of Orsini and the Concept of TerrorismThanks to SOULFULJAMTRACKS for their tune "Dark Halloween"Follow HISTORY's DEVILS On Instagram @historysdevilshttps://www.instagram.com/historysdevils/On Substackhttps://jamescrossland.substack.com/Follow JAMES CROSSLANDOn Bluesky @jamescrossland.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/jamescrossland.bsky.socialTag HISTORY's DEVILS@historysdevils#historysdevils #jamescrossland #darkhistory #weirdhistory #history #historypodcast #historyfacts #didyouknow #storytelling 

In this HISTORY’S DEVILS two-parter, James Crossland is joined by Jayne Friend to explore the shocking true story of Francis Tumblety - one of the most disturbing conmen of the 19th century. A self-proclaimed doctor, master grifter, and notorious charlatan, Tumblety’s dark life intersects with some of history’s most infamous crimes, including the Assassination of Abraham Lincoln and the terror of the 1888 Jack the Ripper murders.From bizarre medical scams and criminal activity to violent assault, illegal abortions and disturbing obsessions, this episode dives deep into the sinister underworld of Victorian era London and Gilded Age America.If you’re interested in true crime, Victorian history, serial killers, and real-life villains, this is a story you won’t want to miss.Further ReadingTimothy B. Riordan, The Prince of Quacks: The Notorious Life of Dr Francis Tumblety, Charlatan and Jack the Ripper Suspect (2009)Donald Rumbelow, The Complete Jack the Ripper (2016)www.casebook.org – the best website BY FAR on the Jack the Ripper case Chapters Episode 100:00 Introduction to History's Devils00:56 The Notorious Francis Tumblety02:51 Tumblety's Early Life and Background05:57 Tumblety's Quackery and Medical Practices11:50 The Rise of Tumblety's Fame17:57 Tumblety's Criminal Activities and Legal Troubles23:49 The Civil War and Tumblety's Role29:45 Conclusion and Reflection on Tumblety's Legacy30:53 Divisions in the Medical Fraternity During the Civil War32:09 The Reality of War: Medical Challenges and Quackery34:45 The Rise of Francis Tumblety: A War Grifter38:55 Tumblety's Exploits: From Medical Claims to Scams43:47 The Fallout: Arrests and Accusations50:46 The Confusion of Identity: Tumblety and the Assassination Plot54:49 The Wilderness Years: Tumblety's Decline and Arrests59:58 The Ripper Connection: Tumblety's Final Chapter Episode 200:00 Introduction to History's Devils00:28 Tumblety's Involvement in Jack the Ripper Case01:44 Cultural Representations of Jack the Ripper03:57 The Press and Public Perception06:02 Tumblety's Reputation and Suspicions07:40 Evidence Linking Tumblety to the Murders11:12 Tumblety's Medical Quackery and Theories14:20 Psychological Aspects of Tumblety's Crimes17:31 Exploring Tumblety's Identity and Relationships19:51 The Profile of a Suspect21:48 The Emergence of Tumblety24:57 The Arrest and Speculation27:36 The Evidence and Eyewitness Accounts33:01 The Life After the Ripper36:39 The Final Years and LegacyThanks to SOULFULJAMTRACKS for their tune "Dark Halloween"Follow HISTORY's DEVILS On Instagram @historysdevilshttps://www.instagram.com/historysdevils/On Substackhttps://jamescrossland.substack.com/Follow JAMES CROSSLANDOn Bluesky @jamescrossland.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/jamescrossland.bsky.socialTag HISTORY's DEVILS@historysdevils#historysdevils #jamescrossland #darkhistory #weirdhistory #history #historypodcast #historyfacts #didyouknow #storytelling 

In this HISTORY’S DEVILS two-parter, James Crossland is joined by Jayne Friend to explore the shocking true story of Francis Tumblety - one of the most disturbing conmen of the 19th century. A self-proclaimed doctor, master grifter, and notorious charlatan, Tumblety’s dark life intersects with some of history’s most infamous crimes, including the Assassination of Abraham Lincoln and the terror of the 1888 Jack the Ripper murders.From bizarre medical scams and criminal activity to violent assault, illegal abortions and disturbing obsessions, this episode dives deep into the sinister underworld of Victorian era London and Gilded Age America.If you’re interested in true crime, Victorian history, serial killers, and real-life villains, this is a story you won’t want to miss. Further ReadingTimothy B. Riordan, The Prince of Quacks: The Notorious Life of Dr Francis Tumblety, Charlatan and Jack the Ripper Suspect (2009)Donald Rumbelow, The Complete Jack the Ripper (2016)www.casebook.org – the best website BY FAR on the Jack the Ripper case Chapters Episode 100:00 Introduction to History's Devils00:56 The Notorious Francis Tumblety02:51 Tumblety's Early Life and Background05:57 Tumblety's Quackery and Medical Practices11:50 The Rise of Tumblety's Fame17:57 Tumblety's Criminal Activities and Legal Troubles23:49 The Civil War and Tumblety's Role29:45 Conclusion and Reflection on Tumblety's Legacy30:53 Divisions in the Medical Fraternity During the Civil War32:09 The Reality of War: Medical Challenges and Quackery34:45 The Rise of Francis Tumblety: A War Grifter38:55 Tumblety's Exploits: From Medical Claims to Scams43:47 The Fallout: Arrests and Accusations50:46 The Confusion of Identity: Tumblety and the Assassination Plot54:49 The Wilderness Years: Tumblety's Decline and Arrests59:58 The Ripper Connection: Tumblety's Final Chapter Episode 200:00 Introduction to History's Devils00:28 Tumblety's Involvement in Jack the Ripper Case01:44 Cultural Representations of Jack the Ripper03:57 The Press and Public Perception06:02 Tumblety's Reputation and Suspicions07:40 Evidence Linking Tumblety to the Murders11:12 Tumblety's Medical Quackery and Theories14:20 Psychological Aspects of Tumblety's Crimes17:31 Exploring Tumblety's Identity and Relationships19:51 The Profile of a Suspect21:48 The Emergence of Tumblety24:57 The Arrest and Speculation27:36 The Evidence and Eyewitness Accounts33:01 The Life After the Ripper36:39 The Final Years and LegacyThanks to SOULFULJAMTRACKS for their tune "Dark Halloween"Follow HISTORY's DEVILS On Instagram @historysdevilshttps://www.instagram.com/historysdevils/On Substackhttps://jamescrossland.substack.com/Follow JAMES CROSSLANDOn Bluesky @jamescrossland.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/jamescrossland.bsky.socialTag HISTORY's DEVILS@historysdevils#historysdevils #jamescrossland #darkhistory #weirdhistory #history #historypodcast #historyfacts #didyouknow #storytelling 

In this episode of HISTORY’S DEVILS, host James Crossland is joined by Paul Woodadge (WW2TV) to examine the strange and controversial life of Rudolf Hess, one of the most enigmatic figures of World War II.As Deputy Führer to Adolf Hitler, Hess played a key role in the rise of Nazi Party. But in 1941, he shocked the world with his solo flight to Scotland - an extraordinary and desperate attempt to negotiate peace between Britain and Nazi Germany.This episode explores Hess’s early life, his fascination with the occult, and his unwavering ideology, while unpacking the mystery behind his actions. Why did Hess believe he could broker peace? Was he acting alone, or was there a deeper strategy at play involving important figures from Britain and Germany?From wartime diplomacy and Nazi leadership to enduring conspiracy theories, this deep dive into Hess’s story sheds light on one of the most bizarre incidents of the Second World War.Perfect for listeners interested in WWII history, Nazi Germany, political intrigue, and historical mysteries.Check out WW2TV – https://www.ww2tv.com/ Further ReadingPeter Padfield, Hess: Flight for the Fuhrer (1991)James Douglas-Hamilton, The Truth About Rudolf Hess (2018)Roy Connors-Nesbit & Georges van Acker, The Flight of Rudolf Hess: Myths & Reality (2007)James Leasor, Rudolf Hess: the Uninvited Envoy (2016)  Chapters00:00 Introduction to History's Devils00:27 Rudolf Hess: The Enigmatic Deputy Fuhrer04:09 Hess's Early Life and Influences11:19 Hess's Rise in the Nazi Party18:11 Hess's Role in Nazi Policies25:28 The Context of Hess's Flight31:56 The Fateful Flight to Scotland39:37 Hess's Capture and Aftermath43:51 Conspiracy Theories Surrounding Hess44:23 The Peace Party Theory46:45 The Lure Theory56:15 The Madman Theory01:02:41 Hess's Fate and LegacyThanks to SOULFULJAMTRACKS for their tune "Dark Halloween"Follow HISTORY's DEVILS On Instagram @historysdevilshttps://www.instagram.com/historysdevils/On Substackhttps://jamescrossland.substack.com/Follow JAMES CROSSLANDOn Bluesky @jamescrossland.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/jamescrossland.bsky.socialTag HISTORY's DEVILS@historysdevils#historysdevils #jamescrossland #darkhistory #weirdhistory #history #historypodcast #historyfacts #didyouknow #storytelling 

In this episode of HISTORY’S DEVILS, James Crossland and Phil Craig, author of 1945: The Reckoning: War, Empire and the Struggle for a New World, delve into the complex web of the British Peace Party and its connections to Nazi sympathizers during the late 1930s and early 1940s. They explore the origins of this group, the appeal of fascism in Britain, and the key figures involved in the mission to seek an accord with Hitler, including Lord Halifax, Lord Brockett and the shifty cosplay diplomat James Lonsdale-Bryans, an unscrupulous fantasists who thought he could broker a peace with Nazi Germany and alter the outcome of the Second World War. Buy Phil’s book:https://www.hodder.co.uk/titles/phil-craig/1945-the-reckoning/9781399714501/   Further ReadingRichard Lamb, The Ghosts of Peace, 1935-1945 (1987)Charles Spicer, Coffee with Hitler: The British Amateurs Who Tried to Civilize the Nazis (2023)Klemens von Klemperer, German Resistance Against Hitler: The Search for Allies Abroad 1938–1945 (1992)KV 2/2839 – James Lonsdale-Bryan’s MI5 file – https://images.nationalarchives.gov.uk/asset/28637/   Chapters00:00 Introduction to History's Devils03:13 The British Peace Party: Origins and Context06:06 The Appeal of Fascism in 1930s Britain08:51 The Anglo-German Fellowship and Its Members12:04 The German Resistance: Allies or Opportunists?15:01 The Role of Key Figures: Halifax and Chamberlain18:04 Peace Feelers: Attempts at Negotiation21:04 The Fall of France: A Turning Point23:56 The Rise of Churchill: A New Leadership26:53 James Lonsdale-Bryans: The Cosplay Diplomat29:59 The Impact of Peace Feelers on War Dynamics32:52 The Aftermath of Failed Diplomacy Thanks to SOULFULJAMTRACKS for their tune "Dark Halloween"Follow HISTORY's DEVILS On Instagram @historysdevilshttps://www.instagram.com/historysdevils/On Substackhttps://jamescrossland.substack.com/Follow JAMES CROSSLANDOn Bluesky @jamescrossland.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/jamescrossland.bsky.socialTag HISTORY's DEVILS@historysdevils#historysdevils #jamescrossland #darkhistory #weirdhistory #history #historypodcast #historyfacts #didyouknow #storytelling 

This episode of HISTORY’S DEVILS delves into the life of Sidney Reilly, a dashing, semi-mythical MI6 officer who has often been referred to – without much reason – as the “Ace of Spies”. James Crossland is joined by Professor Rory Cormac (author of How to Stage a Coup, and Fakers: A Top Secret Tale of Phantoms and Forgeries of the Disinformation Front) for a conversation that explores Reilly’s duality as both a charming spy and a deceitful grifter who worked his way into the British intelligence community whilst building side careers as an arms dealer and radium peddler, all whilst acquiring as many as four wives without ever bother to divorce one of them. Along the way, Reilly allegedly stole German war plans, tried to kill Valdimir Lenin and, in the final act of his melodramatic life, conspired with a supposedly anti-Bolshevik secret society to destroy the Soviet Union from within.Join James and Rory for this wild ride of truths, half-truths and outright lies! Buy James’ book:https://eandtbooks.com/books/rogue-agent/Buy Rory’s book:https://www.tgjonesonline.co.uk/Product/Rory-Professor-of-International-Relations-Professor-of-Inter-Cormac/Fakers--A-Top-Secret-Tale-of-Phantoms-and-Forgeries-on-the-Disinformation-Front-Line/15874311  Further ReadingAndrew Cook, Ace of Spies: The True Story of Sidney Reilly (History Press, 2004)Robin Bruce Lockhart, Reilly: Ace of Spies (1967)James Crossland, Rogue Agent: From Secret Plots of the Psychological Warfare, the Untold Story of Robert Bruce Lockhart (Elliot & Thompson, 2024)Keith Jeffrey, MI6: The History of the Secret Intelligence Service, 1909-1949 (Bloomsbury, 2010)  Chapters00:00 Introduction to Sidney Reilly: The Ace of Spies04:34 The Duality of Sidney Reilly: Hero or Villain?08:52 Reilly's Early Life and Transformation12:50 The Rise of a Bigamist: Sidney Reilly's Marriages25:33 The Legend of the Ace of Spies: Myths and Reality30:37 The Problem with Historical Sources31:00 Reilly's War-time Activities34:15 MI6's Role in America35:50 The Black Tom Explosion37:14 Reilly's Recruitment into MI640:21 The Bolshevik Revolution and Reilly's Role42:14 The Lockhart Plot46:09 Reilly's Failures in Espionage48:04 Double-Crossing and Confusion50:23 Reilly's Later Years and Grifting54:08 “The Trust” and Reilly’s Final Mission56:21 The Mysterious Death of Sidney Reilly59:34 The Enduring Legend of the Ace of SpiesThanks to SOULFULJAMTRACKS for their tune "Dark Halloween"Follow HISTORY's DEVILS On Instagram @historysdevilshttps://www.instagram.com/historysdevils/On Substackhttps://jamescrossland.substack.com/Follow JAMES CROSSLANDOn Bluesky @jamescrossland.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/jamescrossland.bsky.socialTag HISTORY's DEVILS@historysdevils#historysdevils #jamescrossland #darkhistory #weirdhistory #history #historypodcast #historyfacts #didyouknow #storytelling 

This episode of History's Devils delves into the life of Nathan Bedford Forrest, a Confederate general and the first Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan. Joined by the incomparable Edd Mair, James explores Forrest's early life, his rise in the Confederate army, the controversial Battle of Fort Pillow, and his post-war activities, including his leadership in the KKK. The discussion highlights the complexities of Forrest's character, his motivations, and the lasting impact of his actions on American history, particularly in relation to race and the legacy of the Civil War.Further ReadingJohn Allen Wyeth, That Devil Forrest: The Life of General Nathan Bedford Forrest (Quatarro, 2016)Court Carney, Reckoning with the Devil: Nathan Bedford Forrest in Myth and Memory (Louisianna State Press, 2024)Susan Campbell Bartoletti, They Call Themselves the KKK: Birth of an American Terrorist Group (Clarion, 2014)Chapters00:00 Introduction to Nathan Bedford Forrest02:58 Early Life and Character of Forrest05:55 Forrest's Rise in the Confederate Army09:06 The Civil War and Economic Motivations11:51 Forrest's Military Tactics and Leadership14:36 The Battle of Fort Pillow: A Controversial Legacy17:34 The Aftermath of the Civil War and Reconstruction20:13 Forrest's Involvement with the Ku Klux Klan35:11 The Origins of the Ku Klux Klan36:04 The Evolution of the Klan: From Pranks to Terrorism37:50 The Klan's Structure and Governance39:15 Psychological Fractures 41:59 The Klan's Political Aspirations and Violence44:42 The Klan's Influence in the 1868 Election47:46 Ulysses S. Grant and the Suppression of the Klan54:02 The Decline of the First Klan and Its Legacy58:31 Nathan Bedford Forrest's Later Life and Controversies01:00:47 The Legacy of Confederate Statues and MemorializationThanks to SOULFULJAMTRACKS for their tune "Dark Halloween"Follow HISTORY's DEVILS On Instagram @historysdevilshttps://www.instagram.com/historysdevils/On Substackhttps://jamescrossland.substack.com/Follow JAMES CROSSLANDOn Bluesky @jamescrossland.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/jamescrossland.bsky.socialTag HISTORY's DEVILS@historysdevils#historysdevils #jamescrossland #darkhistory #weirdhistory #history #historypodcast #historyfacts #didyouknow #storytelling 

In the very first episode of History’s Devils, hosts James Crossland and Jayne Friend explore the roots of British Fascism by traveling back to the 1920s. They uncover the extraordinary story of Rotha Lintorn Orman, an upper-class tomboy, socialite, and drinker, who became Britain’s first fascist.Lintorn Orman led the British Fascisti, a small but influential group of military veterans, street fighters, and conspiracy theorists, setting the stage for movements that would persist for over a century. From secretive rallies to political machinations, Lintorn Orman's story reveals the origins of fascist ideology that echo in today’s politics.Follow Jayne Friend on Instagram@drjaynefriendFurther ReadingRobert Benewick, A Study of British Fascism: Political Violence & Public Order (London: Allen Lane, 1969)Julie Gottlieb, Feminine Fascism: Women in Britain’s Fascist Movement, 1923-1945 (London: I.B. Taurus, 2000)Martin Pugh, Hurrah for the Blackshirts!: Fascists and Fascism in Britain Between the Wars (London: Pimlico, 2006)Thanks to SOULFULJAMTRACKS for their tune "Dark Halloween"Follow HISTORY's DEVILS On Instagram @historysdevilshttps://www.instagram.com/historysdevils/On Substackhttps://jamescrossland.substack.com/Follow JAMES CROSSLANDOn Bluesky @jamescrossland.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/jamescrossland.bsky.socialTag HISTORY's DEVILS@historysdevils#historysdevils #jamescrossland #darkhistory #weirdhistory #history #historypodcast #historyfacts #didyouknow #storytelling