The History of the Twentieth Century
In this episode we look at the Normandy amphibious landings generally, then focus on the US assault on Utah Beach.
info_outlineThe History of the Twentieth Century
The Normandy landings began at dawn on June 6, 1944, but the night before three Allied airborne divisions were dropped into Normandy to help prepare the way for the amphibious landings.
info_outlineThe History of the Twentieth Century
The German military was occupying many European countries, which put British and American bomber commanders in the awkward position of bombing nations that were supposedly their allies.
info_outlineThe History of the Twentieth Century
In this Christmas bonus episode, I answer listener questions.
info_outlineThe History of the Twentieth Century
In May 1944, Allied forces in Italy began an offensive that finally broke the Gustav Line. Soon Americans were marching into Rome. At the same time, Allied forces in Britain were making final preparations for the invasion of France.
info_outlineThe History of the Twentieth Century
In this episode, we look at some of the preparations both sides' militaries were making for the coming invasion of France, as well as the tricky problem the Allies faced in keeping Charles de Gaulle on board.
info_outlineThe History of the Twentieth Century
As America geared up for war, and then entered the war, African Americans fought to claim a role in the battle against fascism.
info_outlineThe History of the Twentieth Century
During the interwar period, African Americans pushed back against the US military's explicit racism.
info_outlineThe History of the Twentieth Century
Boogie-woogie went mainstream in America during the war, as evidenced by the music of Glenn Miller and the Andrews Sisters.
info_outlineThe History of the Twentieth Century
The Americans were on the offensive in the Southwest Pacific, and after Tarawa, in the Central Pacific. As they advanced, Japanese military leaders scrambled to find a way to stop the Americans.
info_outlineThe Japanese "Zero" fighter plane played an important role in Japan's amazing victories early in the Pacific war. But by 1943, the Zero (and its pilots) were falling behind their Allied counterparts.