436 Too Good to Be True
The History of the Twentieth Century
When the Americans attacked Saipan, the Japanese saw a final opportunity to force that decisive battle they'd been yearning for.
info_outline
435 D Plus One
The History of the Twentieth Century
The initial Normandy invasions were moderately successful. Casualties were lighter than feared. But D-Day was not the end; it was only the beginning.
info_outline
434 The Longest Day III
The History of the Twentieth Century
We conclude our look at the Normandy invasion by examining events at Sword, Juno, Gold, and especially Omaha Beaches.
info_outline
433 The Longest Day II
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_outline
432 The Longest Day I
The 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_outline
431 Bombing Your Allies
The 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_outline
430 Question Time II
The History of the Twentieth Century
In this Christmas bonus episode, I answer listener questions.
info_outline
429 The Fall of Rome
The 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_outline
428 An Idea of Simple Genius
The 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_outline
427 Half American
The 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_outlineWhen Hitler learned that the Hungarian government was attempting to make a separate peace with the Allies, he ordered the German military to occupy Hungary, which was also the home of the largest surviving Jewish community in Axis-occupied Europe.