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Why Wars Happened History Podcast
Why Wars Happened History Podcast

Why Wars Happened History Podcast

Emily Ross

Overview
Episodes

Details

Hey guys, welcome back to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast, where you learn about the causes of wars and things like, why did it happen? Was it inevitable? Who was involved?

Sometimes I go back hundreds of years just so we can understand what happened in our narrative episodes covering the long course of a war and the background of the war.

And if you want to talk more about war, we also have authors, historians, war generals, royalty, actors, filmmakers, a whole bunch of people come on as guests and we talk about everything about before, during, and after war. So let's go!

The Why Wars Happened History Podcast covers The American Revolution, World War I, World War II, Medieval Wars in England, The Habsburg Empire, The War in Iraq, Scottish wars, The War of the Roses, The Cuban Missile Crisis, The Cold War, The Thirty Years War, The Hundred Years War, The American Civil War, and many others.

Recent Episodes

INTERVIEW: Making Apple's 'Masters of the Air' with Donald L. Miller & Kirk Saduski
APR 1, 2025
INTERVIEW: Making Apple's 'Masters of the Air' with Donald L. Miller & Kirk Saduski
<p>Hey guys, welcome back to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast, where you learn about the causes of wars and things like, why did it happen? Was it inevitable? Who was involved?</p><p>Sometimes I go back hundreds of years just so we can understand what happened in our narrative episodes covering the long course of a war and the background of the war.</p><p>And if you want to talk more about war, we also have authors, historians, war generals, royalty, actors, filmmakers, a whole bunch of people come on as guests and we talk about everything about before, during, and after war. So let's go!</p><p>The Why Wars Happened History Podcast covers The American Revolution, World War I, World War II, Medieval Wars in England, The Habsburg Empire, The War in Iraq, Scottish wars, The War of the Roses, The Cuban Missile Crisis, The Cold War, The Thirty Years War, The Hundred Years War, The American Civil War, and many others.</p><p>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>Inside the 8th Air Force: WWII History and ‘Masters of the Air’</p><p>Welcome back to Why Wars Happened! This episode takes a deep dive into the incredible history of the 8th Air Force and the legendary 100th Bomb Group with historian Donald L. Miller and HBO producer Kirk Saduski. We explore the harrowing experiences of American bomber crews in WWII, the challenges they faced in the skies over Europe, and how these real-life stories were brought to the screen in Apple TV+’s Masters of the Air.</p><p>From the brutal realities of aerial combat to the painstaking research behind the show’s production, this conversation is packed with insights for history buffs and war film fans alike. Subscribe for more expert discussions on the wars that shaped our world!</p><p>Timestamps:</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Why Wars Happened</p><p>00:37 Meet the Guests: Donald L. Miller &amp; Kirk Saduski</p><p>01:45 The 8th Air Force and the 100th Bomb Group</p><p>02:33 The Evolution of Bomber Warfare</p><p>03:56 Turning Real Stories into a TV Series</p><p>08:20 The Struggle for Authenticity in War Dramas</p><p>14:27 Personal Stories and Emotional Depth</p><p>26:15 WWII Veterans' Firsthand Accounts</p><p>27:05 Fear and Courage in the Air</p><p>27:29 What Exit Interviews Revealed About the Air Force</p><p>27:53 The Commander’s Perspective</p><p>28:53 How Actors Prepared for Their Roles</p><p>30:05 Behind the Scenes of the D-Day Filming</p><p>30:56 The Importance of Historical Accuracy</p><p>32:40 Connecting Emotionally to the Past</p><p>34:20 Realism in Masters of the Air’s Flight Scenes</p><p>35:32 What It’s Like to Fly in a B-17</p><p>36:49 The Brutal Reality of Frostbite and Combat</p><p>37:57 Comparing WWII Experiences Across Fronts</p><p>40:40 Upcoming History Projects and Podcasts</p><p>44:02 New Civil War Book Announcement</p><p>45:48 Closing Thoughts</p><p>#whywarshappened #whywarshappen #Thepacific #Bandofbrothers #wwII #worldwarii #ww2 #worldwar2 #HistoryPodcast #MilitaryHistory #WWII #WorldWar2 #MilitaryHistory #8thAirForce #100thBombGroup #MastersOfTheAir #BomberWar #AerialCombat #WWIIHistory #WWIIPodcast #WarDocumentary #HistoryBuff #WWIIAviation #USAirForce #WWIIHeroes #AppleTV #BandOfBrothers #WWIIStories #HistoricalAccuracy #B17Bomber #WarFilms #WWIIEurope #WWIIVeterans #WWIIResearch #spielberg #tomhanks #appletvshows #europeanhistory</p>
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46 MIN
INTERVIEW: World War I Strategy, Battles, and Mistakes with Dr. Nick Lloyd
MAR 25, 2025
INTERVIEW: World War I Strategy, Battles, and Mistakes with Dr. Nick Lloyd
<p>Hey guys, welcome back to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast, where you learn about the causes of wars and things like, why did it happen? Was it inevitable? Who was involved?</p><p>Sometimes I go back hundreds of years just so we can understand what happened in our narrative episodes covering the long course of a war and the background of the war.</p><p>And if you want to talk more about war, we also have authors, historians, war generals, royalty, actors, filmmakers, a whole bunch of people come on as guests and we talk about everything about before, during, and after war. So let's go!</p><p>The Why Wars Happened History Podcast covers The American Revolution, World War I, World War II, Medieval Wars in England, The Habsburg Empire, The War in Iraq, Scottish wars, The War of the Roses, The Cuban Missile Crisis, The Cold War, The Thirty Years War, The Hundred Years War, The American Civil War, and many others.</p><p>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>The Unfolding of WWI: Insights with Dr. Nick Lloyd | Why Wars Happened History Podcast</p><p>In this episode, we dive into the complexities of World War I with Dr. Nick Lloyd, Professor of Modern Warfare at King's College London. Dr. Lloyd, an acclaimed historian and author of The Western Front, unpacks the war’s origins, key battles, and the brutal realities of trench warfare. </p><p>From Germany’s strategic missteps to the devastating impact of chemical weapons, we explore how WWI reshaped the world. Whether you're passionate about military history, strategy, or the human cost of war, this episode offers a fresh perspective on one of history’s most defining conflicts. </p><p>Subscribe for more in-depth conversations with historians, war generals, and filmmakers, as we break down the events that led nations to war. </p><p>Timestamps:</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Why Wars Happened</p><p>00:45 Interview with Dr. Nick Lloyd </p><p>01:03 Writing The Western Front </p><p>03:55 How World War I Began </p><p>07:39 Belgium’s Role in WWI </p><p>11:31 Germany’s Military Strategy and Miscalculations </p><p>16:52 The Influence of Kaiser Wilhelm II </p><p>21:05 Verdun and the Somme: Battles That Defined the War </p><p>25:05 America’s Entry: A Game Changer </p><p>25:42 German Arrogance and Strategic Errors </p><p>27:59 Ludendorff’s Relentless Push for Victory </p><p>30:53 Chemical Warfare: Breaking the Rules of War </p><p>33:14 The Evolution and Horror of Gas Attacks </p><p>38:01 WWI’s Industrial and Technological Innovations </p><p>41:31 The “War to End All Wars” – A Myth? </p><p>46:29 Final Thoughts and Takeaways </p><p>#HistoryPodcast #WhyWarsHappened #WWI #WorldWarI #MilitaryHistory #NickLloyd #TheWesternFront #TrenchWarfare #WarToEndAllWars #Verdun #Somme #KaiserWilhelm #Ludendorff #ChemicalWarfare #MilitaryStrategy #WWIHistory #GreatWar #history #historypodcast #historyinterview #podcast #historyinterview #WhyWarsHappen #PodcastInterview #europeanhistory #austrohungarian #austriahungary #austrianhungarian</p><p></p>
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47 MIN
INTERVIEW: Nazi POWs in America: The Forgotten Camps with William Geroux
MAR 19, 2025
INTERVIEW: Nazi POWs in America: The Forgotten Camps with William Geroux
<p>Hey guys, welcome back to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast, where you learn about the causes of wars and things like, why did it happen? Was it inevitable? Who was involved? </p><p>Sometimes I go back hundreds of years just so we can understand what happened in our narrative episodes covering the long course of a war and the background of the war. And if you want to talk more about war, we also have authors, historians, war generals, royalty, actors, filmmakers, a whole bunch of people come on as guests and we talk about everything about before, during, and after war. So let's go! </p><p>The Why Wars Happened History Podcast covers The American Revolution, World War I, World War II, Medieval Wars in England, The Habsburg Empire, The War in Iraq, Scottish wars, The War of the Roses, The Cuban Missile Crisis, The Cold War, The Thirty Years War, The Hundred Years War, The American Civil War, and many others.</p><p>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>INTERVIEW: Nazi POWs in America: The Forgotten Camps with William Geroux</p><p>This episode of Why Wars Happened uncovers a forgotten chapter of World War II: the Nazi POWs held in the United States. Host dives into the shocking reality of over 370,000 German soldiers—equivalent to four entire armies—detained in camps across America. Historian and author William Geroux joins the discussion to explore his book, The Fifteen: Murder Retribution and the Forgotten Story of Nazi POWs in America, revealing how these prisoners lived under Geneva Convention rules, the unexpected ways they impacted local communities, and the Nazi influence that remained inside the camps. From laboring on farms to daring escapes and violent conflicts, this episode brings to light a hidden part of history. </p><p>If you’re fascinated by World War II, military history, or untold war stories, don’t miss this episode. Subscribe for more deep dives into the past! </p><p>Timestamps:</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Why Wars Happened </p><p>00:46 Introducing Today's Guest: William Geroux </p><p>01:07 Nazi POWs in America: An Overview </p><p>01:57 Life in American POW Camps </p><p>02:27 Geneva Convention and POW Treatment </p><p>03:35 Concerns and Criticisms of POW Treatment </p><p>11:19 Escaping POWs and Jim Crow Laws </p><p>15:22 German POWs in the US: A Valuable Labor Force </p><p>17:23 Farmers' Mixed Feelings About Nazi POWs </p><p>18:50 American Soldiers' Reactions to POW Treatment </p><p>19:46 Introducing Leon Jaworski: The Army Prosecutor </p><p>21:34 Researching the Hidden History of Nazi POW Camps </p><p>27:02 Nazi Ideology and Violence in POW Camps </p><p>29:19 Future Writing Projects and Closing Remarks </p><p>#Nazis #Nazi #POWcamps #POWs #POW #Prisonersofwar #ruralamerica #americanhistory #whywarshappened #whywarshappen #wwII #worldwarii #ww2 #worldwar2 #HistoryPodcast #MilitaryHistory #WorldWar2 #MilitaryHistory #WWIIHistory #WWIIPodcast #WarDocumentary #HistoryBuff #WWIIStories #WWIIResearch #UShistory </p><p></p>
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30 MIN
INTERVIEW: Unraveling the End of the Civil War with Michael Vorenberg
MAR 18, 2025
INTERVIEW: Unraveling the End of the Civil War with Michael Vorenberg
<p>INTERVIEW: Unraveling the End of the Civil War with Michael Vorenberg</p><p>Hey guys, welcome back to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast, where you learn about the causes of wars and things like, why did it happen? Was it inevitable? Who was involved? </p><p>Sometimes I go back hundreds of years just so we can understand what happened in our narrative episodes covering the long course of a war and the background of the war. And if you want to talk more about war, we also have authors, historians, war generals, royalty, actors, filmmakers, a whole bunch of people come on as guests and we talk about everything about before, during, and after war. So let's go! </p><p>The Why Wars Happened History Podcast covers The American Revolution, World War I, World War II, Medieval Wars in England, The Habsburg Empire, The War in Iraq, Scottish wars, The War of the Roses, The Cuban Missile Crisis, The Cold War, The Thirty Years War, The Hundred Years War, The American Civil War, and many others.</p><p>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>INTERVIEW: Unraveling the End of the Civil War with Michael Vorenberg</p><p>In this episode of Why Wars Happened, host Emily Ross sits down with historian and award-winning author Michael Vorenberg to explore the complexities of ending the Civil War. They dive into his book, Lincoln's Peace: The Struggle to End the American War, discussing key events like the Hampton Roads Conference, the Confederacy’s push for international recognition, and the surrender agreements at Appomattox and in North Carolina. Vorenberg also unpacks the global impact of the war, the role of honor in post-war negotiations, and his upcoming book on military prisons. A must-listen for anyone fascinated by the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln, and military history. </p><p>Episode Breakdown:</p><p>00:00 – Welcome to Why Wars Happened</p><p>00:46 – Meet Michael Vorenberg </p><p>01:02 – Lincoln’s Peace and the Fight to End the War </p><p>01:32 – The Challenges of Declaring Peace </p><p>02:39 – The Hampton Roads Conference </p><p>07:35 – The Confederacy’s Diplomatic Efforts Abroad </p><p>11:04 – Confederate Ties to the Mexican Civil War </p><p>17:00 – Economics and the War’s End </p><p>18:14 – Post-War Reflections &amp; Debates </p><p>18:41 – Defining the End of the Civil War </p><p>20:14 – The Appomattox Surrender and Its Impact </p><p>22:04 – Sherman’s Controversial Surrender Terms </p><p>25:20 – Comparing Military Strategies Across History </p><p>29:06 – How Lincoln’s Assassination Changed Everything </p><p>31:46 – Michael Vorenberg’s Upcoming Book on Military Prisons </p><p>35:08 – Closing Thoughts </p><p>#CivilWar #WhyWarsHappened #AmericanHistory #USHistoricalEvents #AbrahamLincoln #MilitaryHistory #ushistory #americancivilwar #podcast #history #historypodcast #historyinterview #civilwarbook #whywarshappen</p><p></p>
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35 MIN
INTERVIEW: Archduke Edward Habsburg on Habsburg Legacy, Catholic Values, and Imperial History
MAR 11, 2025
INTERVIEW: Archduke Edward Habsburg on Habsburg Legacy, Catholic Values, and Imperial History
<p>Hey guys, welcome back to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast, where you learn about the causes of wars and things like, why did it happen? Was it inevitable? Who was involved?</p><p>Sometimes I go back hundreds of years just so we can understand what happened in our narrative episodes covering the long course of a war and the background of the war.</p><p>And if you want to talk more about war, we also have authors, historians, war generals, royalty, actors, filmmakers, a whole bunch of people come on as guests and we talk about everything about before, during, and after war. So let's go!</p><p>The Why Wars Happened History Podcast covers The American Revolution, World War I, World War II, Medieval Wars in England, The Habsburg Empire, The War in Iraq, Scottish wars, The War of the Roses, The Cuban Missile Crisis, The Cold War, The Thirty Years War, The Hundred Years War, The American Civil War, and many others.</p><p>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>In this episode of Why Wars Happened, we sit down with a truly unique guest—Archduke Edward Habsburg, Ambassador to the Holy See and a member of one of Europe's most legendary dynasties. We dive into the Habsburg family's deep-rooted traditions of faith, resilience, and leadership, exploring how these values shaped history.</p><p>Edward shares insights from his book, Building a Wholesome Family in a Broken World, offering wisdom on fostering strong family bonds, whether you're religious or not. He also brings history to life with fascinating stories about figures like Emperor Franz Joseph, Maria Theresia, and Otto von Habsburg’s defiant stand against the Nazis in WWII.</p><p>From royal marriages and family dynamics to personal reflections on love and faith, this conversation is packed with compelling insights. Whether you're a history buff, a military historian, or simply curious about Catholic history and the Habsburg legacy, you won’t want to miss it.</p><p>Timestamps:</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Why Wars Happened</p><p>00:48 Meet Archduke Edward Habsburg</p><p>01:17 Building a Wholesome Family in a Broken World</p><p>03:27 The Role of Catholicism in Habsburg Marriages</p><p>06:59 Challenges and Rewards of Large Families</p><p>16:13 Habsburg Family Dynamics and Education</p><p>21:35 Micromanaging Monarchs: Marie Antoinette’s Overbearing Mother</p><p>23:00 Marie Antoinette’s Final Days: A Tale of Faith and Resilience</p><p>26:35 The Misunderstood Queen: Debunking Myths About Marie Antoinette</p><p>28:09 Love and Sacrifice: The Habsburgs' Romantic Tales</p><p>34:03 Otto von Habsburg: Leading Resistance Against the Nazis</p><p>36:49 Habsburg History and Values: A Legacy of Faith and Family</p><p>39:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts</p><p>Subscribe now and join us for more deep dives into the history behind the conflicts that shaped the world!</p><p>#HistoryPodcast #WhyWarsHappened #historyinterview #WhyWarsHappen #EdwardHabsburg #HabsburgDynasty #CatholicHistory #MilitaryHistory #FamilyValues #MarieAntoinette #WWIIHistory #OttoVonHabsburg #HistoricalFigures #EuropeanHistory #FaithAndResilience #RoyalHistory #PodcastInterview #history #militaryhistory #ustriahistory #thehabsburgs #habsburg #catholics #catholic #catholichistory #austrohungarian #austriahungary #austrianhungarian #ImperialHistory</p>
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40 MIN