Palestine: How Ancient Crossroads Become Modern Headlines

What happens when an ancient region becomes the center of world headlines? In Billy Joel’s We Didn’t Start the Fire, the lyric "Palestine" points directly to the pivotal events of the late 1940s following World War II. In this episode, we explore: The deep historical roots and geography of this ancient crossroads. What the world looked like in the late 1940s following the end of the British Mandate. How the United Nations and global leaders tried to solve complex questions of home, history, and borders. Why understanding the origins of modern world events helps us build empathy and become better historians. Grab your notebook and travel back to the late 1940s as we ignite the spark behind the lyric! Send us Fan Mail About History Ignited: History Ignited is the award-winning kids and family history podcast inspired by Billy Joel’s We Didn’t Start the Fire. Each short episode explores the real stories behind the people, events, inventions, and cultural moments that shaped the world from the 1950s through the 1980s. Winner of the 2025 Webby People’s Voice Award for Best Kids & Family Podcast.