The History Society

The History Society•podcasters.spotify.com

The History Society is a broad history channel discussing a range of historical topics and concepts. Join us for solo-lectures, interviews with historians and group discussions about your favourite historical periods.

Last refreshed: July 4th, 2025 at 12:40 AM ⓘ

Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.

Follow on

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

RSS

Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app

Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Pax Britannica: Climax of an Empire

Pax Britannica: Climax of an Empire by Jan Morris was published in 1968, and tells the tale of the world's largest empire at its most glorious climax - Victoria's 1897 Diamond Jubilee. Nicholas Woode-Smith reviews the book and discusses the ironic charm of the British Empire at possibly its sincerest and most glorious celebration of its supremacy. You can support The History Society here: https://anchor.fm/the-history-society Support Nicholas Woode-Smith's Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/n...

Oct 28, 2020•14 min

US Prohibition: The Noble Experiment?

Prohibition in the United States was dubbed the "Noble Experiment". For 13 long, dry, and dreary years, the government aimed to keep alcohol out of the hands of its citizens, creating a litany of unintended consequences that continue to have an impact today. In this episode, Yaël Ossowski describes the rise of the "dry" campaigners who sought Prohibition to remove alcohol from society, the bootlegging gangsters who built their fortunes, and the millions of Americans who became scofflaws in the f...

Jul 24, 2020•19 min

The Bengal Famine of 1943

The Bengal Famine of 1943 left 2 - 3 million people dead. But how did it happen? Could it have been prevented? In this episode, Nicholas Woode-Smith uncovers the economic trauma and wartime desperation that led to one of history's most famous but misunderstood famines. Support Nicholas Woode-Smith by donating to his Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nicholaswoodesmith Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thshistorysociety/ This episode was made possible by Patreon supporters: Bheki Mah...

Jun 15, 2020•15 min

D-Day: The Invasion of Normandy

In this episode, Chris Hattingh provides a broad overview, and some insights, into the 06 June 1944 invasion of Normany, also known as D-Day - one of the major turning points of the Second World War. Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thshistorysociety/ Intro and Outro Music: Fearless First by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3742-fearless-first License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/...

Jun 06, 2020•16 min

The Liberal Frontiersman: Thomas Francois Burgers, 4th President of the Transvaal

In this episode, Martin van Staden discusses aspects of the relative liberal presidency of the 4th State President of the South African Republic (the Transvaal), Thomas Francois Burgers, who held office between 1872 and 1877. Support Martin van Staden on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/martinvanstaden Follow him on Facebook ( fb.com/martinvanstadenliberty ) and Twitter (@Martin_ASFL). Follow THS on Facebook: fb.com/thshistorysociety/ Intro and Outro Music: Fearless First by Kevin MacLeod Link: ...

May 31, 2020•37 min

Cape Folklore: The Ghost of Tokai Manor

In this first episode of a segment on Cape myths, legends and folklore, Nicholas Woode-Smith discusses the myth of the Ghost of Tokai Manor, and gives a dramatic reading of the events leading up to the now famous spectral rider. Support Nicholas Woode-Smith by donating to his Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nicholaswoodesmith Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thshistorysociety/ This episode was made possible by Patreon supporters: Bheki Mahlobo Cameron Luke Wilson Deborah West Nan...

May 27, 2020•28 min•Ep. 3

Rule Britannia: The Ethical Empire?

The sun never set on the British Empire. But was it beneficial to those who lived in it? And how did it positively influence the world today? Nicholas Woode-Smith takes us on a journey from the Empire's humble pirate beginnings to its role in ending slavery and genocide. Works Mentioned: Empire, Niall Ferguson War of the World, Niall Ferguson History of the English People, Paul Johnson Empire (BBC Documentary), Jeremy Paxman Intro and Outro Music: Fearless First by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://in...

May 16, 2020•29 min•Season 1Ep. 2

Creating History: Introducing the History Society

History is process by which civilisation develops and becomes aware of itself. Join Nicholas Woode-Smith, Christo Hattingh and Martin van Staden in the first episode of The History Society podcast channel, where they discuss their vision for the channel and their own approaches to history and the philosophy of history. Intro and Outro Music: Fearless First by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3742-fearless-first License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/...

May 10, 2020•38 min•Ep. 1

Hosted on Spotify for Creators (Anchor)

For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android