For the month of July the Xtra feed is lit up with five installments of Louis XIV's Arms & Armies, a very exciting and fascinating 10 part series (with the tenth part released in September) looking at how Louis managed to wage war with his troops, what he changed in the French state to make it happen and what the legacy of such changes was. It makes for some very interesting listening, and herein we give you a sample of each of the five episodes releasing in the Xtra feed in July, so I hope ...
Jul 23, 2017•23 min
Sick of me yet? Honestly history friends, I wouldn't blame you by this stage! Listen in here for my rundown on how I feel this whole crazy project went. Five Weeks To Run Wild - was it all worth it, what would I do differently, how was the feedback and what should you expect from WDF in the future. Whether you're a patron or just a regular listener, we've got lots planned, and there's a whole load to be excited about ahead. For the sake of closure, for the sake of ending this whole mad project i...
Jun 25, 2017•38 min
To wrap up our coverage of the First Italo Ethiopian War and to serve as our final word on the Remastered project (sniff sniff) we have none other than Mr Italy himself, Benjamin Ashwell. Benjamin's a great guy who's been on WDF's radar since the beginning, so it was only right we got him on for a conversation that sheds true light on the plight of Italy, and delves into issues and questions which my analysis could not. Make sure to check Mr Ashwell out by going to http://www.talkinghistorypodca...
Jun 24, 2017•59 min
As the war is provoked between Italy and Ethiopia, Francesco Crispi attempts to bring about a victory overseas which would bolster Italian unity at home and Italian prestige in the world concert of powers, but all of these ambitions would be foiled by a tenacious defender far from Italian sensibilities, who, would you believe it, was in fact a lost white man! I hope you enjoyed this, the last uniform remastered episode in this project. Please do get in touch and let me know what you thought of i...
Jun 24, 2017•27 min
The cursed episode returns, as we do our best to improve upon the howlers we made first time around. A revamped episode is your reward, and here we examine the complexities of Italian unification, and how the strength Rome tried to project was mostly paper thin. How this would lead to outbursts in Africa, is another story.Remember also history friends, to make sure that you BEFIT! Visit our website www.wdfpodcast.com Follow us on Twitter @wdfpodcast Find us on Patreon by going to www.patreon.com...
Jun 24, 2017•31 min
By bringing the war to an end, much of what Bismarck had striven to achieve in Europe fell to pieces. Yet, Bismarck's careful alliance system was far from the only casualty of the peace - the Ottoman Empire, it seemed, was on its last legs. Britain's task of protecting Constantinople from Russia had come close to another war, but it was evidently a task that was far from finished.Remember also history friends, to make sure that you BEFIT! Visit our website www.wdfpodcast.com Follow us on Twitter...
Jun 23, 2017•32 min
As the revolts in their Balkan territories casts a shadow over the Ottoman Empire's ability to conduct itself on the world stage, the other powers weigh in on the debate. Disraeli attempted to ignore the problem, as did Bismarck, while the Vienna watched Bosnia with a barely veiled hunger. Let's see what went down!Remember also history friends, to make sure that you BEFIT! Visit our website www.wdfpodcast.com Follow us on Twitter @wdfpodcast Find us on Patreon by going to www.patreon.com/WhenDip...
Jun 23, 2017•32 min
A conflict which should be eerily familiar to you guys, as we've sallied forth into its events and impact on Britain for our Britain Goes To War series. Why should you listen in here? Mainly because this time our focus will not be on Britain alone, and we'll have the opportunity to place all of the continent under the microscope, so come and join us for this important scene setting experience. Thanksss!Remember also history friends, to make sure that you BEFIT! Visit our website www.wdfpodcast.c...
Jun 22, 2017•31 min
Here we conclude our analysis of the war. Unable to provoke what he wanted from Vienna, Bismarck would go for broke and make a mountain out of a molehill. For a few precious moments, it seemed as though all was in jeopardy, but then the brilliance of Prussian arms was brought to bear, and all would be transformed.Remember also history friends, to make sure that you BEFIT! Visit our website www.wdfpodcast.com Follow us on Twitter @wdfpodcast Find us on Patreon by going to www.patreon.com/WhenDipl...
Jun 22, 2017•32 min
How did Bismarck plan on getting the Austrians to declare war, and could such a feat really be accomplished when a cynical Europe looked on? Bismarck appreciated where he needed affairs to progress, but if he couldn't wait for nature to take its course, he was perfectly willing to shove them in the right direction, whatever the rest of Europe thought.Remember also history friends, to make sure that you BEFIT! Visit our website www.wdfpodcast.com Follow us on Twitter @wdfpodcast Find us on Patreo...
Jun 21, 2017•26 min
We couldn't redo these episodes without delving into arguably Otto's greatest hit, as he aimed to completely change the status quo in Europe before it was cool. While he would distinguish himself in time, here we set the background in Europe as the German Dualism issue remained intense. Would it be Vienna or Berlin? No spoilers please!Remember also history friends, to make sure that you BEFIT! Visit our website www.wdfpodcast.com Follow us on Twitter @wdfpodcast Find us on Patreon by going to ww...
Jun 21, 2017•29 min
We return with part two of the collab, where we talk about historical inspiration, turning your art into a profession, the importance of history to what Aziz does, to continue our theme of course, and whether a fan of fantasy a la Game of Thrones can be led into loving history, or maybe historical fiction as a kind of gateway drug, so to speak. All very interesting stuff, and I also get a bit real as I discuss what happened to me recently thanks to my own silly ambitions. Maybe you're not all th...
Jun 20, 2017•45 min
We are here with a huge two parter from our friend Aziz, from the History of Westeros podcast. Some of you may be super excited to hear what he has to say on a whole range of topics, others may be skeptical that a guy whose podcast is on "history" can have anything worthwhile to say - well ye of little faith! Aziz is full of wisdom, and his podcast on the History of Westeros explores the Game of Thrones universe as though it was a true life setting - an incredible fact when you consider that suc...
Jun 20, 2017•46 min
With a well established presence, it remained to be see whether the British would become too big for their boots as their victories piled up and the native resistance vanished, just as the British control over the subcontinent became more total. Through an unintentional process, the incredible fact was that by the 1840s, the British possessed a monopoly on Indian affairs. The problem was this control seemed insufficient - they not only wanted to control Indian resources, but Indian hearts and mi...
Jun 19, 2017•30 min
We return to this oft misunderstood event in British and Indian history, and this episode here essentially gives us the excuse we've been waiting for to unwrap the details of Britain's colonial experience in India, which began with great hopes and investment in 1600, when the first voyage set sail to establish what would become the East India Company. Have a listen and let me know what you all thought!Remember also history friends, to make sure that you BEFIT! Visit our website www.wdfpodcast.co...
Jun 19, 2017•32 min
Anne stays with us for an important rundown on the varied events of podcasting. Anne asks me some interesting questions, which for the most part I wasn't expecting! Where did the name When Diplomacy Fails come from? Do I worry that people will see WDF and connect the dots to Mark Maron if you know what I mean? We get into it all here, and connect the dots together, rounding out what was a really enjoyable conversation, so hopefully it will be just as good to listen to. Remember you can find Anne...
Jun 18, 2017•55 min
We are very excited to be joined on the podcast by Chris Stewart from a History of China, a chronological narrative of Chinese history from the most unpronounceable dynasty to the even more unpronounceable! Chris is a great historian, podcaster and fellow Agora alumni, so make sure you check him out and show him some love by visiting him https://thehistoryofchina.wordpress.com/ and tell him you loved hearing his unique take on the Boxers by tweeting him @thocpodcastRemember also history friends,...
Jun 18, 2017•53 min
We return and bear witness to the eruption of the Boxer Rebellion, as the Empress and her court feel compelled to throw their lot in with the Boxers, in the face of the insufferable demands of the Eight Power Alliance. How would the rest of the world react to this lucrative and highly beneficial client state descending into turmoil? The truth was, it formed just another chapter in the fractured international system, so I hope you'll give it a listen! ThanksssRemember also history friends, to mak...
Jun 18, 2017•32 min
Returning with better pronunciations and ideally a better analysis, we're back with the Boxer Rebellion, which occurred in a tumultuous summer in 1900. Here we examine the circumstances which led to such an event, which itself contributed significantly to the worsening international situation, and played a key part in the increasing Anglo-Russian rivalry. Have a listen and let me know what you thought. Thankssss!Remember also history friends, to make sure that you BEFIT! Visit our website www.wd...
Jun 18, 2017•36 min
The podcast reviewer extraordinaire joins us for a fun and detailed collaboration as we talk through a number of interesting points. The world of history podcasting comes under our microscope, and Anne [pronounced "AW-NUH"] lets us in on his view of it all. Anne has been around the block, and began talking about history podcasting waaay before it was what it is today. His podcast review blog can be found here: http://anneisaman.blogspot.ie/This was what got him started in this crazy world, and e...
Jun 18, 2017•55 min
If you need more 1812 in your life right now, then look no further than this classic TALK episode between two friends, as we detail the ins and outs of the war of 1812 as only we know how - with much banter and self-depreciating humour. Thankssss!Remember also history friends, to make sure that you BEFIT! Visit our website www.wdfpodcast.com Follow us on Twitter @wdfpodcast Find us on Patreon by going to www.patreon.com/WhenDiplomacyFails Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informati...
Jun 17, 2017•40 min
Our coverage concludes with a striking image - Washington in flames and British soldiers across the lands, the war unpopular and Napoleon on the back foot. It was, it's true, the most incredible side show of the Napoleonic Wars, so I hope you've enjoyed this trip back down memory lane to examine it once more. Thanksss!Remember also history friends, to make sure that you BEFIT! Visit our website www.wdfpodcast.com Follow us on Twitter @wdfpodcast Find us on Patreon by going to www.patreon.com/Whe...
Jun 17, 2017•28 min
How did Britain and the US come to fight each other in 1812, and what can the war tell us about Anglo-American relations up to that point? The trade disputes and impressment controversies were heady, but surely calmer heads would prevail? Hint, they do not! Thanksss for joining me as we revisit one of history's forgotten wars! Remember also history friends, to make sure that you BEFIT! Visit our website www.wdfpodcast.com Follow us on Twitter @wdfpodcast Find us on Patreon by going to www.patreo...
Jun 17, 2017•33 min
Welcome to a conversational collaborational episode once again, as Jordan Harbour [Twilight Histories Podcast and long time friend of the show] talk through a range of alternative history scenarios which I've encountered in the first 19 episodes which I remastered for this birthday party. I hope you enjoy it, remember to check Jordan's great work out at http://www.twilighthistories.com/Remember also history friends, to make sure that you BEFIT! Visit our website www.wdfpodcast.com Follow us on T...
Jun 17, 2017•59 min
We continue our trifecta of TALKS for this period with a detailed look at everything Boer and wonderful. After the remastered two-parter which you of course listened to, this guy right here should prove a great accompaniment, even if it is 5 years old! Thanksss!Remember also history friends, to make sure that you BEFIT! Visit our website www.wdfpodcast.com Follow us on Twitter @wdfpodcast Find us on Patreon by going to www.patreon.com/WhenDiplomacyFails Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for...
Jun 15, 2017•47 min
The international situation takes up a great deal of our time as I approach the era with fresh sources and new eyes, and turn up some incredible facts. Meanwhile, Victoria leaves us all to less glorious eras, and the Boers contemplate defeat. Thanksss!Remember also history friends, to make sure that you BEFIT! Visit our website www.wdfpodcast.com Follow us on Twitter @wdfpodcast Find us on Patreon by going to www.patreon.com/WhenDiplomacyFails Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more info...
Jun 15, 2017•34 min
The Boer War was a pivotal colonial war fought by Britain's Imperial reserves far away in South Africa against the formerly independent Boer Republics. Here we begin our coverage with some background. By and large it seemed London was content to leave the Boers to themselves. With the discovery of precious materials though, their lives would never be the same. Imperial interest soon evolved into full-scale war. Thanksss!Remember also history friends, to make sure that you BEFIT! Visit our websit...
Jun 15, 2017•33 min
The Crimean War doesn't change, so why should we? Have a listen right here to find out what happens when two bestos talk themselves silly about the geopolitical situation of the 1850s, and whether people really were that careless with men's lives after all. Thanksss!Remember also history friends, to make sure that you BEFIT! Visit our website www.wdfpodcast.com Follow us on Twitter @wdfpodcast Find us on Patreon by going to www.patreon.com/WhenDiplomacyFails Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privac...
Jun 14, 2017•40 min
Our resumed coverage of the war unravels the terrible tragedies which were perpetuated on the battlefield and inflicted upon the common man. Britain would never sell commissions again, but the unfortunate truth was that Europe would go to war many more times, with results just as devastating as technology outpaced man. Find out what everyone thought about it here - thanksss!Remember also history friends, to make sure that you BEFIT! Visit our website www.wdfpodcast.com Follow us on Twitter @wdfp...
Jun 14, 2017•29 min
The Crimean War was the ultimate showdown between Britain and its 19th century adversary in Russia, with France thrown in for good measure too! The story is a fascinating one, which shaped European relations and ideas about Russian power for years to come, so I hope you enjoy our new take on it! Thanksss!Remember also history friends, to make sure that you BEFIT! Visit our website www.wdfpodcast.com Follow us on Twitter @wdfpodcast Find us on Patreon by going to www.patreon.com/WhenDiplomacyFail...
Jun 14, 2017•31 min
