The Birth of the CIA

The Birth of the CIA

American intelligence services like the CIA are commonly thought of as global behemoths of international surveillance and covert operations, responsible for carrying out everything from cyber espionage to assassinations and political coups. But its origins in the Second World War paint a picture of a very different kind of intelligence agency, operating on a smaller scale, and with very different goals. We are joined by historian Nicholas Reynolds, who has in his time been a marine and an employee of the CIA, who will guide us through the birth and growth of the agency, and tackle some of the most persistent conspiracy theories that surround it along the way.


Produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Joseph Knight.


If you'd like to learn more, we have hundreds of history documentaries, ad-free podcasts and audiobooks at History Hit - subscribe to History Hit today!


To download the History Hit app please go to the Android or Apple store.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jaksot(1497)

Rome's African Emperor: Septimius Severus

Rome's African Emperor: Septimius Severus

We dive into the life and legacy of the North African-born ruler who rose through the ranks to seize the imperial throne. We discover how Severus transformed the Roman military, led daring campaigns a...

6 Marras 202541min

The First Day of the Somme

The First Day of the Somme

In partnership with Findmypast, Dan narrates the extraordinary story of the bloodiest day of the First World War. The first day of the Somme saw units wiped out as men charged from their trenches dire...

3 Marras 20251h 5min

Ancient Irish Funeral Traditions

Ancient Irish Funeral Traditions

Have you ever been to an Irish wake? If so, you may have heard of the ancient tradition of keening or the superstition of the 'hungry grass'. In this episode, Dan is joined by the hosts of the After D...

31 Loka 202535min

What Caused Europe's Witch Hysteria?

What Caused Europe's Witch Hysteria?

Across early modern Europe, fear spread like wildfire; between the 15th and 17th centuries, tens of thousands were accused, tortured, and executed as witches. At its centre was a man named Heinrich Kr...

29 Loka 202531min

Atatürk: Fall of the Ottoman Empire

Atatürk: Fall of the Ottoman Empire

On the 19th of May, 1919, an Ottoman general stepped ashore at the Black Sea port city of Samsun. This marked the beginning of the Turkish War of Independence, and ultimately the end of the Ottoman Em...

27 Loka 202534min

Elizabeth I: Evil or Genius?

Elizabeth I: Evil or Genius?

Elizabeth I is often celebrated as one of the greatest English monarchs - but should she be? From her commanding portraits and grand speeches to her brutal suppression of dissent and controversial dec...

23 Loka 202531min

How to Survive in Renaissance England

How to Survive in Renaissance England

Quacks, wise women, barber surgeons and private madhouses - just some of the options available if you were to find yourself in ill health in the 16th and 17th centuries. Dan is joined by historian Dr ...

21 Loka 202539min

Richard II vs Henry IV

Richard II vs Henry IV

Today, we dive into the dramatic tale of two men whose rivalry changed the course of English history. We unravel the complex relationship between King Richard II and his ambitious cousin, Henry Boling...

19 Loka 202555min

Suosittua kategoriassa Historia

olipa-kerran-otsikko
gogin-ja-janin-maailmanhistoria
mayday-fi
huijarit
mystista
rss-ikiuni
totuus-vai-salaliitto
tsunami
konginkangas
rouva-diktaattori
rss-i-dont-like-mondays-2
rss-kalmakabinetti
sotaa-ja-historiaa-podi
rss-kirkon-ihmeellisimmat-tarinat
rss-sattuu-sita-suomessakin
rss-iltanuotiolla
maailmanpuu
tiedetta-ja-sirkushuveja-vanhojen-aikojen-podcast
rss-outoja-uutisia-pohjois-suomesta
rss-kikka-forever