The Shame of Benedict Arnold

Hermann Görtz, a German spy during World War II, became infamous not for his cunning but for his extraordinary string of misfortunes and blunders. Despite being trained and sent on high-stakes missions in Britain and Ireland, his operations were repeatedly thwarted by bad luck, miscommunication, and sheer circumstance. This episode traces Görtz’s hapless espionage career, revealing a tale of daring intentions undermined by relentless misfortune and the unpredictable chaos of war.   DON’T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE A RATING OR A REVIEW! THANK YOU IN ADVANCE! SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.patreon.com/c/HistoryShortsPodcast ADVERTISE: https://www.historyshortspodcast.com/advertise  LEARN MORE: https://www.historyshortspodcast.com/ SPONSORED BY: https://www.podcastrepublic.net/get-it-now

28 Sep 11min

From horseback riders braving the Wild West to early airmail pilots risking it all in open cockpits, the history of the U.S. Postal Service is full of unexpected twists and daring adventures. Beyond delivering letters, the USPS has been at the center of quirky inventions, secret stamps, and even experimental mail-by-rocket programs. This episode uncovers the fascinating stories behind America’s most reliable, and surprisingly eccentric, postal system.   DON’T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE A RATING OR A REVIEW! THANK YOU IN ADVANCE! SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.patreon.com/c/HistoryShortsPodcast ADVERTISE: https://www.historyshortspodcast.com/advertise  LEARN MORE: https://www.historyshortspodcast.com/ SPONSORED BY: https://www.podcastrepublic.net/get-it-now

27 Sep 12min

In this episode, we explore the remarkable impact of horses on human history with historian and author David Chaffetz. His newest book, Raiders, Rulers, and Traders: The Horse and the Rise of Empires, traces the role of the horse as a catalyst for warfare, trade, and political power across civilizations. From the nomadic steppe raiders who reshaped Eurasia to the rise of powerful empires, Chaffetz reveals how these animals transformed the trajectory of human societies. Join us as we discuss the symbiosis between humans and horses, the evolution of cavalry, and the economic and cultural revolutions spurred by these magnificent creatures.  DON’T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE A RATING OR A REVIEW! THANK YOU IN ADVANCE!   BUY DAVID'S BOOK: https://www.amazon.com/Raiders-Rulers-Traders-Horse-Empires/dp/1324051469  SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.patreon.com/c/HistoryShortsPodcast ADVERTISE: https://www.historyshortspodcast.com/advertise  LEARN MORE: https://www.historyshortspodcast.com/   EPISODE SPONSORED BY THE COLLECTOR: www.thecollector.com  THIS WEEK'S THE COLLECTOR.COM'S ARTICLE SELECTION: How Horses Shaped Human Civilization Genghis Khan: Feared Conqueror or Successful Innovator?

26 Sep 23min

Thomas Nast revolutionized political commentary in the 19th century by using cartoons to expose corruption in a way that words alone could not. His incisive illustrations made political scandals visible, holding powerful figures accountable and educating the public with clarity and impact. This episode explores how Nast’s art shaped public perception, empowered reform, and established the enduring influence of visual journalism in American democracy.   DON’T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE A RATING OR A REVIEW! THANK YOU IN ADVANCE! SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.patreon.com/c/HistoryShortsPodcast ADVERTISE: https://www.historyshortspodcast.com/advertise  LEARN MORE: https://www.historyshortspodcast.com/ SPONSORED BY: https://www.podcastrepublic.net/get-it-now

25 Sep 12min

The Volkswagen Beetle originated in Nazi Germany as part of Hitler’s vision for an affordable “people’s car,” designed by Ferdinand Porsche to embody efficiency and accessibility. Despite its dark beginnings, the Beetle eventually transcended its origins to become a beloved symbol of practicality, style, and countercultural identity worldwide. This episode traces the car’s journey from propaganda tool to global automotive icon, exploring its engineering, cultural impact, and enduring legacy.   DON’T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE A RATING OR A REVIEW! THANK YOU IN ADVANCE! SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.patreon.com/c/HistoryShortsPodcast ADVERTISE: https://www.historyshortspodcast.com/advertise  LEARN MORE: https://www.historyshortspodcast.com/ SPONSORED BY: https://www.podcastrepublic.net/get-it-now

24 Sep 14min

Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President of the United States, earned the nickname “Silent Cal” for his famously quiet and reserved nature. Beneath this calm exterior, he displayed sharp wit, unusual habits, and moments of surprising decisiveness that revealed a more complex personality. This episode explores the contradictions of Coolidge’s life, highlighting the humor, eccentricities, and understated courage of one of America’s most enigmatic presidents.   DON’T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE A RATING OR A REVIEW! THANK YOU IN ADVANCE! SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.patreon.com/c/HistoryShortsPodcast ADVERTISE: https://www.historyshortspodcast.com/advertise  LEARN MORE: https://www.historyshortspodcast.com/ SPONSORED BY: https://www.podcastrepublic.net/get-it-now

23 Sep 14min

In the mid‑19th century, the U.S. Army experimented with camels to traverse the harsh deserts of the American Southwest. Imported from the Middle East, these camels proved resilient and capable of carrying heavy loads, but their temperaments and the skepticism of soldiers ultimately doomed the experiment.  DON’T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE A RATING OR A REVIEW! THANK YOU IN ADVANCE! SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.patreon.com/c/HistoryShortsPodcast ADVERTISE: https://www.historyshortspodcast.com/advertise  LEARN MORE: https://www.historyshortspodcast.com/ SPONSORED BY: https://www.podcastrepublic.net/get-it-now

22 Sep 11min

LIMITED SERIES 11: SECRET WW2 - In the final months of World War II, secret negotiations known as Operation Sunrise took place in Switzerland, aiming to secure the unconditional surrender of German forces in northern Italy. U.S. OSS and Swiss officials, with the involvement of Allen Dulles, engaged in delicate talks with SS General Karl Wolff, balancing secrecy, diplomacy, and the risk of Allied mistrust.    DON’T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE A RATING OR A REVIEW! THANK YOU IN ADVANCE! SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.patreon.com/c/HistoryShortsPodcast ADVERTISE: https://www.historyshortspodcast.com/advertise  LEARN MORE: https://www.historyshortspodcast.com/ SPONSORED BY: https://www.podcastrepublic.net/get-it-now

21 Sep 9min