History of the G-Men

In this captivating episode, we sit down with Dr. Martyn Rady, a renowned British historian and preeminent expert on Central Europe, to unravel the layered legacies of the Habsburg Empire. From his early love of history (sparked by history-teacher parents) to the surprising global reach of Habsburg rule, Rady brings both wit and wisdom to the mic. We explore how the Habsburgs’ dynastic empire spanned continents, managed competing national identities, and enacted tens of thousands of edicts, some so obscure they were never published. Dr. Rady challenges common perceptions of empire and unpacks the misunderstood resilience of Central Europe, shaped by Roman law, warfare, and religious authority. He also previews his next project on the empires and borderlands of Eastern Europe, including insights into the volatile histories of Ukraine and the Balkans. Whether you're fascinated by the mechanics of imperial power or the bureaucratic absurdities of fish-measuring decrees, this is a must-listen. Highlights: Why the Habsburgs were more than just a European dynasty What makes 1526 a turning point in Central European identity How Roman law reshaped monarchy, morality, and governance How World War I obliterated centuries of imperial stability The bureaucratic excesses of the 18th century and their bizarre legal decrees The legacy of Charlemagne and the ideological roots of "empire" Why Dr. Rady regrets not becoming a historian of the Canary Islands!   Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. It helps other history lovers find the show! SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.patreon.com/c/HistoryShortsPodcast  LEARN MORE: https://www.historyshortspodcast.com/  BUY Martyn's Books!   EPISODE SPONSOR: https://www.thecollector.com/  Peter's This Week's Top Picks from The Collector: The Habsburgs: From the Alps to European Dominance The Habsburgs: A Millennia-Old Dynasty

3 Aug 25min

In this episode, we dive into one of the most infamous events in British colonial history, the Black Hole of Calcutta. On the night of June 20, 1756, a small, overcrowded prison cell became the site of a horrific tragedy. Join us as we explore the grim events leading to the Black Hole’s creation, the impact on British colonial rule in India, and its enduring legacy in the history of empire and imperialism.   DON’T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE A RATING OR A REVIEW! THANK YOU IN ADVANCE! SPONSORED BY THE PODCAST REPUBLIC: https://www.podcastrepublic.net/    LEARN MORE AT: www.historyshortspodcast.com SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.patreon.com/c/HistoryShortsPodcast ADVERTISE: https://www.historyshortspodcast.com/advertise    SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.patreon.com/c/HistoryShortsPodcast LEARN MORE: https://www.historyshortspodcast.com/

2 Aug 11min

In this episode of TODAY IN CONTEXT, we trace the remarkable history of artificial intelligence, from its roots in ancient myth to its rapid rise in the digital age. Long before the first line of code was written, humans imagined machines that could think, speak, and serve. Join us as we explore how legends like Hephaestus’ golden servants and the Golem of Prague evolved into mechanical calculators, logic engines, and the birth of the modern computer.   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 PODCAST REPUBLIC: https://www.podcastrepublic.net/get-it-now

1 Aug 13min

In this episode, we’re joined by Stewart Reynolds, better known as Brittlestar, Canada’s beloved "Internet’s Favourite Dad" and a viral comedian who’s now turned author. His new book, Lessons From Cats for Surviving Fascism, is part satire, part self-help, and part political commentary, with an important underlying message: pay attention to how history repeats itself... but do so with claws out and humor intact. Blending the aloof wisdom of cats with the warning signs of creeping authoritarianism, Brittlestar delivers a funny yet sobering look at how ordinary people can resist control, misinformation, and the slow erosion of truth, all while refusing to give up their independence or nap time. We dive into how comedy can be a weapon of resistance, what we can learn from the behaviors of our feline friends, and why the threat of fascism isn’t just in the past, it’s at the door. This is an episode that will make you laugh, think, and maybe even reevaluate your cat’s suspicious behavior.   DON’T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE A RATING OR A REVIEW! THANK YOU IN ADVANCE! SPONSORED BY THE COLLECTOR: www.thecollector.com    LEARN MORE AT: www.historyshortspodcast.com SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.patreon.com/c/HistoryShortsPodcast ADVERTISE: https://www.historyshortspodcast.com/advertise    SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.patreon.com/c/HistoryShortsPodcast LEARN MORE: https://www.historyshortspodcast.com/   THIS WEEK'S THE COLLECTOR ARTICLE SELECTION  The Rise of Fascism in Italy The White Rose: A Youth Resistance that Denounced Hitler

1 Aug 22min

In this episode, we dive deep into one of the most notorious criminal cases of the early 20th century, Dr. Hawley Harvey Crippen, the American homeopath who was convicted and executed for the murder of his wife, Cora. With elements of an illicit affair, a dismembered body, and a high-stakes transatlantic chase, this case had it all. But over a century later, some still question the fairness of the investigation and trial. Could Dr. Crippen have been wrongfully convicted? Join us as we examine the sensational case that remains a subject of intense debate.   DON’T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE A RATING OR A REVIEW! THANK YOU IN ADVANCE! SPONSORED BY THE PODCAST REPUBLIC: https://www.podcastrepublic.net/    LEARN MORE AT: www.historyshortspodcast.com SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.patreon.com/c/HistoryShortsPodcast ADVERTISE: https://www.historyshortspodcast.com/advertise    SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.patreon.com/c/HistoryShortsPodcast LEARN MORE: https://www.historyshortspodcast.com/

31 Juli 11min

In this episode, we explore one of the most pivotal moments in the decline of communism in Eastern Europe: the rise of the Solidarity movement in Poland. Born from the struggle of workers in Gdańsk, this labor union evolved into a political force that not only helped topple communism in Poland but also inspired movements across the globe. Join us as we take a deep dive into how Solidarity became a symbol of hope and defiance against the iron grip of Soviet-backed totalitarianism.   DON’T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE A RATING OR A REVIEW! THANK YOU IN ADVANCE! SPONSORED BY THE PODCAST REPUBLIC: https://www.podcastrepublic.net/    LEARN MORE AT: www.historyshortspodcast.com SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.patreon.com/c/HistoryShortsPodcast ADVERTISE: https://www.historyshortspodcast.com/advertise    SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.patreon.com/c/HistoryShortsPodcast LEARN MORE: https://www.historyshortspodcast.com/

30 Juli 12min

In this episode, we explore one of the most haunting "what if" scenarios in maritime history: Could the SS Californian have saved the Titanic on that fateful night in April 1912? We dive into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and the role of the Californian, a ship that was close to the Titanic but failed to respond in time. Join us as we investigate the chilling possibilities of what might have happened if the two ships had communicated or acted differently.   DON’T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE A RATING OR A REVIEW! THANK YOU IN ADVANCE! SPONSORED BY THE PODCAST REPUBLIC: https://www.podcastrepublic.net/    LEARN MORE AT: www.historyshortspodcast.com SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.patreon.com/c/HistoryShortsPodcast ADVERTISE: https://www.historyshortspodcast.com/advertise    SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.patreon.com/c/HistoryShortsPodcast LEARN MORE: https://www.historyshortspodcast.com/

29 Juli 11min

Join us as we delve into one of history's most enduring legends, the Trojan War. From the mythical beauty of Helen of Troy to the cunning strategy of Odysseus, this episode explores the intersection of myth and reality in the ancient conflict that shaped the Greek world.   DON’T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE A RATING OR A REVIEW! THANK YOU IN ADVANCE! SPONSORED BY THE PODCAST REPUBLIC: https://www.podcastrepublic.net/    LEARN MORE AT: www.historyshortspodcast.com SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.patreon.com/c/HistoryShortsPodcast ADVERTISE: https://www.historyshortspodcast.com/advertise    SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.patreon.com/c/HistoryShortsPodcast LEARN MORE: https://www.historyshortspodcast.com/

28 Juli 9min