In this first chapter of the Battle of the Atlantic, we catch up with what was happening in the Atlantic Ocean. Germany was trying to cut off Britain from all outside support by targeting shipping lanes. The Allies struggled to get the convoys to their destination from German ships, planes, and especially the dreaded U-Boats. This chapter takes us from the beginning of the war to late 1941. Support this podcast through Patreon. Visit my website.

In this first chapter of the Battle of the Atlantic, we catch up with what was happening in the Atlantic Ocean. Germany was trying to cut off Britain from all outside support by targeting shipping lanes. The Allies struggled to get the convoys to their destination from German ships, planes, and especially the dreaded U-Boats. This chapter takes us from the beginning of the war to late 1941. Support this podcast through <a href="www.patreon.com/hopesreason" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a>. Visit my <a href="www.stephenjbedard.com/sceondworldwar" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow" target="_blank">website</a>.

33 - The Battle of the Atlantic: Chapter One

On the same day that the Germans invaded Yugoslavia, they also invaded Greece. Even with Allied support, the Germans pushed through all defences. In this episode, we look at the invasion of the mainland and Crete. Please support this podcast through Patreon. Visit me at my website.

On the same day that the Germans invaded Yugoslavia, they also invaded Greece. Even with Allied support, the Germans pushed through all defences. In this episode, we look at the invasion of the mainland and Crete. Please support this podcast through <a href="//www.patreon.com/hopesreason" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a>. Visit me at my <a href="//www.stephenjbedard.com/secondworldwar" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">website</a>.

32 - Greece Lightning: The German Invasion of Greece

Imagine living through a Soviet occupation. And then having the Nazis replace the Soviets. And then having the Soviets return and eject the Nazis. And all this while only a child. John Livens shares about his experience as a boy in Latvia during the Second World War plus much more in his book An Unexpected Journey. In this episode, I talk to John about his experience during the war but his book covers much more material and is worth reading. This episode is brought to you by Athletic Greens. Please support this podcast through Patreon.

Imagine living through a Soviet occupation. And then having the Nazis replace the Soviets. And then having the Soviets return and eject the Nazis. And all this while only a child. John Livens shares about his experience as a boy in Latvia during the Second World War plus much more in his book <a href="https://amzn.to/3p4ILPT" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">An Unexpected Journey</a>. In this episode, I talk to John about his experience during the war but his book covers much more material and is worth reading. This episode is brought to you by <a href="//www.athleticgreens.com/EMERGING" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Athletic Greens</a>. Please support this podcast through <a href="//www.patreon.com/hopesreason" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a>.

31 - An Unexpected Journey: A Conversation With John Livens

In April of 1941, Germany, along with Italian and Hungarian allies, invaded Yugoslavia. This was part of German's actions in the Balkans that would include the invasion of Greece. In this episode, we look at how that invasion went and what happened after. Visit me at my website. This episode is brought to you by Athletic Greens. Support this podcast through Patreon.

In April of 1941, Germany, along with Italian and Hungarian allies, invaded Yugoslavia. This was part of German's actions in the Balkans that would include the invasion of Greece. In this episode, we look at how that invasion went and what happened after. Visit me at my <a href="//www.stephenjbedard.com/secondworldwar" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">website</a>. This episode is brought to you by <a href="//www.athleticgreens.com/EMERGING" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Athletic Greens</a>. Support this podcast through <a href="//www.patreon.com/hopesreason" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a>.

30 - The April War: The Invasion of Yugoslavia

The Italians failed to take Malta. Could the Germans do better? They needed to neutralize this island to allow supplies to reach North Africa. However, the British stubbornly held onto Malta and frustrated the plans of the Axis. Support this podcast through Patreon.

The Italians failed to take Malta. Could the Germans do better? They needed to neutralize this island to allow supplies to reach North Africa. However, the British stubbornly held onto Malta and frustrated the plans of the Axis. Support this podcast through <a href="//www.patreon.com/hopesreason" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a>.

29 - The Siege of Malta

In a previous episode, we saw Italy struggle in its ambitions in North Africa. Could Germany succeed where Italy failed? In this episode, we look at the arrival of General Erwin Rommel and his activity with the Afrika Korps during 1941. This episode is brought to by Athletic Greens.  Please support this podcast through Patreon.

In a previous episode, we saw Italy struggle in its ambitions in North Africa. Could Germany succeed where Italy failed? In this episode, we look at the arrival of General Erwin Rommel and his activity with the Afrika Korps during 1941. This episode is brought to by <a href="//www. athleticgreens.com/EMERGING" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Athletic Greens</a>.  Please support this podcast through <a href="//www.patreon.com/hopesreason" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a>.

28 - Enter the Desert Fox

We have been focusing on Germany and Italy but what has Japan been up to? While technically not yet involved in the Second World War, they are in a fierce battle to dominate China. However, it is not going as well as they had hoped. In this episode, we catch up with Japan and what they have been up to for some of 1939-40. Support this podcast through Patreon. Thus episode is brought to you be Athletic Greens.

We have been focusing on Germany and Italy but what has Japan been up to? While technically not yet involved in the Second World War, they are in a fierce battle to dominate China. However, it is not going as well as they had hoped. In this episode, we catch up with Japan and what they have been up to for some of 1939-40. Support this podcast through <a href="//www.patreon.com/hopesreason" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a>. Thus episode is brought to you be <a href="//www.athleticgreens.com/EMERGING " rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Athletic Greens</a>.

27 - Catching Up With Japan: China Strikes Back

Italy attempts to match their German partners by attacking in numerous places in the Mediterranean area. This includes Egypt, Malta, and Greece. While they have high hopes, each of these campaigns will leave them requiring the help of the Germans. For more on military history, visit me here. Support this podcast through Patreon.

Italy attempts to match their German partners by attacking in numerous places in the Mediterranean area. This includes Egypt, Malta, and Greece. While they have high hopes, each of these campaigns will leave them requiring the help of the Germans. For more on military history, visit me <a href="//www.stephenjbedard.com/secondworldwar" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. Support this podcast through <a href="//www.patreon.com/hopesreason" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a>.

26 - Italy Swings... And Misses

Pius XII

Pope Pius XII was the pope during the Second World War. There is controversy over how he responded to the crisis. Should he have openly opposed Nazism or should he have positioned himself strategically for later negotiations? This is a special crossover episode between the Second World War Podcast and the History of Christianity Podcast. If you have a business, you need a website. What’s the best way to get a website up and running? Choose a website hosting company that makes it simple, like Pair Networks. Pair has over 20 years of experience managing the entire digital ecosystem for thousands of online businesses, all around the world. Pair makes it easy for you, with do-it-yourself website building tools and features, including simple drag and drop page design. And they have guaranteed US-based support technicians ready to help you whenever you need it – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Right now, when you sign up with Pair Networks, you’ll receive one free month of web hosting. See for yourself how easy it is to build your website for free! Visit pai.com/free to get your first month of website hosting for free by using the code QUICKSTART. That’s pair.com/free, promo code QUICKSTART to get started today.

Pope Pius XII was the pope during the Second World War. There is controversy over how he responded to the crisis. Should he have openly opposed Nazism or should he have positioned himself strategically for later negotiations? This is a special crossover episode between the <a href="http://www.stephenjbedard.com/the-second-world-war-podcast/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Second World War Podcast</a> and the <a href="https://historyofchristianitypodcast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">History of Christianity Podcast</a>. If you have a business, you need a website. What’s the best way to get a website up and running? Choose a website hosting company that makes it simple, like Pair Networks. Pair has over 20 years of experience managing the entire digital ecosystem for thousands of online businesses, all around the world. Pair makes it easy for you, with do-it-yourself website building tools and features, including simple drag and drop page design. And they have guaranteed US-based support technicians ready to help you whenever you need it – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Right now, when you sign up with Pair Networks, you’ll receive one free month of web hosting. See for yourself how easy it is to build your website for free! Visit <a href="http://pai.com/free" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pai.com/free</a> to get your first month of website hosting for free by using the code QUICKSTART. That’s <a href="http://pair.com/free" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pair.com/free</a>, promo code QUICKSTART to get started today.

25 - A Pope in Wartime: Pius XII

Italy was able to take British Somaliland. Could they duplicate that success with Egypt? They would soon find that Britain was much more motivated to hold onto Egypt. For more resources, please visit my website. This episode is brought to you by Pair. If you have a business, you need a website. What’s the best way to get a website up and running? Choose a website hosting company that makes it simple, like Pair Networks. Pair has over 20 years of experience managing the entire digital ecosystem for thousands of online businesses, all around the world. Pair makes it easy for you, with do-it-yourself website building tools and features, including simple drag and drop page design. And they have guaranteed US-based support technicians ready to help you whenever you need it – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Right now, when you sign up with Pair Networks, you’ll receive one free month of web hosting. See for yourself how easy it is to build your website for free! Visit pair.com/free to get your first month of website hosting for free by using the code QUICKSTART. That’s pair.com/free, promo code QUICKSTART to get started today. (This is a paid advertisement)

Italy was able to take British Somaliland. Could they duplicate that success with Egypt? They would soon find that Britain was much more motivated to hold onto Egypt. For more resources, please visit my <a href="//www.stephenjbedard.com/secondworldwar" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">website</a>. This episode is brought to you by Pair. If you have a business, you need a website. What’s the best way to get a website up and running? Choose a website hosting company that makes it simple, like Pair Networks. Pair has over 20 years of experience managing the entire digital ecosystem for thousands of online businesses, all around the world. Pair makes it easy for you, with do-it-yourself website building tools and features, including simple drag and drop page design. And they have guaranteed US-based support technicians ready to help you whenever you need it – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Right now, when you sign up with Pair Networks, you’ll receive one free month of web hosting. See for yourself how easy it is to build your website for free! Visit <a href="http://pair.com/free" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pair.com/free</a> to get your first month of website hosting for free by using the code QUICKSTART. That’s <a href="http://pair.com/free" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pair.com/free</a>, promo code QUICKSTART to get started today. (This is a paid advertisement)

24 - Italy Goes For Egypt

A Podcast all about the second world war hosted by Stephen Bedard.

I forgot I like you talking to Travis Dow

Forgot

Developing, but interesting, accurate, entertaining.

Good Work!

The Second World War

Travis Dow

When it comes to history, context is everything. Thankfully, we are blessed with great historical resources, including the German background. In this episode, I talk to Travis Dow, the host of the History of Germany podcast (and many more). We discuss some of what was happening in Germany between the wars, including attitudes toward communism and Judaism (make sure to listen to his episode on antisemitism). I’m always amazed at how much knowledge Travis has over such a wide span of German history. I would encourage you to check out Travis at his website and start listening to his podcast. My recommendation for this episode is William Shirer’s Rise and Fall of the Third Reich. Since its publication in 1960, William L. Shirer’s monumental study of Hitler’s German empire has been widely acclaimed as the defi

When it comes to history, context is everything. Thankfully, we are blessed with great historical resources, including the German background. In this episode, I talk to Travis Dow, the host of the History of Germany podcast (and many more). We discuss some of what was happening in Germany between the wars, including attitudes toward communism and Judaism (make sure to listen to his <a href="https://www.acast.com/historyofgermany/014-history-of-antisemitism-in-germany" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">episode</a> on antisemitism). I’m always amazed at how much knowledge Travis has over such a wide span of German history. I would encourage you to check out Travis at his <a href="http://www.podcastnik.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">website</a> and start listening to his podcast. My recommendation for this episode is William Shirer’s Rise and Fall of the Third Reich. Since its publication in 1960, William L. Shirer’s monumental study of Hitler’s German empire has been widely acclaimed as the defi

5 – Interview With Travis Dow on the German Context

Last time we looked at the countries that made up the Axis powers. This time we look at the Allies. The Allies are much more than just Britain, United States and the Soviet Union, even if they are considered “the Big Three.” Understanding the position these countries were in at the start of the war prepares us for what comes next. These countries, many of which had almost nothing in common, were coming together to fight their common enemies. I mention the China History podcast in this episode. You can find it here. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0";amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true";amzn_assoc_search_bar_position = "bottom";amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "stejbed-20";amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "search";amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";amzn_assoc_region = "US";amzn_assoc_title = "Shop Related Products";amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = "Allies W

Last time we looked at the countries that made up the Axis powers. This time we look at the Allies. The Allies are much more than just Britain, United States and the Soviet Union, even if they are considered “the Big Three.” Understanding the position these countries were in at the start of the war prepares us for what comes next. These countries, many of which had almost nothing in common, were coming together to fight their common enemies. I mention the China History podcast in this episode. You can find it <a href="http://chinahistorypodcast.libsyn.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; amzn_assoc_search_bar_position = "bottom"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "stejbed-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "search"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_title = "Shop Related Products"; amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = "Allies W

3 – Setting the Stage: The Allies

It is difficult to understand the Second World War without some concept of the First World War. Many of the seeds of what happened in 1939-1945 were planted in 1914-1918. Even some of the battles were fought on the same land by the same countries led by leaders who were in both wars. This episode provides a very broad outline of the major events of the First World War. For more details, my recommendation is Barbara Tuchman’s The Guns of August. You can get it as an audiobook and support this podcast at Audible.

It is difficult to understand the Second World War without some concept of the First World War. Many of the seeds of what happened in 1939-1945 were planted in 1914-1918. Even some of the battles were fought on the same land by the same countries led by leaders who were in both wars. This episode provides a very broad outline of the major events of the First World War. For more details, my recommendation is Barbara Tuchman’s The Guns of August. You can get it as an audiobook and support this podcast at <a href="http://www.audibletrial.com/hopesreason" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Audible</a>.

4 – The War That Didn’t End All Wars

The Second World War really starts with the German invasion of Poland. But what were Japan and Italy up to as Germany was preparing to invade? This episode looks at what was happening in China and Ethiopia in the mid to late 1930s.

The Second World War really starts with the German invasion of Poland. But what were Japan and Italy up to as Germany was preparing to invade? This episode looks at what was happening in China and Ethiopia in the mid to late 1930s.

10 - Japan and Italy at the Dawn of the Second World War

Between the First World War and the Second World War, there was another conflict that greatly impacted Europe. This was the Spanish Civil War. Although technically this was just a civil war between the Republicans and Nationalists, unofficially many of the nations that participated in the Second World War, were involved in the Spanish Civil War, at least unofficially. Hitler especially took advantage of this opportunity to perfect the strategies that he would use in the Second World War. My recommendation for an audio book is Hell and Good Company: The Spanish Civil War and the World It Made by Richard Rhodes. From the Pulitzer Prize-winning and best-selling author of The Making of the Atomic Bomb, the remarkable story of the Spanish Civil War through the eyes of the reporters, writers, artists, doctors, and nurses who witnessed it. Get this audiobook for free with a free trial of Audible through this link

Between the First World War and the Second World War, there was another conflict that greatly impacted Europe. This was the Spanish Civil War. Although technically this was just a civil war between the Republicans and Nationalists, unofficially many of the nations that participated in the Second World War, were involved in the Spanish Civil War, at least unofficially. Hitler especially took advantage of this opportunity to perfect the strategies that he would use in the Second World War. My recommendation for an audio book is Hell and Good Company: The Spanish Civil War and the World It Made by Richard Rhodes. From the Pulitzer Prize-winning and best-selling author of The Making of the Atomic Bomb, the remarkable story of the Spanish Civil War through the eyes of the reporters, writers, artists, doctors, and nurses who witnessed it. Get this audiobook for free with a free trial of Audible through this <a href="http://www.audibletrial.com/hopesreason" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">link</a>

6 – The Spanish Civil War

Can we think of two greater monsters of the 20th century than that of Hitler and Stalin. Although the Second World War ended with them as bitter enemies, it began with them in cooperation. This episode looks at what led to the nonaggression pact.

9 - Hitler and Stalin: A Match Made in Hell

Although the Second World War really begins with the invasion of Poland, Germany’s expansion began earlier with the annexation of Austria. This event, which Churchill described as “the rape of Austria,” was the first real glimpse of what Hitler intended for Eur

Although the Second World War really begins with the invasion of Poland, Germany’s expansion began earlier with the annexation of Austria. This event, which Churchill described as “the rape of Austria,” was the first real glimpse of what Hitler intended for Eur

7 – The Rape of Austria

The German invasion of Czechoslovakia was a turning point in Hitler's acts of aggression. This was the necessary step to transition from annexing fellow Germans in Austria to invading the non-German Poland, thus starting the Second World War.

8 - The Munich Agreement

The beginning of the Second World War is generally understood as being at the invasion of Poland by Nazi Germany in September, 1939. Hitler created an excuse for invading and unleashed his forces on an outdated Polish army. Even knowing that Britain and France would not accept this, Hitler took this step, confident in the weakness of his enemies and the protection of his non-aggression pact with the Soviet Union. The world would never be the same. My recommended audiobook is: The Nazi Invasion of Poland: The History of the Campaign That Started World War II "The object of the war is...to physically destroy the enemy. That is why I have prepared, for the moment only in the East, my 'Death's Head' formations with orders to kill without pity or mercy all men, women, and children of Polish descent or language. Only in this way can we obtain the living space we need." (Hitler, August 1939) Throughout 1938 and 1939, conflict broke out across Europe after the social and economic disorder brought about by World War I helped the Nazis rise to power in Germany. In 1937, Adolf Hitler declared the Treaty of Versailles void and began aggressively annexing parts of the European continent. Europe's attempts to appease him, most notably at Munich in 1938, failed as Nazi Germany swallowed up Austria and Czechoslovakia by 1939. Italy was on the march as well, invading Albania in April of 1939. The straw that broke the camel's back, however, was Germany's invasion of Poland on September 1 of that year. Two days later, France and Great Britain declared war on Germany, and World War II began in earnest. Of course, as most people now know, the invasion of Poland was merely the preface to the Nazi blitzkrieg of most of Western Europe, which would include Denmark, Belgium, and France by the summer of 1940. The resistance put up by these countries is often portrayed as weak, and the narrative is that the British stood alone in 1940 against the Nazi onslaught, defending the British Isles during the Battle of Britain and preventing a potential German invasion. Download this audiobook for FREE with a FREE trial of Audible.

The beginning of the Second World War is generally understood as being at the invasion of Poland by Nazi Germany in September, 1939. Hitler created an excuse for invading and unleashed his forces on an outdated Polish army. Even knowing that Britain and France would not accept this, Hitler took this step, confident in the weakness of his enemies and the protection of his non-aggression pact with the Soviet Union. The world would never be the same. My recommended audiobook is: The Nazi Invasion of Poland: The History of the Campaign That Started World War II "The object of the war is...to physically destroy the enemy. That is why I have prepared, for the moment only in the East, my 'Death's Head' formations with orders to kill without pity or mercy all men, women, and children of Polish descent or language. Only in this way can we obtain the living space we need." (Hitler, August 1939) Throughout 1938 and 1939, conflict broke out across Europe after the social and economic disorder brought about by World War I helped the Nazis rise to power in Germany. In 1937, Adolf Hitler declared the Treaty of Versailles void and began aggressively annexing parts of the European continent. Europe's attempts to appease him, most notably at Munich in 1938, failed as Nazi Germany swallowed up Austria and Czechoslovakia by 1939. Italy was on the march as well, invading Albania in April of 1939. The straw that broke the camel's back, however, was Germany's invasion of Poland on September 1 of that year. Two days later, France and Great Britain declared war on Germany, and World War II began in earnest. Of course, as most people now know, the invasion of Poland was merely the preface to the Nazi blitzkrieg of most of Western Europe, which would include Denmark, Belgium, and France by the summer of 1940. The resistance put up by these countries is often portrayed as weak, and the narrative is that the British stood alone in 1940 against the Nazi onslaught, defending the British Isles during the Battle of Britain and preventing a potential German invasion. Download this audiobook for FREE with a FREE trial of <a href="http://www.audibletrial.com/hopesreason" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Audible</a>.

11 - And So It Begins

Before there was the Battle of France, before there was the Battle of Britain, there was the Winter War. Just months after the start of the Second World War, the Soviet Union invaded Finland. But it didn't go quite the way they had hoped. Please support this podcast by downloading a FREE audiobook with a FREE trial of Audible or by supporting me through Patreon. You can find other blog posts and podcast episodes at my website.

Before there was the Battle of France, before there was the Battle of Britain, there was the Winter War. Just months after the start of the Second World War, the Soviet Union invaded Finland. But it didn't go quite the way they had hoped. Please support this podcast by downloading a FREE audiobook with a FREE trial of <a href="www.audibletrial.com/hopesreason" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Audible</a> or by supporting me through <a href="www.patreon.com/hopesreason" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a>. You can find other blog posts and podcast episodes at my <a href="www.stephenjbedard.com/secondworldwar" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">website</a>.

13 - Russian to the Finnish Line

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