Little History
By James & Dan Faulkner
Little History is a father (Dan, old) and son (James, 12) podcast that looks each week at an interesting moment in history. We focus on small events outside the mainstream that's normally covered in schools and textbooks. We attempt to answer a question each week, like "Why did the assassination of Franz Ferdinand start World War One?" and every time we discover quirky side-allies to explore that end up making us giggle a bit.
Little HistoryNov 25, 2018
00:00
46:18
I Call Dibs on that Island, or The Falklands War
In Episode 9, James and Dan discuss the Falklands - or Malvinas - War of 1982. What's the history of the islands, why did so many people stake a claim to it, and why did Britain care so much about a tiny island 8,000 miles away?
Nov 25, 201846:18
Expelled from Everywhere, or Mussolini and Fascism
A little delayed, sorry. This time we discuss Mussolini, how he came to power, and his grisly end. We also announce with tremendous fanfare the arrival of our very first merchandize BY POPULAR DEMAND!!
Nov 05, 201839:18
You Sir, Did NOT Invent The Hammock, or Columbus Day Special
In our Columbus Day Special, we look at 3 historical tales - Paul Revere, Pocahontas, and Christopher Columbus (obvs) - and James tells us the truth behind them. We also all agree that Columbus Day should not be called Columbus Day.
Oct 15, 201835:58
The Stubbornest of Facts, or The Sun & The Church
James tells us about the discovery that the Earth orbits the Sun and not the other way round, and the prodigious fan-hitting that ensues. The Catholic Church struggled to accommodate heliocentrism into its worldview for...uh...150 years or so, resulting in accusations of satanic possession, run-ins with the Roman Inquisition, political expediency, corruption, burning at the stake, false imprisonment and more. We also learn about a failed attempt to turn water into wine. It's. All. Here. People.
Sep 25, 201850:32
Pigeon-Guided Missiles, or Crazy Weapons
This time, James and Dan depart from focussing on one key event from history and talk about some of the craziest weapons James has uncovered in his research. Rarely pleasant, definitely not always successful, there have been some strange minds designing weaponry over the years.
Sep 03, 201842:59
Messenger Rabbits, or The Resistance in WWII
In this episode, James and Dan discuss the French and Dutch Resistance in World War 2, which were very different affairs - and both very noble. We also learned about messenger rabbits, itching powder and dying of laughter.
Aug 13, 201846:40
Magnificent Dumpling Hat, or The Fall of the Ottoman Empire
This time, James and Dan discuss some of the highlights and lowlights of the fall of the 600-year Ottoman Empire. We are particularly taken with Sulaiman the Magnificent's remarkable headgear
Aug 12, 201836:38
A Ton of Cheese, or Why Only 2 Political Parties in the US?
In this episode, James and Dan discuss why the US has only two political parties, the Democrats and Republicans we know and...uh...tolerate today. Along the way we deal with nasty gossip between the Founding Fathers, a crazy duel, and a 20,000 strong cheese-fuelled party in the White House
Aug 11, 201836:48
Deaded with a Gun, or Why Did an Assassination Start a War?
In this first episode, James and Dan discuss how the assassination of an heir to a fading empire by a Serbian extremist started World War 1. But it's light-hearted too, for reals
Aug 10, 201832:55