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Hosted by Dr Zack Twamley, the 'When Diplomacy Fails' podcast explores the origins of wars, how they were concluded, and their consequences. Twamley examines the intricacies of diplomacy, intrigue, and the actions of key historical figures. The podcast delves into conflicts such as the Thirty Years War, the July Crisis, and the Age of Bismarck, offering listeners a deep dive into the complex dynamics that shape history. With a focus on making history accessible, the podcast presents a unique perspective on the world of diplomacy and the challenges it presents.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Host | Dr Zack Twamley |
| Topics | How wars broke out, how they were concluded, and their consequences |
| Content | Juicy diplomacy, sneaky intrigue, fascinating characters, and incredible drama |
| Episode frequency | Every second week |
| Episode format | Audio and written |
| Episode extras | Bibliography, articles, and links |
| Platforms | Apple Podcasts, Acast, Spotify, Patreon |
| Merchandise | T-shirts, mugs, books |
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What You'll Learn
The Thirty Years War
The Thirty Years' War is a captivating and dramatic period of history, with many fascinating stories and tales. The When Diplomacy Fails podcast offers an exciting take on this era, exploring how personal rivalries and hatred between key figures, such as Emperor Ferdinand and his subject Frederick, pushed Europe to the brink. This conflict, which lasted from 1618 to 1648, was not just about these two individuals but also involved a wider range of characters and issues. The podcast delves into the complex dynamics of the time, introducing listeners to the main themes, important figures, and powerful European forces at play.
One episode of the podcast focuses on the story of Frederick V, whose rise, fall, and subsequent rise and fall again, is emblematic of the unpredictable nature of the Thirty Years' War. Frederick's rivalry with Emperor Ferdinand fuelled the flames of the war, drawing in virtually every power of consequence. This episode also highlights how neutrality was impossible during this conflict, and the consequences of choosing sides could be catastrophic, as demonstrated by the sack of Magdeburg in May 1631.
The podcast also provides an overview of the broader context of the Thirty Years' War, including the constitution of the Holy Roman Empire and the Habsburg family. It discusses the outbreak of the conflict in 1618 and explores related issues in Europe at the time. Additionally, the podcast delves into the Austro-Serb War and the complex diplomatic landscape faced by Britain and Sir Edward Grey, who struggled to navigate insincere allies and a divided cabinet.
The Thirty Years' War was a complex and dynamic period in European history, and the When Diplomacy Fails podcast offers a unique and engaging perspective on this era. By examining the personal rivalries, important battles, and diplomatic developments, the podcast provides a comprehensive and captivating narrative of this tumultuous time.
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The July Crisis
In the days leading up to the outbreak of World War I, Europe was a powder keg of rising tensions and complex diplomatic manoeuvring. The July Crisis podcast series delves into the pivotal moments during this period, exploring how the decisions and actions of various countries and their leaders ultimately failed to prevent the outbreak of war.
One key aspect examined in the series is the question of neutrality. While Germany was preparing for mobilisation, Britain affirmed its intention to remain neutral and even guaranteed the neutrality of France. This unexpected development left the German government in a state of confusion, wondering if it was a legitimate offer or a misunderstanding. The episode explores the potential blame on either the vagueness of the British Foreign Secretary or the misinterpretation by the German ambassador, Lichnowsky.
Another crucial element of the July Crisis is the mobilisation of Russia against Austria, which Germany interpreted as a sign that Russia would not remain neutral as Serbia was destroyed. This expansion of the conflict beyond a localised war with Serbia worried German figures like Jagow, who recognised the potential for the war to expand until everyone was involved. The podcast also discusses the pressure on Germany to clarify its position on Belgian neutrality, despite Berlin's attempts to shift the blame for the escalating tensions onto other parties.
As the crisis unfolded, Germany found its diplomatic options shrinking. The podcast mentions Germany's behind-the-scenes efforts to court Romania and the Ottoman Empire, with the latter bearing more significant fruit. However, Italy's neutrality and Austria's continued demands strained Germany's diplomatic manoeuvring. The Schlieffen Plan, which predicted world war, was put into motion, and Germany's declaration of war on France followed, despite Paris's mobilisation and Italy's neutrality.
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The Age of Bismarck
The When Diplomacy Fails Podcast, hosted by Dr Zack Twamley, explores how wars broke out, how they were concluded, and their consequences. Twamley, a self-described "qualified history nerd", presents the podcast with a relaxing delivery style that adds depth to the listener's knowledge of history.
The series examines the infamous chapter in the July Crisis historiography, in which the German government believed Britain intended to remain neutral and guarantee the neutrality of France. It delves into the question of whether this was a legitimate offer or a misunderstanding between the German ambassador and the British government. The podcast also discusses the role of the British Foreign Secretary and the German ambassador, Lichnowsky, in this diplomatic episode.
In addition to the podcast episodes, listeners can access exclusive merchandise, such as a Bismarck-themed t-shirt, and opportunities for direct conversation with Twamley via Skype or Zoom.
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The Sack of Magdeburg
In the minds of the Imperialists, the people of Magdeburg chose the "Devil" when they decided to support the Swedish King Gustavus Adolphus, who is also the inspiration for the podcast's theme and title. This choice proved disastrous as the city was sacked, and its people paid the ultimate price. The episode invites listeners to put themselves in the shoes of those faced with such difficult decisions, asking "Are you for God or the Devil?".
The Thirty Years' War was a complex and destructive conflict, and the Sack of Magdeburg is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that could arise from choosing one side or the other. The podcast episode delves into this dilemma, exploring the challenges faced by those entangled in the war. It encourages listeners to consider the complexities of the historical context and the far-reaching implications of the decisions made during this tumultuous time.
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The Outbreak of War
The When Diplomacy Fails podcast is a historical podcast that focuses on different wars throughout history, including the Thirty Years War and the July Crisis. It examines the outbreak of war, international relations, diplomacy, and the characters behind these conflicts. The podcast is created by Zack Twamley, a qualified history expert, and each episode is packed with juicy diplomacy, sneaky intrigue, fascinating characters, and incredible drama.
In the Thirty Years War series, the podcast jumps into the conflict that began in 1618, introducing listeners to the main themes, important figures, and active powers in Europe at the time. It explores the constitution of the Holy Roman Empire, the Habsburg family, and other related issues in Europe at the outbreak of the war. The series also includes an episode on the sack of Magdeburg in May 1631, where the citizens of the city chose the 'Devil' in the eyes of the Imperialists, leading to a devastating atrocity.
The July Crisis series delves into the complex diplomatic landscape leading up to the outbreak of war. It examines the roles of Britain, Germany, Austria, Russia, and other powers in the days preceding the conflict. The episode "The Final Hours of Peace" focuses on Britain's affirmation of neutrality and its offer to guarantee the neutrality of France as well. It questions whether this was a legitimate offer or a misunderstanding between the German ambassador and the British government.
Another episode in the July Crisis series explores the mobilisation efforts and diplomatic manoeuvring of various countries. It discusses Germany's attempts to court Romania and the Ottoman Empire, the uncertain position of Italy, and the challenges faced by the German ambassador among his Russian peers. The tension rises as the Tsar insists on mobilisation, and the episode delves into the potential consequences of Austrian troops invading Serbia.
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Frequently asked questions
The When Diplomacy Fails podcast examines how wars broke out, how they were concluded, and their consequences. It covers topics such as juicy diplomacy, sneaky intrigue, fascinating historical characters, and incredible drama.
The When Diplomacy Fails podcast is hosted by Dr. Zack Twamley, a qualified history nerd.
You can listen to the When Diplomacy Fails podcast on platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Acast, and Spotify.
