Hey guys, welcome back to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast, where you learn about the causes of wars and things like, why did it happen? Was it inevitable? Who was involved?

Sometimes I go back hundreds of years just so we can understand what happened in our narrative episodes covering the long course of a war and the background of the war. And if you want to talk more about war, we also have authors, historians, war generals, royalty, actors, filmmakers, a whole bunch of people come on as guests and we talk about everything about before, during, and after war. So let's go!

The Why Wars Happened History Podcast covers The American Revolution, World War I, World War II, Medieval Wars in England, The Habsburg Empire, The War in Iraq, Scottish wars, The War of the Roses, The Cuban Missile Crisis, The Cold War, The Thirty Years War, The Hundred Years War, The American Civil War, and many others.

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BTS on Apple’s “Masters of the Air” with John Orloff

Step into the world of high-stakes aerial combat with Why Wars Happened as we sit down with award-winning screenwriter and producer John Orloff. Best known for Band of Brothers, Orloff takes us behind the scenes of his latest project, Masters of the Air, an Apple TV+ mini-series that brings the harrowing air war against Nazi Germany to life.

From the intense research behind the 100th Bomb Group to the challenges of balancing historical accuracy with gripping storytelling, Orloff shares the highs and lows of dramatizing real events. Hear untold war stories, the emotional toll on WWII airmen, and the creative decisions that shaped this ambitious series. If you love history, filmmaking, or the stories of those who fought in the skies, this episode is for you.

📌 Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction to John Orloff and His Work

00:34 The Art of Scene Cuts and Structure

01:41 Developing Masters of the Air

02:48 Historical Accuracy and Research

05:12 Challenges of Portraying Real Events

07:23 Realism in Masters of the Air

09:13 The Harsh Realities of Air Combat

19:16 Psychological Toll on Airmen

26:58 The Morality of WWII Pilots

27:32 Training Differences Between American and German Pilots

28:40 The Scale of American Manufacturing in WWII

31:03 The Evolution of Bombing Strategies

34:20 The Journey of Masters of the Air

37:09 Future Projects and Challenges

38:49 Battlestar Galactica and Other Ventures

41:56 Concluding Thoughts and Future Hopes

#whywarshappened #whywarshappen #Thepacific #Bandofbrothers #wwII #worldwarii #ww2 #worldwar2 #HistoryPodcast #MilitaryHistory #WWII #WorldWar2 #8thAirForce #100thBombGroup #MastersOfTheAir #BomberWar #AerialCombat #WWIIHistory #WWIIPodcast #WarDocumentary #HistoryBuff #WWIIAviation #USAirForce #WWIIHeroes #AppleTV #BandOfBrothers #WWIIStories #HistoricalAccuracy #B17Bomber #WarFilms #WWIIEurope #WWIIVeterans #WWIIResearch #spielberg #tomhanks #appletvshows #europeanhistory #BattlestarGalactica #BSG #johnorloff

Hey guys, welcome back to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast, where you learn about the causes of wars and things like, why did it happen? Was it inevitable? Who was involved?

Sometimes I go back hundreds of years just so we can understand what happened in our narrative episodes covering the long course of a war and the background of the war. And if you want to talk more about war, we also have authors, historians, war generals, royalty, actors, filmmakers, a whole bunch of people come on as guests and we talk about everything about before, during, and after war. So let's go!

The Why Wars Happened History Podcast covers The American Revolution, World War I, World War II, Medieval Wars in England, The Habsburg Empire, The War in Iraq, Scottish wars, The War of the Roses, The Cuban Missile Crisis, The Cold War, The Thirty Years War, The Hundred Years War, The American Civil War, and many others.

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INTERVIEW: Nazi POWs in America: The Forgotten Camps with William Geroux

This episode of Why Wars Happened uncovers a forgotten chapter of World War II: the Nazi POWs held in the United States. Host dives into the shocking reality of over 370,000 German soldiers—equivalent to four entire armies—detained in camps across America. Historian and author William Geroux joins the discussion to explore his book, The Fifteen: Murder Retribution and the Forgotten Story of Nazi POWs in America, revealing how these prisoners lived under Geneva Convention rules, the unexpected ways they impacted local communities, and the Nazi influence that remained inside the camps. From laboring on farms to daring escapes and violent conflicts, this episode brings to light a hidden part of history.

If you’re fascinated by World War II, military history, or untold war stories, don’t miss this episode. Subscribe for more deep dives into the past!

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Why Wars Happened

00:46 Introducing Today's Guest: William Geroux

01:07 Nazi POWs in America: An Overview

01:57 Life in American POW Camps

02:27 Geneva Convention and POW Treatment

03:35 Concerns and Criticisms of POW Treatment

11:19 Escaping POWs and Jim Crow Laws

15:22 German POWs in the US: A Valuable Labor Force

17:23 Farmers' Mixed Feelings About Nazi POWs

18:50 American Soldiers' Reactions to POW Treatment

19:46 Introducing Leon Jaworski: The Army Prosecutor

21:34 Researching the Hidden History of Nazi POW Camps

27:02 Nazi Ideology and Violence in POW Camps

29:19 Future Writing Projects and Closing Remarks

#Nazis #Nazi #POWcamps #POWs #POW #Prisonersofwar #ruralamerica #americanhistory #whywarshappened #whywarshappen #wwII #worldwarii #ww2 #worldwar2 #HistoryPodcast #MilitaryHistory #WorldWar2 #MilitaryHistory #WWIIHistory #WWIIPodcast #WarDocumentary #HistoryBuff #WWIIStories #WWIIResearch #UShistory

Hey guys, welcome back to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast, where you learn about the causes of wars and things like, why did it happen? Was it inevitable? Who was involved?

Sometimes I go back hundreds of years just so we can understand what happened in our narrative episodes covering the long course of a war and the background of the war. And if you want to talk more about war, we also have authors, historians, war generals, royalty, actors, filmmakers, a whole bunch of people come on as guests and we talk about everything about before, during, and after war. So let's go!

The Why Wars Happened History Podcast covers The American Revolution, World War I, World War II, Medieval Wars in England, The Habsburg Empire, The War in Iraq, Scottish wars, The War of the Roses, The Cuban Missile Crisis, The Cold War, The Thirty Years War, The Hundred Years War, The American Civil War, and many others.

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INTERVIEW: Unraveling the End of the Civil War with Michael Vorenberg

In this episode of Why Wars Happened, host Emily Ross sits down with historian and award-winning author Michael Vorenberg to explore the complexities of ending the Civil War. They dive into his book, Lincoln's Peace: The Struggle to End the American War, discussing key events like the Hampton Roads Conference, the Confederacy’s push for international recognition, and the surrender agreements at Appomattox and in North Carolina. Vorenberg also unpacks the global impact of the war, the role of honor in post-war negotiations, and his upcoming book on military prisons. A must-listen for anyone fascinated by the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln, and military history.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 – Welcome to Why Wars Happened

00:46 – Meet Michael Vorenberg

01:02 – Lincoln’s Peace and the Fight to End the War

01:32 – The Challenges of Declaring Peace

02:39 – The Hampton Roads Conference

07:35 – The Confederacy’s Diplomatic Efforts Abroad

11:04 – Confederate Ties to the Mexican Civil War

17:00 – Economics and the War’s End

18:14 – Post-War Reflections & Debates

18:41 – Defining the End of the Civil War

20:14 – The Appomattox Surrender and Its Impact

22:04 – Sherman’s Controversial Surrender Terms

25:20 – Comparing Military Strategies Across History

29:06 – How Lincoln’s Assassination Changed Everything

31:46 – Michael Vorenberg’s Upcoming Book on Military Prisons

35:08 – Closing Thoughts

#CivilWar #WhyWarsHappened #AmericanHistory #USHistoricalEvents #AbrahamLincoln #MilitaryHistory #ushistory #americancivilwar #podcast #history #historypodcast #historyinterview #civilwarbook #whywarshappen

Hey guys, welcome back to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast, where you learn about the causes of wars and things like, why did it happen? Was it inevitable? Who was involved?

Sometimes I go back hundreds of years just so we can understand what happened in our narrative episodes covering the long course of a war and the background of the war. And if you want to talk more about war, we also have authors, historians, war generals, royalty, actors, filmmakers, a whole bunch of people come on as guests and we talk about everything about before, during, and after war. So let's go!

The Why Wars Happened History Podcast covers The American Revolution, World War I, World War II, Medieval Wars in England, The Habsburg Empire, The War in Iraq, Scottish wars, The War of the Roses, The Cuban Missile Crisis, The Cold War, The Thirty Years War, The Hundred Years War, The American Civil War, and many others.

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The Eastern Front Uncovered: Austria-Hungary’s WWI Struggles with Dr. Geoffrey Wawro

In this episode of Why Wars Happened, Emily sits down with Dr. Geoffrey Wawro, military historian and author of A Mad Catastrophe, to unravel the chaos of the Eastern Front in World War I. They discuss the stark contrasts between the Eastern and Western fronts, Austria-Hungary’s disastrous military strategy, and how internal divisions sealed the fate of the Habsburg Empire.

From the empire’s lack of preparation to its uneasy alliance with Germany, this conversation dives deep into one of WWI’s most overlooked theaters. If you're a fan of military history, strategy, or the fall of great empires, you won’t want to miss this one!

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Why Wars Happened

00:37 Meet Dr. Geoffrey Wawro

01:37 The Eastern vs. Western Fronts: Key Differences

03:24 How Railways Shaped WWI Strategy

06:54 Nationalism and the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s Internal Conflicts

11:05 Austria’s Military Failures and Unpreparedness

22:41 Army Comparisons: Austria-Hungary vs. Russia

30:21 The Austro-German Alliance: Strengths and Struggles

33:46 Closing Thoughts & What’s Next

#HistoryPodcast #WhyWarsHappened #WWI #WorldWarI #MilitaryHistory #NickLloyd #TheWesternFront #TrenchWarfare #WarToEndAllWars #Verdun #Somme #KaiserWilhelm #Ludendorff #ChemicalWarfare #MilitaryStrategy #WWIHistory #GreatWar #history #historypodcast #historyinterview #podcast #historyinterview #WhyWarsHappen #PodcastInterview #europeanhistory #militaryhistory #austrohungarian #austriahungary #austrianhungarian

Hey guys, welcome back to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast, where you learn about the causes of wars and things like, why did it happen? Was it inevitable? Who was involved?

Sometimes I go back hundreds of years just so we can understand what happened in our narrative episodes covering the long course of a war and the background of the war. And if you want to talk more about war, we also have authors, historians, war generals, royalty, actors, filmmakers, a whole bunch of people come on as guests and we talk about everything about before, during, and after war. So let's go!

The Why Wars Happened History Podcast covers The American Revolution, World War I, World War II, Medieval Wars in England, The Habsburg Empire, The War in Iraq, Scottish wars, The War of the Roses, The Cuban Missile Crisis, The Cold War, The Thirty Years War, The Hundred Years War, The American Civil War, and many others.

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Inside the 8th Air Force: WWII History and ‘Masters of the Air’

Welcome back to Why Wars Happened! This episode takes a deep dive into the incredible history of the 8th Air Force and the legendary 100th Bomb Group with historian Donald L. Miller and HBO producer Kirk Saduski. We explore the harrowing experiences of American bomber crews in WWII, the challenges they faced in the skies over Europe, and how these real-life stories were brought to the screen in Apple TV+’s Masters of the Air.

From the brutal realities of aerial combat to the painstaking research behind the show’s production, this conversation is packed with insights for history buffs and war film fans alike. Subscribe for more expert discussions on the wars that shaped our world!

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Why Wars Happened

00:37 Meet the Guests: Donald L. Miller & Kirk Saduski

01:45 The 8th Air Force and the 100th Bomb Group

02:33 The Evolution of Bomber Warfare

03:56 Turning Real Stories into a TV Series

08:20 The Struggle for Authenticity in War Dramas

14:27 Personal Stories and Emotional Depth

26:15 WWII Veterans' Firsthand Accounts

27:05 Fear and Courage in the Air

27:29 What Exit Interviews Revealed About the Air Force

27:53 The Commander’s Perspective

28:53 How Actors Prepared for Their Roles

30:05 Behind the Scenes of the D-Day Filming

30:56 The Importance of Historical Accuracy

32:40 Connecting Emotionally to the Past

34:20 Realism in Masters of the Air’s Flight Scenes

35:32 What It’s Like to Fly in a B-17

36:49 The Brutal Reality of Frostbite and Combat

37:57 Comparing WWII Experiences Across Fronts

40:40 Upcoming History Projects and Podcasts

44:02 New Civil War Book Announcement

45:48 Closing Thoughts

#whywarshappened #whywarshappen #Thepacific #Bandofbrothers #wwII #worldwarii #ww2 #worldwar2 #HistoryPodcast #MilitaryHistory #WWII #WorldWar2 #MilitaryHistory #8thAirForce #100thBombGroup #MastersOfTheAir #BomberWar #AerialCombat #WWIIHistory #WWIIPodcast #WarDocumentary #HistoryBuff #WWIIAviation #USAirForce #WWIIHeroes #AppleTV #BandOfBrothers #WWIIStories #HistoricalAccuracy #B17Bomber #WarFilms #WWIIEurope #WWIIVeterans #WWIIResearch #spielberg #tomhanks #appletvshows #europeanhistory

Hey guys, welcome back to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast, where you learn about the causes of wars and things like, why did it happen? Was it inevitable? Who was involved?

Sometimes I go back hundreds of years just so we can understand what happened in our narrative episodes covering the long course of a war and the background of the war. And if you want to talk more about war, we also have authors, historians, war generals, royalty, actors, filmmakers, a whole bunch of people come on as guests and we talk about everything about before, during, and after war. So let's go!

The Why Wars Happened History Podcast covers The American Revolution, World War I, World War II, Medieval Wars in England, The Habsburg Empire, The War in Iraq, Scottish wars, The War of the Roses, The Cuban Missile Crisis, The Cold War, The Thirty Years War, The Hundred Years War, The American Civil War, and many others.

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The Unfolding of WWI: Insights with Dr. Nick Lloyd | Why Wars Happened History Podcast

In this episode, we dive into the complexities of World War I with Dr. Nick Lloyd, Professor of Modern Warfare at King's College London. Dr. Lloyd, an acclaimed historian and author of The Western Front, unpacks the war’s origins, key battles, and the brutal realities of trench warfare.

From Germany’s strategic missteps to the devastating impact of chemical weapons, we explore how WWI reshaped the world. Whether you're passionate about military history, strategy, or the human cost of war, this episode offers a fresh perspective on one of history’s most defining conflicts.

Subscribe for more in-depth conversations with historians, war generals, and filmmakers, as we break down the events that led nations to war.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Why Wars Happened

00:45 Interview with Dr. Nick Lloyd

01:03 Writing The Western Front

03:55 How World War I Began

07:39 Belgium’s Role in WWI

11:31 Germany’s Military Strategy and Miscalculations

16:52 The Influence of Kaiser Wilhelm II

21:05 Verdun and the Somme: Battles That Defined the War

25:05 America’s Entry: A Game Changer

25:42 German Arrogance and Strategic Errors

27:59 Ludendorff’s Relentless Push for Victory

30:53 Chemical Warfare: Breaking the Rules of War

33:14 The Evolution and Horror of Gas Attacks

38:01 WWI’s Industrial and Technological Innovations

41:31 The “War to End All Wars” – A Myth?

46:29 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

#HistoryPodcast #WhyWarsHappened #WWI #WorldWarI #MilitaryHistory #NickLloyd #TheWesternFront #TrenchWarfare #WarToEndAllWars #Verdun #Somme #KaiserWilhelm #Ludendorff #ChemicalWarfare #MilitaryStrategy #WWIHistory #GreatWar #history #historypodcast #historyinterview #podcast #historyinterview #WhyWarsHappen #PodcastInterview #europeanhistory #austrohungarian #austriahungary #austrianhungarian

Hey guys, welcome back to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast, where you learn about the causes of wars and things like, why did it happen? Was it inevitable? Who was involved?

Sometimes I go back hundreds of years just so we can understand what happened in our narrative episodes covering the long course of a war and the background of the war. And if you want to talk more about war, we also have authors, historians, war generals, royalty, actors, filmmakers, a whole bunch of people come on as guests and we talk about everything about before, during, and after war. So let's go!

The Why Wars Happened History Podcast covers The American Revolution, World War I, World War II, Medieval Wars in England, The Habsburg Empire, The War in Iraq, Scottish wars, The War of the Roses, The Cuban Missile Crisis, The Cold War, The Thirty Years War, The Hundred Years War, The American Civil War, and many others.

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In this episode of Why Wars Happened, we sit down with a truly unique guest—Archduke Edward Habsburg, Ambassador to the Holy See and a member of one of Europe's most legendary dynasties. We dive into the Habsburg family's deep-rooted traditions of faith, resilience, and leadership, exploring how these values shaped history.

Edward shares insights from his book, Building a Wholesome Family in a Broken World, offering wisdom on fostering strong family bonds, whether you're religious or not. He also brings history to life with fascinating stories about figures like Emperor Franz Joseph, Maria Theresia, and Otto von Habsburg’s defiant stand against the Nazis in WWII.

From royal marriages and family dynamics to personal reflections on love and faith, this conversation is packed with compelling insights. Whether you're a history buff, a military historian, or simply curious about Catholic history and the Habsburg legacy, you won’t want to miss it.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Why Wars Happened

00:48 Meet Archduke Edward Habsburg

01:17 Building a Wholesome Family in a Broken World

03:27 The Role of Catholicism in Habsburg Marriages

06:59 Challenges and Rewards of Large Families

16:13 Habsburg Family Dynamics and Education

21:35 Micromanaging Monarchs: Marie Antoinette’s Overbearing Mother

23:00 Marie Antoinette’s Final Days: A Tale of Faith and Resilience

26:35 The Misunderstood Queen: Debunking Myths About Marie Antoinette

28:09 Love and Sacrifice: The Habsburgs' Romantic Tales

34:03 Otto von Habsburg: Leading Resistance Against the Nazis

36:49 Habsburg History and Values: A Legacy of Faith and Family

39:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Subscribe now and join us for more deep dives into the history behind the conflicts that shaped the world!

#HistoryPodcast #WhyWarsHappened #historyinterview #WhyWarsHappen #EdwardHabsburg #HabsburgDynasty #CatholicHistory #MilitaryHistory #FamilyValues #MarieAntoinette #WWIIHistory #OttoVonHabsburg #HistoricalFigures #EuropeanHistory #FaithAndResilience #RoyalHistory #PodcastInterview #history #militaryhistory #ustriahistory #thehabsburgs #habsburg #catholics #catholic #catholichistory #austrohungarian #austriahungary #austrianhungarian #ImperialHistory

Hey guys, welcome back to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast, where you learn about the causes of wars and things like, why did it happen? Was it inevitable? Who was involved?

Sometimes I go back hundreds of years just so we can understand what happened in our narrative episodes covering the long course of a war and the background of the war. And if you want to talk more about war, we also have authors, historians, war generals, royalty, actors, filmmakers, a whole bunch of people come on as guests and we talk about everything about before, during, and after war. So let's go!

The Why Wars Happened History Podcast covers The American Revolution, World War I, World War II, Medieval Wars in England, The Habsburg Empire, The War in Iraq, Scottish wars, The War of the Roses, The Cuban Missile Crisis, The Cold War, The Thirty Years War, The Hundred Years War, The American Civil War, and many others.

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In this episode of the Why Wars Happened History Podcast, we down with two distinguished guests: Dan Hill, the founder of Battle Guide and co-host of the 'Not so Quiet on the Western Front' podcast, and Dr. Spencer Jones, an award-winning historian, author, and senior lecturer at the University of Wolverhampton. Join us as we discuss various aspects of World War I, including the Battle of the Somme, the evolution of trench warfare, the role of artillery and gases, and the complexities of German counteroffensives. Learn about the strategic decisions made by historical figures like General Haig, and discover how modern tours and digital content bring history to life. Tune in for a comprehensive and fascinating exploration of WWI history.

00:00 Intro

00:45 Meet the Guests: Dan Hill and Dr. Spencer Jones

01:50 Creating Battlefield Tours and Videos

03:37 Deep Dive: The Battle of the Somme

06:50 Challenges and Strategies of WWI

10:29 Douglas Haig: A Controversial Figure

17:12 The Impact of Weapon Quality in WWI

19:18 Experiencing History: Battlefield Tours

22:06 The Legacy of the Battle of the Somme

24:42 The Reality of Life in 1914

25:52 The Bravery of Endurance in War

27:27 German Counteroffensives: A Tactical Analysis

33:54 The Evolution of Trench Warfare

45:08 The Role and Impact of Chemical Warfare

50:49 Upcoming Tours and Final Thoughts