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The Rest Is History

The Rest Is History

By: Goalhanger
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 Take a deep dive into History’s biggest moments with Tom Holland & Dominic Sandbrook. Explore the stories of History’s most brutal rulers, deadly battles, and world-changing events. From the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, the Nazi conquest of Europe, and Hitler’s evil master plan for world domination, to the French Revolution, the sinking of the Titanic, or the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, Tom and Dominic bring the past to life with gripping storytelling and expert analysis, as they unpack the high-drama moments that shaped our world. The Rest Is History Club: Become a member for exclusive bonus episodes, early access to full series and live show tickets, ad-free listening, our exclusive weekly newsletter, discount book prices on titles mentioned on the show, and our members’ chatroom on Discord. Just head to therestishistory.com to sign up, or start a free trial today on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/therestishistory. For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.Goalhanger Podcasts World
Episodes
  • 578. The Irish War of Independence: Bloody Sunday (Part 3)

    578. The Irish War of Independence: Bloody Sunday (Part 3)
    Jun 29 2025
    What occurred on Bloody Sunday on 21 November 1920 - a turning point in the Irish War of Independence and one of the bloodiest and most brutal moments in Irish history? How many British Army Officers were assassinated on the instructions of firebrand political leader, Michael Collins, that morning? Then, how many civilians did the British army gun down during a Gaelic football match at Croke Park that afternoon, and why given it was largely unprovoked? And, what events did that fateful day set in motion along the road to Irish Independence, by turning Irish public opinion against the British government? In today’s episode, Dominic and Tom are joined once more by historian Paul Rouse, to discuss one of the most tragic events of the entire Irish War of Independence; Bloody Sunday. ⁠The Rest Is History Club⁠: Become a member for exclusive bonus content, early access to full series and live show tickets, ad-free listening, our exclusive newsletter, discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, and our members’ chatroom on Discord. Just head to ⁠therestishistory.com⁠ to sign up, or start a free trial today on Apple Podcasts: ⁠apple.co/therestishistory⁠. For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to ⁠www.goalhanger.com⁠ _______ Twitter: @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook Producer: Theo Young-Smith Assistant Producer: Tabby Syrett + Aaliyah Akude Executive Producers: Jack Davenport + Tony Pastor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr
  • 577. The Irish War of Independence: The Violence Begins (Part 2)

    577. The Irish War of Independence: The Violence Begins (Part 2)
    Jun 25 2025
    What was Sinn Féin’s totemic first move after winning a majority seat in 1917? Were the IRA’s methods during this early stages of the war as violent as they are commonly believed to have been? How sectarian was the IRA? What crucial strategy did the Irish adopt in order to overwhelm English efforts to re-establish control in Ireland? As a victor of the First World War, was Ireland’s struggle for independence unique amongst the revolutions and changing fortunes of other nations during the post war years? And, what enabled the famous Michael Collins to attain a great leadership role in Irish politics? In today’s episode on some of the seismic moments of the Irish War of Independence and the rising tide of bloodshed and violence, Tom and Dominic are joined again by historian Paul Rouse. Extraordinary revolutionary leaders, post war politics, and the crucial role of women in this seminal struggle, all feature… The Rest Is History Club: Become a member for exclusive bonus content, early access to full series and live show tickets, ad-free listening, our exclusive newsletter, discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, and our members’ chatroom on Discord. Just head to therestishistory.com to sign up, or start a free trial today on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/therestishistory. For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com _______ Twitter: @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook Producer: Theo Young-Smith Assistant Producer: Tabby Syrett + Aaliyah Akude Executive Producers: Jack Davenport + Tony Pastor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • 576. The Irish War of Independence: Rise of the IRA (Part 1)

    576. The Irish War of Independence: Rise of the IRA (Part 1)
    Jun 22 2025
    What are the origins of the Irish War of Independence? What impact did the First World War have on Irish efforts for Home Rule? What was the mood in Ireland following the bloody Easter Rising of 1916? And, who was Éamon de Valera, the man who dominated the story of not only Irish politics in the 20th century, but also the entire story of Irish independence? As they launch back into the epic and tumultuous Irish War of Independence, Dominic and Tom are joined once again by historian Paul Rouse, to discuss one of the most important conflicts in the history of Britain. The Rest Is History Club: Become a member for exclusive bonus content, early access to full series and live show tickets, ad-free listening, our exclusive newsletter, discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, and our members’ chatroom on Discord. Just head to therestishistory.com to sign up, or start a free trial today on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/therestishistory. For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com _______ Twitter: @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook Producer: Theo Young-Smith Assistant Producer: Tabby Syrett + Aaliyah Akude Executive Producers: Jack Davenport + Tony Pastor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 12 mins
All stars
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I've always enjoyed the books written by Tom and Dominic so I gave the podcast a go. Best decision, I thoroughly enjoy listening to them and their guests. Really fascinating breadth of subjects and genuinely warm and witty delivery. 5 stars, would recommend!

Informative, educational and entertaining!!

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This episode is great the narrators are excellent, funny and witty whilst informative and thought provoking. So thought provoking I triggered myself (stupidly) as my previous review is unkind and I unfortunately focused on the final minutes of speculation about potential future civil war in developed democratic nations rather than the whole piece which was great.

Please delete my last review .. its rubbish

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so interesting and gently fun. couldn't fault it. Costa Rica my favourite country now.

perfect podcast

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Love this podcast, perfect mix of humour and learning. I listen during my weekend walks and also on holiday. Please keep them coming 👍.

Perfect podcast

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This is an excellent podcast. informative, erudite, sometimes funny, and, crucially, no annoying presenters. Super.

does exactly what it says on the tin

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This is a great podcast which covers a huge variety of interesting historical topics. I love it. Thank you from Ireland.

Great History Stories

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Great subjects, music and gentle voices amazing how the listener just drifts into it. Perfect to listen to at any time.

Wonderful!

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Sensitively told,. Incredibly moving story, I found the second half of the show very powerful

Superb episode

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I have learnt so much from these interesting, educational and entertaining podcasts. I am now officially hooked on The Rest is History. A big thank you to Messrs Sandbrook and Holland for making history accessible and fun.

Fabulous podcast series

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This podcast is such an excellent and thought provoking way of delving into a wide range of events both ancient and modern. Always leaves you looking for more. A virtual ‘amuse-bouche’ for a budding historian.

Recent convert to historical study

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