How do we make sense of the modern world? We find the answers in the history of the 20th Century.
For over a decade, The Explaining History Podcast has been the guide for curious minds. Host Nick Shepley and expert guests break down the world wars, the Cold War, and the rise and fall of ideologies into concise, 25-minute episodes.
This isn't a dry lecture. It's a critical, narrative-driven conversation that connects the past to your present.
Perfect for students, history buffs, and anyone who wants to understand how we got here. Hit subscribe and start exploring.
Join us at Explaining History for daily modern history articles and news.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How do we make sense of the modern world? We find the answers in the history of the 20th Century.
For over a decade, The Explaining History Podcast has been the guide for curious minds. Host Nick Shepley and expert guests break down the world wars, the Cold War, and the rise and fall of ideologies into concise, 25-minute episodes.
This isn't a dry lecture. It's a critical, narrative-driven conversation that connects the past to your present.
Perfect for students, history buffs, and anyone who wants to understand how we got here. Hit subscribe and start exploring.
Join us at Explaining History for daily modern history articles and news.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Explaining History, Nick delves into the harrowing yet complex world of child labour during the British Industrial Revolution. Moving beyond the Dickensian caricatures of helpless victims, we explore Emma Griffin's groundbreaking book, Liberty’s Dawn: A People's History of the Industrial Revolution.
Through the voices of those who lived it—captured in hundreds of working-class autobiographies—we uncover the brutal reality of 13-hour shifts in cotton mills and lonely vigils in sheep pastures. But we also find stories of agency, survival, and the nuanced family decisions that sent children as young as six into the workforce. Why did some destitute families hold their children back from work until age 10? And how did access to apprenticeships divide the working class into the "skilled" and the "unskilled"?
Plus: Stay tuned for an announcement about an upcoming live masterclass on Russian History for students!
Key Topics:
Books Mentioned:
Explaining History helps you understand the 20th Century through critical conversations and expert interviews. We connect the past to the present. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and share.
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