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Explaining History
Nick Shepley
887 episodes
18 hours ago

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.

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History
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All content for Explaining History is the property of Nick Shepley and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

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.

Show more...
History
Education,
Society & Culture,
Courses,
Documentary
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Rationing, austerity and nostalgia
Explaining History
26 minutes 52 seconds
1 week ago
Rationing, austerity and nostalgia

In this episode of Explaining History, Nick explores how nostalgia has become a toxic force in British politics. Drawing on Liam Stanley’s Britain Alone, we examine how the "Blitz Spirit" and memories of WWII rationing have been cynically weaponized to justify modern austerity.

Why do politicians suggest that food insecure families should "learn lessons from the wartime generation"? We unpack the myth that poverty is a moral failing rather than a structural one, and how the "Make Do and Mend" narrative is used to gaslight a population suffering from 15 years of cuts. From the "creative destruction" of the high street to the privatization of the public realm, Nick argues that the longing for a golden age is a symptom of a society in deep crisis.

Plus: Stay tuned for updates on our upcoming live masterclasses for history students launching in January!

Key Topics:

  • Toxic Nostalgia: How the memory of WWII is used to enforce social compliance.
  • The Myth of the Blitz: Challenging the idea of universal wartime solidarity.
  • Austerity as Morality Play: The narrative of "strivers vs. skivers."
  • State Intervention: How wartime rationing was actually a form of social protection, unlike modern food banks.

Books Mentioned:

  • Britain Alone by Liam Stanley
  • The People's War by Angus Calder
  • The Myth of the Blitz by Angus Calder


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.

▸ Support the Show & Get Exclusive Content

Become a Patron: patreon.com/explaininghistory

▸ Join the Community & Continue the Conversation

Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/ExplainingHistoryPodcast

Substack: theexplaininghistorypodcast.substack.com

▸ Read Articles & Go Deeper

Website: explaininghistory.org



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Explaining History

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.