In this episode of Ancient to Recent, we unpack the turbulent reign of Kaiser Wilhelm II and the dramatic transformation of Germany from 1890 to 1914. 

From Bismarck’s calculated power structures to Wilhelm’s impulsive foreign policy and volatile personality, we explore the roots of Germany’s growing isolation and instability. Learn how economic booms, social upheaval, colonial ambitions, and a series of scandals pushed the German Empire toward the brink of war,  and how a single man’s ego may have helped light the match.

New episodes every Friday at 8:00 CET. Available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

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Bismarck’s Empire: Building Germany, Crushing Enemies, and Creating a Nation

After unification, the real challenge began. In this episode, we explore how Otto von Bismarck governed the new German Empire from 1871 to 1890 navigating class tension, religious conflict, rapid industrialization, and the rise of socialism.

From Kulturkampf and anti-socialist laws to revolutionary social reforms and colonial tensions, this is the story of how Bismarck tried to forge a single national identity from a patchwork of kingdoms, faiths, and cultures until a young, ambitious Kaiser ended his reign.

📚 Based on Iron and Blood by Katja Hoyer
📅 Episode 3 coming next Friday, 20:00 CEST
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts 

From Napoleon to Bismarck, this is the story of how Prussia unified the German states through diplomacy, war, and ruthless ambition culminating in the creation of the German Empire in 1871. Based on Iron and Blood by Katja Hoyer.

Part two out 11 July at 20:00 CEST

When Mahsa Amini died in police custody in 2022, her name became a rallying cry across Iran. This episode traces the roots of the Iranian regime's oppression from the 1979 revolution to modern-day censorship, protest, and resistance. A powerful story of women, workers, and minorities standing up to authoritarianism.

In this gripping episode, we uncover the chilling reality faced by Uyghurs both inside and outside China. From high-tech surveillance in Xinjiang to threats and coercion abroad, the Chinese government's repression has no borders. Through testimonies, reports, and global patterns of intimidation, we reveal how one of the most advanced surveillance states in history is targeting an entire people and silencing those who try to speak up.

This is not just a story about human rights abuses. It's a warning about how authoritarian power can stretch across continents and how silence enables it.
#Uyghurs #NoEscape #HumanRights #Xinjiang #China  #FreedomUnderThreat #AncientToRecent #HistoryPodcast #historytok #bookrecommendations #booktok 

In the second episode of Ancient to Recent, we cover Original Sin by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson.

Convinced that the threat posed by Trump was too great and that only Biden could stop him, his team lied.
To the press.
To the public.
To themselves.
About Biden’s mental health.

This is a story of fear, corruption, and cover-up…
And how it led to the election of Donald J. Trump.

On June 6, 1944, the fate of the free world hung in the balance. In this special episode, we take you deep into the epic story of D-Day—the largest amphibious invasion in history.

From the silent landing of gliders at Pegasus Bridge to the fierce resistance at Omaha Beach, and the heroic scaling of Pointe du Hoc by U.S. Rangers, we walk through the strategy, chaos, and courage that defined Operation Overlord.

We’ll explore Allied air dominance, German defensive weaknesses, and unforgettable personal stories like the paratrooper caught on a church steeple and the Polish conscript forced to fight for Hitler.

This is not just a tale of military might, but of human endurance, sacrifice, and the moment that began the liberation of Europe.

Welcome to Ancient to Recent, the history channel that dives deep into the events, empires, and people that shaped our world.🎙️ Launching soon with new episodes every week📽️ Historical facts, and book recommendations📚 Based on real historical research and fascinating booksFrom forgotten kingdoms to myth-busting facts, we're here to make history engaging, surprising, and relevant.👉 Follow us @AncientToRecent for historical content.