In the summer of 1941, Nazi Germany launched the largest military invasion in history—Operation Barbarossa, Hitler’s bold and catastrophic attempt to crush the Soviet Union in a matter of months. In this episode of Hearthside History, we take you deep into the chaos of the Eastern Front, where three million Axis troops surged across a 1,800-mile front, aiming to seize Moscow, Leningrad, and the resource-rich lands of the East.

From the early Blitzkrieg victories that saw entire Soviet armies encircled and destroyed, to the brutal sieges and war crimes that made Barbarossa a war of extermination, we examine how Hitler’s ideological obsession shaped this devastating campaign. But as the Germans pushed deeper into Soviet territory, logistical nightmares, Soviet resilience, and the unforgiving Russian winter turned their triumph into disaster.

How did Stalin’s miscalculations nearly doom the Soviet Union? Why did Hitler’s overconfidence and strategic blunders derail his invasion? And how did the Battle of Moscow become the first major defeat of the Nazi war machine? We break down the turning points, the staggering losses, and the long-term consequences that made Barbarossa a pivotal moment in World War II.

If you’ve enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow Hearthside History, leave a five-star review, and share it with fellow history lovers. And for more thrilling stories, check out other great podcasts from Past Cast Studios—dive into legendary heists with Heistories, uncover the worst jobs in history with History’s Worst Paychecks, or see who would win in epic warrior matchups in History Fight Club.

Next time, we leave the battlefields of the Eastern Front and head to the Pacific, where the rising sun brings war to American shores. Japan’s surprise attack on Pearl Harbor would change the world forever—tune in as we cover the beginning of the war in the Pacific.

Let’s bring history to life!

The sands of North Africa became the proving ground for some of World War II’s most legendary commanders, as German General Erwin Rommel—nicknamed The Desert Fox—led a bold campaign against the British Eighth Army. In this episode of Hearthside History, we follow the dramatic rise and fall of the Axis war effort in North Africa.

From early Italian failures that forced Hitler to send Rommel and the Afrika Korps into battle, to lightning-fast offensives that pushed the British to the brink, we explore how tactical brilliance and battlefield deception nearly won the day for the Axis. But as the campaign wore on, supply shortages, relentless British counterattacks, and the arrival of American forces turned the tide.

How did Rommel’s battlefield genius both propel and doom his army? Why did Hitler hesitate to fully support the campaign? And how did victories in the desert shape the Allied war effort in Europe? We break down the critical battles, the key turning points, and the brutal realities of desert warfare in this high-stakes fight for control of North Africa.

If you’ve enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow Hearthside History, leave a five-star review, and share it with fellow history lovers. And if you’re looking for more thrilling history, check out other great podcasts from Past Cast Studios—dive into legendary heists with Heistories, uncover the worst jobs in history with History’s Worst Paychecks, or see who would win in epic warrior matchups in History Fight Club.

Next time, we move from the scorching sands of Africa to the frozen fields of the Eastern Front as we cover Operation Barbarossa, Hitler’s disastrous invasion of the Soviet Union.

Tune in, and let’s bring history to life!

In the summer of 1940, the fate of the free world hung by a thread. Adolf Hitler had conquered most of Western Europe and now turned his sights on Britain. Only the Royal Air Force stood between Britain and a full-scale invasion.

In this episode of Hearthside History, join Ben Harwood as we explore the pivotal Battle of Britain—from desperate dogfights in the skies over southern England, to groundbreaking radar technology and the extraordinary resilience of the British people during the devastating Blitz.

Discover how Winston Churchill rallied a nation, and how RAF pilots known famously as "The Few" turned the tide against overwhelming odds. We'll dive into strategic decisions on both sides that shaped history, including Hitler’s crucial mistake that gave Britain the chance it needed to survive.

We also highlight lesser-known stories, including the contributions of pilots from across the globe, the intense strain and bravery of young airmen, and Churchill’s tireless efforts to secure American support through the darkest days of the war.

Britain stood alone, battered but defiant—but could it hold out? Find out now in Episode 10 of Hearthside History.

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In just six weeks, France—once Europe’s strongest military power—collapsed under the weight of Hitler’s Blitzkrieg. As German forces closed in, nearly 400,000 Allied soldiers found themselves trapped on the beaches of Dunkirk, facing certain destruction. What followed was one of the most desperate and miraculous evacuations in military history.

In this episode of Hearthside History, we take you inside the fall of France and the chaos of Dunkirk. How did Germany overrun France so quickly? Why did Hitler halt his forces at Dunkirk? And how did an armada of civilian boats—the legendary Little Ships of Dunkirk—help save an army?

We also examine the cost of France’s surrender, the rise of Vichy rule, and the moment Britain realized it was now standing alone against Hitler’s empire. The war was far from over—the Battle of Britain was about to begin.

Follow Hearthside History for more deep dives into the past, and if you enjoy the show, leave us a five-star review—it helps us bring more stories to history lovers like you!

Apple Podcasts Description for This Episode

🔥The Winter War: When Finland Defied Stalin ❄️

In the brutal winter of 1939, the Soviet Union expected to crush Finland in weeks. Instead, they walked into a frozen nightmare. Finnish soldiers, outnumbered nearly 3 to 1, used the forests, the cold, and sheer resilience to hold off Stalin’s war machine. Snipers likeSimo Häyhä—The White Death racked up hundreds of kills, while ski troops and guerrilla tactics shredded Soviet forces. But even the most determined defense can’t hold forever.

In this episode ofHearthside History, we dive into thefull story of the Winter War—from its origins and Finland’s impossible resistance to the final Soviet offensives that forced Finland to the negotiating table. How did this tiny nation stand against one of the largest armies in history? And how did the lessons of this war influence Hitler’s invasion of the Soviet Union just a year later?

Join host Ben Harwood as we unravel one of WWII’s most overlooked yet crucial conflicts.

🎧Follow Hearthside History and leave a 5-star review to support the show!

🔎Looking for more gripping history? Check out other shows fromPastCast Studios for deep dives into ancient civilizations, medieval warfare, Cold War espionage, and more.

Next Episode: The Fall of France & The Dunkirk Evacuation — The world watched in shock as Hitler’s forces swept through France in just six weeks. But on the beaches of Dunkirk, against all odds, a desperate evacuation changed history. Don’t miss it!

On September 1, 1939, Germany launched a devastating invasion of Poland, unleashing Blitzkrieg—a revolutionary form of warfare that stunned the world. As Polish forces fought desperately against overwhelming odds, another betrayal was already in motion. Just weeks later, the Soviet Union invaded from the east, sealing Poland’s fate and ensuring its complete collapse. But what if Stalin had stayed out of the fight? Could Poland have held out longer? Would Britain and France have finally intervened?

In this episode of Hearthside History, we break down the invasion from the secret Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact to the siege of Warsaw and the brutal occupation that followed. We uncover the forgotten battles, the heroic resistance, and the devastating human cost of the war’s opening campaign.

Would Poland have stood a chance if the Soviets had never invaded? Listen now to find out.

Join Hearthside History as we unravel the pivotal moments that led to the outbreak of World War II. From the Spanish Civil War—a proving ground for ideologies and alliances—to the controversial policy of appeasement, we’ll uncover how efforts to preserve peace only emboldened aggressive powers.

Dive into the Munich Agreement, a defining example of diplomacy gone wrong, and explore how the failure of international negotiations left Europe on the brink of catastrophe.

This episode is part of our comprehensive series, exploring World War II from its very beginning to its dramatic conclusion, uncovering the events, decisions, and stories that reshaped the world forever.

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Join Hearthside History for an in-depth exploration of the Treaty of Versailles and its impact on the aftermath of World War I, tracing how economic hardship and political unrest fueled the rise of fascism in Italy and Germany.

We’ll examine the ascent of leaders like Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler, uncovering how nationalist fervor and punitive post-war conditions laid the groundwork for another global conflict.

We’ll also delve into Japan’s imperial ambitions in Asia, highlighting the strategic moves and expansions that further destabilized the fragile peace. Tune in to understand how these intertwined forces set the stage for World War II and reshaped the 20th century.

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