Unification  The Kingdom of Italy was established following the efforts from the likes of Cavour and Garibaldi. This episode highlights the events leading up to unification and the challenges that the new nation faced. Sources

Key Figures and Revolution The movement to unite the peninsula, the Risorgimento, was headed by the political thinker Giuseppe Mazzini. Discover the role he played and learn more about the outbreak of the 1848 revolution. Sources

The Case of the Italian States This episode discusses the situation of the Italian states in the post-Napoleonic period. Learn about the secret society, the Carbonari, and their activities in the 1820 and 1830 revolts. Sources

Japan Prior to 1931 Learn about the domestic, economic and political issues that Japan faced before 1931. Discussing the causes of expansionism, this episode will focus specifically on the individuals who laid out the nation’s domestic policies, as well as the role the Japanese military played in political decision-making and the impact of the Great…

Last Years of Stalin’s Reign Apart from his role in creating the Soviet State, Stalin was influential in other key events such as the Second World War and the Cold War. This episode briefly discusses the part played by one of the most important figures of the 20th century. Sources

Society and Domestic Intelligence A guest episode featuring Polly Corrigan from King’s College London. Here we discuss the role of women, features of Soviet domestic intelligence and the repression of writers.   Disclaimer: Research has been compiled and all opinions are her own.

The Five Year Plans & Collectivisation   Some of Stalin’s most famous (or infamous) domestic policies include the Five Year plans and collectivisation. How were these policies carried out and what were the results? Sources

Maintenance of Power This episode will look into the methods Stalin used to maintain his position of power, such as the Constitution of 1936 and the influence of his cult of personality. Sources

Consolidation of Power There were a number of potential rivals that stood in Stalin’s way. Discover who these figures were and how Stalin maneuvered through the political labyrinth. Sources

Stalin’s Rise to Power Learn about the influence of Vladimir Lenin and the early steps of Stalin’s move to the top. This episode will highlight some key arguments that will help you understand Stalin’s rise to power. Sources