The Second World War

Things were looking good in North Africa for the British. Until they weren't. Rommel still had some tricks and by the end of January 1942, the situation had reversed.

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Everything changed when Japan entered the Second World War. But how prepared was Japan to accomplish its task? In this bonus episode, we look at the size of the Japanese military at the beginning of the Second World War.

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In this episode of the podcast, I talk with Darrell Hillier, author of North Atlantic Crossroads, a story of the Second World War that many people have never heard of.

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If you do not speak German, the ranks of the German military can be a mystery. Who is an NCO and who is an officer? One of my most popular blog posts is https://www.stephenjbedard.com/understanding-german-military-ranks-during-world-war-ii/ and this episode is based on that article.

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In early 1942, where were attacks taking place? Africa and Asia? Yes, but how about just off the east coast of the United States? Operation Drumbeat was the German U-boat offensive against American shipping within sight of its shores. Perhaps the most effective German operation that you have never heard about.

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The entry of Japan into the war in December 1941 set all sorts of other events in motion. One of these was the invasion of Burma as Japan eyes the valuable Burma Road.

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My recommended book is Defeat Into Victory: Battling Japan in Burma and India, 1942-1945. Purchase it at this Amazon affiliate link: https://amzn.to/4dor9IO

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One of the first things to happen in 1942 of the Second World War was the fall of Manilla in the Philippines. Not even the great Douglas MacArthur could prevent that. The fall of Manilla was a devastating blow to the Allies and it was a sign of Japanese dominance in the Pacific... at least for now.

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1942 begins with one of the biggest turning points of the war, one that did not take place on a battlefield. On January 1, 1942, the United Nations was born. In this episode, we look at this alliance and what it meant, as well as how it connects with our modern United Nations.

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This episode wraps up 1941 by summarizing where things were left by the end of December. The Second World War was much different that it had been 12 months before. We also look at which side had the advantage as we enter 1942.

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Much happened on December 7, 1941. One story is that of the USS Arizona and her captain, Franklin Van Valkenburgh. In this episode, we share their tragic story.

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