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.

Support me at http://www.patreon.com/hopesreason

Visit me at http://www.stephenjbedard.com/secondworldwar

Look for my other podcast "History of Christianity" on your favourite podcast provider.

When we think of Japan and December 1941, we think of Pearl Harbor. But Japan had much more up their sleeve than just one attack. That same day saw surprise attacks by Japanese forces on American, British, and Thai territories. In this episode, we look at those attacks.

Support me at http://www.patreon.com/hopesreason

Visit me at http://www.stephenjbedard.com/secondworldwar

Look for my other podcast "History of Christianity" on your favourite podcast provider.

December 7, 1941. A day that will live in infamy. The Japanese attack Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. This would forever change the course of the Second World War. In this episode, we look at the broad strokes of what happened that day.

Please visit me at ⁠https://www.stephenjbedard.com/secondworldwar⁠ and consider supporting me at ⁠http://www.patreon.com/hopesreason⁠.

We have been primarily following the German war machine during 1941. However, this year was to radically change the face of the Second World War before it ended. This would be the fateful day of December 7, 1941 and the attack on Pearl Harbor.

But before we get to that, we catch up with Japan and what it has experienced during 1941. This context is essential for us to understand the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Please visit me at https://www.stephenjbedard.com/secondworldwar and consider supporting me at http://www.patreon.com/hopesreason.

In this episode of Echoes of the Past, we explore the United States between September 1939 and December 1941 — the tense years leading up to Pearl Harbor. While Americans focused on recovering from the Great Depression, debates raged between isolationists and interventionists over whether to enter the growing global conflict. We examine the nation's cultural mood, shifting political landscape, and evolving foreign relationships with Britain, the Soviet Union, Germany, and Japan. As economic pressures mounted and global tensions rose, the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor brought a reluctant but determined America into World War II.

Visit me at https://www.stephenjbedard.com/secondworldwar

Support me at http://www.patreon.com/hopesreason

In this episode of the podcast, I talk to Ronald Drabkin, the author of Beverly Hills Spy. In this excellent book, the author takes us through the story of Frederick Rutland, a man who was a British hero from the Great War, a companion of Hollywood stars, and a spy that gave the Japanese valuable intelligence that helped them in their attack on Pearl Harbour.

I encourage you to pick up Beverly Hills Spy through this Amazon affiliate link: https://amzn.to/4hPM6eP

Visit me at https://www.stephenjbedard.com/secondworldwar

Consider supporting me at http://www.patreon.com/hopesreason

The Germans have been busy during 1941. Not only had they invaded the Soviet Union and continued the Battle of the Atlantic, they also had occupied several countries and were still trying to deal with Britain. This included a bombing campaign, as well as the war in North Africa. This episode brings us to the eve of Pearl Harbor as the Second World War prepares for another major change.

This episode is brought to you by Fiverr. Visit https://www.stephenjbedard.com/Fiverr

Please visit me at https://www.stephenjbedard.com/secondworldwar and follow me at https://x.com/WW2_Podcast.

Consider supporting me at http://www.patreon.com/hopesreason

The podcast episode provides a detailed overview of the Battle of the Atlantic from June 1941 to December 1941, highlighting the struggle between the Allies and German U-boats, as well as the growing involvement of the United States. This period, though marked by some Allied progress, still saw heavy losses as Germany sought to knock Britain out of the war.

The episode concludes with the Allies making slow progress but facing significant challenges as German U-boats continued to dominate the Atlantic.

My recommended book is: Battle of the Atlantic: Gauntlet to Victory (Amazon affiliate link)

Visit me at http://www.stephenjbedard.com/secondworldwar

Support me through Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/hopesreason

Follow me at https://x.com/WW2_Podcast

It is October and November of 1941. The weather is getting colder and only so much can be done before General Winter makes his appearance. Can the Germans make it to Moscow? In this episode, we look at Operation Typhoon and Germany's attempt to gain a major victory while they still have time.

My recommended book is The First Soldier: Hitler as Military Leader by Stephen Fritz. You can purchase it at this Amazon affiliate link: https://amzn.to/4hTcHbW

Visit me at http://www.stephenjbedard.com/secondworldwar

Follow me at https://x.com/WW2_Podcast

In this episode, I speak with Mark Aedy, son of Ken Aedy. Ken served in the Royal Air Force (RAF), beginning his career during the Second World War and wrote his story, which became From Biplanes to Fast Jets. Unlike many of his peers, Ken did not release after the war but continued to fly, including some of the first Jets in the RAF.