From its initial creation in 1922, the Soviet Union was perhaps the most ambitious political experiment in human history. But how did this superpower come about? And in its first decades, how did its founding principles of equality transform to fit a nation that became synonymous with tragedy, poverty, suppression and terror? 
This is the first in a special 2-part Short History of the Soviet Union.
Written by Dan Smith. With thanks to historian and author Professor Sheila Fitzpatrick of the Australian Catholic University and the University of Sydney.
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The Soviet Union, Part 1 of 2

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History

Society & Culture

Noiser presents a brand new podcast: The Curious History of Your Home. 
In this taster episode of Noiser’s new podcast, join domestic historian Ruth Goodman as she guides you through the surprising, often epic stories behind everyday objects in your home, starting with the wallpaper. 
To discover more episodes, search ‘The Curious History of Your Home’ wherever you get your podcasts or follow the link https://podfollow.com/the-curious-history-of-your-home. New episodes every Tuesday. Short History Of will be back as normal next week. 
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Introducing: The Curious History of Your Home

Since the arrival of the Aztecs in central Mexico from the early 1300s, history has been fascinated by them. They’re widely reputed to be a savage people who left behind obsidian knives, skull racks, and disturbing remnants of human sacrifice. But in reality, the Aztecs were far more multifaceted than that. So what else has history gotten wrong about the Aztecs? Why were they so feared and reviled? How did they become so powerful? And what is the full truth about their downfall? 
This is a Short History Of The Aztecs. 
A Noiser production, written by Nicola Rayner. With thanks to Camilla Townsend, author of Fifth Sun: A New History of the Aztecs. 
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The Aztecs

The Battle of the Somme was supposed to be the joint British-French offensive that would win the First World War. A string of battles spread over five months, it involved everything from cavalry charges, poison gas, and the debut of the tank. But the Somme was anything but victorious….on the first day alone, over 19,000 British soldiers were killed and more than 57,000 wounded, making it the single bloodiest day in British military history. So what was the Allied war plan, and how did it fail so spectacularly? What was its significance to the future progress of the war? And at what cost? 
This is a Short History Of the Battle of the Somme. 
Written by Dan Smith. With thanks to Alex Churchill, historian, director of the Great War Group, and author of the forthcoming ‘Ring of Fire: A New People’s History of the World at War, 1914’.
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The Battle of the Somme

The founding of the United States on July 4th, 1776, changed the world, and inspired other colonies to control their own destinies. The men responsible for writing and signing the Declaration of Independence - the Founding Fathers - have gone down in history as legends, with an almost ‘God-like status’. But nearly 250 years on, their legacy is challenged and debated. So who were the founding fathers? How did their talents, ideas and flaws shape their nation? And how do the choices they made in the 18th century still affect the world today? 
This is a Short History Of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America. 
Written by Kate Harrison. With thanks to Dr Lindsay M Chervinsky, a presidential historian, and author of The Cabinet: George Washingon and the Creation of an American Institution.
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The Founding Fathers of the US

Eleanor Roosevelt was a woman who redefined the role of the First Lady of the United States. By refusing to be merely a passive companion and wife, and choosing instead to pursue a life of activism, she was seen as an equal to her powerful husband. But what made Eleanor Roosevelt - a woman who was born an aristocrat - fight so hard for the underdog? How did she balance her commitment to social justice with family life? And what was the truth about her unconventional marriage to one of America’s most renowned presidents? 
This is a Short History Of Eleanor Roosevelt. 
Written by Jo Furniss. With thanks to Allida Black, founder of the Eleanor Roosevelt Papers Project, and a distinguished fellow at the Rothermere American Institute at the University of Oxford.
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The Soviet Union, Part 1 of 2

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