WWII with Tom Hanks (Episode 1 – The Beginning)

About this episode

This episode explores the beginning of World War II, focusing on Germany's invasion of Poland and the implications of fascism.

Search "World War II with Tom Hanks" wherever you get your podcasts! New episodes drop every Tuesday. World War II with Tom Hanks reexamines history’s most devastating conflict for a new century. Across twenty hours, the series traces the war’s full arc–from the rise of fascism to Hiroshima–uncovering the decisions, hidden networks, and lasting consequences that continue to shape our world. Episode 1 – The Beginning In September 1939, enabled by a secret pact between Adolf Hitler and Josef Stalin, Germany invades Poland with its lightning style of tank warfare, plunging Europe back into war. Adolf Hitler can now pursue his longed-for racial war, as the world watches in horror, and the stage is set for global conflict. This episode features interviews with (in order of appearance): Dan Carlin, podcaster, Hardcore History Alexandra Richie, professor, Collegium Civitas Robert Citino, senior historian, National WWII Museum Cameron Zinsou, associate professor, Command and General Staff College Geoffrey Wawro, professor, University of North Texas Jadwiga Biskupska, associate professor, Sam Houston State University Simon Sebag Montefiore, historian and author Roger Moorhouse, historian…

People in this episode

Guests: Dan Carlin, Alexandra Richie, Robert Citino, Cameron Zinsou, Geoffrey Wawro, Jadwiga Biskupska, Simon Sebag Montefiore, Roger Moorhouse, Leah Wright Rigueur, James Bulgin, General Wesley Clark, Sean McMeekin

Topics covered

• World War II
• history
• fascism
• global conflict
• military strategy

Keywords

• World War II
• Adolf Hitler
• Josef Stalin
• Poland
• fascism
• military history
• tank warfare
• global conflict
• historical interviews

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: National WWII Museum, Collegium Civitas, Command and General Staff College, University of North Texas, Sam Houston State University, Johns Hopkins University, Imperial War Museum

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