Captain Cook: The Voyage that Changed the World

Captain Cook: The Voyage that Changed the World

August 26, 2026 · 49 min · Episode 560

About this episode

The episode explores Captain James Cook's 1768 voyage, which was a blend of scientific exploration and imperial ambition.

How did Captain James Cook's scientific voyage of 1768 become a mission for the British empire? While expanding knowledge of Pacific geography and natural history, Captain Cook was under secret orders to claim lands for Britain. Professor Suzannah Lipscomb and Dr Sarah Easterby-Smith explore this legendary expedition which combined science, commerce and colonial expansion. MORE When Europeans reached Australia Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify Magellan: The First Man to Sail the World Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify Presented by Professor Suzannah Lipscomb. The researcher is Max Wintle, audio editor is Amy Haddow and the producer is Rob Weinberg. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff. All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds. Not Just the Tudors is a History Hit podcast History Hit is part of Little Dot Studios, a Certified B Corp™ Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week plus ad-free podcasts, PLUS early access, ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People in this episode

Host: Professor Suzannah Lipscomb

Guest: Dr Sarah Easterby-Smith

Topics covered

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Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: History Hit, Little Dot Studios

Places: Australia

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