Episodes
Tuesday Feb 18, 2020
The Bear Trap: The Soviet-Afghan War
Tuesday Feb 18, 2020
Tuesday Feb 18, 2020
Afghanistan is a country no empire could successfully invade. Even the British Empire, the largest Earth has ever seen, couldn't bring it fully into its fold despite three attempts. Despite its position sandwiched between British India and the Russian Empire (later Soviet Union), Afghanistan remained isolated, even well into the 20th century. Albeit an ethnically diverse, the Afghan people were united under their shared Islamic faith, and desire to form their own national identity, free from interference, and free from colonial chains.
Fate hasn't been kind to Afghanistan, and following a violent coup, found itself a communist state under the watchful eye of the Soviet Union. The people, once again bonded by their national identity, banded together to oppose the ruthless regime and reclaim their sovereignty. On the request of the Afghan government, Soviet troops poured into the country to quell the unrest. Little did they know they stepped right into the bear trap, creating a quagmire Afghanistan continues to suffer the aftershocks of today. Furthermore, from the conflict would arise people who would go on to commit great atrocities. This includes a man who would order an attack which engulfed Manhattan in ash.
Music
Ay Jan / Alap Robab / Srang Srang Srang (Traditional Afghan Music), Anello Capuano and Bruno Assenmacher
Hill 3234, Sabaton
Monday Jan 27, 2020
Red Steppes: The Mongolian People's Republic
Monday Jan 27, 2020
Monday Jan 27, 2020
Mongolia once held the largest contiguous empire in world history, and was the second largest empire overall (behind the British Empire). It was the home of the great warrior Genghis Khan, who was instrumental in creating the Mongol Empire, and constructing the Silk Road. However, the empire fell into disarray, splintering into smaller states. From there, Mongolia became a part of the Chinese Qing Dynasty. Throughout the beginning of the 20th Century, Mongolia worked to reform its independence.
First, it became a Theocratic state under a Buddhist spiritual leader. However, the international community failed to recognize its independence, with the exception of Tibet. After several instances of turmoil, war, and suppression, a group of men inspired by the successful Bolshevik Revolution put in motion their plans to create the Mongolian People's Republic, the second communist state ever to exist.
We at Pan Historia would like to apologize in advance to the people of Mongolia for butchering the pronunciation of your names. In particular, Jonah wishes to offer sincere apologies to Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj for multiple mispronunciations. We love you, Mongolia.
Music:
Môngôl Ûlsiin toriin dûûlal, Mongolian National Anthem
Outro: Chingges Khaanii Magtaal (In Praise of Genghis Khan)
Monday Nov 25, 2019
"You Can't Stop the Spring": The Velvet Revolution
Monday Nov 25, 2019
Monday Nov 25, 2019
"They may crush the flowers, but they can't stop the spring."
-Alexander Dubcek, 1968
Hundreds of thousands of citizens gathered in the streets of Prague, Czechoslovakia, as the country's politburo finally decided there was nothing more they could do. Having witnessed change in Poland, East Germany, and Hungary already come to pass, they knew it was only a matter of time before they were next. In one swift action, the entire politburo resigned, deciding to rip the band aid off quickly, and without further harm. Across town, members of the opposition Civic Forum were in the midst of a press conference when news of the resignations reached them. The room erupted into cheers and applause, and one man even opened champaign in celebration
Alexander Dubcek, former General Secretary of Czechoslovakia, had tried 20 years prior to bring reform to the country. His efforts were crushed beneath the tracks of Soviet tanks, and he was allowed to retire back into obscurity. Now, on that late November evening, the people were once again chanting his name. As he stepped onto a balcony, he was overcome with emotion and unable to speak. Improvising and a massive smile on his face, Dubcek walked to the balcony rails and curled his arms slowly towards the crowd, effectively embracing the them. The Czech and Slovak people were all entwined in an embrace that night. Without a shot being fired, or a molotov flying, Czechoslovakia had become free.
Music:
Nad Tatrou sa blyska (Lightning Over the Tatras), Slovanian National Anthem
Kde domov muj(Where My Home Is), Czech National Anthem
Saturday Nov 09, 2019
Edifice of Fear: The Rise and Fall of the Berlin Wall
Saturday Nov 09, 2019
Saturday Nov 09, 2019
The Iron Curtain across Europe Winston Churchill described was metaphorical rather than physical, at least at the time he made his famous speech. The divide between East and West had become an ideological conflict, Capitalism versus Communism. The defeated Germany was occupied by the Allies of the United States, United Kingdom, France, and the Soviet Union. Furthermore, Germany was organized into two states, the Federal Republic of Germany in the west, and the German Democratic Republic in the east. Along with this, Berlin found itself two separate entities.
Millions of people fled west to avoid falling under the brutal suppression the Soviets had become known for. This resulted in nearly 20% of the GDR's population falling, which included a large number of the country's intellectual population. It was soon clear to the politburo this could not continued. Seemingly overnight in August 1961, the Berlin Wall was erected. With it, the Iron Curtain had a physical representation.
Intro:
Sinews of Peace, Winston Churchill
Monday Aug 19, 2019
The Silent Service: A History of Submarine Warfare
Monday Aug 19, 2019
Monday Aug 19, 2019
Deep in the ocean stalks a hidden hunter, virtually undetected and silent. Within, its crew works away, cramped, having not seen the sun in weeks. The crew drives blind through the depths, with only a pinging sonar available to aid navigation. They lay down there, waiting for the possibility to strike.
Submarines have had a long history behind them, one which is seldom talked about except for blockbuster films from Das Boot to Hunt for Red October. Today, Pan Historia dives into a brief, but detailed history of Submarine Warfare.
Outro: In the Navy by The Village People
Monday Mar 11, 2019
Someone Had Blundered: The Crimean War
Monday Mar 11, 2019
Monday Mar 11, 2019
1850: the once great Ottoman Empire was now the sick man of Europe. Internal dissent from growing ethnic nationalism within the diverse country was beginning to crack the already fragile hold the Royal Family kept over their territory. Furthermore, a series of devastating wars against its neighbours have shrunk its size further and further out of Europe. Now, the Balkans were looking to host the next large uprising. To the north, the Russian Empire was striving to assert its power in Europe. While its size may have been intimidating, it also had growing instability. Russia had yet to modernize its industry and military. Their eyes gazed menacingly towards the Ottomans for a solution. Should the Russians take advantage of their dwindling rival, perhaps their prestige could be restored.
On the opposite end of the continent, France, still struggling in the aftermath of Napoleon, was looking to repair its image as a Great Power. Seeing the Catholic Church as a potential ally, they, too, set their eyes on the Ottoman Empire in hopes of becoming protectors of Christians within its borders. Russia would not have this, as they were the chosen protectors of Christians in Ottoman territory. As France and Russia began to throw rhetoric back and forth, the British watched on in terror. The Congress of Europe was at risk of falling apart, and the balance of power in Europe was in jeopardy of going out of whack. All these events would lead to the landscape of the Crimean Peninsula turning to ash, and running red with blood.
Music:
The Charge of the Light Brigade by the Moscow Symphony Orchestra
Monday Dec 10, 2018
Episode 6, Part 4: The Last Shard (Kosovo War and the Death of Yugoslavia)
Monday Dec 10, 2018
Monday Dec 10, 2018
Viewer Discretion Advised: Strong Language, some disturbing content.
As Yugoslavia collapsed around itself, one final piece decided to fall. Kosovo witnessed the chaos around them, and knew there would be no other option to get out. Between 1995 and 1999, the infamous Kosovo Liberation Army conducted insurgency operations within the Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohja. This time, Serbia wasn't the aggressor, but the world had heard to many lies to believe them. NATO once again became involved, dropping bombs indiscriminately across the tiny mountainous region.
Even after the war had ended, Milosevic refused to admit Yugoslavia was dead. He held onto power by his fingernails, holding up the decomposing corpse of the country as internal anger swelled up. Soon, Milosevic became an enemy to the people he swore to protect. It was only a matter of time before his day or judgement came.
Music:
Intro: USA: Bill Clinton Kosovo Speech from The Associated Press
Empty Reflections
Sunday Nov 11, 2018
100 Years: Remembrance Day Special
Sunday Nov 11, 2018
Sunday Nov 11, 2018
100 Years ago, the First World War came to an end. At the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month of the year 1918, the guns fell silent. Up to 19 million people lost their lives, and 40 million were left wounded. The war was so horrific, it was believed no war would ever surpass it. This gave it the nickname The War to End All Wars. Sadly, the world was engulfed in a worse inferno only 20 years later. In our special episode of Pan Historia, we discuss our thoughts on Remembrance Day, some general knowledge of the Wars, the Armistice, the Versailles Treaty, and Belgium. We also give our two cents on how the traditional Poppy pins should be fixed.
This episode is dedicated to all those who lost their lives as a result of war, to the veterans who survived them, and to the soldiers who continue to serve in the military today.
Music: Last Post and Rouse, performed by the New Zealand Army Band
Monday Nov 05, 2018
Episode 6, Part 3: The Failure of Humanity (The Bosnian War and Genocide)
Monday Nov 05, 2018
Monday Nov 05, 2018
By the time of the Bosnian War, Yugoslavia was a mortally wounded mass refusing to admit its time had come. Desperate to hold on, JNA forces moved into Bosnia to support the Bosnian-Serb population, many of whom had joined the various paramilitaries in the new country. Meanwhile, Bosniaks and Bosnian-Croats formed a rocky alliance out of self preservations for their respective groups, and their shared hatred of the Serb dominated remains of Yugoslavia. Bosnia became a battleground for the Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks, causing the citizens to suffer greatly from the constant shelling and sniper fire landing indiscriminately, regardless of who was within sight. Worse yet, it became the location of the worst act of genocide committed in Post-World War II Europe to date, as UN personnel could do nothing but watch helplessly.
Bosnia was a failure of humanity, and the wounds from the horror have yet to heal.
Intro: Searching by Wayve
Outro: Bosnia by The Cranberries
Monday Oct 08, 2018
Episode 6, Part 2: A Checkered Shield (The Croatian War of Independence)
Monday Oct 08, 2018
Monday Oct 08, 2018
A water tower stands tall over the city of Vukovar, still bearing the scars of Croatia's trauma. As Yugoslavia collapses, Croatia stands firm against Serbian aggression, both from Serbia itself and the Serbian-Croats within its borders. Ethnic tension runs at an all time high, and it soon becomes clear to the world this war will not be as quick as Slovenia's Ten-Day War. Both the Croats and Serbs are equally determined to cement their self-preservation, and are equally willing to resort to extreme violence. Aside from the conventional warfare measures, the Croat and Serb forces will resort to the worst methods possible in an effort to achieve their goals in the first examples of ethnic cleansing in Europe since the Second World War. Sadly, the Croatian War of Independence was only a prologue to the horrors we still can't begin to comprehend.
Please note: At almost exactly 1 hour in, the audio messed up, hense why the quality momentarily faulters.
Intro: Sean Murray, Fountain (from Call of Duty: World at War)
Outro: Philanthrope, Things Fall Apart