Hey guys, welcome back to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast, where you learn about the causes of wars and things like, why did it happen? Was it inevitable? Who was involved?

Sometimes I go back hundreds of years just so we can understand what happened in our narrative episodes covering the long course of a war and the background of the war. And if you want to talk more about war, we also have authors, historians, war generals, royalty, actors, filmmakers, a whole bunch of people come on as guests and we talk about everything about before, during, and after war. So let's go!

The Why Wars Happened History Podcast covers The American Revolution, World War I, World War II, Medieval Wars in England, The Habsburg Empire, The War in Iraq, Scottish wars, The War of the Roses, The Cuban Missile Crisis, The Cold War, The Thirty Years War, The Hundred Years War, The American Civil War, and many others.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

INTERVIEW: Mastermind of Operation Iraqi Freedom Col. Kevin Benson joins us in a candid talk

Welcome back to the Why Wars Happened History podcast! In this special episode, we are joined by a very distinguished guest, Colonel Kevin Benson, a retired and highly decorated US Army veteran who played a pivotal role in making decisions during the Iraq War.

Join us as we delve into the causes and outcomes of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the extensive planning involved, and the concept of 'catastrophic success.' Discover the strategic decisions and meticulous preparations from someone who was at the helm of one of the most significant military campaigns of our time. Don't miss this rare opportunity to gain an insider's perspective on warfare and history!

00:00 Introduction to the Why Wars Happen History Podcast

00:45 Meet Colonel Kevin Benson

01:30 Operation Iraqi Freedom Overview

04:52 Challenges and Planning of the Iraq War

08:11 Historical Context and Naming of Operations

09:31 Colonel Benson's Military Experience

17:52 Impact of 9/11 on Military Operations

20:28 Logistics and Planning Complexities

27:19 Introduction to Snowflakes

30:35 Challenges in Planning and Execution

31:50 War Gaming and Tactical Adjustments

41:13 Exit Strategy and Post-War Planning

44:07 Catastrophic Success and Logistical Challenges

49:52 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

#IraqWar

#WarinIraq

#CoalitionoftheWilling

#OperationIraqiFreedom

#MilitaryHistory

#WarHistory

#USArmy

#ColonelKevinBenson

#WhyWarsHappened

#whywarshappen

#DefenseStrategy

#WarPlanning

#WarfarePodcast

#HistoryPodcast

#ModernWarfare

#InsiderMilitary

#MilitaryLeadership

#911History

#CatastrophicSuccess

#MilitaryDecisionMakers

#AmericanHistory

#GlobalConflict

#MilitaryOperations

#Bushwar

#post911warfare

#WeaponsofMassDestruction

#WMDs

Hey guys, welcome back to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast, where you learn about the causes of wars and things like, why did it happen? Was it inevitable? Who was involved?

Sometimes I go back hundreds of years just so we can understand what happened in our narrative episodes covering the long course of a war and the background of the war. And if you want to talk more about war, we also have authors, historians, war generals, royalty, actors, filmmakers, a whole bunch of people come on as guests and we talk about everything about before, during, and after war. So let's go!

The Why Wars Happened History Podcast covers The American Revolution, World War I, World War II, Medieval Wars in England, The Habsburg Empire, The War in Iraq, Scottish wars, The War of the Roses, The Cuban Missile Crisis, The Cold War, The Thirty Years War, The Hundred Years War, The American Civil War, and many others.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cuban Missile Crisis, CIA, JFK - Behind the Scenes with Jeff Shaara

In this episode of Why Wars Happened, we dive into the Cuban Missile Crisis with bestselling author Jeff Shaara. His novel The Shadow of War brings the high-stakes drama of JFK, Khrushchev, and nuclear brinkmanship to life. We break down the Bay of Pigs, Cold War tensions, and the secret deals that shaped history. Plus, Shaara teases his upcoming book on Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd.🎙️ Listen now!

00:00 Introduction to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast

00:46 Interview with Jeff Shera: Author of The Shadow of War

03:32 The Bay of Pigs Invasion: A Prelude to the Cuban Missile Crisis

06:55 The Cuban Missile Crisis: Tensions and Strategies

09:06 The Cold War Context: Missiles and Public Perception

12:33 Comparing Leadership: Eisenhower vs. Kennedy

15:15 Soviet Union Dynamics: Post-Stalin Era

17:43 The Winnable War: A Chilling Perspective

18:08 Khrushchev's Balancing Act

19:02 The Aftermath of the Cuban Missile Crisis

20:25 Operation Mongoose: The CIA's Bizarre Plots

22:49 Berlin's Role in the Cold War

28:38 The Secret Treaty and Its Implications

30:01 Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts

#HistoryPodcast #CubanMissileCrisis #JeffShaara #ColdWar #JFK #MilitaryHistory #whywarshappened #whywarshappen #WarDocumentary #HistoryBuff #history#podcast #bayofpigs #jfk #cia #castro #fidelcastro #russia #russianmissiles #Kruschev #presidentkennedy

Hey guys, welcome back to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast, where you learn about the causes of wars and things like, why did it happen? Was it inevitable? Who was involved?

Sometimes I go back hundreds of years just so we can understand what happened in our narrative episodes covering the long course of a war and the background of the war. And if you want to talk more about war, we also have authors, historians, war generals, royalty, actors, filmmakers, a whole bunch of people come on as guests and we talk about everything about before, during, and after war. So let's go!

The Why Wars Happened History Podcast covers The American Revolution, World War I, World War II, Medieval Wars in England, The Habsburg Empire, The War in Iraq, Scottish wars, The War of the Roses, The Cuban Missile Crisis, The Cold War, The Thirty Years War, The Hundred Years War, The American Civil War, and many others.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

INTERVIEW: The Drama Behind the Declaration of Independence with Tom McMillan

In this episode of the Why Wars Happened History podcast, we sit with guest Tom McMillan, a historian and retired sports media veteran, to discuss the intricate details of the American Revolution and the pivotal moments and debates leading up to the Declaration of Independence in 1776. McMillan, the author of 'The Year That Made America: From Rebellion to Independence, 1775-1776,' provides fresh insights into the complexities and personalities that shaped America's fight for freedom.

We cover the stories of founding fathers like John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and John Dickinson to gain a richer understanding of the era's political and social dynamics. Tune in for a riveting discussion on history, politics, and the enduring legacy of the American Revolution.

00:00 Introduction to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast

00:48 Meet Today's Guest: Tom McMillan

01:48 The American Revolution: A Deep Dive

02:59 The Declaration of Independence: Complexities and Controversies

06:31 The Role of Key Figures: Adams, Jefferson, and Dickinson

15:21 The Votes Leading to Independence

23:01 Researching History: Sources and Challenges

26:54 Historical Anecdotes and Connections

27:06 Richard Henry Lee's Forgotten Legacy

29:54 The Role of Jefferson and Adams

39:08 Editing the Declaration of Independence

43:31 Upcoming Book Projects and Reflections

#History

#AmericanRevolution

#DeclarationOfIndependence

#FoundingFathers

#HistoryPodcast

#USHistory

#Americanhistory

#ColonialAmerica

#1776

#RevolutionaryWar

#ThomasJefferson

#JohnAdams

#HistoryLovers

#Whywarshappened

#whywarshappen

Hey guys, welcome back to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast, where you learn about the causes of wars and things like, why did it happen? Was it inevitable? Who was involved?

Sometimes I go back hundreds of years just so we can understand what happened in our narrative episodes covering the long course of a war and the background of the war. And if you want to talk more about war, we also have authors, historians, war generals, royalty, actors, filmmakers, a whole bunch of people come on as guests and we talk about everything about before, during, and after war. So let's go!

The Why Wars Happened History Podcast covers The American Revolution, World War I, World War II, Medieval Wars in England, The Habsburg Empire, The War in Iraq, Scottish wars, The War of the Roses, The Cuban Missile Crisis, The Cold War, The Thirty Years War, The Hundred Years War, The American Civil War, and many others.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BTS on Apple’s “Masters of the Air” with John Orloff

Step into the world of high-stakes aerial combat with Why Wars Happened as we sit down with award-winning screenwriter and producer John Orloff. Best known for Band of Brothers, Orloff takes us behind the scenes of his latest project, Masters of the Air, an Apple TV+ mini-series that brings the harrowing air war against Nazi Germany to life.

From the intense research behind the 100th Bomb Group to the challenges of balancing historical accuracy with gripping storytelling, Orloff shares the highs and lows of dramatizing real events. Hear untold war stories, the emotional toll on WWII airmen, and the creative decisions that shaped this ambitious series. If you love history, filmmaking, or the stories of those who fought in the skies, this episode is for you.

📌 Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction to John Orloff and His Work

00:34 The Art of Scene Cuts and Structure

01:41 Developing Masters of the Air

02:48 Historical Accuracy and Research

05:12 Challenges of Portraying Real Events

07:23 Realism in Masters of the Air

09:13 The Harsh Realities of Air Combat

19:16 Psychological Toll on Airmen

26:58 The Morality of WWII Pilots

27:32 Training Differences Between American and German Pilots

28:40 The Scale of American Manufacturing in WWII

31:03 The Evolution of Bombing Strategies

34:20 The Journey of Masters of the Air

37:09 Future Projects and Challenges

38:49 Battlestar Galactica and Other Ventures

41:56 Concluding Thoughts and Future Hopes

#whywarshappened #whywarshappen #Thepacific #Bandofbrothers #wwII #worldwarii #ww2 #worldwar2 #HistoryPodcast #MilitaryHistory #WWII #WorldWar2 #8thAirForce #100thBombGroup #MastersOfTheAir #BomberWar #AerialCombat #WWIIHistory #WWIIPodcast #WarDocumentary #HistoryBuff #WWIIAviation #USAirForce #WWIIHeroes #AppleTV #BandOfBrothers #WWIIStories #HistoricalAccuracy #B17Bomber #WarFilms #WWIIEurope #WWIIVeterans #WWIIResearch #spielberg #tomhanks #appletvshows #europeanhistory #BattlestarGalactica #BSG #johnorloff

Hey guys, welcome back to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast, where you learn about the causes of wars and things like, why did it happen? Was it inevitable? Who was involved?

Sometimes I go back hundreds of years just so we can understand what happened in our narrative episodes covering the long course of a war and the background of the war. And if you want to talk more about war, we also have authors, historians, war generals, royalty, actors, filmmakers, a whole bunch of people come on as guests and we talk about everything about before, during, and after war. So let's go!

The Why Wars Happened History Podcast covers The American Revolution, World War I, World War II, Medieval Wars in England, The Habsburg Empire, The War in Iraq, Scottish wars, The War of the Roses, The Cuban Missile Crisis, The Cold War, The Thirty Years War, The Hundred Years War, The American Civil War, and many others.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

INTERVIEW: Nazi POWs in America: The Forgotten Camps with William Geroux

This episode of Why Wars Happened uncovers a forgotten chapter of World War II: the Nazi POWs held in the United States. Host dives into the shocking reality of over 370,000 German soldiers—equivalent to four entire armies—detained in camps across America. Historian and author William Geroux joins the discussion to explore his book, The Fifteen: Murder Retribution and the Forgotten Story of Nazi POWs in America, revealing how these prisoners lived under Geneva Convention rules, the unexpected ways they impacted local communities, and the Nazi influence that remained inside the camps. From laboring on farms to daring escapes and violent conflicts, this episode brings to light a hidden part of history.

If you’re fascinated by World War II, military history, or untold war stories, don’t miss this episode. Subscribe for more deep dives into the past!

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Why Wars Happened

00:46 Introducing Today's Guest: William Geroux

01:07 Nazi POWs in America: An Overview

01:57 Life in American POW Camps

02:27 Geneva Convention and POW Treatment

03:35 Concerns and Criticisms of POW Treatment

11:19 Escaping POWs and Jim Crow Laws

15:22 German POWs in the US: A Valuable Labor Force

17:23 Farmers' Mixed Feelings About Nazi POWs

18:50 American Soldiers' Reactions to POW Treatment

19:46 Introducing Leon Jaworski: The Army Prosecutor

21:34 Researching the Hidden History of Nazi POW Camps

27:02 Nazi Ideology and Violence in POW Camps

29:19 Future Writing Projects and Closing Remarks

#Nazis #Nazi #POWcamps #POWs #POW #Prisonersofwar #ruralamerica #americanhistory #whywarshappened #whywarshappen #wwII #worldwarii #ww2 #worldwar2 #HistoryPodcast #MilitaryHistory #WorldWar2 #MilitaryHistory #WWIIHistory #WWIIPodcast #WarDocumentary #HistoryBuff #WWIIStories #WWIIResearch #UShistory

Hey guys, welcome back to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast, where you learn about the causes of wars and things like, why did it happen? Was it inevitable? Who was involved?

Sometimes I go back hundreds of years just so we can understand what happened in our narrative episodes covering the long course of a war and the background of the war. And if you want to talk more about war, we also have authors, historians, war generals, royalty, actors, filmmakers, a whole bunch of people come on as guests and we talk about everything about before, during, and after war. So let's go!

The Why Wars Happened History Podcast covers The American Revolution, World War I, World War II, Medieval Wars in England, The Habsburg Empire, The War in Iraq, Scottish wars, The War of the Roses, The Cuban Missile Crisis, The Cold War, The Thirty Years War, The Hundred Years War, The American Civil War, and many others.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

INTERVIEW: Unraveling the End of the Civil War with Michael Vorenberg

In this episode of Why Wars Happened, host Emily Ross sits down with historian and award-winning author Michael Vorenberg to explore the complexities of ending the Civil War. They dive into his book, Lincoln's Peace: The Struggle to End the American War, discussing key events like the Hampton Roads Conference, the Confederacy’s push for international recognition, and the surrender agreements at Appomattox and in North Carolina. Vorenberg also unpacks the global impact of the war, the role of honor in post-war negotiations, and his upcoming book on military prisons. A must-listen for anyone fascinated by the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln, and military history.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 – Welcome to Why Wars Happened

00:46 – Meet Michael Vorenberg

01:02 – Lincoln’s Peace and the Fight to End the War

01:32 – The Challenges of Declaring Peace

02:39 – The Hampton Roads Conference

07:35 – The Confederacy’s Diplomatic Efforts Abroad

11:04 – Confederate Ties to the Mexican Civil War

17:00 – Economics and the War’s End

18:14 – Post-War Reflections & Debates

18:41 – Defining the End of the Civil War

20:14 – The Appomattox Surrender and Its Impact

22:04 – Sherman’s Controversial Surrender Terms

25:20 – Comparing Military Strategies Across History

29:06 – How Lincoln’s Assassination Changed Everything

31:46 – Michael Vorenberg’s Upcoming Book on Military Prisons

35:08 – Closing Thoughts

#CivilWar #WhyWarsHappened #AmericanHistory #USHistoricalEvents #AbrahamLincoln #MilitaryHistory #ushistory #americancivilwar #podcast #history #historypodcast #historyinterview #civilwarbook #whywarshappen

Hey guys, welcome back to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast, where you learn about the causes of wars and things like, why did it happen? Was it inevitable? Who was involved?

Sometimes I go back hundreds of years just so we can understand what happened in our narrative episodes covering the long course of a war and the background of the war. And if you want to talk more about war, we also have authors, historians, war generals, royalty, actors, filmmakers, a whole bunch of people come on as guests and we talk about everything about before, during, and after war. So let's go!

The Why Wars Happened History Podcast covers The American Revolution, World War I, World War II, Medieval Wars in England, The Habsburg Empire, The War in Iraq, Scottish wars, The War of the Roses, The Cuban Missile Crisis, The Cold War, The Thirty Years War, The Hundred Years War, The American Civil War, and many others.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Eastern Front Uncovered: Austria-Hungary’s WWI Struggles with Dr. Geoffrey Wawro

In this episode of Why Wars Happened, Emily sits down with Dr. Geoffrey Wawro, military historian and author of A Mad Catastrophe, to unravel the chaos of the Eastern Front in World War I. They discuss the stark contrasts between the Eastern and Western fronts, Austria-Hungary’s disastrous military strategy, and how internal divisions sealed the fate of the Habsburg Empire.

From the empire’s lack of preparation to its uneasy alliance with Germany, this conversation dives deep into one of WWI’s most overlooked theaters. If you're a fan of military history, strategy, or the fall of great empires, you won’t want to miss this one!

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Why Wars Happened

00:37 Meet Dr. Geoffrey Wawro

01:37 The Eastern vs. Western Fronts: Key Differences

03:24 How Railways Shaped WWI Strategy

06:54 Nationalism and the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s Internal Conflicts

11:05 Austria’s Military Failures and Unpreparedness

22:41 Army Comparisons: Austria-Hungary vs. Russia

30:21 The Austro-German Alliance: Strengths and Struggles

33:46 Closing Thoughts & What’s Next

#HistoryPodcast #WhyWarsHappened #WWI #WorldWarI #MilitaryHistory #NickLloyd #TheWesternFront #TrenchWarfare #WarToEndAllWars #Verdun #Somme #KaiserWilhelm #Ludendorff #ChemicalWarfare #MilitaryStrategy #WWIHistory #GreatWar #history #historypodcast #historyinterview #podcast #historyinterview #WhyWarsHappen #PodcastInterview #europeanhistory #militaryhistory #austrohungarian #austriahungary #austrianhungarian

Hey guys, welcome back to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast, where you learn about the causes of wars and things like, why did it happen? Was it inevitable? Who was involved?

Sometimes I go back hundreds of years just so we can understand what happened in our narrative episodes covering the long course of a war and the background of the war. And if you want to talk more about war, we also have authors, historians, war generals, royalty, actors, filmmakers, a whole bunch of people come on as guests and we talk about everything about before, during, and after war. So let's go!

The Why Wars Happened History Podcast covers The American Revolution, World War I, World War II, Medieval Wars in England, The Habsburg Empire, The War in Iraq, Scottish wars, The War of the Roses, The Cuban Missile Crisis, The Cold War, The Thirty Years War, The Hundred Years War, The American Civil War, and many others.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Inside the 8th Air Force: WWII History and ‘Masters of the Air’

Welcome back to Why Wars Happened! This episode takes a deep dive into the incredible history of the 8th Air Force and the legendary 100th Bomb Group with historian Donald L. Miller and HBO producer Kirk Saduski. We explore the harrowing experiences of American bomber crews in WWII, the challenges they faced in the skies over Europe, and how these real-life stories were brought to the screen in Apple TV+’s Masters of the Air.

From the brutal realities of aerial combat to the painstaking research behind the show’s production, this conversation is packed with insights for history buffs and war film fans alike. Subscribe for more expert discussions on the wars that shaped our world!

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Why Wars Happened

00:37 Meet the Guests: Donald L. Miller & Kirk Saduski

01:45 The 8th Air Force and the 100th Bomb Group

02:33 The Evolution of Bomber Warfare

03:56 Turning Real Stories into a TV Series

08:20 The Struggle for Authenticity in War Dramas

14:27 Personal Stories and Emotional Depth

26:15 WWII Veterans' Firsthand Accounts

27:05 Fear and Courage in the Air

27:29 What Exit Interviews Revealed About the Air Force

27:53 The Commander’s Perspective

28:53 How Actors Prepared for Their Roles

30:05 Behind the Scenes of the D-Day Filming

30:56 The Importance of Historical Accuracy

32:40 Connecting Emotionally to the Past

34:20 Realism in Masters of the Air’s Flight Scenes

35:32 What It’s Like to Fly in a B-17

36:49 The Brutal Reality of Frostbite and Combat

37:57 Comparing WWII Experiences Across Fronts

40:40 Upcoming History Projects and Podcasts

44:02 New Civil War Book Announcement

45:48 Closing Thoughts

#whywarshappened #whywarshappen #Thepacific #Bandofbrothers #wwII #worldwarii #ww2 #worldwar2 #HistoryPodcast #MilitaryHistory #WWII #WorldWar2 #MilitaryHistory #8thAirForce #100thBombGroup #MastersOfTheAir #BomberWar #AerialCombat #WWIIHistory #WWIIPodcast #WarDocumentary #HistoryBuff #WWIIAviation #USAirForce #WWIIHeroes #AppleTV #BandOfBrothers #WWIIStories #HistoricalAccuracy #B17Bomber #WarFilms #WWIIEurope #WWIIVeterans #WWIIResearch #spielberg #tomhanks #appletvshows #europeanhistory