Why Wars Happened History Podcast

di Emily Ross

Are you one of those people that's more interested in the politics and events leading up to history's wars rather than the wars themselves? Then this is the show for you.

Welcome to Why Wars Happened, where we dive into the fascinating political intrigue behind history's biggest wars.

I'm your host, Emily Ross. Each season, we focus on a different historical war and every Wednesday, we release a new episode, cont ... 

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Episodi del podcast

  • Stagione 1

  • We Won't Bow to the King-Killing Parliament - Season 1 Episode 12

    We Won't Bow to the King-Killing Parliament - Season 1 Episode 12

    The king’s execution ends the civil war in England, a governor who would die for the king, and a Virginia that would not bend the knee to a king-killing Parliament in England. Explore the intense standoff in 1650s Virginia as colonists nearly ignited a war with Britain. Led by Virginia’s Governor Berkeley, the fiercely loyal colonists refused to recognize the king's murderers—Parliament—as legitimate rulers. Amidst armed militias and British soldiers along the James River, Virginia stood firm against Parliament’s authority. Discover how the colonists defiantly continued trading with the Dutch, which led to economic gains for the colony but losses for England. It's a gripping tale of loyalty, rebellion, and the brink of colonial conflict! Subscribe so you never miss an episode! Sign up for our history newsletter on: www.whywarshappened.com Comment your thoughts below! 00:00 Introduction to the American Revolution 00:44 Virginia's Loyalty to the King 01:37 The Navigation Act and Its Impact 03:13 Virginia's Defiance and Continued Trade 05:33 Parliament's Response and Military Action 07:15 Negotiations and Concessions 10:22 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview #history #americanrevolution #americanhistory #britishhistory #war #england #englishhistory #colonialhistory #colonial #virginia

  • The Massacre of 1644 - Season 1 Episode 11

    The Massacre of 1644 - Season 1 Episode 11

    Virginia's beloved new governor is off protecting the king in England's civil war, but another massacre in Virginia forces him back to the colony. He leads quests against the attackers and becomes a hero of the people. This episode explores the power dynamics and conflicts in 17th-century Virginia, detailing the colonists' initial overthrow of an unpopular governor, the subsequent appointment of Sir William Berkeley, and the turbulent events that followed. From bloody massacres by natives to the colonists' staunch loyalty to the English crown during England's civil war, we unravel how the colony navigated through periods of crisis and rebellion. Discover how these experiences paved the way for future assertions of colonial power and set the stage for a dramatic showdown with England post-war. Tune in for a deep dive into Virginia's early struggles and the resilience of its people. Subscribe so you never miss an episode! Sign up for our history newsletter on: www.whywarshappened.com Comment your thoughts below! 00:00 Introduction to the American Revolution 00:16 The Overthrow of Governor Harvey 00:36 The Rise of Governor Berkeley 02:53 Governor Berkeley's Early Life and Loyalty 03:50 Governor Berkeley's Governance and Reforms 12:00 The 1644 Massacre and Berkeley's Return 15:31 Virginia's Loyalty to the King 18:08 Defiance Against Parliament 20:00 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview #history #americanrevolution #americanhistory #britishhistory #war #england #englishhistory #colonialhistory #colonial #virginia

  • Mutiny - Season 1 Episode 10

    Mutiny - Season 1 Episode 10

    Executions without trial or charges, the governor’s own council turns mutinous, and the governor is pinned down and forced to listen to complaints. This week's episode dives into the wild reign of Governor John Harvey in Virginia. From abusing his power to betraying the colonists in Virginia’s mini-war with Maryland, it's a rollercoaster of bad decisions and fierce resistance. Discover how Harvey's controversial actions led to a mini-war and his dramatic downfall. Full of betrayals, secret meetings, and a governor knocked out of power, it's a tale you won't want to miss. Tune in for the juicy details and a few laughs along the way on Why Wars Happened! Subscribe so you never miss an episode! Sign up for our history newsletter on: www.whywarshappened.com Comment your thoughts below! 00:00 Introduction to the American Revolution 00:21 Governor Harvey's Misrule in Virginia 03:01 Religious Tensions and the Maryland Conflict 06:53 Governor Harvey's Downfall 16:42 Harvey's Return and Reign of Revenge 19:56 The Final Removal of Governor Harvey 21:54 Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode #history #americanrevolution #americanhistory #britishhistory #war #england #englishhistory #colonialhistory #colonial #virginia

  • A Villainous Governor - Season 1 Episode 9

    A Villainous Governor - Season 1 Episode 9

    Cruel Governor Harvey betrays the colonists, an Assembly member betrays the Assembly, and the king betrays the colony. In this episode of 'Why Wars Happened,' the focus is on Virginia's transition from company rule to a royal colony under King James. The episode covers the colonists' fight for their rights, Assembly betrayals, and manipulative deals by the monarchy. Governors like Sir Francis Wyatt and Sir George Yeardley worked to preserve democratic ideals. Their efforts set the stage for ongoing conflicts and resistance against tyranny. Plus, we discuss the dark cloud of the next royal governor, Governor John Harvey, who was a cruel, power-hungry ruler. Tune in to explore the complexities of colonial change from a company’s colony to a king’s colony. Subscribe so you never miss an episode! Sign up for our history newsletter on: www.whywarshappened.com Comment your thoughts below! 00:00 Introduction to the American Revolution 00:15 King James Takes Control of Virginia 01:49 The Assembly's Defiance and Betrayal 04:49 Governor Wyatt and the Push for Democracy 07:50 King Charles and the Tobacco Deal 10:22 The Rise of Governor John Harvey 12:29 Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode #history #americanrevolution #americanhistory #britishhistory #war #england #englishhistory #colonialhistory #colonial #virginia

  • The Massacre of 1622 - Season 1 Episode 8

    The Massacre of 1622 - Season 1 Episode 8

    Colonists massacred by their friends, King James pulls a Legally Blonde type move to steal Virginia from The Virginia Company, and slavery begins in Virginia. In this week's episode of 'Why Wars Happened,' we delve into the dramatic events that shaped Virginia's early history. Discover how the brutal 1622 massacre gave King James the perfect excuse to turn Virginia into a royal colony. We explore the colony's early democratic experiments, the political tug-of-war between The Virginia Company and the crown, and the rise of tobacco and early slavery. It's a whirlwind of political drama, economic ambitions, and social transformations. Subscribe so you never miss an episode! Sign up for our history newsletter on: www.whywarshappened.com Comment your thoughts below! 00:00 Introduction to the American Revolution 00:15 Virginia's Early Struggles and Democratic Beginnings 03:14 The 1622 Massacre and Its Aftermath 08:04 King James' Power Struggle with The Virginia Company 12:10 The Legal Battle and Virginia's Transition to a Royal Colony 17:20 The Rise of Tobacco and Early Slavery in Virginia 19:02 Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode #history #americanrevolution #americanhistory #britishhistory #war #england #englishhistory #colonialhistory #colonial #virginia