Episode
Show 59 - (Blitz) The Destroyer of Worlds
5:49:32
Published: Tue Jan 24 2017
Description
What happens if human beings can't handle the power of their own weaponry? This show examines the dangerous early years of the Nuclear Age and humankind's efforts to avoid self-destruction at the hands of its own creation.
Chapters
The Blitz edition of the podcast is a six hour long show with slightly more twists and musings that focus on an idea or a question while weaving history around it.
00:00 - 02:04 (02:04)
Summary
The Blitz edition of the podcast is a six hour long show with slightly more twists and musings that focus on an idea or a question while weaving history around it. Instead of being about people or events or eras specifically, the episodes are about an idea or a question.
EpisodeShow 59 - (Blitz) The Destroyer of Worlds
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
This podcast episode talks about the cycles of human history, with periods of technological advancements followed by periods of destruction, and the potential for nuclear war as an ongoing threat.
02:04 - 10:33 (08:29)
Summary
This podcast episode talks about the cycles of human history, with periods of technological advancements followed by periods of destruction, and the potential for nuclear war as an ongoing threat.
EpisodeShow 59 - (Blitz) The Destroyer of Worlds
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The successful testing of the Atomic bomb on July 16th, 1945 marked the beginning of a unique new human experience as a single human being could potentially have the power to destroy millions of lives in minutes.
10:33 - 19:19 (08:46)
Summary
The successful testing of the Atomic bomb on July 16th, 1945 marked the beginning of a unique new human experience as a single human being could potentially have the power to destroy millions of lives in minutes. The weapon was more powerful than expected and changed everything, even after the events of World War II.
EpisodeShow 59 - (Blitz) The Destroyer of Worlds
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
Historian Gary Wills talks about the power of the atomic bomb and why examining the past experiences of nuclear attacks is important to understanding what a future nuclear attack would look like.
19:19 - 29:37 (10:18)
Summary
Historian Gary Wills talks about the power of the atomic bomb and why examining the past experiences of nuclear attacks is important to understanding what a future nuclear attack would look like.
EpisodeShow 59 - (Blitz) The Destroyer of Worlds
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
A Hiroshima survivor's experience of the atomic bomb and the contrasting views of the bomb's use are discussed along with the challenges in explaining the new weapon to the world by the US President Harry Truman.
29:37 - 36:32 (06:54)
Summary
A Hiroshima survivor's experience of the atomic bomb and the contrasting views of the bomb's use are discussed along with the challenges in explaining the new weapon to the world by the US President Harry Truman.
EpisodeShow 59 - (Blitz) The Destroyer of Worlds
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
Oppenheimer expressed his remorse about creating the atomic bomb before it was dropped on Japan, as he believed it would cause mass destruction to innocent lives, while Truman and his team insisted on using it.
36:33 - 42:55 (06:22)
Summary
Oppenheimer expressed his remorse about creating the atomic bomb before it was dropped on Japan, as he believed it would cause mass destruction to innocent lives, while Truman and his team insisted on using it.
EpisodeShow 59 - (Blitz) The Destroyer of Worlds
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
After President Truman's speech to Congress in 1945 proposing international agreements on the control of nuclear weapons, the Soviet Union presented a counter proposal to have complete disarmament across all nations instead.
42:56 - 54:12 (11:16)
Summary
After President Truman's speech to Congress in 1945 proposing international agreements on the control of nuclear weapons, the Soviet Union presented a counter proposal to have complete disarmament across all nations instead. This was one of the factors that led to the Cold War, which many historians believed was characterized by the existence of atomic and thermonuclear weapons.
EpisodeShow 59 - (Blitz) The Destroyer of Worlds
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
Bertrand Russell believed that after World War II, everything would have to be built again from scratch, taking 500 years.
54:12 - 1:03:59 (09:47)
Summary
Bertrand Russell believed that after World War II, everything would have to be built again from scratch, taking 500 years. This belief was in contrast to those who believed in immediately taking on the Russians in a World War III.
EpisodeShow 59 - (Blitz) The Destroyer of Worlds
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The development of human ethical systems in the nuclear age is a fascinating topic.
1:04:00 - 1:12:23 (08:23)
Summary
The development of human ethical systems in the nuclear age is a fascinating topic. With the world on the brink of destruction, politics still prevail, and imagining atomic weapons in the hands of sociopathic leaders is a chilling thought.
EpisodeShow 59 - (Blitz) The Destroyer of Worlds
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
This transcript discusses how the United States changed during the national security state time period of 1946 to 1952, where the creation of the CIA and NSA formed the entire structure of government and developed the current world of secrets, spying, and safety.
1:12:23 - 1:18:07 (05:44)
Summary
This transcript discusses how the United States changed during the national security state time period of 1946 to 1952, where the creation of the CIA and NSA formed the entire structure of government and developed the current world of secrets, spying, and safety. It also explores the political pressure that caused opposition parties to call President Truman soft on communism, which affected the dynamics of rural voters and swing states.
EpisodeShow 59 - (Blitz) The Destroyer of Worlds
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The Air Force's Strategic Air Command was part of a reorganization that was part of post Second World War transformative period that changed U.S. foreign policy and the whole design of government.
1:18:07 - 1:24:03 (05:56)
Summary
The Air Force's Strategic Air Command was part of a reorganization that was part of post Second World War transformative period that changed U.S. foreign policy and the whole design of government.
EpisodeShow 59 - (Blitz) The Destroyer of Worlds
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The Revolt of the Admirals was based on a moral opposition to dropping atomic bombs on cities and civilians, rather than out of jealousy of the Air Force's new technology.
1:24:03 - 1:34:00 (09:56)
Summary
The Revolt of the Admirals was based on a moral opposition to dropping atomic bombs on cities and civilians, rather than out of jealousy of the Air Force's new technology. At the time, people were grappling with the ethical dilemma of whether it was possible to fight an atomic war and still stay true to American values.
EpisodeShow 59 - (Blitz) The Destroyer of Worlds
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
In 1948, Joseph Stalin shut down the rail lines and land routes that were supplying West Berlin, challenging the resolve of the United States and the West.
1:34:00 - 1:41:36 (07:36)
Summary
In 1948, Joseph Stalin shut down the rail lines and land routes that were supplying West Berlin, challenging the resolve of the United States and the West. This move tested the West's bluff in the Cold War and highlighted the parallels between diplomacy and a game of chess.
EpisodeShow 59 - (Blitz) The Destroyer of Worlds
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The Berlin airlift during the 1948-1949 crisis was the first practical test of whether nuclear weapons would be used.
1:41:36 - 1:49:33 (07:56)
Summary
The Berlin airlift during the 1948-1949 crisis was the first practical test of whether nuclear weapons would be used. The main conundrum of using nuclear weapons was that even if you wouldn't use them, you couldn't say it publicly as they would lose their deterrent value.
EpisodeShow 59 - (Blitz) The Destroyer of Worlds
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
In August 1949, the Soviet Union successfully tested their own atomic bomb, prompting the United States to acknowledge their newfound threat.
1:49:33 - 1:54:33 (05:00)
Summary
In August 1949, the Soviet Union successfully tested their own atomic bomb, prompting the United States to acknowledge their newfound threat. The era of the United States being the only nuclear power was over, and the fear and tension of potential nuclear war began to escalate.
EpisodeShow 59 - (Blitz) The Destroyer of Worlds
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
In October 1949, US President Harry Truman brought together a group of physicists, nicknamed the wise men, and asked whether the US should develop a weapon that would make atomic bombs look like nothing.
1:54:33 - 2:06:25 (11:52)
Summary
In October 1949, US President Harry Truman brought together a group of physicists, nicknamed the wise men, and asked whether the US should develop a weapon that would make atomic bombs look like nothing. The resulting report, written by J Robert Oppenheimer and other physicists, recommended not to produce "the super bomb," a thermonuclear bomb or warhead, thousands of times more powerful than the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, citing that "mankind would be far better off not to have a demonstration of the feasibility of such a weapon until the present climate of world opinion changes."
EpisodeShow 59 - (Blitz) The Destroyer of Worlds
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
In the aftermath of World War II, a group of civilian thinkers discussed the fundamental questions raised by the creation of the atomic bomb, including whether it rendered ground wars and tanks obsolete, and if using it had political implications that could not be delegated to military leaders.
2:06:25 - 2:12:56 (06:30)
Summary
In the aftermath of World War II, a group of civilian thinkers discussed the fundamental questions raised by the creation of the atomic bomb, including whether it rendered ground wars and tanks obsolete, and if using it had political implications that could not be delegated to military leaders. This led to the introduction of the idea of nuclear deterrence and the role of the supreme leader in deciding how to use these powerful weapons.
EpisodeShow 59 - (Blitz) The Destroyer of Worlds
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The US Truman administration's decision to build the hydrogen bomb posed unique challenges, as people were still trying to figure out how to use the atomic bomb - and now we were moving onto something even more powerful.
2:12:56 - 2:21:01 (08:05)
Summary
The US Truman administration's decision to build the hydrogen bomb posed unique challenges, as people were still trying to figure out how to use the atomic bomb - and now we were moving onto something even more powerful.
EpisodeShow 59 - (Blitz) The Destroyer of Worlds
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The Korean War of 1950-1953 was a global turning point, testing the newfound commitment of countries to create a world-order committed to peace, as battles raged in Asia, Europe regrouped, and the Cold War intensified.
2:21:01 - 2:29:33 (08:31)
Summary
The Korean War of 1950-1953 was a global turning point, testing the newfound commitment of countries to create a world-order committed to peace, as battles raged in Asia, Europe regrouped, and the Cold War intensified.
EpisodeShow 59 - (Blitz) The Destroyer of Worlds
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
Truman's decision to label the Korean War a "police action" had consequences, including the ability to put troops in harm's way without asking for anyone's permission.
2:29:33 - 2:37:13 (07:39)
Summary
Truman's decision to label the Korean War a "police action" had consequences, including the ability to put troops in harm's way without asking for anyone's permission. The conflict demonstrated how awkward it would be to use atomic bombs and led to the tacit cooperation amongst bitter antagonists.
EpisodeShow 59 - (Blitz) The Destroyer of Worlds
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
Truman's doctrine created the framework for American post-World War foreign policy, and his handling of the Korean War helped shape the country's relationship with military advisors.
2:37:13 - 2:43:18 (06:05)
Summary
Truman's doctrine created the framework for American post-World War foreign policy, and his handling of the Korean War helped shape the country's relationship with military advisors. While Truman resisted military advice to use nuclear weapons, his policies helped create the framework for modern, limited war tactics.
EpisodeShow 59 - (Blitz) The Destroyer of Worlds
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The aftermath of a nuclear attack can be far-reaching, affecting not just the immediate victims but also health workers and first responders.
2:43:20 - 2:52:09 (08:48)
Summary
The aftermath of a nuclear attack can be far-reaching, affecting not just the immediate victims but also health workers and first responders. It is important to look at the devastating effect of nuclear war and recognize that the faces of the victims could be your own friends and family.
EpisodeShow 59 - (Blitz) The Destroyer of Worlds
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
This podcast discusses the influence of Truman in preventing the use of nuclear weapons during the Korean War and the debate between the supporters of total war and limited war during that time.
2:52:09 - 3:01:21 (09:12)
Summary
This podcast discusses the influence of Truman in preventing the use of nuclear weapons during the Korean War and the debate between the supporters of total war and limited war during that time. It also tackles the concept of making calculations on relative disasters to mitigate the casualties of war.
EpisodeShow 59 - (Blitz) The Destroyer of Worlds
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
This episode discusses the dangers and possibilities of tactical nuclear weapons and its implications for the geopolitical landscape during and after the 1950s.
3:01:21 - 3:10:37 (09:15)
Summary
This episode discusses the dangers and possibilities of tactical nuclear weapons and its implications for the geopolitical landscape during and after the 1950s. It highlights the role and decision-making of key historical players such as Truman and Eisenhower, and the complicated dynamics of the nuclear club.
EpisodeShow 59 - (Blitz) The Destroyer of Worlds
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
In his famous "Atoms for Peace" speech at the United Nations, Eisenhower laid out the stakes of atomic warfare, emphasizing that weapons today are more than 25 times as powerful as the ones the atomic age dawned with.
3:10:37 - 3:21:31 (10:54)
Summary
In his famous "Atoms for Peace" speech at the United Nations, Eisenhower laid out the stakes of atomic warfare, emphasizing that weapons today are more than 25 times as powerful as the ones the atomic age dawned with. He stated that every citizen of the world should be knowledgeable of the extent of this development, which poses a global threat.
EpisodeShow 59 - (Blitz) The Destroyer of Worlds
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
Professor David Holloway discusses the new leaders of the Soviet Union in the post-Stalin era and how they endeavoured to prevent a nuclear war through peaceful coexistence with the West, while also handling the uncertainties involved in geopolitical strategy and bluffing.
3:21:31 - 3:29:18 (07:46)
Summary
Professor David Holloway discusses the new leaders of the Soviet Union in the post-Stalin era and how they endeavoured to prevent a nuclear war through peaceful coexistence with the West, while also handling the uncertainties involved in geopolitical strategy and bluffing. The pressures of the reality of nuclear war forced some communist leaders to take a different view of their orthodox, very Stalinist perception of the world's reality, and how nuclear war was eventually avoided.
EpisodeShow 59 - (Blitz) The Destroyer of Worlds
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The 15 megaton Castle Bravo test conducted by the US in 1954 was the largest nuclear explosion ever at that time and caused a radiological disaster, alerting the world about the dangerous consequences of nuclear weapons testing.
3:29:18 - 3:35:41 (06:22)
Summary
The 15 megaton Castle Bravo test conducted by the US in 1954 was the largest nuclear explosion ever at that time and caused a radiological disaster, alerting the world about the dangerous consequences of nuclear weapons testing. This raised global public opinion about the need for limiting or eliminating nuclear weapons and shifting towards peaceful means to settle disputes between nations.
EpisodeShow 59 - (Blitz) The Destroyer of Worlds
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The podcast discusses the role of scientists and intellectuals in the nuclear era and their efforts to find solutions to mitigate the worst-case scenario of a nuclear threat.
3:35:41 - 3:41:21 (05:40)
Summary
The podcast discusses the role of scientists and intellectuals in the nuclear era and their efforts to find solutions to mitigate the worst-case scenario of a nuclear threat. It also highlights the power of nuclear weapons and the urgent need to understand the consequences of failure in this realm.
EpisodeShow 59 - (Blitz) The Destroyer of Worlds
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The development of missile technology between 1950 and 1960 meant that the US was building bomb shelters while the Soviets had little chance of carrying out an attack, and the growing complexity and power of the weapons made controlling them difficult.
3:41:21 - 3:50:18 (08:56)
Summary
The development of missile technology between 1950 and 1960 meant that the US was building bomb shelters while the Soviets had little chance of carrying out an attack, and the growing complexity and power of the weapons made controlling them difficult.
EpisodeShow 59 - (Blitz) The Destroyer of Worlds
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
In this episode, Dan Carlin discusses the 1960 U.S. Presidential election and the potential consequences of putting the nuclear code at the finger-tips of a single individual.
3:50:18 - 3:57:43 (07:25)
Summary
In this episode, Dan Carlin discusses the 1960 U.S. Presidential election and the potential consequences of putting the nuclear code at the finger-tips of a single individual.
EpisodeShow 59 - (Blitz) The Destroyer of Worlds
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The 1960 US Presidential Election was won by John F. Kennedy, who had less experience, was younger, and was perceived to be less competent than his opponent Richard Nixon.
3:57:43 - 4:05:01 (07:17)
Summary
The 1960 US Presidential Election was won by John F. Kennedy, who had less experience, was younger, and was perceived to be less competent than his opponent Richard Nixon. This raised concerns, particularly in the Soviet Union, about Kennedy handling nuclear power and leading to one of the most dangerous crises in history.
EpisodeShow 59 - (Blitz) The Destroyer of Worlds
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
President Kennedy's experience as a lieutenant during World War II taught him the importance of being skeptical of military experts' advice.
4:05:01 - 4:11:11 (06:09)
Summary
President Kennedy's experience as a lieutenant during World War II taught him the importance of being skeptical of military experts' advice. This lesson was reinforced by the Bay of Pigs invasion, which he authorized based on expert opinion, only to have it ultimately fail, leading him to question the so-called collective wisdom of national security officials.
EpisodeShow 59 - (Blitz) The Destroyer of Worlds
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The Vienna Summit of 1961 was the first meeting between John F. Kennedy and Nikita Khrushchev and it turned out to be a disaster as Khrushchev took advantage of what he saw as Kennedy's weak demeanor.
4:11:11 - 4:20:18 (09:07)
Summary
The Vienna Summit of 1961 was the first meeting between John F. Kennedy and Nikita Khrushchev and it turned out to be a disaster as Khrushchev took advantage of what he saw as Kennedy's weak demeanor.
EpisodeShow 59 - (Blitz) The Destroyer of Worlds
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The deterrence theory was created in the 1950s to prevent a traditional war and a concept of mutual assured destruction was developed with the advancement of rocket technology.
4:20:18 - 4:28:56 (08:38)
Summary
The deterrence theory was created in the 1950s to prevent a traditional war and a concept of mutual assured destruction was developed with the advancement of rocket technology. However, with the possibility of a doomsday device, the concept of nuclear deterrence became even more complicated and dangerous.
EpisodeShow 59 - (Blitz) The Destroyer of Worlds
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The situation intensifies as Kennedy discovers that the Soviets had put nuclear weapons in Cuba and Khrushchev gambled on getting them there and activated before the U.S. found out, making the 50-megaton bombs even riskier.
4:28:56 - 4:35:42 (06:45)
Summary
The situation intensifies as Kennedy discovers that the Soviets had put nuclear weapons in Cuba and Khrushchev gambled on getting them there and activated before the U.S. found out, making the 50-megaton bombs even riskier.
EpisodeShow 59 - (Blitz) The Destroyer of Worlds
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The Cuban Missile Crisis was a defining moment in history, as the world teetered on the brink of nuclear war.
4:35:42 - 4:42:23 (06:41)
Summary
The Cuban Missile Crisis was a defining moment in history, as the world teetered on the brink of nuclear war. Kennedy and his advisors grappled with the decision of how to react to Krushchev's move, with the potential for strikes on American cities that could create 80 to 100 million casualties.
EpisodeShow 59 - (Blitz) The Destroyer of Worlds
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The military disagrees with President Kennedy's approach to the Cuban Missile Crisis, and tensions rise as new missile construction sites are discovered.
4:42:23 - 4:49:13 (06:49)
Summary
The military disagrees with President Kennedy's approach to the Cuban Missile Crisis, and tensions rise as new missile construction sites are discovered. Kennedy considers four options for dealing with the situation, each with grave consequences.
EpisodeShow 59 - (Blitz) The Destroyer of Worlds
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The Joint Chiefs of Staff were unanimous that Kennedy's idea of a blockade with no airstrikes was bad.
4:49:14 - 4:59:03 (09:49)
Summary
The Joint Chiefs of Staff were unanimous that Kennedy's idea of a blockade with no airstrikes was bad. His X-com advisors, his civilian advisors who fluctuated in their views and changed, were mostly sure that Kennedy was being far too weak, and when he finally informed a few members of congress, two of the biggest big wigs in his own democratic party essentially said, "Are you crazy? All the modern historians will say that the X-com tapes have changed the way this crisis has been viewed."
EpisodeShow 59 - (Blitz) The Destroyer of Worlds
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
In the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, plans were laid out for evacuating the President's family in the event of a nuclear war, and strategies were even developed for getting the President out of the White House if it was nuked.
4:59:04 - 5:04:02 (04:58)
Summary
In the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, plans were laid out for evacuating the President's family in the event of a nuclear war, and strategies were even developed for getting the President out of the White House if it was nuked. This podcast discusses the immense pressure and stakes during this time period, as people contemplated the possibility of their families dying agonizingly in front of them while an entire society crumbled.
EpisodeShow 59 - (Blitz) The Destroyer of Worlds
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
During the Cuban Missile Crisis, the US and Soviet militaries were on high alert and the potential for unintentional conflict was very high, due to communication difficulties and external pressures.
5:04:02 - 5:09:34 (05:31)
Summary
During the Cuban Missile Crisis, the US and Soviet militaries were on high alert and the potential for unintentional conflict was very high, due to communication difficulties and external pressures. This event highlights the dangers and stresses inherent in humanity's use of nuclear weapons technology.
EpisodeShow 59 - (Blitz) The Destroyer of Worlds
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The tension and stress surrounding the Cuban Missile Crisis affected everyone involved, from the individuals managing the systems to the leaders with the power to launch nuclear war, leading to frayed nerves, fear, and uncertainty.
5:09:34 - 5:16:55 (07:20)
Summary
The tension and stress surrounding the Cuban Missile Crisis affected everyone involved, from the individuals managing the systems to the leaders with the power to launch nuclear war, leading to frayed nerves, fear, and uncertainty.
EpisodeShow 59 - (Blitz) The Destroyer of Worlds
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
On Black Saturday, October 27th, 1962, President Kennedy and his advisors are thrown into crisis mode as Khrushchev announces a difficult deal for Kennedy to do, putting pressure on America to make a decision that could trigger war.
5:16:55 - 5:25:55 (08:59)
Summary
On Black Saturday, October 27th, 1962, President Kennedy and his advisors are thrown into crisis mode as Khrushchev announces a difficult deal for Kennedy to do, putting pressure on America to make a decision that could trigger war.
EpisodeShow 59 - (Blitz) The Destroyer of Worlds
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
As the situation escalates and Kennedy is stuck in a geopolitical trap, his advisors cannot make up their minds about what to do in the current situation.
5:25:55 - 5:36:13 (10:18)
Summary
As the situation escalates and Kennedy is stuck in a geopolitical trap, his advisors cannot make up their minds about what to do in the current situation. As the noose tightens, Kennedy makes a desperate plea for help from the Soviet Union.
EpisodeShow 59 - (Blitz) The Destroyer of Worlds
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
The Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 created a nuclear near miss that provided important lessons for American leaders and the world.
5:36:13 - 5:45:42 (09:28)
Summary
The Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 created a nuclear near miss that provided important lessons for American leaders and the world. The crisis brought us a framework for nuclear weapons controls but the remaining problems show there is still much to be done with nuclear safeguards and weapons numbers.
EpisodeShow 59 - (Blitz) The Destroyer of Worlds
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
Historian Dan Carlin discusses the ongoing experiment of human adaptation to weapons technology and the risks of nuclear war between the great powers amidst geopolitical tensions.
5:45:43 - 5:49:30 (03:46)
Summary
Historian Dan Carlin discusses the ongoing experiment of human adaptation to weapons technology and the risks of nuclear war between the great powers amidst geopolitical tensions.