When Diplomacy Fails Podcast

WDF Rem* 19: The Italo-Ethiopian War I

[PATRONS] The cursed episode returns, as we do our best to improve upon the howlers we made first time around. A revamped episode is your reward, and here we examine the complexities of Italian unification, and how the strength Rome tried to project was mostly paper thin. How this would lead to outbursts in Africa, is another st...

WDF Rem* 18: The Russo-Turkish War of 1877 III

[PATRONS] By bringing the war to an end, much of what Bismarck had striven to achieve in Europe fell to pieces. Yet, Bismarck's careful alliance system was far from the only casualty of the peace - the Ottoman Empire, it seemed, was on its last legs. Britain's task of protecting Constantinople from Russia had come close to anoth...

WDF Rem* 18: The Russo-Turkish War of 1877 II

[PATRONS] As the revolts in their Balkan territories casts a shadow over the Ottoman Empire's ability to conduct itself on the world stage, the other powers weigh in on the debate. Disraeli attempted to ignore the problem, as did Bismarck, while the Vienna watched Bosnia with a barely veiled hunger. Let's see what went down!

WDF Rem* 18: The Russo-Turkish War of 1877 I

[PATRONS] A conflict which should be eerily familiar to you guys, as we've sallied forth into its events and impact on Britain for our Britain Goes To War series. Why should you listen in here? Mainly because this time our focus will not be on Britain alone, and we'll have the opportunity to place all of the continent under the ...

WDF Rem* 17: The Austro-Prussian War III

[PATRONS] Here we conclude our analysis of the war. Unable to provoke what he wanted from Vienna, Bismarck would go for broke and make a mountain out of a molehill. For a few precious moments, it seemed as though all was in jeopardy, but then the brilliance of Prussian arms was brought to bear, and all would be transformed.

WDF Rem* 17: The Austro-Prussian War II

[PATRONS] How did Bismarck plan on getting the Austrians to declare war, and could such a feat really be accomplished when a cynical Europe looked on? Bismarck appreciated where he needed affairs to progress, but if he couldn't wait for nature to take its course, he was perfectly willing to shove them in the right direction, wha...

WDF Rem* 17: The Austro-Prussian War I

[PATRONS] We couldn't redo these episodes without delving into arguably Otto's greatest hit, as he aimed to completely change the status quo in Europe before it was cool. While he would distinguish himself in time, here we set the background in Europe as the German Dualism issue remained intense. Would it be Vienna or Berlin? No...

WDF Rem*: Aziz - History of Westeros Collab Part 2

[PATRONS] We return with part two of the collab, where we talk about historical inspiration, turning your art into a profession, the importance of history to what Aziz does, to continue our theme of course, and whether a fan of fantasy a la Game of Thrones can be led into loving history, or maybe historical fiction as a kind of ...

WDF Rem*: Aziz - History of Westeros Collab Part 1

[PATRONS] We are here with a huge two parter from our friend Aziz, from the History of Westeros podcast. Some of you may be super excited to hear what he has to say on a whole range of topics, others may be skeptical that a guy whose podcast is on "history" can have anything worthwhile to say - well ye of little faith! Aziz is f...

WDF Rem* 16: The Indian Mutiny II

[PATRONS] With a well established presence, it remained to be see whether the British would become too big for their boots as their victories piled up and the native resistance vanished, just as the British control over the subcontinent became more total. Through an unintentional process, the incredible fact was that by the 1840...

WDF Rem* 16: The Indian Mutiny I

[PATRONS] We return to this oft misunderstood event in British and Indian history, and this episode here essentially gives us the excuse we've been waiting for to unwrap the details of Britain's colonial experience in India, which began with great hopes and investment in 1600, when the first voyage set sail to establish what wou...

WDF Rem* 15: Chris Stewart Collab

[PATRONS] We are very excited to be joined on the podcast by Chris Stewart from a History of China, a chronological narrative of Chinese history from the most unpronounceable dynasty to the even more unpronounceable! Chris is a great historian, podcaster and fellow Agora alumni, so make sure you check him out and show him some l...

WDF Rem* 15: The Boxer Rebellion II

[PATRONS] We return and bear witness to the eruption of the Boxer Rebellion, as the Empress and her court feel compelled to throw their lot in with the Boxers, in the face of the insufferable demands of the Eight Power Alliance. How would the rest of the world react to this lucrative and highly beneficial client state descending...

WDF Rem* 15: The Boxer Rebellion I

[PATRONS] Returning with better pronunciations and ideally a better analysis, we're back with the Boxer Rebellion, which occurred in a tumultuous summer in 1900. Here we examine the circumstances which led to such an event, which itself contributed significantly to the worsening international situation, and played a key part in ...

WDF Rem* 14.5: TALK The War of 1812

[PATRONS] If you need more 1812 in your life right now, then look no further than this classic TALK episode between two friends, as we detail the ins and outs of the war of 1812 as only we know how - with much banter and self-depreciating humour. Thankssss!

 Remember to tweet me and let me know you enjoyed the episode! @w...

WDF Rem* 14: The War of 1812 II

[PATRONS] For part 2, the war erupts and both sides don't do particularly well, though the Yanks suffer a pretty devastating sight when their capital is set alight. What could have led to such an eventuality? Find out here! Thanksss Patrons!

 Remember to tweet me and let me know you enjoyed the episode! @wdfpodcast Be sur...

WDF Rem* 14: The War of 1812 I

[PATRONS] Here we examine the War of 1812 once more, a sideshow of the Napoleonic Wars and a significant one at that. First we ask, what could have compelled Britain and America to come to blows in the first place? Find out here! Thanksss Patrons!

 Remember to tweet me and let me know you enjoyed the episode! @wdfpodcast ...

WDF Rem*: Jordan Harbour Collab

[PATRONS] Welcome to a conversational collaborational episode once again, as Jordan Harbour [Twilight Histories Podcast and long time friend of the show] talk through a range of alternative history scenarios which I've encountered in the first 19 episodes which I remastered for this birthday party. I hope you enjoy it, remember ...

WDF Rem*: ALT/HIST 'What If Gavrilo Princip Missed?' Part 4

[PATRONS] Here we conclude this incredible story, which is 2/3 alternative history and 1/3 a breakdown of whether I believe this makes sense and why I went with what I did. I hope you've enjoyed a different path instead of the dire one we got in 1914. Would the world be a better place had Princip missed? That's probably a story ...

WDF Rem*: ALT/HIST 'What If Gavrilo Princip Missed?' Part 3

[PATRONS] As lovely patrons, you guys get this and part 4 to feast on, as my brain expands and brings you on an alternative journey through 1914/15. How plausible was it all? You decide. This could be a very fun topic to have a number of debates on, but here we look at the opening phases of the war and what went right/wrong for ...

WDF Rem*: ALT/HIST 'What If Gavrilo Princip Missed?' Part 2

[PATRONS] With the change in Serbian government and increasing tensions provoking reactionary policies across the Balkans, it remained to be seen whether the European alliance system would save the peace or help destroy it. Find out here, and remember you catch Part 3 & 4 on Patreon, if you want to know what happens once the...

WDF Rem*: ALT/HIST 'What If Gavrilo Princip Missed?' Part 1

[PATRONS] Welcome history friends, as we launch into a little sideshow I cooked up for you all. This is the first in a 4 parter series on alternative history, where we build a different world in the style you're used to, having asked the question - what would have happened if Gavrilo Princip missed, rather than actually successf...

WDF Rem* 13.5: TALK The Boer War

We continue our trifecta of TALKS for this period with a detailed look at everything Boer and wonderful. After the remastered two-parter which you of course listened to, this guy right here should prove a great accompaniment, even if it is 5 years old! Thanksss!

[PATRONS]  Remember to tweet me and let me know you enjoyed ...

WDF Rem* 13: The Boer War II

[PATRONS] Welcome back to part 2, as the Boers unleash the expected torrent upon the British, and all does not go according to plan, for anyone. In the end, only one power could be standing in the region, but just what were the Germans up to? Or is that the Russians? See here, and thanksss Patrons!

 Remember to tweet me a...

WDF Rem* 13: The Boer War I

[PATRONS] Welcome to the Boer War, where hopefully I'll pronounce things right this time around! Thanksss for tuning in, and I hope you haven't been scared off by the content yet! I for one am really enjoying this foray back in time to the era of the Scramble for Africa, when not a Boer nor a Zulu nor a Brit was safe!

 Re...

WDF Rem*: Anne Is A Man Collab Part 2

[PATRONS] Anne stays with us for an important rundown on the varied events of podcasting. Anne asks me some interesting questions, which for the most part I wasn't expecting! Where did the name When Diplomacy Fails come from? Do I worry that people will see WDF and connect the dots to Mark Maron if you know what I mean? We get i...

WDF Rem*: Anne Is A Man Collab Part 1

[PATRONS] The podcast reviewer extraordinaire joins us for a fun and detailed collaboration as we talk through a number of interesting points. The world of history podcasting comes under our microscope, and Anne [pronounced "AW-NUH"] lets us in on his view of it all. Anne has been around the block, and began talking about histor...

WDF Rem* 12.5: TALK The Crimean War

[PATRONS] The Crimean War doesn't change, so why should we? Have a listen right here to find out what happens when two bestos talk themselves silly about the geopolitical situation of the 1850s, and whether people really were that careless with men's lives after all. Thanksss!

 Remember to tweet me and let me know you enj...

WDF Rem* 12: The Crimean War II

[PATRONS] Welcome to part 2, where we examine the terrible events which characterized the war, as well as the international moves which were made that brought it to the next level. Thanksss!

 Remember to tweet me and let me know you enjoyed the episode! @wdfpodcast Be sure to tell people that you support me, and that you ...

WDF Rem* 12: The Crimean War I

[PATRONS] Welcome back to this era, which I have to say is probably one of my personal favourites. I thought that much remained here for me to revisist the first time around, so here I am with a fresh perspective and a lot of sad horses. Thanksss Patrons!

 Remember to tweet me and let me know you enjoyed the episode! @wdf...