History

Agriculture 1700-1900

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

As Great Britain's population increased during the 18th and 19th centuries so did the need to feed this growing population. British landowners realised that huge profits could be made if they could increase the amount of food they could grow on their farms. The main problem was that farming techniques and ideas had not changed much in Great Britain since the Middle Ages. This situation had to change if more food was to be grown. Fortunately for British farmers and landowners, new ideas from abroad, improved scientific techniques and an increased enthusiasm completely rejuvenated British farming. This led to a number of dramatic changes taking place in British agriculture during the 18th and 19th centuries, which resulted in this period of time being called the Agricultural Revolution.

The Impact of Enclosures between 1750 and 1830

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

Before 1750, many English villages used the open field system of farming. Each village was surrounded by a number of large fields which were divided into strips. Each farmer had a number of strips. There were also areas of 'common land'. Some of the poorest people lived entirely on the common land. However, as England's population rose, more food was needed. The open field system was not productive enough. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, some farmers, supported by the government, began the process of enclosure. Enclosure meant fencing off the land so that only one farmer had the right to raise crops there. This made the land more productive, yet enclosure often had disastrous consequences for the poor. Enclosure, despite increasing productivity, resulted in increased poverty, rural depopulation and homelessness.

The Industrial Revolution

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

What was the most important change brought by the Industrial Revolution? Some historians may argue that the new factories were the most important development, others would argue that the development and growth of the railway was the most important change, others the steel industry. It was a combination of all these changes and developments alongside others that allowed the Industrial Revolution to change the way we live and work. The growth in population in the early 1800s is often overlooked, but it is an important factor. Without the need to feed and clothe a growing population, the pace of change between 1700 and 1900 may well have been slower. During this title you will hear how industry changed substantially throughout this period, and some of the problems such changes brought to Britain.

Transport, 1700-1900

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

One of the best ways to improve a country to is to develop its transport and communication systems. Over the span of 150 years that the Industrial Revolution took place, Great Britain's roads, canals and railways underwent a vast improvement and expansion that allowed the country to develop into 'the workshop of the world'. The skills and techniques developed by road engineers such as Telford, canal engineers such as Brindley, and the outstanding achievements of railway engineers like Stephenson and Brunel made British engineers sought after all over the world. So exactly what did they achieve in Great Britain in such a relatively short space of time?

Working Conditions and Improvements, 1700-1850

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

Would you rather be in a classroom or working a twelve-hour day in a cotton factory or a mine? If you were a child between 1700 and 1850, you probably wouldn't have much choice. When the industrial revolution began, it revolutionised industry and changed the way we lived and worked forever. Before the revolution most people lived in small villages and made money by making items such as cloth from their home. This was known as cottage industry'. But the invention of water-powered machines led to the development of factories. These factories could produce cloth in larger quantities and more cheaply than the cottage worker. In order to survive, many families moved to the new industrial towns to work in the factories, where working conditions were harsh.

Cattlemen and Cowboys

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:12:39 +0100

Land that is too poor to support the growing of crops is often ideal for keeping cattle on, and the Plains have proved to be no exception. Ranching is such a big part of American life that most western cities still have a rodeo at least once a year, where cowboys get dressed up and demonstrate their skills by riding bucking bulls and lassoing cows. Western clothing stores, stocking cowboy boots and hardy denims, are still commonly seen. Vast quantities of beef are consumed every year, most of it raised on American soil. The cattle industry in America today has its roots in the nineteenth century, when early farmers set up ranches on the vast Plains. Just like the homesteaders, cattle ranchers faced many hardships. We're going to learn about those hardships, and how they overcame them, in this title.

Farming on the Plains

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:12:39 +0100

When the first intrepid men went out to make a go of farming the Great Plains, they went with what they knew - they took their old methods of farming, which required plenty of water and involved delicate crops like summer wheat, and tried to make them work on the Plains. They expected to live in wooden houses and be able to wash regularly. They looked forward to having the space they craved, far from the overcrowded eastern states. Many undoubtedly imagined a world in which they would become fabulously rich thanks to all the crops they would successfully grow. Unfortunately, as we're going to discover, they were in for a bit of a shock. In the end it was only those who were willing to adapt, borrowing ideas from the Plains Indians and the Mormons, who would be successful.

Law and Order

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:12:39 +0100

During the nineteenth century, the western part of America earned itself the nickname 'The Wild West'. This term is used a lot nowadays, and is often applied to places where crime is common and people can pretty much get away with anything. On the flipside, Hollywood makes a lot of movies glamorizing life in nineteenth-century western towns with their saloons, sheriffs and wooden-porched buildings. In fact, a whole tourist industry is centred on the exciting lives led by early inhabitants of these dusty mining and cattle towns. The reality of life in the Wild West was more like the first example. Life was hard, and cheap. Guns were common and law enforcement scarce. For most people living in the west at that time, the Hollywood portrayal of their lives would have been unrecognizable.

Plains Indians

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:12:39 +0100

The Plains Indians are also known as Native Americans, or the First Nations. They had been living all over the American continent for thousands of years before Christopher Columbus came to America in the fifteenth century, and had perfectly adapted their way of life to fit all climates - whether they inhabited grassland, desert, rainforest or mountain. They had everything sorted - places to live, sources of food, a complete system of religious beliefs, a political organization for their tribes, and even a system for going to war. In this section, we're going to learn about all these things, and consider how the differences between their way of life and that of the settlers brought the two groups into one of the bloodiest conflicts in American history.

Settlers on the Plains

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:12:39 +0100

Once the first settlers had colonized the Eastern part of the American continent in the seventeenth century, they lost their taste for pioneering. The rest of America remained uninhabited by anybody except the Plains Indians for a very long time. In the nineteenth century, however, all that began to change. Travellers in search of adventure started to explore the land, and found that parts of it were good for farming, while other parts were rich with gold and silver. The government, eager to prevent any part of the land being settled by the Spanish, British or French, encouraged American citizens to move into the uninhabited areas, offering incentives for the bravest pioneers. As we'll hear in this title, these incentives combined with a lot of other factors to encourage all kinds of people out into the Great American Desert.

The Struggle for the Plains

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:12:40 +0100

As the predicted 'Manifest destiny' of the white Americans - to cover and control the whole American continent - began to be fulfilled, the native population of the Plains started to feel concern about their destiny. The Plains Indians had lived happily across the whole continent for thousands of years. This peace was shattered when white settlers began to arrive. The Indians were probably bewildered at first - these people attempted to build homes out of wood, wore strange clothes and shot bison at random, wasting most of the animal. Strangest of all, they tried to claim the land for their own. The Indians thought everybody knew that nobody could own the land - it was like a person to them. This difference in outlook spelled disaster for the Plains Indians, who soon found themselves at war with the American government and its army.

The Road to War: Europe 1870-1914

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

Why was the world dragged into a war that led to the death of over nine million soldiers between 1914 and 1918? The answer to this question is not simple. The assassination of the Arch Duke Franz Ferdinand was the trigger that set the First World War in motion, but it was not the only cause. Tension had been running high in Europe since France suffered a defeat from the German state of Prussia in 1871. The rivalry that had existed between France and Germany was made much worse after the Franco-Prussian war of 1870-71. Rivalry also existed between Britain and Germany, and further problems were occurring between Russia and Austria-Hungary. In short, the assassination of the Arch Duke Franz Ferdinand was just the tip of a very large iceberg, which would send Europe into chaos.

Finding a Role: Britain and Europe since 1919

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

For over a century Britain and its empire formed a dominant world power. However, the Twentieth Century would see Britain's power and influence decline substantially. Two World Wars and a Cold War would stretch Britain's resources to breaking point. Britain would have to adjust to these events and work with new multinational institutions, ideologies and rising powers before finally settling on a new role for itself.

The Falklands and The First Gulf War

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

As the Cold War began to wind down, the British Conservative Government found that the world could still throw up some highly unexpected events to test the diplomatic and military strength of the country. The Falklands Conflict represented Britain's last ever colonial war. In many ways, it was an old-fashioned war that may have been better suited to the 19th century. It was fought over the ownership of islands on the other side of the world. The Gulf War, on the other hand, seemed to represent a new, more collaborative style of warfare. There was great hope after the Cold War that a New World Order could be created to help police against the actions of rogue nations. Countries across the world united to help uphold international law - could this represent a new way forward for international peacekeeping and diplomacy?

The Suez Crisis

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

The Suez Crisis demonstrated that post-war Britain was a tired nation, and that its days as an imperial power were nearing their end. An Egyptian Colonel seized the canal from under the noses of the British on behalf of his countrymen, and the British and French were shocked into responding to his actions. However, the old way of sending imperial gunboats to sort out colonial problems no longer applied in the post-war world. The crisis revealed that the Cold War superpowers were replacing the Old World empires.

The Edwardian Era and the First World War, 1902-1919

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

What was the Edwardian era like? Britain had just completed a long and rather embarrassing campaign in Africa, known as the Boer War and was now having to prepare itself for another war, this time in Europe. Britain needed to make some big changes if it was to survive the onslaught of what was known as the war to end all wars'. In this title, we will chart some of the key changes that occurred in the British economy and in pre-war politics. We will also discuss the changes that occurred in society, culture and religion as Britain geared itself for war. You will also hear about the Home Front during the First World War and how the lives of British people changed forever.

The Impact of the Second World War on British Society, 1939-1951

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

The Second World War had an impact not only on British soldiers fighting in Europe, but also on the civilians living back in Great Britain. Between 1939 and 1951 the consequences of the war were felt by women, the elderly and children. Life in Great Britain was very difficult during the Second World War, and one reason for this was that the government needed to control many aspects of people's lives, including how much food they could eat, what clothes they could buy and where they could live. The government created new ministries which controlled how people acted and made decisions that were intended to keep them safer. There were some changes made during wartime that were rolled over into peacetime, such as rationing and the creation of the welfare state, which are examined in this title.

Crime and Punishment: 1450 to 1750

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

The early modern period is arguably the most interesting in the history of crime and punishment. A lot of modern-sounding crimes started to appear, like highway robbery and smuggling. The punishment system also became a lot harsher, with the introduction of the Bloody Code. As historians, this is very interesting to us because we can start to match these crimes with events happening in the country, and see if we can understand why they happened. For example, why did people put on masks and hats and get on horses to chase carriages and rob people? And why were some people burned for reading the Bible in their own language? We will find out the answers to these questions in this title.

Crime and Punishment: 1750 to 1900

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

By 1750, the system of law and order in the UK had started to take shape in a similar way to the one we know today, with two notable exceptions. Firstly, the most common punishments were hanging and transportation and secondly, there was no police force. However, Britain was about to go through a period of huge change. By 1900, the whole country looked remarkably different to the green, rural land it had been in 1750. The changes were so significant that a lot of other things had to change too, including the system of law and order. Community policing, which involved volunteers in the community helping to police, didn't happen anymore. There was also a growing movement against the use of capital punishment.

Crime and Punishment: from 1900 Onwards

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

A lot of people have very strong opinions on crime and punishment in the past century. 'There's a crime wave!' they cry. 'All teenagers are just waiting on street corners to mug us!' they wail. 'The prisons are overflowing and dangerous criminals are being allowed to stroll around on the streets!' they claim. 'There's no discipline, no morals, no ethics - we're turning into an ANARCHISTIC SOCIETY!' they yell, hysterically. When we say 'they', we are generally talking about the media. The media are more high profile than they have ever been before, and they spend a lot of time talking about crime. But is it all true? Is crime worse than it's ever been before? Do punishments not work anymore? Before we can agree with these sweeping statements, we need to find out some of the facts.

Protest Through Time

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

On many occasions in the past millennium, the population has sought to influence government policy by holding protests and demonstrations. These protests have been about unpopular taxes, religion, the right to vote and even the introduction of new technology. The protests themselves usually follow a similar format - a march, chanting, some vandalism and civil disobedience and the occasional fight. What has changed, though, is the way the government has dealt with these protests. Deploying some sort of force - like the police - is a usual response, but how tough are they on the protesters and how do they treat them afterwards? We are going to look at some of the most famous protest movements in Britain from the past six centuries. It might come as a surprise that most of them took place within 100 years of each other.

The Ancient World to 1450

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

As long as there have been people, there has been crime. We can look at records dating back quite a long way, and discover the type of crimes people were committing, how they were caught and the punishments they were given. Using court records and law codes, we can see how attitudes towards crime have changed over the years. For example, harsh punishments for particular crimes mean that people at that time felt those crimes were the worst. This is something that has changed quite a lot over the past 2000 years. In this title, we will consider the Romans, who occupied England for several hundred years. Then we will look at England in the Middle Ages, firstly under Anglo-Saxon rulers and later, Norman kings. Some aspects of crime and punishment stayed the same, while others underwent striking changes.

Education, Youth, Culture and Propaganda

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:12:38 +0100

This title will look at how Hitler tried to create a new German Nation after the Nazis came to power. In one sense, most of the changes were not major; schools operated normally, newspapers were being printed and people still listened to music. The real changes the Nazi Party tried to produce were inside people's heads so that they would support Nazi ideas. The first chapter looks at the central role propaganda played in creating this change. The second chapter looks at how the Nazis used the arts and culture to influence people. The third and fourth chapters look at how obvious propaganda was in schools and in the organisation of free time. The fifth chapter covers the role of women and the church, and the final chapter examines Nazi ideas about race and how it affected groups within Germany.

Establishing a Nazi Dictatorship

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:12:38 +0100

Hitler planned to take complete power over Germany. He realized, through the failed putsches - or uprisings - of the 1920s, that he must use at least semi-official channels to take control. After the Wall Street Crash of 1929 and the economic depression which followed, people were willing to listen to radical politicians such as Hitler, who promised a better future and German prosperity. An upsurge in Nazi support between 1929 and 1933 saw a rise in party membership and mass support in elections. Although Hitler's Nazi party had over forty percent of the vote in certain areas of Germany, this was still a long way from them being in supreme control of the country. Therefore, the question we will focus upon in this title is: How did Hitler establish a Nazi dictatorship?'

Germany After the Second World War

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:12:38 +0100

Germany fought and eventually lost the Second World War due to a combination of Allied tactics, Nazi mistakes and the economic power of the USA. In the years following 1945, Germany not only became one of the strongest countries in the world, but also a country that created links with other European countries. How did Germany, blamed for starting two world wars, become the country that ended up bringing Europe together?

Germany During the Second World War

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:12:38 +0100

After the Nazis had taken control of Germany, they wanted to expand outwards. This title examines the causes of the Second World War and the reasons for the ultimate defeat of Nazi Germany. The first chapter gives an overview of the long and short-term causes for the war. The following chapters discuss the impact of the war on international relations and on the German people. The key event of the invasion of Russia is the focus for the fourth chapter. We then move back to Germany and the lands it controlled, for a discussion of the Final Solution' and the effect of the Allied bombing campaign. The last two chapters in the title discuss the reasons for Germany's defeat and the uncertainty the Nazis faced in the last months of the war.

Life Under the Nazi Dictatorship

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:12:38 +0100

When Hitler was invited to become German Chancellor in 1933, leaders thought they would be able to control him. They were wrong. Within months he had used loopholes in the German Constitution to assume additional power. The next year, he made himself Führer, or undisputed leader, of Germany. For the next 11 years, until his suicide in 1945, he set Germany on a path to war, along the way attempting to rid the world of what he deemed to be second-class human beings. Hitler's main target was the Jewish population, who he blamed for a worldwide conspiracy to undermine Germany. Hitler and the Nazi Party used some terrifying methods to remove them - including concentration camps and the mass genocide of the Holocaust. Nazi Germany was not a place for anyone who did not fit into Hitler's stereotyped 'master race'.

The Rise of the Nazi Party

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:12:38 +0100

In this title we are going to cover the issues the Weimar Republic faced in the 1920s after the problems of 1923. We will look at how the Great Depression affected Germany, and see that its effect allowed Hitler and the Nazis to gain power. We will go back to the start of the Nazi Party, and learn the tactics that it used, its important ideas and its key members. This title also examines how the Nazis managed to hook' people into their message, and to what extent this helped them get into power.

The Weimar Republic

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:12:38 +0100

A comparison of Germany in 1914 with Germany in 1924 would reveal a great shift in culture, economy and government. Germany in 1914 was an autocratic nation, which means a nation ruled by a leader with unlimited power. Ten years later, Germany was beginning to throw off the shackles of the Treaty of Versailles, and was now a democracy. The man who transformed Germany's fortunes was Gustav Stresemann. Under his guidance Germany recovered from a deep financial crisis, regained confidence, and witnessed a cultural renaissance. His influence extended until his death and the Wall Street Crash of 1929, which led to economic depression and increasing public support for a more extreme solution. This title will look at how Germany went from a dictatorship to a progressive democracy, only to install another dictator in the shape of Adolf Hitler.

India 1914-1930

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

In this title, we will start off by looking at how the First World War impacted upon relations between Britain and India. We will then explore how unrest in India led to the British slaughter of Indian civilians at Amritsar. The 'Amritsar Massacre' was a key turning point and did much to increase Indian opposition to British rule. In Chapter Three, we will introduce Mohandas Gandhi, who is known as Mahatma. Gandhi pushed forward his idea of non-violent, non-cooperation with the British. In Chapter Four, we will meet Jawaharlal Nehru, who led Congress from 1929, and Muhammad Ali Jinnah - the leader of the Muslim League. We will also see how Britain's attempt to deal with the growing unrest in India through the 'Simon Commission' failed, and only resulted in Congress demanding full independence for the first time.

India Under British Rule and Developing Opposition

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

In this title we will begin by looking at how Britain controlled India. We will explain how after 1858 the British government took formal control over India, and how a relatively small number of British civil servants and soldiers controlled a vast country of over 300 million people. In Chapter Two, we will look at why India was so important to the British for both political and economic reasons. Although the British did make some improvements in India, this was done mainly for their own benefit. In Chapter Three we will look at the development and growth of the Indian Congress Movement and the All Muslim League, as well as the impact of the 1905 division of Bengal. The final chapter will look at the British attempts to make reforms in 1909 and the Indian reaction to this.

Towards Independence and Partition

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

Chapter One explains how growing tensions in 1930s India led to Britain trying to find a solution through the 'Round Table Conferences'. The failure of these saw Britain introduce a new 'Government of India Act' in 1935, which was rejected by Congress and the Muslim League. Chapter Two explores the impact of the Second World War, discussing those in India who did or did not support it. After the Second World War, the big question that loomed was what form an independent India would take. It initially appeared that an agreement had been reached, but this proved to be short lived. In a final attempt by the British to find a solution, Lord Mountbatten was appointed as Viceroy. He decided to divide the country. So, on the 15th of August 1947 two new states were created, India and Pakistan.

Industrial Medicine 1700-1900

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:12:38 +0100

Much like the Renaissance, the Industrial period was a time of huge change in Britain and Europe. Instead of changes in the arts, literature and philosophy, there were changes in agriculture and manufacturing. These changes totally remoulded British society, which went from a nation of small towns and villages to one of sprawling cities. By 1900, Britain controlled a quarter of the world. Likewise, both periods saw changes in medicine. During the Renaissance many of these changes related to the thinking behind medicine, whereas in the Industrial period the changes related more to practicing medicine. New treatments such as the vaccination and anaesthetics were discovered. The cause of disease was discovered, and this led to the development of antiseptics. Let's find out what happened in the 200 years of the Industrial period.

Medicine in the Ancient World c10,000 BC - c500 AD

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:12:38 +0100

In this section we're going to learn about how our ancestors dealt with illness thousands of years ago. Obviously, they weren't able to nip down to casualty every time they had an accident, or pop into the chemist for some aspirin to treat their headaches. As we'll see, though, some of the treatments and methods they used laid some important foundations for modern medicine. Prehistoric man knew a thing or two about natural cures, while the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans all realised the importance of keeping clean - something we forgot about in England for a few centuries. Meanwhile, ancient doctors such as Hippocrates and Galen started to really pay attention to how illnesses affected their patients.

Medieval Medicine c500 - 1345

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:12:38 +0100

After the Romans left Britain, medicine changed a lot. The Romans took their medical knowledge with them and the British had to start from scratch. People forgot the importance of keeping clean and mostly blamed their sins for illnesses. Everybody believed strongly in God and that their faith would keep them healthy. After a few centuries, hospitals and universities started to appear, run by the Church, which was the richest and most powerful organization in Britain at the time. They spread the teachings of Galen and the Theory of Humours, and these remained popular for centuries. Muslim scholars had translated all Galen's books into Arabic so they weren't lost forever with the Romans. Some things were, though - like bath houses and flush toilets. Medieval Britain must have reeked!

Modern Medicine 1900-present day

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:12:38 +0100

The final period in our study of medicine is the most recent period - from the start of the twentieth century to the present day. Thanks to the hard work done by the medical profession in the Industrial period, the stage was set for even more exciting discoveries and life-saving inventions. The next 100 years would see developments in plastic and transplant surgery; the discovery of the world's most powerful antibiotic; and the mapping of the human genome, which provided the key to understanding genetic diseases and how the body is infected by them. External influences, such as increased government funding and improved communications, made it a lot easier for scientists to carry out their research and share it with others. Perhaps the biggest influence came from two of the biggest events of the twentieth century - the two world wars.

Renaissance Medicine 1345-1700

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:12:38 +0100

The Renaissance might just be the most exciting and innovative time in the history of Europe so far. So much went on that it is difficult to remember everything. There were changes in just about everything, as people began to question the old ways and try and come up with new ideas. Most of the countries of Europe were wealthy and were constantly fighting each other over land, providing a steady supply of war-wounded patients for the doctors. Meanwhile, more people became literate and attended universities, where academics started to publish new ideas which would completely revolutionise what people believed. New navigational equipment allowed Europeans to sail across the Atlantic for the first time ever - and find their way back.

Popular Movements in England and Wales, 1815-1845

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

There are many parts of our lives that we take for granted in Great Britain today. For example, we expect healthcare and hospitals to be free. But imagine what life would be like if we had no laws stating how many hours people could legally work, no pensions and no free healthcare. British people would start to complain very quickly by voting out the political party in government and putting a new one in its place. Imagine, then, what it must have been like in the 19th century to have extreme poverty, to live in slum housing and work long hours for little pay, without the right to vote to change these problems. Between 1815 and 1845, people in Britain began to demand change. They formed political groups and began to campaign for every man to get the vote.

Causes, Events and Consequences of World War Two

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:12:38 +0100

In 1939, when the German army invaded Poland, Stalin feared the Nazis would eventually attack Russia. Stalin was uncertain whether Russia could cope with such an attack, and they were left isolated by Great Britain, France and the USA because of the fear of Communism. In 1939, Stalin signed a pact with the German leader Adolf Hitler, where each country promised not to invade the other. However, in 1941 Hitler broke this pact. Over the next four years, Germany and Russia fought a bitter war that killed millions. Despite early success, German progress was finally halted during the siege of Stalingrad. While the Soviet Union pushed the Germans back, the allies launched a new offensive in Northern France. Unable to cope with war on two fronts, Germany eventually surrendered. However, victory came at a price for the Soviet Union.

Russia Post-1945

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:12:38 +0100

Following the Second World War, Stalin's Soviet Union became a world superpower alongside the United States. However, during this period both sides initiated a new conflict, known as the Cold War. It was named the Cold War as no open conflict broke out between the two. One major reason for unrest was the contrasting political systems of capitalism and communism in the USA and the Soviet Union. When Stalin died in 1953, the new Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev continued to strengthen the Soviet Union, but he denounced Stalin and his terror tactics. However, during the 1960s and 1970s the Soviet Union was still a totalitarian state. Change came in the form of Mikhail Gorbachev during the 1980s, as he instigated reforms that led to the collapse of Communism in Eastern Europe. In 1991, the Soviet Union ceased to exist.

Russia Prior to World War One

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:12:38 +0100

At the turn of the twentieth century, Russia was a vast but economically backward country. Its ruler, Tsar Nicholas the second, had complete power over the country's political and economic systems. The majority of the Russian population were poor, uneducated peasants dependent on an inadequate agricultural system, which led to dreadful living and working conditions. In stark contrast, the Aristocracy led very extravagant and elegant lifestyles. They held key positions in the Tsar's government as heads of local councils. The aristocracy were loyal to the Tsar and wanted to keep Russian society as it was so that they could maintain their powerful positions. However, during the first decade of the twentieth century all aspects of Russian society changed due to increasing industrialisation, growing opposition to Nicholas the second's rule and calls for more equality in the way Russia was governed.

The Bolshevik Revolution

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:12:39 +0100

The Bolshevik party, under the leadership of Lenin, had to act quickly following the October 1917 Revolution. They had promised the Russian people 'Bread, Land and Peace', and knew if they did not fulfil their promises they would soon lose power. The Bolsheviks had to strengthen their position quickly and crush any opposition they faced. This struggle for complete authority across Russia would soon result in a civil war, as the Bolsheviks fought against opponents resisting their leadership. The policies they introduced during the Civil War were greeted with widespread opposition. However, the Bolsheviks managed to secure power in Russia by introducing important economic and social measures, and by intimidating and arresting those who opposed them. When Lenin died in 1924, the Bolshevik party had restored law and order to Russia and, most importantly, they had established a Communist dictatorship.

The Fall of Imperial Russia

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:12:39 +0100

As Russia prepared to join Britain and France to fight Germany in World War One, it faced many problems. In particular, there was the conflict between the oppression of Tsar Nicholas II and the growing call for change from opposition groups in Russia. However, after Russia's entry into the war people rallied behind the Tsar and the army. The early optimism didn't last, as Russia was unable to cope with the demands of a war economy. The Russian army suffered heavy defeats, which the people blamed Nicholas II for. By March 1917 Nicholas gave up the throne, leaving the Provisional Government in charge. The Provisional Government proved unable to appease the Russian people, so, in November 1917, revolutionary group the Bolsheviks seized power. To understand how these events happened, we must look at the effect WW1 had on Russian society.

The Rule of Stalin

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:12:39 +0100

Following the death of Lenin in 1924, two leading members of the Communist Party began bids to replace him. The battle between Josef Stalin and Leon Trotsky was a bitter contest. By 1929, Stalin had overcome Trotsky and other rivals. He was strengthening his position by removing those in Soviet society who opposed him, and continuing the development of the Soviet economy. Stalin also introduced controversial agricultural and industrial policies. Although he knew these would bring widespread unhappiness in Russia's towns and villages, Stalin was ruthless - any opposition was met with imprisonment or death. By the late 1930s Stalin had succeeded, through his brutal policies, in becoming the 'Father of the Russian people'. Russians showed their adoration of Stalin by hanging pictures of him throughout the country. However, many historians have questioned: was this done out of love, or fear?

The Campaigns for Women's Suffrage, 1840-1918

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

The Great Reform Act of 1832 had given many women in Great Britain the faint hope that they would soon have the right to vote. However, it turned out to have only granted more middle class men the right to participate in national elections. Women were still considered second-class citizens in Great Britain and were understandably upset. This meant that as early as 1847 political movements were formed by women demanding the right to vote. Over the next hundred years many women and some men, such as John Stuart Mill and Richard Pankhurst, campaigned for women to have equal status to British men. However, their attempts failed. The women of Great Britain campaigned both peacefully through the Suffragist movement, and aggressively through the Suffragette movement, right up to 1928 when British women were finally granted universal suffrage alongside men.

The Impact of the First World War

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

When the First World War broke out in August 1914, it started off a number of changes for women in Great Britain. Over the next four years, their lives would be transformed. During the war, women found themselves doing many jobs that were previously seen as only being suitable for men. They worked in factories, on farms and on public transport, making a vital contribution to the war effort. Many people no longer considered women to be second-class citizens and accepted that they deserved to have equal rights. By the end of the war in 1918, a number of women were given the vote. Many women continued to work after the war. However, some were forced to go back to their pre-war lives. Nevertheless, the roles that women took on during the war changed attitudes towards them for good.

The Cold War 1945-1950: What Went Wrong?

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:24:52 +0100

As the Allied forces swept through Germany in 1945, the leaders of the Soviet Union, the USA and Great Britain were faced with the mammoth task of dealing with the consequences of six years of war. In May 1945 American and Soviet troops met and celebrated victory together in Berlin. This celebration was short-lived. Less than three years later these former allies were arguing over the fate of both Germany and Eastern Europe. Over the next four decades the USA and the Soviet Union became world superpowers', determined to see their conflicting ideologies of communism and capitalist democracy succeed on a global scale. This conflict became known as the Cold War and resulted in countries, governments and people being used by both the USA and the Soviet Union to achieve military and ideological supremacy throughout the world.

The Cold War 1950-1960: Containment

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:24:54 +0100

As the world entered a new decade, the recently formed NATO alliance and the soon-to-be-formed Warsaw Pact placed the tension between the two superpowers' and their allies on a new level. It became routine to use the floor of the United Nations to air grievances and verbally attack any action taken by East or West. The propaganda war intensified as both sides ridiculed each other's ideology and policies. As the 1940s drew to a close the next flashpoint was only six months away.

The Cold War 1960-1970: Crisis and Conflict

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:24:56 +0100

The later years of the 1950s did little to thaw' relations between the superpowers.' The fall out of the Hungarian uprising further enhanced the division and tension between the East and West, and there was no let up in the quest to gain the upper hand in the arms' and space race'. However, 1960 began with an opportunity for all sides to air their grievances and enter a new era of peaceful negotiations and co-existence. President Eisenhower, Premier Khrushchev, Prime Minister Macmillan and President De Gaulle were scheduled to have talks in Paris. Unfortunately, hopes were dashed before the leaders even arrived in Paris.

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:25:23 +0100

A new decade began with renewed hope that both East and West could improve their relationship. This period of the Cold War became known as the era of détente, a French word meaning relaxation'. The superpowers' began to openly discuss the limitations of the arms and space race,' human rights violations and the prevention of further flashpoints throughout the world. However, despite the agreements made on trade, Brezhnev's historical visit to the US capital and a symbolic handshake between Soviet cosmonauts and American astronauts in space, the 1970s ended with the American Olympic team boycotting the summer games in Moscow in 1980.

The Cold War 1980-1990: 'The Evil Empire': Collapse of the Soviet Union

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:25:34 +0100

By the late 1970s, the early optimism of détente was replaced by increasing mistrust and hostility. The stagnation of SALT II, human rights issues behind the iron curtain,' a crisis of confidence in American leadership and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan would start a new phase of the Cold War. This was symbolised by new American President Ronald Reagan describing the Soviet Union as an Evil Empire'. However, it was leadership changes in Eastern Europe, failing economies and people power that would finally lead to the fall of the Berlin Wall and end of communism behind the iron curtain.'

Sport, Leisure and Tourism from 1900 to the Present Day

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

The 20th century saw a massive increase in the amount of leisure time and disposable income that the British population had. This was reflected in their sudden demand for more leisure opportunities. The public wanted bigger, better and more extreme leisure activities. Sports developed into national pastimes, as it became cheaper for people to travel around the country following football teams and rugby games. The 20th century was also the time of great technological change. It saw cinemas, music, computers, game consoles and the internet play an even greater role in the lifestyles of both the young and the old. Not only were there now new forms of leisure, but the development of aeroplanes and the increase in holiday parks also meant that more people than ever before could afford to go on holiday, both in Great Britain and abroad.

Decolonisation - From Empire to Commonwealth

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

The 20th century saw the British Empire go from being the world's largest empire to a tiny collection of small, scattered islands. This happened in a remarkably short period of time. The reasons for its disintegration can be attributed to the actions of the countries that made up the empire, as well as to the actions of rival nations and empires that declared war and fought to limit the power of the British Empire. The British Empire was unusual in that its decolonisation process was relatively peaceful. It moved to a Commonwealth with remarkable ease and maintained goodwill with many, if not most, of its former colonies.

Trade and Empire

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

The loss of the American colonies seemed to signal the end of Britain's imperial dreams. But a new and far larger Empire would emerge over the next century. India would replace the American colonies as the 'Jewel in the Crown'. Britain's domination of the sea lanes would allow it to acquire colonies and outposts scattered all over the globe. This new global empire would make Britain the world's chief power during the reign of Queen Victoria. It was claimed that the sun would never set on the British Empire.

America in Depression, 1929-1933

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:12:39 +0100

Following a decade of economic prosperity and consumer confidence, the American economy was on the brink of disaster by late 1929. After years of mass production and easy credit, the economy began to slow down. The downturn in the economy was made worse by the Wall Street Crash of 1929, when the value of shares in American companies fell dramatically. The knock-on effect was felt throughout America as banks closed down and millions of people lost their savings. Unable to find work or competitive wages, industrial workers and farm labourers struggled to pay their rent or mortgages. By 1932, unemployment had reached over 14 million. The human cost of the economic collapse could be measured by the millions of rural Americans facing starvation. The confidence and decadence that had symbolised the 1920s was now replaced by anxiety and economic depression.

American Sport, Culture and Society in the 20th Century

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:12:39 +0100

Throughout the 20th century American society and culture underwent many changes. Historians point to the prosperous 1920s as the beginning of these changes. Public access to music and sport and the arrival of cinema influenced progression and protest. The optimism of the 1920s was shattered by the Wall Street Crash and subsequent Great Depression. During the 1930s, many Americans began to suffer after a decade of overspending, and this was reflected in pessimistic literature and music. This era of conservatism continued after World War Two. The 1960s witnessed a new generation who abandoned their parents' ideals and embraced rock n' roll music and hippy culture. The upheaval of the 60s and 70s was followed by another era of conservatism in the 1980s. Throughout the 20th century, it was music, cinema and the media that documented the shifts in American society.

Foreign Policy: War and Isolation, 1914-1941

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:12:39 +0100

American foreign policy between 1914 and 1941 was driven by a strategy of trying to avoid being dragged into European affairs and the need to concentrate on internal problems. During this period, though, the American government inevitably became involved in World War One. The experience of the War divided American society, and this came to a head during the peace treaty following the war. Throughout the 1920s, the American government pursued a policy of isolationism. This meant that it sought to leave Europe to deal with its own problems, and focussed internally on the growing influence of foreign immigrants. During the economic crisis of the 1930s, America re-established trade links to rejuvenate the economy, and to deal with threats from Nazi Germany and Japanese expansion. However, government policy was still heavily influenced by the impact of World War One.

Law and Order in the 1920s

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:12:39 +0100

America in the 1920s witnessed an economic boom that affected all aspects of society. Unlike Europe, which had been devastated by World War One, America remained largely untouched by the conflict. This enabled the economy to grow at a rate never seen before in United States history. Within American society, women began to enjoy more freedom and social entertainment developed hugely. Despite these advances, the US faced many problems. Mass immigration to the country led to overcrowding and poor living conditions. Many Americans believed that alcohol consumption had caused a decline in family values. Following the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution in Russia, people became wary of a possible communist threat in America. Also, criminals known as gangsters became prominent in many cities. So, despite huge cultural and economic advances, the US government still had to tackle new law and order issues.

The Causes and Consequences of the American Civil War

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:12:39 +0100

The American Civil War was the bloodiest conflict anywhere in the world during the nineteenth century. Over 600,000 lives were lost. The issue of slavery came to a head during the 1860s following the election of President Abraham Lincoln. Many southern states in America believed his plans to abolish slavery would have a negative effect on their economy and way of life. Southern states started leaving the United States to form a new country - the Confederate States of America. President Lincoln knew he could not allow this, so from 1861-1865 he led the Union, the northern forces, against the Confederacy. Slavery had divided America, but it was the southern states' decision to withdraw that led to the outbreak of war. Both sides became involved in a bitter struggle that would decide the fate of slavery and the United States.

The Race Issue

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

Although the 13th Amendment was added to the United States Constitution in December 1865, the newly freed slaves faced many struggles to ensure their freedom and equality following the American Civil War. During the 20th century this pursuit of equality led to many achievements and obstacles for the black people of America. Movements such as the National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People, and charismatic leaders like Booker T. Washington, Marcus Garvey and W. E. B. DuBois challenged the inequality in America, whilst protesting against racism, violence and white supremacist groups. This challenge reached its peak during the 1960s civil rights movement, culminating in the 1964 Civil Rights Act which outlawed racial inequality and discrimination throughout American society. Despite the recent election of Barack Obama as its first black president, the USA still remains a largely racially divided country.

The Recovery from Depression, 1933-1941

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:12:39 +0100

When Herbert Hoover left his presidency in 1933, American society was struggling to cope with the economic decline that had begun in the late 1920s. Unemployment was high, and the economy was at an all time low. When the new president, Franklin D. Roosevelt, took up his position in 1933, he outlined a plan to drag the country out of economic depression. Roosevelt introduced a range of polices between 1933 and 1936 which became known as the New Deal. The purpose of the New Deal was to rescue the country from further economic decline. Over the next eight years the Roosevelt government attempted to heal the wounds of the Great Depression, but many historians believe it was the Japanese attack on mainland America in 1941 that finally brought the era of economic decline in the United States to an end.

The United States 1945 to 1980

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:12:39 +0100

When the Second World War ended in 1945, the United States of America emerged as a world superpower. It did not suffer the same levels of death and destruction as the Allies, and its economy thrived as it provided weapons, equipment, and food for the Allied war effort. Following the war, America became involved in a battle with the communist Soviet Union which became known as the Cold War. Over the next four decades the American government embarked on a worldwide campaign to prevent the spread of communism, becoming involved in conflicts such as Vietnam. During the 1950s, anti-communist organisations were established to deal with the threat from within, and American society became divided over the position of Black Americans. The 1960s and 1970s would be remembered for a crisis in the presidency as Americans lost faith in their leaders.

The USA from 1918 to 1929

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:12:39 +0100

American society enjoyed a period of economic expansion following the First World War. Historians often refer to America during this period as the promised land', as society embraced the economic boom. The mass production of cars and consumer goods created a market for cheap, affordable products. The American government ensured worker's taxes remained low so they could spend their wages on these goods. Many people invested their money in the New York stock market, buying and selling shares. However, during this period of economic success many questions remained unanswered: did all levels of American society enjoy these prosperous times? Did the government do enough to protect the country if the economy began to slow down? The answers to these questions came crashing down on the American nation in 1929 as economic growth faltered, and the New York stock market collapsed.

America's War at Home

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

As American involvement in the Vietnam conflict escalated during the 1960s under President Lyndon B. Johnson, opposition to the war grew. Fuelled by media images and graphic newspaper reports, the American nation became slowly disillusioned by its country's role and purpose in Vietnam. Despite government claims that the war against communist North Vietnam was winnable, public protests began to take place throughout America. As the years dragged on and the stalemate in Vietnam continued, the anti-war movement grew. There were even occasional outbreaks of violent protest in America. The most famous of these incidents was at Kent State University in 1970, where four student protesters were shot dead by US troops. It seemed that the struggle in Vietnam had crossed the Pacific Ocean, and that America had slowly declared war on itself.

Escalation 1963-1968

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

The 1960s marked a new chapter in Vietnamese history and American involvement in the conflict. Following the assassination of President Kennedy in 1963, a new American leader, Lyndon B Johnson, sent US marines to Vietnam to fight the forces of communist North Vietnam, who were led by Ho Chi Minh. US involvement escalated, and by 1967 there were over 400,000 US marines fighting in Vietnam. Surprisingly, the North Vietnamese forces succeeded in dragging the war out and inflicting heavy casualties on the American forces. America responded by increasing troop numbers and using new aerial and chemical weapons. People became outraged by America's escalation of the conflict and the subsequent destruction of a poor nation. In 1969, there were 500,000 troops in Vietnam. The American government was no closer to defeating the North Vietnam forces and stopping the spread of communism.

The Impact of the Vietnam War

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

Although the United States' involvement in Vietnam officially ended in 1975 when the last US personnel left the country, the legacy and impact of the conflict left bitter scars on both countries. America had failed in its mission to prevent the forces of North Vietnam from uniting Vietnam as one independent communist country. Instead, they left behind a country that was devastated following nearly two decades of conflict. Instability in the region continued throughout the 1970s as Vietnam went to war with its communist neighbours China and Cambodia, resulting in humanitarian and refugee crises. America also struggled to come to terms with its involvement in Vietnam. America's reputation throughout the world was severely damaged and the once-respected US government was now viewed with suspicion by many Americans.

Vietnam 1941-1963

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

To fully understand the birth of modern day Vietnam and its long battle for independence, we must examine the Vietnamese struggle against the occupying forces of France and Japan in the 19th and 20th centuries. Political mismanagement and financial crises led to the formation of a Vietnamese independence movement called the Vietminh, under the leadership of Ho Chi Minh. Ho fiercely opposed colonial rule in Vietnam, and his new party embarked on a campaign to rid Vietnam of the French and Japanese. Ho's campaign for independence led to direct conflict with Japanese forces during World War Two, and with French forces between 1945 and 1954. His nationalist struggle was viewed with suspicion in the US due to his communist beliefs. Following the post-war period America became increasingly involved in Vietnamese affairs, eventually leading to open conflict.

Vietnam 1968-1975

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

As America's involvement in the Vietnam conflict entered a new decade, America struggled to come to terms with the disastrous campaign that was being fought against the communist forces of North Vietnam. During the latter stages of Johnson's presidency, America suffered a blow to morale after being defeated during the Tet Offensive in 1968. This only strengthened the anti-war movement in the US, and forced many American army leaders and political analysts to conclude that the war in Vietnam was doomed to failure. New American president Richard Nixon undertook the role of bringing an end to American involvement in Vietnam. However, this only led to a four-year stalemate, a controversial escalation in US bombing raids and a peace accord that failed to satisfy all parties involved. The conclusion of these peace talks marked the withdrawal of US personnel from Vietnam.

Military and Naval Tactics in the First World War

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:12:39 +0100

The outbreak of war in 1914 was met with a wave of enthusiasm across Europe. Many of the soldiers leaving to fight believed the war would be over by Christmas. Millions of men joined their respective armed forces as newspapers were flooded with images of cheering crowds on the streets, greeting troops marching off to the front to fight. However, before the year was out this early optimism was replaced by the reality of a conflict that led to the death of millions of men, who fought in awful conditions on the fields of Europe for a couple of kilometres of land. The lightning victory that was expected by both sides in late 1914 was replaced by a stalemate that would engulf the Great Powers over the next 12 months.

The End of World War One and its Aftermath

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:12:39 +0100

By 1917 the countries involved in the First World War were still engaged in a costly war of attrition, as each side continued to try and wear the other down. Offensive campaigns were matched by counter-offensives, with little advance or progress made by either side. Minor victories on the battle front could not be consolidated due to the strong fortifications used to enhance defensive positions across the Western Front. Any attempt to break the stalemate seemed impossible as both sides struggled to win a decisive battle and change the course of the war. However, in 1917 a series of events away from the horrors of the Western Front led to the eventual defeat of Germany and its allies.

The Home Front

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:12:39 +0100

World War One was unlike any other war that had affected British society. Wars fought in the past had little impact on those at home. However, as the stalemate continued on the battlefields of Europe, every section of British society became involved in a campaign of total war. Total war encompassed men, women and even children as they all had to contribute in their own way to the war effort at home. Government policy controlled and planned all aspects of everyday life in Britain. Everything from farming to people's eating habits was directly geared towards total victory in Europe.

The Origins of World War One

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:12:39 +0100

As the 19th century drew to a close, the major powers in Europe began to form a system of alliances. The unification of Germany in 1871 and the defeat of the French forces during the Franco-Prussian war increased tension in Europe, as the French signed secret treaties with Britain and Russia to protect themselves against any future German attack. By 1900, countries began to take sides as an Alliance System started to divide Europe into two separate camps. Over the next 14 years the European major powers increased their armed forces and naval power in preparation for an attack on their sovereignty. The assassination of the heir to the Austria-Hungary throne ultimately propelled Europe into its biggest conflict since the Napoleonic Wars of 1792 to 1815.

Events in Europe, 1939-1945

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:12:39 +0100

Following Germany's invasion of Poland in 1939, it was clear that war was the only way to stop the Nazis. The Germans were very successful during the early stages of the war, and by the end of 1942 Hitler's army occupied all of Western Europe and was less than 100 miles from the Russian capital, Moscow. However, the invasion of Russia had opened up two fronts in Europe, and put a huge strain on the German economy. For two years the Germans were slowly pushed back to Berlin as combined French, American and British forces attacked from the west and the Russians attacked from the east. The Germans were forced to surrender to the Allies following the suicide of Adolf Hitler in 1945. Nazi Germany, which three years earlier had occupied most of mainland Europe, was finally defeated.

Life in Britain During World War Two

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:12:39 +0100

The aggressive foreign policy of the German leader, Adolf Hitler, meant that the outbreak of World War Two was no surprise to the British government, and they were able to prepare in advance. Following Hitler's occupation of Czechoslovakia in 1938, they put into place a series of measures designed to protect the British public from air and land attacks. It was essential to maintain the morale of people and support for the war. To ensure this the government controlled all aspects of people's lives, such as the media. They also had to make sure Britain had enough manpower to provide essential services and resources. To protect elderly people and children, the government evacuated them from industrial cities that would inevitably be targeted by the German air force.

The War in the Far East: From 1941 to 1945

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:12:39 +0100

From 1939 to 1941 the armies of Great Britain, France and the Soviet Union, known as the Allied forces, fought against Nazi Germany in mainland Europe. It wasn't until December 1941, when Japanese forces attacked the United States naval base at Pearl Harbour, that the conflict spread worldwide. Following Japan's surprise attack, America became involved in the war on two fronts. It joined the Allied forces in Europe and also in the Far East. America's conflict with Japan became known as the war in the Far East, or the Pacific War. After early success, the Japanese army were halted by two major naval battles, and in 1945, American President Harry Truman decided to use atomic weapons to end the war in the Far East. Following two atomic bomb attacks, Japan had no choice but to surrender to the Allied forces.