Special Edition Episodes
Let’s face it. Sometimes history happens before out very eyes. When it does, we’ll be here to help you place it in context.
Understanding the War in Ukraine (7 March 2022)
In this special episode of History Off the Page, we discuss the shorter and longer term causes behind the war, including: the Orange Revolution and Euromaidan protests, the breakup of the USSR, the origins of Russian and Ukrainian nationhood, and the role of genocide in the 1930s and 1940s.
Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life and Legacy (26 Sept 2022)
This special episode examines the life of a remarkable woman, placing her in her historical context. Topics covered include her role in decolonization, the rise of multicultural Britain, the Troubles in Ireland, the horrible year of 1992, and the monarchy’s recovery in the two decades since. Above all else, the episode helps us understand Elizabeth’s historical significance, revealing how she succeeded as a monarch in a century that saw so many others fail.
A History of Christmas: the Nativity to 1700 (6 Dec 2022)
In this – the first of two episodes on the history of Christmas, we examine the origins of this wonderful holiday – both its pagan and early Christian roots. In addition, we’ll discuss how Christmas evolved into a raucous time for debauchery and mischief during the medieval period – so much so that it was actually banned by the Puritans several centuries later.
A History of Christmas: 1700 to the Present (14 Dec 2022)
This episode emergence of modern ideas of Christmas during the late 18th/early 19th century. Topics covered include the origins of Santa Claus and Christmas Trees, Dickens’ Christmas Carol and Hoffmann’s Nutcracker, the evolution of Christmas presents and more!