56 - Rommel Strikes Back

Things were looking good in North Africa for the British. Until they weren't. Rommel still had some tricks and by the end of January 1942, the situation had reversed.Support this podcast by going to http://www.patreon.com/hopesreason or donating at https://www.stephenjbedard.com/secondworldwar

Everything changed when Japan entered the Second World War. But how prepared was Japan to accomplish its task? In this bonus episode, we look at the size of the Japanese military at the beginning of the Second World War.Please consider supporting this podcast at http://www.patreon.com/hopesreasonYou can find more resources at https://www.stephenjbedard.com/secondworldwar

In this episode of the podcast, I talk with Darrell Hillier, author of North Atlantic Crossroads, a story of the Second World War that many people have never heard of.Visit Darrell at https://crossroadsoftheworld.ca/You can purchase his book from this Amazon affiliate link: https://link.amazon/B0d3L3WmxSupport this podcast through http://www.patreon.com/hopesreasonVisit me at https://www.stephenjbedard.com/secondwordwar

If you do not speak German, the ranks of the German military can be a mystery. Who is an NCO and who is an officer? One of my most popular blog posts is https://www.stephenjbedard.com/understanding-german-military-ranks-during-world-war-ii/ and this episode is based on that article.For more on the Second World War, visit me at https://www.stephenjbedard.com/secondworldwar and consider supporting me at https://www.patreon.com/hopesreason.

In early 1942, where were attacks taking place? Africa and Asia? Yes, but how about just off the east coast of the United States? Operation Drumbeat was the German U-boat offensive against American shipping within sight of its shores. Perhaps the most effective German operation that you have never heard about.Support me at https://www.patreon.com/hopesreasonVisit me at https://www.stephenjbedard.com/secondworldwarFollow me at https://x.com/WW2_Podcast

The entry of Japan into the war in December 1941 set all sorts of other events in motion. One of these was the invasion of Burma as Japan eyes the valuable Burma Road.Support me at http://www.patreon.com/hopesreasonMy recommended book is Defeat Into Victory: Battling Japan in Burma and India, 1942-1945. Purchase it at this Amazon affiliate link: https://amzn.to/4dor9IOVisit me at https://www.stephenjbedard.com/secondworldwar

One of the first things to happen in 1942 of the Second World War was the fall of Manilla in the Philippines. Not even the great Douglas MacArthur could prevent that. The fall of Manilla was a devastating blow to the Allies and it was a sign of Japanese dominance in the Pacific... at least for now.Support me through Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/hopesreason.

1942 begins with one of the biggest turning points of the war, one that did not take place on a battlefield. On January 1, 1942, the United Nations was born. In this episode, we look at this alliance and what it meant, as well as how it connects with our modern United Nations.Please support me through http://www.patreon.com/hopesreasonVisit me at https://www.stephenjbedard.com/secondworldwar

This episode wraps up 1941 by summarizing where things were left by the end of December. The Second World War was much different that it had been 12 months before. We also look at which side had the advantage as we enter 1942.Support me at https://www.patreon.com/hopesreasonVisit me at https://www.stephenjbedard.com/secondworldwarFollow me at https://x.com/WW2_Podcast

Much happened on December 7, 1941. One story is that of the USS Arizona and her captain, Franklin Van Valkenburgh. In this episode, we share their tragic story. Support me at http://www.patreon.com/hopesreasonVisit me at http://www.stephenjbedard.com/secondworldwarLook for my other podcast "History of Christianity" on your favourite podcast provider.