December 17, 2024 • 64 mins
In this episode of Unexplained History, we conclude our exploration of the Fourth Turning, tying together the key events of the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s to uncover the repeating cycles that shape our history.
Host Tom McKenzie takes you on a journey from the exuberance and moral reckoning of the Roaring Twenties to the economic despair of the Great Depression, the rise of fascism, and the outbreak of World War II.We connect these transformative decades to the present, revealing how the challenges we face today echo the crises of the past.
From economic instability and social upheaval to rising authoritarianism, Tom explores how our current world bears striking similarities to the past cycles of history—and what we can learn from them as we navigate our own Fourth Turning.This episode is not just about the events of the past, but about understanding their relevance to the present and our collective future.
Tune in as we unravel the lessons of resilience, crisis, and renewal that continue to echo through time, and consider how we can rise to meet the challenges of today. Remember to subscribe for more insights into the cycles that shape our world, and visit Unexplained.co for additional content.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/unexplained-history--6429156/support.
🎧 Unexplained History explores the myths, mysteries, and misunderstood moments that shaped our world. Hosted by Tom Mackenzie and Don Masterson. New episodes every week.
Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen — and uncover the stories history tried to forget.
Host Tom McKenzie takes you on a journey from the exuberance and moral reckoning of the Roaring Twenties to the economic despair of the Great Depression, the rise of fascism, and the outbreak of World War II.We connect these transformative decades to the present, revealing how the challenges we face today echo the crises of the past.
From economic instability and social upheaval to rising authoritarianism, Tom explores how our current world bears striking similarities to the past cycles of history—and what we can learn from them as we navigate our own Fourth Turning.This episode is not just about the events of the past, but about understanding their relevance to the present and our collective future.
Tune in as we unravel the lessons of resilience, crisis, and renewal that continue to echo through time, and consider how we can rise to meet the challenges of today. Remember to subscribe for more insights into the cycles that shape our world, and visit Unexplained.co for additional content.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/unexplained-history--6429156/support.
🎧 Unexplained History explores the myths, mysteries, and misunderstood moments that shaped our world. Hosted by Tom Mackenzie and Don Masterson. New episodes every week.
Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen — and uncover the stories history tried to forget.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:14):
Welcome to Unexplained History, the podcast where we unravel the
mysteries that have shaped our world, the cycles that repeat
across history, and the events that alter our collective destiny.
I'm your host, Tom mackenzie. In our last episode, we
explored the world of the nineteen twenties, a time of jazz, glamour, scandal,
(00:38):
and cultural upheaval, all seen through the lens of Roscoe
Fatty Arbuckle and the concept of historical turnings as outlined
in the fourth Turning. Today we move forward in time.
We leave the Roaring twenties behind and step into the
turbulent nineteen thirties, a decade defined by dust, depression and
the dark rise of fatis. The nineteen thirties didn't arrive quietly.
(01:19):
They roared in, but not with the same decadent energy
of the previous decade. Instead, they came in like a
fierce wind, kicking up dust and despair and blowing away
the remnants of the prosperity that the nineteen twenties had promised.
(01:45):
The dust Ball, an ecological disaster of epic proportions, became
the perfect symbol of the nineteen thirties. It was a
stark reminder of the fragility of human existence in the
face of nature's fury. The dust Bowl was not just
a single event, but a series of devastating dust storms
(02:06):
that plagued the Great Plains from nineteen thirty to nineteen
thirty six, though some regions continued to suffer until the
early nineteen forties. The combination of severe drought, poor farming practices,
and the relentless winds of the Great Plains turned vast
areas of farmland into barren wastelands. These poor farming practices
(02:31):
included extensive deep plowing that had destroyed the native grasses
that kept the soil in place. Without these grasses, the
soil was left vulnerable to erosion. When drought hit, the
once fertile ground became loose and dry, and the strong
winds swept across the plains, lifting millions of tons of
(02:55):
dust into the air. This massive ecological collapse was a
exacerbated by the lack of understanding of how to properly
manage land and conserve water in times of drought. The
dust storms were relentless, and the devastation they brought was immense.
(03:16):
Crops withered, livestock perished, and a thick, suffocating dust covered
everything from fields to homes. These dust storms were known
as black blizzards, and they could stretch hundreds of miles wide,
turning day into night and leaving entire towns blanketed in
(03:37):
choking dust. People would hang wet sheets over windows and
doors in a desperate attempt to keep the dust out,
but it infiltrated homes regardless, coating furniture, floors, and even food.
The constant inhalation of dust led to widespread respiratory issues,
(03:58):
including a condition known as as dust pneumonia, which affected
countless people, particularly children and the elderly. The medical infrastructure
in rural areas was ill equipped to handle these health crises,
compounding the suffering of affected families. For many life during
(04:18):
the dust Bowl was a constant struggle for survival. The
air was so thick with dust that visibility was often
reduced to mere feet, making even simple tasks dangerous. Schools closed,
businesses failed, and communities were torn apart as families packed
up and left. The economic impact was staggering. Farms that
(04:42):
had once been prosperous became worthless, their owners unable to
pay mortgages or even feed their families. The banks foreclosed
on properties, leaving families destitute. The land itself seemed to
mirror the economic collapse, dry cracked, barren as, crops failed,
(05:04):
and hope withered. Entire communities were uprooted. Over two point
five million people were displaced, forced to migrate in search
of survival. Many packed their lives into what little they
could carry and headed westward, particularly to California, hoping to
find work and a fresh start. The journey west was
(05:27):
fraught with hardship. Migrant families, often referred to as Oakie's,
regardless of whether they came from Oklahoma or other affected states,
faced discrimination and hostility. They arrived to find that opportunities
were scarce and living conditions were dire. They often ended
up in makeshift camps known as Hooverville's, living in tents
(05:51):
or shacks without proper sanitation. The dust Bowl highlighted the
vulnerability of human society to nature's wrath and underscored the
failure of the so called American dream. For many, the
promise of prosperity through hard work had turned into a
struggle simply to survive. John Steinbeck famously chronicled this experience
(06:16):
in the grapes of wrath, which painted a vivid picture
of the resilience and despair of those who had lost
everything but still carried hope with them. It became a
cultural touchstone, shining a light on the human cost of
this ecological disaster and forcing the rest of the country
(06:36):
to confront the stark realities of life in the dust bowl.
In response to the devastation, the federal government eventually took
action to mitigate the crisis. Programs under the New Deal,
such as the Soil Conservation Service, were introduced to educate
farmers on sustainable farming techniques to prevent future ecological disasters.
(07:02):
Farmers were encouraged to plant cover crops, rotate fields, and
implement contour plowing to reduce soil erosion. The Civilian Conservation
Corps CCCC also played a crucial role in planting millions
of trees as windbreaks to prevent further erosion. These measures,
(07:24):
though slow to take effect, eventually helped stabilize the land
and restore some semblance of normalcy to the affected regions.
The stock market crash of October nineteen twenty nine was
the beginning of a downward spiral that affected millions on
(07:45):
what became known as Black Tuesday, the value of stocks plummeted,
wiping out fortunes almost overnight. It wasn't just the wealthy
investors who suffered. Ordinary people who had to put their
savings into the market found their nest eggs evaporate in
an instant. The crash was a shockwave felt across the
(08:09):
entire nation. Investors who had borrowed heavily to purchase stocks
on margin found themselves financially ruined, owing money they no
longer had any means to repay. The panic that followed
led to a cascading effect as more and more people
rushed to sell their holdings, further driving prices down. This
(08:34):
vicious cycle of panic selling caused the market to lose
almost ninety percent of its value between nineteen twenty nine
and nineteen thirty two. Banks which had loaned significant amounts
to investors began to collapse under the weight of bad debts,
further exacerbating the crisis. Between nineteen twenty nine and nineteen
(08:59):
thirty three, nearly five thousand banks failed in the United States,
leaving millions without access to their savings. In those days,
there was no safety net to protect depositors when a
bank failed, the money was simply gone. The collapse of
(09:19):
the financial system had ripple effects throughout the entire economy.
Factories shut down as demand for goods plummeted, businesses could
no longer secure loans, and those that had been thriving
during the boom years of the nineteen twenties suddenly found
themselves struggling to keep their doors open. Construction projects came
(09:43):
to a halt, and production lines went quiet. Unemployments soared
as companies were forced to lay off workers or close entirely.
By nineteen thirty three, nearly a quarter of the American workforce,
over fifteen million people were unemployed. Breadlines and soup kitchens
(10:06):
became common sights in cities as desperate families struggled to
feed themselves. The psychological toll on those who lived through
this period cannot be overstated. Men who had once been
proud breadwinners found themselves destitute, standing in lines for food
(10:28):
or drifting from town to town in search of any
kind of work. Families lost their homes as they fell
behind on mortgage payments, and many ended up in makeshift
shantytowns known as Hooverville's, named derisively after President Herbert Hoover,
whom many blamed for failing to address the crisis effectively.
(10:50):
These camps, often constructed from scrap wood, metal, and cardboard,
were a testament to the depth of the despair that
gripped the nation. The collapse of the economy also exposed
deep structural weaknesses in American society. The speculative bubble of
the nineteen twenties had been fueled by unchecked optimism, easy credit,
(11:14):
and a belief that the good times would never end.
When that bubble burst, it left behind a fragile economic
system ill equipped to handle the fallout. The banking system,
with little regulation and oversight, was particularly vulnerable. Factories that
(11:37):
had produced cars, radios, and household goods now stood silent,
and entire industries ground to a halt. Farmers who had
expanded production during World War I to meet global demand
found themselves burdened with surplus crops they could not sell,
(11:59):
leading to a steep decline in prices and a struggle
to stay afloat. The agricultural sector, already hit hard by
falling prices and over production, was further crippled by the
concurrent onset of the dust bowl, compounding the miseries faced
by rural America. Companies that had thrived during the boom
(12:21):
years of the nineteen twenties suddenly found themselves unable to
secure loans or pay their workers. As businesses closed, unemployment soared.
By nineteen thirty three, nearly a quarter of the American workforce,
over fifteen million people were unemployed. Breadlines and soup kitchens
(12:44):
became common sights in cities as desperate families struggled to
feed themselves. The Great Depression was not just an economic disaster,
It was a human one. The psychological toll on those
who lived through it cannot be overstated. Men who had
once been proud bread winners found themselves destitute, standing in
(13:09):
lines for food, or drifting from town to town in
search of any kind of work. The collapse of the
economy also exposed deep structural weaknesses in American society. The
speculative bubble of the nineteen twenties had been fueled by
unchecked optimism, easy credit, and a belief that the good
(13:30):
times would never end. When that bubble burst, it left
behind a fragile economic system ill equipped to handle the fallout.
Factories that had produced cars, radios, and household goods now
stood silent, and entire industries ground to a halt. Farmers
(13:51):
who had expanded production during World War I to meet
global demand found themselves burdened with surplus crops they could
not sell, leading to a steep decline in prices and
a struggle to stay afloat Across the Atlantic. In the
United States, similar anxieties stirred. The stark contrast between the
(14:16):
luxury of the nineteen twenties and the struggle of the
nineteen thirties left many wondering if democracy could deliver the
stability and prosperity it promised. The Great Depression wasn't just
an economic downturn, but an existential crisis for Western democracies.
(14:37):
During these difficult years, President Franklin D. Roosevelt stepped forward
with the New Deal, a radical series of reforms that
sought to put Americans back to work, rebuild the nation's
shattered economy, and restore faith in its institutions. The New
Deal was not without its critics, but presented hope at
(15:01):
a time when many had lost faith. Roosevelt's approach to
confronting the crisis was multifaceted, targeting relief recovery, and reform,
the so called three rs. The relief programs aimed to
provide immediate assistance to those in dire need. The Federal
Emergency Relief Administration FER provided funds directly to states to
(15:26):
help feed and clothe the needy. For many, this was
the lifeline that kept them afloat during the harshest years
of the depression. Recovery programs focused on stimulating the economy
and providing jobs. Agencies like the Civilian Conservation Corps CCC
(15:47):
and the Works Progress Administration WPA provided millions of jobs,
from constructing public buildings and roads to planting trees and
developing national parks. The WPA became one of the largest
employers in the country, allowing people to regain a sense
of purpose and dignity. Not only did these programs help
(16:11):
families survive, but they also left a lasting impact on
American infrastructure, creating parks, schools, and roads that continued to
serve communities long after the depression ended. In terms of reform,
(16:31):
Roosevelt aimed to prevent a future economic catastrophe by overhauling
the financial system. The Banking Act of nineteen thirty three,
also known as the Glass Stegel Act established the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation, also known as the FDIC, ensuring that
(16:52):
people's savings were protected even if their bank failed. The
Securities and Exchange Commission as the sec was also created
to regulate the stock market, aiming to prevent the kind
of unchecked speculation that had led to the crash of
nineteen twenty nine. These reforms were designed to restore confidence
(17:25):
in the financial system and ensure that such a collapse
would not happen again. Another landmark of the New Deal
was the Social Security Act of nineteen thirty five, which
provided a safety net for the elderly, the unemployed, and
the disabled. For the first time, the federal government assumed
(17:48):
responsibility for the welfare of its most vulnerable citizens, establishing
a precedent for the kind of social safety nets that
would become a cornerstone of American policy. Social Security gave
hope to millions who feared they would be left destitute
in their old age, providing a measure of stability during
(18:12):
uncertain times. Roosevelt's famous line, the only thing we have
to fear is fear itself, resonated with millions who needed
reassurance that better times lay ahead. His fireside chats delivered
via radio allowed him to speak directly to the American people,
(18:34):
fostering a sense of connection and trust. He presented complex
policies in simple terms, making people feel that their government
was working tirelessly on their behalf. This personal touch helped
restore faith not only in Roosevelt, but in the institutions
of democracy itself. But while Roosevelt's policies attempted to uplift
(19:01):
the American spirit across the ocean, another leader was rising,
who promised a different kind of rebirth. Adolf Hitler, in
the face of global chaos, used fear, propaganda and racial
scapegoating to forge a dangerous path forward. The nineteen thirties
(19:21):
therefore became a study in contrasts between hope and despair,
between the promises of democracy and the allure of fascism,
between the potential to rebuild and the temptation to tear down.
(19:46):
In our next segment, we'll explore how these contrasting visions
set the stage for a global conflict that would soon
engulf the entire world. The cycles of history were in
most and humanity found itself once again at a major crossroads.
An inflection point of destruction and renewal, fear and hope,
(20:11):
and ultimately a turning that would determine the fate of millions.
Stay tuned as we continue to unravel the stories of
the nineteen thirties and uncover the dark rise of fascism,
(20:33):
the birth of resistance, and the human stories behind the
seismic shifts. I'm Tom mackenzie and this is Unexplained History.
Welcome back to Unexplained History, the podcast where we unravel
(20:58):
the mysteries that have shaped our world, explore the cycles
that repeat across history, and the events that alter our
collective destiny. I'm your host, Tom mackenzie. Before the break,
we explored the dust Bowl, the Great Depression, and the
efforts of the New Deal to rescue a struggling nation.
(21:20):
Now we continue our journey into the nineteen thirties to
examine the rise of fascism, the birth of resistance, and
the human stories behind these seismic shifts in world history.
(21:44):
The nineteen thirties were a time when fear and uncertainty
opened the door to dark ideologies. In Europe, Fascism rose
in Italy and Germany, offering a different kind of promise,
A promise that preyed on the var vulnerability and despair
of a population still recovering from World War One and
(22:05):
now suffering the global effects of the Great Depression. These
were the years when authoritarian leaders came to power, claiming
to have the solutions to their country's economic and social crises.
It was a time when democracy appeared fragile and the
allure of a strong leader seemed like the only path
(22:27):
to national renewal. Adolf Hitler, perhaps the most infamous figure
of the twentieth century, rose to power by exploiting the
desperation of the German people. Germany, still reeling from the
harsh terms of the Treaty of Versailles, faced hyperinflation, mass unemployment,
(22:51):
and deep societal divides. Before Hitler's rise, Germany experienced a
period of cultural flourishing in the nineteen twenties known as
the Vaimar Republic, a time often characterized by a sense
of liberation and modernism. Berlin in particular became a symbol
(23:12):
of avant garde art, hedonism and progressive attitudes. The city
was renowned for its cabarets, its freedom of expression, and
its embrace of unconventional lifestyles. Much like certain trends we
see today. A surge in consumerism, nightlife, and a rejection
(23:33):
of traditional norms marked this period of cultural openness. Still,
it felt like a golden age of personal freedom for many.
Still for others, especially those who felt disconnected from or
threatened by this rapid social change, it represented a moral decline.
(23:54):
Seeing people indulging in extravagant pleasures amidst widespread economic health
hardship fueled resentment among those struggling to make ends meet.
Many conservative Germans viewed the cultural permissiveness of the Vimar
Era as a symbol of national decay, blaming it for
(24:14):
Germany's weakened position in the world. Hitler masterfully tapped into
these fears. He presented himself as the antidote to what
he framed as the moral and cultural decay of the
Vimar years. He promised a return to traditional values, restoring
order and purging of what he claimed were corrupting influences.
(24:40):
This idea resonated deeply with those who felt alienated by
the cultural shifts of the nineteen twenties. His propaganda portrayed
the Vimar Era as a period of chaos that needed
to be replaced with discipline, strength, and a unifying national identity.
Arrative of moral revival became a crucial element of his appeal,
(25:05):
helping to garner support from those struggling economically and those
who feared the social liberalism and hedonism that had taken
root in Germany. Hitler promised to restore Germany to greatness,
to provide jobs and stability, and to erase the shame
(25:28):
of World War I. He used fear as a weapon,
manipulating the public's anxieties and directing their anger toward scapegoats,
primarily the Jewish population. His propaganda machine was relentless, crafting
a narrative that blamed Germany's suffering on internal enemies and
(25:50):
supposed foreign conspiracies. But Germany was not alone in this
turn toward fascism. Across Europe, similar movements gave traction In Italy.
Benito Mussolini had already paved the way, establishing a fascist
government that promised efficiency, strength, and a return to the
(26:11):
glory of the Roman Empire. Before Mussolini's rise, Italy grappled
with its own social and economic turmoil. The aftermath of
World War I had left the nation struggling. Italian soldiers
returned home to an economically devastated and politically unstable country.
(26:32):
The promises made to Italy during the war were largely unfulfilled,
leading to widespread disillusionment and frustration. Much like Germany, Italy
in the nineteen twenties experienced significant social upheaval and liberalization.
The liberal ideas of the time led to a flourishing
(26:53):
of the arts and a burgeoning intellectual culture, but they
also contributed to an atmosphere of instability. Rapid industrialization and
modernization led to deep divides between the urban population and
the rural communities, which often felt left behind by the changes.
(27:14):
Strikes and protests became frequent as workers demanded better conditions
and farmers struggled under increasing pressures. The liberal government of
Italy appeared weak and incapable of managing the mounting economic
crisis or addressing the needs of its people. Mussolini seized
(27:37):
on this sense of chaos and disorder, presenting himself as
the strong man who could restore order and national pride.
He promised to end the strikes, quell the protests, and
provide stability. His vision for Italy was one of unity,
strength and discipline, a stark contrast to what he portrayed
(27:59):
as the ineffectual liberalism of the previous government. The Fascist parties,
black shirted militias were used to break up strikes and
intimidate political opponents, gaining favour with industrialists and landowners who
were desperate for stability. Mussolini's rise was fueled by his
ability to present fascism as a solution to both the
(28:22):
perceived moral decay and the very real economic challenges facing Italy.
He promised to make Italy self sufficient and revive the
Roman Empire's grandeur, appealing to a sense of lost national
greatness for those who felt disillusioned by the failures of democracy,
Mussolini's vision of a disciplined, unified Italy was beautiful. His
(28:47):
rhetoric about the dangers of socialism and liberalism, combined with
promises of strong leadership, resonated deeply with many Italians who
yearned to return to order and a sense of purpose.
Mussolini's Italy became the template for other authoritarian regimes, demonstrating
how easily democratic institutions could be dismantled under the guise
(29:10):
of national revival. While fascism thrived in some corners of
the world, resistance began to emerge as well. Across Europe
and beyond. People from all walks of life started to
(29:31):
push back against the rising tide of authoritarianism. In Germany,
secret groups began to form to resist the Nazi regime,
risking their lives to protect those targeted by the government,
or to spread anti fascist messages. The seeds of what
would become the larger resistance movements during World War II
(29:51):
were sown during these early years, as ordinary people decided
that they could not stand idly by while their freedoms
and those of their neighbors were stripped away. One such
example was the story of the White Rose, a nonviolent
resistance group founded by a group of students in Munich.
(30:13):
The group, led by siblings Hans and Sophie shol began
distributing leaflets in nineteen forty two calling for active opposition
to Hitler's regime. Their courage in the face of certain
death highlighted the moral clarity that some individuals managed to
maintain in the midst of widespread darkness. Though the White
(30:37):
Rose movement would eventually be discovered and crushed by the Gestapo,
their words lived on, inspiring future generations to resist oppression. Meanwhile,
in Spain, the Spanish Civil War broke out in nineteen
thirty six, pitting the Republican god government, which included communists, socialists,
(31:03):
and anarchists, against the nationalist forces led by General Francisco Franco,
who both Hitler and Mussolini supported. The Spanish Civil War
became a proxy battle for the ideologies that were taking
root across Europe, a brutal and tragic conflict that served
(31:23):
as a prelude to the larger war that was looming
on the horizon. Volunteers from around the world, including famous
writers like George Orwell and Ernest Hemingway, joined the fight
against fascism, seeing Spain as the first true battleground in
the global struggle against tyranny. The stories of the individuals
(31:47):
who fought in Spain were filled with hope, sacrifice, and disillusionment.
George Orwell, who fought on the side of the Republicans,
later wrote Homage to Catalonia, a stark and honest account
of the war that exposed both the heroism and the
chaos of the anti fascist forces. For many, Spain was
(32:11):
a cause worth dying for, a last chance to prevent
the spread of fascism before it consumed all of Europe.
Back in the United States, the rise of fascism abroad
was met with a mix of concern, fascination, and apathy.
(32:33):
The Great Depression had turned the focus inward as millions
of Americans struggled to make ends meet. However, as reports
of the horrors unfolding in Europe began to filter in,
some Americans started to take notice. Intellectuals, journalists, and activists
warned of the dangers posed by fascist ideologies, even as
(32:57):
isolationist sentiments kept the US from intervening directly. Groups like
the America First Committee argued against becoming involved in European conflicts,
a stance that would only change after the attack on
Pearl Harbor in nineteen forty one. Despite the general reluctance
(33:17):
to engage, some American individuals felt compelled to act. Some
traveled to Spain to fight alongside the Republicans, while others
worked at home to raise awareness of the growing threat.
Authors like Sinclair Lewis captured the anxieties of the time
in works such as It Can't Happen Here, a novel
(33:39):
that imagined a fascist takeover of the United States, highlighting
the vulnerability of even the most established democracies to authoritarian impulses.
As we move deeper into the nineteen thirties, it becomes
clear that this was a decade of despair and collapse
(34:03):
and remarkable resilience. It was a time when the battle
lines between freedom and tyranny were drawn, and the world
teetered on the brink of the most destructive war in
human history. The rise of fascism was not inevitable, nor
was its resistance futile. Individual's actions, whether resisting in Germany,
(34:27):
fighting in Spain, or speaking out in the United States,
shaped the course of history. The nineteen thirties remind us
of the power of both fear and hope, the dangers
of complacency, and the courage that is sometimes required to
confront the darkest forces in society. A decade set the
(34:49):
stage for a conflict of unprecedented scale, a conflict that
would engulf the entire world. This final part of our series,
on the fourth Turning will reveal how the world was
irrevocably altered, how alliances were forged and broken, and how
(35:11):
humanity faced its most dire turning point. Yet, the rise
of fascism was not inevitable, nor was resistance to it futile.
Individual's actions, whether they were resisting in Germany, fighting in Spain,
or speaking out in the United States, shaped the course
(35:32):
of history. Their courage to resist and determination to fight
tyranny laid the foundation for the global struggle that was
to come. Thank you for joining me on our journey
through the nineteen thirties. We'll explore more human stories of resilience, bravery,
(35:56):
and the enduring fight against tyranny as we continue. I'm
Tom McKenzie, and this is Unexplained History. Welcome back to
Unexplained History, the podcast where we unravel the mysteries that
(36:17):
have shaped our world, explore the cycles that repeat across history,
and examine the events that alter our collective destiny. I'm
your host, Tom McKenzie. Let's get back to our story.
(36:39):
In nineteen thirty nine, the world stood on the brink
of an abyss. The ambitions of fascist leaders Adolf Hitler
in Germany, Benito Mussolini in Italy and their ally Emperor
Hirohito in Japan had grown beyond their national borders. The
uneasy piece maintained by appeasement and shaky treaties, shattered as
(37:04):
Germany invaded Poland in September nineteen thirty nine. This event
forced Britain and France to declare war, igniting a conflict
that would soon engulf much of the world and prove
to be the most devastating in human history. The early
(37:26):
months of the war were defined by the rapid expansion
of axis powers. Hitler's blitzkrieg strategy, a lightning fast form
of warfare that combined air raids, tank assaults and infantry,
was astonishingly effective. Within months, Poland was overrun, and the
Nazis moved on to conquer much of Western Europe. Denmark, Norway,
(37:50):
Belgium and France fell in quick succession. The rapid advances
left much of Europe stunned and unprepared, and the invincible
appearance of the German war machine demonstrated the dire consequences
of underestimating fascism's militaristic ambitions. Yet, amidst the terror of
(38:12):
these early victories, a rallying cry began to form among
those who cherished freedom and democracy. Winston Churchill, who became
Prime Minister of Britain in nineteen forty, emerged as an
unwavering voice of defiance His speeches, filled with imagery of
(38:33):
resistance and resilience, unified a nation that stood alone against
the might of Nazi Germany. After the fall of France,
the Battle of Britain, fought largely in the Skies, became
a turning point that proved that the German Luftwaffe could
be resisted. The courage of British pilots, famously described by
(38:55):
Churchill as the Few, became a symbol of hope not
only for Britain, but for occupied nations across Europe. While
Europe was in chaos, Japan pursued its own ambitions for
(39:18):
expansion in the Pacific. Driven by a desire for resources
and an imperial vision, Japan invaded China, launching brutal campaigns
that horrified the world. The infamous attack on Pearl Harbor
in December nineteen forty one brought the United States into
(39:39):
the war, a critical turning point that shifted the balance
of power. America, previously held back by strong isolationist sentiment,
was now fully committed, transforming the conflict into a truly
global war. Factories that had once produced consumer goods were
(40:02):
rapidly retooled to manufacture weapons, and the United States embarked
on a massive mobilization effort. Soldiers, sailors, and pilots were
sent across the world to fight the Axis Powers, marking
the beginning of a united front against fascism. The entry
(40:24):
of the United States into the war was a game changer.
American industrial power, combined with the resilience of the British
and the vast manpower of the Soviet Union, who had
joined the Allies after Germany broke their non aggression Pact
and invaded the USSR in nineteen forty one, formed a
(40:48):
formidable coalition. Despite their vastly different ideologies and systems of governance,
these nations were united by a common goal to stop
the spread of fascism and defeat the Axis Powers. The
stories of this time are filled with both heartbreak and heroism.
(41:10):
On the Eastern Front, the Soviet Union faced unspeakable hardship.
The Siege of Leningrad, which lasted nearly nine hundred days,
saw the people of the city in dure, starvation, constant bombardment,
and the brutal cold of Russian winters. Despite these conditions,
the Soviet people refused to surrender. The resilience of leningrad
(41:35):
citizens became a powerful symbol of defiance against tyranny, demonstrating
that the human spirit could withstand even the harshest trials. Meanwhile,
resistance movements were gaining strength across occupied Europe. In France,
a loose network of civilians and former soldiers worked tirelessly
(41:58):
to sabotage German operationations, gather intelligence, and assist the Allied forces.
Ordinary men and women risked everything, knowing that discovery could
lead to torture or death. Across the continent, resistance fighters
acted out of a sense of duty, believing that their efforts,
(42:19):
no matter how small, could contribute to the broader fight
against oppression. On the home fronts, citizens played a crucial
role in supporting the war effort. In both Britain and
the United States, women stepped into roles that had traditionally
(42:40):
been reserved for men. They worked in factories, building aircraft,
operating heavy machinery, and keeping the industries running. The iconic
image of Rosy the riveter became a symbol of female empowerment,
reflecting the resilience and determination needed to win the war.
(43:02):
These efforts at home were essential in ensuring that the
front lines were supplied, and they showcased the power of
ordinary people rising to meet extraordinary challenges. The horrors of
World War II were unprecedented. Cities lay in ruins, families
were torn apart, and millions of innocent lives were lost.
(43:26):
Civilians were often caught in the cross fire of relentless
bombing campaigns and military occupations, from the fire bombing of
Dresden to the blitz in London. Destruction was everywhere, and
the toll on civilian populations was enormous. In Eastern Europe,
(43:47):
the brutality of the German invasion of the Soviet Union
defied comprehension. The Siege of Leningrad was marked by starvation,
with residents forced to eat anything they could find to survive.
The psychological scars from such experiences would last a lifetime.
Perhaps the darkest chapter of all was the Holocaust, the
(44:08):
systematic extermination of six million Jews along with millions of
others by the Nazi regime. This atrocity was not only
an attempt to annihilate an entire people, but also a
brutal reminder of how ideological fanaticism combined with unchecked state
(44:29):
power can lead to industrial scale genocide. The haunting images
of skeletal survivors, the gas chambers, and the testimonies of
those who lived through it remind us of the depths
of cruelty that humanity is capable of when fear and
hatred are allowed to fester unchecked. This period of upheaval
(44:56):
was precisely what Strauss and how in their theory of
historical cycles, describe as the crisis phase of the fourth turning,
a time when institutions are tested, societies are restructured, and
the very fabric of humanity is torn apart and rebuilt.
(45:17):
It was a period in which old norms were shattered
and the battle lines between freedom and tyranny were drawn.
The darkness of World War II revealed both the worst
and the best of humanity. Amidst the absolute cruelty of
concentration camps and the horrors of combat, there were extraordinary
(45:39):
acts of courage and sacrifice. The war forced people to
make impossible choices, to endure hardships that would forever change them,
and to give everything their lives, their freedoms, their loved ones,
or the hope of a better future. The soldiers who
(46:06):
stormed the beaches of Normandy, the resistance fighters who risked
everything to sabotage enemy plans. The families who endured bombings,
all of them played a role in pushing back against
the darkness. The world that emerged from World War II
was one forged in the fires of conflict and sacrifice.
(46:29):
It was a world that carried both profound loss and
profound hope, a recognition of the fragility of peace and
a determination to build a future where such horrors could
never happen again. As the tide of war began to
(46:53):
turn in favor of the Allies, the hope for a
new beginning started to emerge. The Battle of Stalingrad, a
brutal and decisive clash between German and Soviet forces, marked
the beginning of the end for Hitler's ambitions in the East.
In North Africa, Allied forces led by General Dwight D.
(47:16):
Eisenhower successfully pushed back the Axis Powers, setting the stage
for the invasion of Italy. On d Day, June sixth,
nineteen forty four, Allied troops landed on the beaches of
Normandy in a massive operation that marked the start of
the liberation of Western Europe. Each victory brought the world
(47:36):
closer to peace, yet the costs of these victories were immeasurable.
Thank you for joining me for this exploration of the
outbreak of World War II and its escalation into a
full scale global conflict. The courage, sacrifices, and resilience of
(48:01):
those who live through this period remind us of the
costs of war and the enduring value of freedom. As
we look back, it's clear that the events we've discussed,
from the cultural shifts of the nineteen twenties, the dust
Bowl and the Great Depression, to the rise of fascism
and the outbreak of World War II are all interconnected.
(48:25):
Each of these moments represents a critical turning point in
what Strauss and how describe as the fourth Turning, a
cycle of crisis that challenges existing structures and reshape societies.
In our next segment, we'll bring together these threads the
(48:45):
Hollywood scandals of the nineteen twenties, the economic collapse of
the nineteen thirties, the rise of authoritarian regimes, and the
full outbreak of war to understand how these are events
fit into the larger historical cycle. We'll explore how the
crucible of crisis ultimately leads to renewal and what that
(49:10):
might mean for us today. Remember to subscribe to the
podcast or visit our website at unexplained dot co for
more stories that continue to echo through history and offer
insights into the cycles that shape our world. I'm Tom
McKenzie and you've been listening to Unexplained History. Stay with
(49:34):
us as we continue to connect the dots, unraveling the
great turning points that define our world and understanding the
echoes that continue to resonate in our present. Welcome back
(50:05):
to Unexplained History, the podcast where we unravel the mysteries
that have shaped our world, explore the cycles that repeat
across history, and examine the events that alter our collective destiny.
I'm your host, Tom mackenzie. Today we bring together all
the elements we've discussed in this series, the Roaring Twenties,
(50:28):
the Great Depression, the rise of fascism and World War II,
and explore how they fit into a larger pattern, one
that Strauss and how call the Fourth Turning. The Fourth
(50:53):
Turning is a concept that describes the cyclical nature of history,
periods of growth, ability, unraveling, and ultimately crisis. Each cycle
consists of four phases or turnings, which culminate in a
major crisis that reshape society today. We end our journey
(51:16):
by understanding how each of the events we've covered represents
a key turning point contributing to the crescendo of crisis
that culminated in World War II. We began our story
with the nineteen twenties, an era of optimism, exuberance, and excess.
The Roaring Twenties, with its jazz flappers and unbridled consumerism,
(51:40):
represented a time of rapid social change and economic prosperity.
But beneath the surface there were cracks, cracks that would
widen as the decade wore on. The sudden downfall of
figures like Roscoe Fatty Arbuckle symbolized a loss of innocence
for h Hollywood and for America at large. The scandals
(52:04):
and the shifting morals of the era hinted at an
underlying instability. The facade of prosperity was fragile, and the
seemingly unending boom was in fact built on shaky ground.
Then came the Great Depression, a devastating economic collapse that
(52:25):
brought the prosperity of the nineteen twenties to an abrupt
and painful end. The stock market crash of nineteen twenty
nine was not just an economic event. It was a
profound psychological blow to millions of people. The sense of
optimism and the promise of the American dream vanished, replaced
(52:48):
by unemployment lines, soup kitchens, and a desperate struggle to survive.
The dust bowl added an ecological catastrophe to an already
dire situation, displacing millions of Americans who had to leave
their homes in search of a better life. The depression
tested not only America's economic resilience but also its social fabric,
(53:13):
leading to an increased appetite for change and reform. As
the world struggled to emerge from the economic ruins of
the nineteen thirties, a new threat began to take shape.
In Germany and Italy. Fascism rose to power, fueled by
the grievances left unresolved after World War One and by
(53:35):
the sense of hopelessness brought on by economic collapse. Adolf
Hitler and Benito Mussolini offered simple answers to complex problems,
promising to restore their nations to greatness, and offering scapegoats
for their people's suffering. These authoritarian leaders thrived on fear
(53:58):
and discontent, Tapping into the anxieties of a population that
had lost faith in traditional institutions. In Japan, militaristic expansion
became a way to assert power and address the perceived
inadequacies left from the international order of the nineteen twenties.
(54:23):
The culmination of these crises was the outbreak of World
War II, a global conflict that became the defining event
of the Fourth Turning. The war represented the final, all
encompassing crisis that tore down the old world order and
forced humanity to confront its darkest inclinations. It was a
time when nations had to decide what they stood for,
(54:44):
and individuals had to choose between submission and resistance. The
Axis powers, driven by fascist ideology, sought to dominate and
reshape the world according to their vision, a vision of
racial purity, conquest, and absen salute control. Against them stood
the Allies, an unlikely coalition of democracies and communist states
(55:07):
united by the shared goal of defeating a common enemy.
The cost of this confrontation was staggering. Entire cities were destroyed,
millions of lives were lost, and the very boundaries of
human morality were tested. The Holocaust exposed the world to
(55:28):
the horrors of systematic genocide, revealing the capacity for evil
that lurked beneath the surface of civilization. But even in
the face of such darkness, there were countless acts of bravery,
resistance fighters risking everything to defy their occupiers, soldiers laying
(55:50):
down their lives for freedom, and civilians enduring unimaginable hardships
with courage and dignity. These stories of sacrifice and resilience
remind us that even in the darkest times, there is hope.
(56:12):
The Fourth Turning, according to Straussenhowe, is not just a
period of crisis, but also a time of renewal. It
is a time when society is forced to reckon with
its failures, to tear down old structures and to build
something new. World War II was the crucible in which
the modern world was forged. It led to the creation
(56:33):
of new international institutions like the United Nations, meant to
prevent such a catastrophe from happening again. It reshaped national borders, economies,
and the very way we think about human rights and governance.
Out of the ashes of the war, a new world
order emerged, one built on the lessons learned from years
(56:58):
of unchecked ambition, hatred, and conflict. The conclusion of World
War II mark the end of a long cycle of crisis,
but it also marked the beginning of a new era,
an era characterized by a determination to build a lasting peace,
to create prosperity, and to avoid the mistakes of the past.
(57:22):
The nineteen fifties would see the dawn of a new high,
a period of stability, economic growth, and social cohesion. But
as history has shown, these cycles continue. The seeds of
future conflicts are often sown in the very solutions we create,
and each turning carries with it the potential for both
(57:44):
greatness and tragedy. Today, as we look at our own world,
we can see striking similarities to past turnings. Just as
the Roaring twenties were a time of exuberance, cultural change,
and economic optimism, our recent past has also been characterized
(58:08):
by rapid social progress, technological advances, and unprecedented prosperity. Yet
beneath the surface, there are also familiar cracks, economic inequality,
cultural divides, and a deep seated mistrust of institutions. In
the same way that the unbridled optimism of the nineteen
(58:29):
twenties gave way to the Great Depression, We too have
experienced moments of crisis that have exposed vulnerabilities in our
social and economic systems. The two thousand and eight financial
crisis serves as a modern parallel to the stock market
crash of nineteen twenty nine. Both events triggered widespread economic
(58:49):
distress and shattered the confidence many had in the prevailing
financial systems. The Great Recession left millions unemployed, with foreclosures
and economic uncertainty reminiscent of the Great Depression. Just as
in the nineteen thirties, people began to question whether the
(59:09):
system that had promised prosperity was truly capable of delivering it.
Political instability and the rise of populist movements today also
echo the conditions of the pre World War II era.
In many parts of the world, we see leaders rising
to power by exploiting economic and social anxieties, offering simple
(59:32):
solutions to complex problems, and often placing blame on marginalized
groups or external threats. This rhetoric, much like that used
by Hitler and Mussolini, appeals to those who feel left
behind or betrayed by the existing order. It is a
(59:52):
reminder of how quickly fear and disillusionment can lead to
the erosion of democratic noise and the rise of authoritarianism.
International tensions, too, bear an unsettling resemblance to the build
up to World War II. Just as the world watched
(01:00:16):
as fascist powers expanded their influence in the nineteen thirties,
we now observe rising tensions among global superpowers, the resurgence
of nationalist sentiment, and conflicts over territory and influence. The
world today is at a crossroads much like it was
in the late nineteen thirties, facing choices that could lead
(01:00:38):
to either confrontation or cooperation. The COVID nineteen pandemic, like
the Great Depression and the dust Bowl, has been a
profound crisis that tested the resilience of our social and
economic systems. It exposed weaknesses in healthcare, supply chains, and governance,
forcing societies to adapt and rethink priorities. It also brought
(01:01:03):
out both the best and the worst in humanity, stories
of frontline workers sacrificing everything to help others, contrasted with
misinformation and division. In many ways, the pandemic serves as
the kind of collective challenge that Strauss and Howe describe
as characteristic of the Fourth Turning, a moment that forces
(01:01:27):
societies to confront their limitations and decide what kind of
future they wish to create. As we navigate our own
fourth turning, we are faced with the same fundamental choices
(01:01:47):
that confronted previous generations. Will we allow fear and division
to dictate our actions, or will we come together to
build something better. The lessons the past of the nineteen twenties,
cultural shifts, the economic hardships of the nineteen thirties, and
the resolve that ultimately overcame fascism in World War II
(01:02:10):
are there to guide us. Just as those who lived
through the Great Depression and World War II emerged with
a renewed commitment to building a better world, we too
have the opportunity to shape our future in the face
of today's crises. The patterns are clear. After times of
(01:02:31):
great upheaval come times of renewal and rebuilding. The question
now is what kind of world we want to create.
The choices we make today, how we address inequality, how
we protect democratic institutions, will determine whether our Fourth Turning
leads to a new era of stability and progress or
(01:02:54):
to deeper conflict and disarray. The echoes of the past
are all round us, reminding us that we have been
here before and that it is within our power to
rise to the challenge. As we conclude this exploration of
the Fourth Turning, we are reminded that history is not
(01:03:15):
a straight line, but a series of repeating cycles. Each
generation faces its own challenges, its own crises, and its
own opportunities to build something better. The events of the
nineteen twenties, nineteen thirties, and nineteen forties are not just
chapters in a history book. They are echoes that continue
(01:03:38):
to resonate lessons that we must learn if we are
to navigate our own Fourth Turning successfully. The choices we
make today, the values we uphold, and the courage we
show in the face of adversity will determine the course
of our future, just as they did for those who
came before us. Thank you for joining me on this
(01:04:02):
journey through the critical moments of the past century. Remember
to subscribe to the podcast or visit our website at
Unexplained dot com for more insights into the cycles that
shape our world. I'm Tom McKenzie, and this is Unexplained History.
Until next time, let us not forget that the past
(01:04:25):
is always with us, echoing in the present as we
continue to shape the future.
Welcome to Unexplained History, the podcast where we unravel the
mysteries that have shaped our world, the cycles that repeat
across history, and the events that alter our collective destiny.
I'm your host, Tom mackenzie. In our last episode, we
explored the world of the nineteen twenties, a time of jazz, glamour, scandal,
(00:38):
and cultural upheaval, all seen through the lens of Roscoe
Fatty Arbuckle and the concept of historical turnings as outlined
in the fourth Turning. Today we move forward in time.
We leave the Roaring twenties behind and step into the
turbulent nineteen thirties, a decade defined by dust, depression and
the dark rise of fatis. The nineteen thirties didn't arrive quietly.
(01:19):
They roared in, but not with the same decadent energy
of the previous decade. Instead, they came in like a
fierce wind, kicking up dust and despair and blowing away
the remnants of the prosperity that the nineteen twenties had promised.
(01:45):
The dust Ball, an ecological disaster of epic proportions, became
the perfect symbol of the nineteen thirties. It was a
stark reminder of the fragility of human existence in the
face of nature's fury. The dust Bowl was not just
a single event, but a series of devastating dust storms
(02:06):
that plagued the Great Plains from nineteen thirty to nineteen
thirty six, though some regions continued to suffer until the
early nineteen forties. The combination of severe drought, poor farming practices,
and the relentless winds of the Great Plains turned vast
areas of farmland into barren wastelands. These poor farming practices
(02:31):
included extensive deep plowing that had destroyed the native grasses
that kept the soil in place. Without these grasses, the
soil was left vulnerable to erosion. When drought hit, the
once fertile ground became loose and dry, and the strong
winds swept across the plains, lifting millions of tons of
(02:55):
dust into the air. This massive ecological collapse was a
exacerbated by the lack of understanding of how to properly
manage land and conserve water in times of drought. The
dust storms were relentless, and the devastation they brought was immense.
(03:16):
Crops withered, livestock perished, and a thick, suffocating dust covered
everything from fields to homes. These dust storms were known
as black blizzards, and they could stretch hundreds of miles wide,
turning day into night and leaving entire towns blanketed in
(03:37):
choking dust. People would hang wet sheets over windows and
doors in a desperate attempt to keep the dust out,
but it infiltrated homes regardless, coating furniture, floors, and even food.
The constant inhalation of dust led to widespread respiratory issues,
(03:58):
including a condition known as as dust pneumonia, which affected
countless people, particularly children and the elderly. The medical infrastructure
in rural areas was ill equipped to handle these health crises,
compounding the suffering of affected families. For many life during
(04:18):
the dust Bowl was a constant struggle for survival. The
air was so thick with dust that visibility was often
reduced to mere feet, making even simple tasks dangerous. Schools closed,
businesses failed, and communities were torn apart as families packed
up and left. The economic impact was staggering. Farms that
(04:42):
had once been prosperous became worthless, their owners unable to
pay mortgages or even feed their families. The banks foreclosed
on properties, leaving families destitute. The land itself seemed to
mirror the economic collapse, dry cracked, barren as, crops failed,
(05:04):
and hope withered. Entire communities were uprooted. Over two point
five million people were displaced, forced to migrate in search
of survival. Many packed their lives into what little they
could carry and headed westward, particularly to California, hoping to
find work and a fresh start. The journey west was
(05:27):
fraught with hardship. Migrant families, often referred to as Oakie's,
regardless of whether they came from Oklahoma or other affected states,
faced discrimination and hostility. They arrived to find that opportunities
were scarce and living conditions were dire. They often ended
up in makeshift camps known as Hooverville's, living in tents
(05:51):
or shacks without proper sanitation. The dust Bowl highlighted the
vulnerability of human society to nature's wrath and underscored the
failure of the so called American dream. For many, the
promise of prosperity through hard work had turned into a
struggle simply to survive. John Steinbeck famously chronicled this experience
(06:16):
in the grapes of wrath, which painted a vivid picture
of the resilience and despair of those who had lost
everything but still carried hope with them. It became a
cultural touchstone, shining a light on the human cost of
this ecological disaster and forcing the rest of the country
(06:36):
to confront the stark realities of life in the dust bowl.
In response to the devastation, the federal government eventually took
action to mitigate the crisis. Programs under the New Deal,
such as the Soil Conservation Service, were introduced to educate
farmers on sustainable farming techniques to prevent future ecological disasters.
(07:02):
Farmers were encouraged to plant cover crops, rotate fields, and
implement contour plowing to reduce soil erosion. The Civilian Conservation
Corps CCCC also played a crucial role in planting millions
of trees as windbreaks to prevent further erosion. These measures,
(07:24):
though slow to take effect, eventually helped stabilize the land
and restore some semblance of normalcy to the affected regions.
The stock market crash of October nineteen twenty nine was
the beginning of a downward spiral that affected millions on
(07:45):
what became known as Black Tuesday, the value of stocks plummeted,
wiping out fortunes almost overnight. It wasn't just the wealthy
investors who suffered. Ordinary people who had to put their
savings into the market found their nest eggs evaporate in
an instant. The crash was a shockwave felt across the
(08:09):
entire nation. Investors who had borrowed heavily to purchase stocks
on margin found themselves financially ruined, owing money they no
longer had any means to repay. The panic that followed
led to a cascading effect as more and more people
rushed to sell their holdings, further driving prices down. This
(08:34):
vicious cycle of panic selling caused the market to lose
almost ninety percent of its value between nineteen twenty nine
and nineteen thirty two. Banks which had loaned significant amounts
to investors began to collapse under the weight of bad debts,
further exacerbating the crisis. Between nineteen twenty nine and nineteen
(08:59):
thirty three, nearly five thousand banks failed in the United States,
leaving millions without access to their savings. In those days,
there was no safety net to protect depositors when a
bank failed, the money was simply gone. The collapse of
(09:19):
the financial system had ripple effects throughout the entire economy.
Factories shut down as demand for goods plummeted, businesses could
no longer secure loans, and those that had been thriving
during the boom years of the nineteen twenties suddenly found
themselves struggling to keep their doors open. Construction projects came
(09:43):
to a halt, and production lines went quiet. Unemployments soared
as companies were forced to lay off workers or close entirely.
By nineteen thirty three, nearly a quarter of the American workforce,
over fifteen million people were unemployed. Breadlines and soup kitchens
(10:06):
became common sights in cities as desperate families struggled to
feed themselves. The psychological toll on those who lived through
this period cannot be overstated. Men who had once been
proud breadwinners found themselves destitute, standing in lines for food
(10:28):
or drifting from town to town in search of any
kind of work. Families lost their homes as they fell
behind on mortgage payments, and many ended up in makeshift
shantytowns known as Hooverville's, named derisively after President Herbert Hoover,
whom many blamed for failing to address the crisis effectively.
(10:50):
These camps, often constructed from scrap wood, metal, and cardboard,
were a testament to the depth of the despair that
gripped the nation. The collapse of the economy also exposed
deep structural weaknesses in American society. The speculative bubble of
the nineteen twenties had been fueled by unchecked optimism, easy credit,
(11:14):
and a belief that the good times would never end.
When that bubble burst, it left behind a fragile economic
system ill equipped to handle the fallout. The banking system,
with little regulation and oversight, was particularly vulnerable. Factories that
(11:37):
had produced cars, radios, and household goods now stood silent,
and entire industries ground to a halt. Farmers who had
expanded production during World War I to meet global demand
found themselves burdened with surplus crops they could not sell,
(11:59):
leading to a steep decline in prices and a struggle
to stay afloat. The agricultural sector, already hit hard by
falling prices and over production, was further crippled by the
concurrent onset of the dust bowl, compounding the miseries faced
by rural America. Companies that had thrived during the boom
(12:21):
years of the nineteen twenties suddenly found themselves unable to
secure loans or pay their workers. As businesses closed, unemployment soared.
By nineteen thirty three, nearly a quarter of the American workforce,
over fifteen million people were unemployed. Breadlines and soup kitchens
(12:44):
became common sights in cities as desperate families struggled to
feed themselves. The Great Depression was not just an economic disaster,
It was a human one. The psychological toll on those
who lived through it cannot be overstated. Men who had
once been proud bread winners found themselves destitute, standing in
(13:09):
lines for food, or drifting from town to town in
search of any kind of work. The collapse of the
economy also exposed deep structural weaknesses in American society. The
speculative bubble of the nineteen twenties had been fueled by
unchecked optimism, easy credit, and a belief that the good
(13:30):
times would never end. When that bubble burst, it left
behind a fragile economic system ill equipped to handle the fallout.
Factories that had produced cars, radios, and household goods now
stood silent, and entire industries ground to a halt. Farmers
(13:51):
who had expanded production during World War I to meet
global demand found themselves burdened with surplus crops they could
not sell, leading to a steep decline in prices and
a struggle to stay afloat Across the Atlantic. In the
United States, similar anxieties stirred. The stark contrast between the
(14:16):
luxury of the nineteen twenties and the struggle of the
nineteen thirties left many wondering if democracy could deliver the
stability and prosperity it promised. The Great Depression wasn't just
an economic downturn, but an existential crisis for Western democracies.
(14:37):
During these difficult years, President Franklin D. Roosevelt stepped forward
with the New Deal, a radical series of reforms that
sought to put Americans back to work, rebuild the nation's
shattered economy, and restore faith in its institutions. The New
Deal was not without its critics, but presented hope at
(15:01):
a time when many had lost faith. Roosevelt's approach to
confronting the crisis was multifaceted, targeting relief recovery, and reform,
the so called three rs. The relief programs aimed to
provide immediate assistance to those in dire need. The Federal
Emergency Relief Administration FER provided funds directly to states to
(15:26):
help feed and clothe the needy. For many, this was
the lifeline that kept them afloat during the harshest years
of the depression. Recovery programs focused on stimulating the economy
and providing jobs. Agencies like the Civilian Conservation Corps CCC
(15:47):
and the Works Progress Administration WPA provided millions of jobs,
from constructing public buildings and roads to planting trees and
developing national parks. The WPA became one of the largest
employers in the country, allowing people to regain a sense
of purpose and dignity. Not only did these programs help
(16:11):
families survive, but they also left a lasting impact on
American infrastructure, creating parks, schools, and roads that continued to
serve communities long after the depression ended. In terms of reform,
(16:31):
Roosevelt aimed to prevent a future economic catastrophe by overhauling
the financial system. The Banking Act of nineteen thirty three,
also known as the Glass Stegel Act established the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation, also known as the FDIC, ensuring that
(16:52):
people's savings were protected even if their bank failed. The
Securities and Exchange Commission as the sec was also created
to regulate the stock market, aiming to prevent the kind
of unchecked speculation that had led to the crash of
nineteen twenty nine. These reforms were designed to restore confidence
(17:25):
in the financial system and ensure that such a collapse
would not happen again. Another landmark of the New Deal
was the Social Security Act of nineteen thirty five, which
provided a safety net for the elderly, the unemployed, and
the disabled. For the first time, the federal government assumed
(17:48):
responsibility for the welfare of its most vulnerable citizens, establishing
a precedent for the kind of social safety nets that
would become a cornerstone of American policy. Social Security gave
hope to millions who feared they would be left destitute
in their old age, providing a measure of stability during
(18:12):
uncertain times. Roosevelt's famous line, the only thing we have
to fear is fear itself, resonated with millions who needed
reassurance that better times lay ahead. His fireside chats delivered
via radio allowed him to speak directly to the American people,
(18:34):
fostering a sense of connection and trust. He presented complex
policies in simple terms, making people feel that their government
was working tirelessly on their behalf. This personal touch helped
restore faith not only in Roosevelt, but in the institutions
of democracy itself. But while Roosevelt's policies attempted to uplift
(19:01):
the American spirit across the ocean, another leader was rising,
who promised a different kind of rebirth. Adolf Hitler, in
the face of global chaos, used fear, propaganda and racial
scapegoating to forge a dangerous path forward. The nineteen thirties
(19:21):
therefore became a study in contrasts between hope and despair,
between the promises of democracy and the allure of fascism,
between the potential to rebuild and the temptation to tear down.
(19:46):
In our next segment, we'll explore how these contrasting visions
set the stage for a global conflict that would soon
engulf the entire world. The cycles of history were in
most and humanity found itself once again at a major crossroads.
An inflection point of destruction and renewal, fear and hope,
(20:11):
and ultimately a turning that would determine the fate of millions.
Stay tuned as we continue to unravel the stories of
the nineteen thirties and uncover the dark rise of fascism,
(20:33):
the birth of resistance, and the human stories behind the
seismic shifts. I'm Tom mackenzie and this is Unexplained History.
Welcome back to Unexplained History, the podcast where we unravel
(20:58):
the mysteries that have shaped our world, explore the cycles
that repeat across history, and the events that alter our
collective destiny. I'm your host, Tom mackenzie. Before the break,
we explored the dust Bowl, the Great Depression, and the
efforts of the New Deal to rescue a struggling nation.
(21:20):
Now we continue our journey into the nineteen thirties to
examine the rise of fascism, the birth of resistance, and
the human stories behind these seismic shifts in world history.
(21:44):
The nineteen thirties were a time when fear and uncertainty
opened the door to dark ideologies. In Europe, Fascism rose
in Italy and Germany, offering a different kind of promise,
A promise that preyed on the var vulnerability and despair
of a population still recovering from World War One and
(22:05):
now suffering the global effects of the Great Depression. These
were the years when authoritarian leaders came to power, claiming
to have the solutions to their country's economic and social crises.
It was a time when democracy appeared fragile and the
allure of a strong leader seemed like the only path
(22:27):
to national renewal. Adolf Hitler, perhaps the most infamous figure
of the twentieth century, rose to power by exploiting the
desperation of the German people. Germany, still reeling from the
harsh terms of the Treaty of Versailles, faced hyperinflation, mass unemployment,
(22:51):
and deep societal divides. Before Hitler's rise, Germany experienced a
period of cultural flourishing in the nineteen twenties known as
the Vaimar Republic, a time often characterized by a sense
of liberation and modernism. Berlin in particular became a symbol
(23:12):
of avant garde art, hedonism and progressive attitudes. The city
was renowned for its cabarets, its freedom of expression, and
its embrace of unconventional lifestyles. Much like certain trends we
see today. A surge in consumerism, nightlife, and a rejection
(23:33):
of traditional norms marked this period of cultural openness. Still,
it felt like a golden age of personal freedom for many.
Still for others, especially those who felt disconnected from or
threatened by this rapid social change, it represented a moral decline.
(23:54):
Seeing people indulging in extravagant pleasures amidst widespread economic health
hardship fueled resentment among those struggling to make ends meet.
Many conservative Germans viewed the cultural permissiveness of the Vimar
Era as a symbol of national decay, blaming it for
(24:14):
Germany's weakened position in the world. Hitler masterfully tapped into
these fears. He presented himself as the antidote to what
he framed as the moral and cultural decay of the
Vimar years. He promised a return to traditional values, restoring
order and purging of what he claimed were corrupting influences.
(24:40):
This idea resonated deeply with those who felt alienated by
the cultural shifts of the nineteen twenties. His propaganda portrayed
the Vimar Era as a period of chaos that needed
to be replaced with discipline, strength, and a unifying national identity.
Arrative of moral revival became a crucial element of his appeal,
(25:05):
helping to garner support from those struggling economically and those
who feared the social liberalism and hedonism that had taken
root in Germany. Hitler promised to restore Germany to greatness,
to provide jobs and stability, and to erase the shame
(25:28):
of World War I. He used fear as a weapon,
manipulating the public's anxieties and directing their anger toward scapegoats,
primarily the Jewish population. His propaganda machine was relentless, crafting
a narrative that blamed Germany's suffering on internal enemies and
(25:50):
supposed foreign conspiracies. But Germany was not alone in this
turn toward fascism. Across Europe, similar movements gave traction In Italy.
Benito Mussolini had already paved the way, establishing a fascist
government that promised efficiency, strength, and a return to the
(26:11):
glory of the Roman Empire. Before Mussolini's rise, Italy grappled
with its own social and economic turmoil. The aftermath of
World War I had left the nation struggling. Italian soldiers
returned home to an economically devastated and politically unstable country.
(26:32):
The promises made to Italy during the war were largely unfulfilled,
leading to widespread disillusionment and frustration. Much like Germany, Italy
in the nineteen twenties experienced significant social upheaval and liberalization.
The liberal ideas of the time led to a flourishing
(26:53):
of the arts and a burgeoning intellectual culture, but they
also contributed to an atmosphere of instability. Rapid industrialization and
modernization led to deep divides between the urban population and
the rural communities, which often felt left behind by the changes.
(27:14):
Strikes and protests became frequent as workers demanded better conditions
and farmers struggled under increasing pressures. The liberal government of
Italy appeared weak and incapable of managing the mounting economic
crisis or addressing the needs of its people. Mussolini seized
(27:37):
on this sense of chaos and disorder, presenting himself as
the strong man who could restore order and national pride.
He promised to end the strikes, quell the protests, and
provide stability. His vision for Italy was one of unity,
strength and discipline, a stark contrast to what he portrayed
(27:59):
as the ineffectual liberalism of the previous government. The Fascist parties,
black shirted militias were used to break up strikes and
intimidate political opponents, gaining favour with industrialists and landowners who
were desperate for stability. Mussolini's rise was fueled by his
ability to present fascism as a solution to both the
(28:22):
perceived moral decay and the very real economic challenges facing Italy.
He promised to make Italy self sufficient and revive the
Roman Empire's grandeur, appealing to a sense of lost national
greatness for those who felt disillusioned by the failures of democracy,
Mussolini's vision of a disciplined, unified Italy was beautiful. His
(28:47):
rhetoric about the dangers of socialism and liberalism, combined with
promises of strong leadership, resonated deeply with many Italians who
yearned to return to order and a sense of purpose.
Mussolini's Italy became the template for other authoritarian regimes, demonstrating
how easily democratic institutions could be dismantled under the guise
(29:10):
of national revival. While fascism thrived in some corners of
the world, resistance began to emerge as well. Across Europe
and beyond. People from all walks of life started to
(29:31):
push back against the rising tide of authoritarianism. In Germany,
secret groups began to form to resist the Nazi regime,
risking their lives to protect those targeted by the government,
or to spread anti fascist messages. The seeds of what
would become the larger resistance movements during World War II
(29:51):
were sown during these early years, as ordinary people decided
that they could not stand idly by while their freedoms
and those of their neighbors were stripped away. One such
example was the story of the White Rose, a nonviolent
resistance group founded by a group of students in Munich.
(30:13):
The group, led by siblings Hans and Sophie shol began
distributing leaflets in nineteen forty two calling for active opposition
to Hitler's regime. Their courage in the face of certain
death highlighted the moral clarity that some individuals managed to
maintain in the midst of widespread darkness. Though the White
(30:37):
Rose movement would eventually be discovered and crushed by the Gestapo,
their words lived on, inspiring future generations to resist oppression. Meanwhile,
in Spain, the Spanish Civil War broke out in nineteen
thirty six, pitting the Republican god government, which included communists, socialists,
(31:03):
and anarchists, against the nationalist forces led by General Francisco Franco,
who both Hitler and Mussolini supported. The Spanish Civil War
became a proxy battle for the ideologies that were taking
root across Europe, a brutal and tragic conflict that served
(31:23):
as a prelude to the larger war that was looming
on the horizon. Volunteers from around the world, including famous
writers like George Orwell and Ernest Hemingway, joined the fight
against fascism, seeing Spain as the first true battleground in
the global struggle against tyranny. The stories of the individuals
(31:47):
who fought in Spain were filled with hope, sacrifice, and disillusionment.
George Orwell, who fought on the side of the Republicans,
later wrote Homage to Catalonia, a stark and honest account
of the war that exposed both the heroism and the
chaos of the anti fascist forces. For many, Spain was
(32:11):
a cause worth dying for, a last chance to prevent
the spread of fascism before it consumed all of Europe.
Back in the United States, the rise of fascism abroad
was met with a mix of concern, fascination, and apathy.
(32:33):
The Great Depression had turned the focus inward as millions
of Americans struggled to make ends meet. However, as reports
of the horrors unfolding in Europe began to filter in,
some Americans started to take notice. Intellectuals, journalists, and activists
warned of the dangers posed by fascist ideologies, even as
(32:57):
isolationist sentiments kept the US from intervening directly. Groups like
the America First Committee argued against becoming involved in European conflicts,
a stance that would only change after the attack on
Pearl Harbor in nineteen forty one. Despite the general reluctance
(33:17):
to engage, some American individuals felt compelled to act. Some
traveled to Spain to fight alongside the Republicans, while others
worked at home to raise awareness of the growing threat.
Authors like Sinclair Lewis captured the anxieties of the time
in works such as It Can't Happen Here, a novel
(33:39):
that imagined a fascist takeover of the United States, highlighting
the vulnerability of even the most established democracies to authoritarian impulses.
As we move deeper into the nineteen thirties, it becomes
clear that this was a decade of despair and collapse
(34:03):
and remarkable resilience. It was a time when the battle
lines between freedom and tyranny were drawn, and the world
teetered on the brink of the most destructive war in
human history. The rise of fascism was not inevitable, nor
was its resistance futile. Individual's actions, whether resisting in Germany,
(34:27):
fighting in Spain, or speaking out in the United States,
shaped the course of history. The nineteen thirties remind us
of the power of both fear and hope, the dangers
of complacency, and the courage that is sometimes required to
confront the darkest forces in society. A decade set the
(34:49):
stage for a conflict of unprecedented scale, a conflict that
would engulf the entire world. This final part of our series,
on the fourth Turning will reveal how the world was
irrevocably altered, how alliances were forged and broken, and how
(35:11):
humanity faced its most dire turning point. Yet, the rise
of fascism was not inevitable, nor was resistance to it futile.
Individual's actions, whether they were resisting in Germany, fighting in Spain,
or speaking out in the United States, shaped the course
(35:32):
of history. Their courage to resist and determination to fight
tyranny laid the foundation for the global struggle that was
to come. Thank you for joining me on our journey
through the nineteen thirties. We'll explore more human stories of resilience, bravery,
(35:56):
and the enduring fight against tyranny as we continue. I'm
Tom McKenzie, and this is Unexplained History. Welcome back to
Unexplained History, the podcast where we unravel the mysteries that
(36:17):
have shaped our world, explore the cycles that repeat across history,
and examine the events that alter our collective destiny. I'm
your host, Tom McKenzie. Let's get back to our story.
(36:39):
In nineteen thirty nine, the world stood on the brink
of an abyss. The ambitions of fascist leaders Adolf Hitler
in Germany, Benito Mussolini in Italy and their ally Emperor
Hirohito in Japan had grown beyond their national borders. The
uneasy piece maintained by appeasement and shaky treaties, shattered as
(37:04):
Germany invaded Poland in September nineteen thirty nine. This event
forced Britain and France to declare war, igniting a conflict
that would soon engulf much of the world and prove
to be the most devastating in human history. The early
(37:26):
months of the war were defined by the rapid expansion
of axis powers. Hitler's blitzkrieg strategy, a lightning fast form
of warfare that combined air raids, tank assaults and infantry,
was astonishingly effective. Within months, Poland was overrun, and the
Nazis moved on to conquer much of Western Europe. Denmark, Norway,
(37:50):
Belgium and France fell in quick succession. The rapid advances
left much of Europe stunned and unprepared, and the invincible
appearance of the German war machine demonstrated the dire consequences
of underestimating fascism's militaristic ambitions. Yet, amidst the terror of
(38:12):
these early victories, a rallying cry began to form among
those who cherished freedom and democracy. Winston Churchill, who became
Prime Minister of Britain in nineteen forty, emerged as an
unwavering voice of defiance His speeches, filled with imagery of
(38:33):
resistance and resilience, unified a nation that stood alone against
the might of Nazi Germany. After the fall of France,
the Battle of Britain, fought largely in the Skies, became
a turning point that proved that the German Luftwaffe could
be resisted. The courage of British pilots, famously described by
(38:55):
Churchill as the Few, became a symbol of hope not
only for Britain, but for occupied nations across Europe. While
Europe was in chaos, Japan pursued its own ambitions for
(39:18):
expansion in the Pacific. Driven by a desire for resources
and an imperial vision, Japan invaded China, launching brutal campaigns
that horrified the world. The infamous attack on Pearl Harbor
in December nineteen forty one brought the United States into
(39:39):
the war, a critical turning point that shifted the balance
of power. America, previously held back by strong isolationist sentiment,
was now fully committed, transforming the conflict into a truly
global war. Factories that had once produced consumer goods were
(40:02):
rapidly retooled to manufacture weapons, and the United States embarked
on a massive mobilization effort. Soldiers, sailors, and pilots were
sent across the world to fight the Axis Powers, marking
the beginning of a united front against fascism. The entry
(40:24):
of the United States into the war was a game changer.
American industrial power, combined with the resilience of the British
and the vast manpower of the Soviet Union, who had
joined the Allies after Germany broke their non aggression Pact
and invaded the USSR in nineteen forty one, formed a
(40:48):
formidable coalition. Despite their vastly different ideologies and systems of governance,
these nations were united by a common goal to stop
the spread of fascism and defeat the Axis Powers. The
stories of this time are filled with both heartbreak and heroism.
(41:10):
On the Eastern Front, the Soviet Union faced unspeakable hardship.
The Siege of Leningrad, which lasted nearly nine hundred days,
saw the people of the city in dure, starvation, constant bombardment,
and the brutal cold of Russian winters. Despite these conditions,
the Soviet people refused to surrender. The resilience of leningrad
(41:35):
citizens became a powerful symbol of defiance against tyranny, demonstrating
that the human spirit could withstand even the harshest trials. Meanwhile,
resistance movements were gaining strength across occupied Europe. In France,
a loose network of civilians and former soldiers worked tirelessly
(41:58):
to sabotage German operationations, gather intelligence, and assist the Allied forces.
Ordinary men and women risked everything, knowing that discovery could
lead to torture or death. Across the continent, resistance fighters
acted out of a sense of duty, believing that their efforts,
(42:19):
no matter how small, could contribute to the broader fight
against oppression. On the home fronts, citizens played a crucial
role in supporting the war effort. In both Britain and
the United States, women stepped into roles that had traditionally
(42:40):
been reserved for men. They worked in factories, building aircraft,
operating heavy machinery, and keeping the industries running. The iconic
image of Rosy the riveter became a symbol of female empowerment,
reflecting the resilience and determination needed to win the war.
(43:02):
These efforts at home were essential in ensuring that the
front lines were supplied, and they showcased the power of
ordinary people rising to meet extraordinary challenges. The horrors of
World War II were unprecedented. Cities lay in ruins, families
were torn apart, and millions of innocent lives were lost.
(43:26):
Civilians were often caught in the cross fire of relentless
bombing campaigns and military occupations, from the fire bombing of
Dresden to the blitz in London. Destruction was everywhere, and
the toll on civilian populations was enormous. In Eastern Europe,
(43:47):
the brutality of the German invasion of the Soviet Union
defied comprehension. The Siege of Leningrad was marked by starvation,
with residents forced to eat anything they could find to survive.
The psychological scars from such experiences would last a lifetime.
Perhaps the darkest chapter of all was the Holocaust, the
(44:08):
systematic extermination of six million Jews along with millions of
others by the Nazi regime. This atrocity was not only
an attempt to annihilate an entire people, but also a
brutal reminder of how ideological fanaticism combined with unchecked state
(44:29):
power can lead to industrial scale genocide. The haunting images
of skeletal survivors, the gas chambers, and the testimonies of
those who lived through it remind us of the depths
of cruelty that humanity is capable of when fear and
hatred are allowed to fester unchecked. This period of upheaval
(44:56):
was precisely what Strauss and how in their theory of
historical cycles, describe as the crisis phase of the fourth turning,
a time when institutions are tested, societies are restructured, and
the very fabric of humanity is torn apart and rebuilt.
(45:17):
It was a period in which old norms were shattered
and the battle lines between freedom and tyranny were drawn.
The darkness of World War II revealed both the worst
and the best of humanity. Amidst the absolute cruelty of
concentration camps and the horrors of combat, there were extraordinary
(45:39):
acts of courage and sacrifice. The war forced people to
make impossible choices, to endure hardships that would forever change them,
and to give everything their lives, their freedoms, their loved ones,
or the hope of a better future. The soldiers who
(46:06):
stormed the beaches of Normandy, the resistance fighters who risked
everything to sabotage enemy plans. The families who endured bombings,
all of them played a role in pushing back against
the darkness. The world that emerged from World War II
was one forged in the fires of conflict and sacrifice.
(46:29):
It was a world that carried both profound loss and
profound hope, a recognition of the fragility of peace and
a determination to build a future where such horrors could
never happen again. As the tide of war began to
(46:53):
turn in favor of the Allies, the hope for a
new beginning started to emerge. The Battle of Stalingrad, a
brutal and decisive clash between German and Soviet forces, marked
the beginning of the end for Hitler's ambitions in the East.
In North Africa, Allied forces led by General Dwight D.
(47:16):
Eisenhower successfully pushed back the Axis Powers, setting the stage
for the invasion of Italy. On d Day, June sixth,
nineteen forty four, Allied troops landed on the beaches of
Normandy in a massive operation that marked the start of
the liberation of Western Europe. Each victory brought the world
(47:36):
closer to peace, yet the costs of these victories were immeasurable.
Thank you for joining me for this exploration of the
outbreak of World War II and its escalation into a
full scale global conflict. The courage, sacrifices, and resilience of
(48:01):
those who live through this period remind us of the
costs of war and the enduring value of freedom. As
we look back, it's clear that the events we've discussed,
from the cultural shifts of the nineteen twenties, the dust
Bowl and the Great Depression, to the rise of fascism
and the outbreak of World War II are all interconnected.
(48:25):
Each of these moments represents a critical turning point in
what Strauss and how describe as the fourth Turning, a
cycle of crisis that challenges existing structures and reshape societies.
In our next segment, we'll bring together these threads the
(48:45):
Hollywood scandals of the nineteen twenties, the economic collapse of
the nineteen thirties, the rise of authoritarian regimes, and the
full outbreak of war to understand how these are events
fit into the larger historical cycle. We'll explore how the
crucible of crisis ultimately leads to renewal and what that
(49:10):
might mean for us today. Remember to subscribe to the
podcast or visit our website at unexplained dot co for
more stories that continue to echo through history and offer
insights into the cycles that shape our world. I'm Tom
McKenzie and you've been listening to Unexplained History. Stay with
(49:34):
us as we continue to connect the dots, unraveling the
great turning points that define our world and understanding the
echoes that continue to resonate in our present. Welcome back
(50:05):
to Unexplained History, the podcast where we unravel the mysteries
that have shaped our world, explore the cycles that repeat
across history, and examine the events that alter our collective destiny.
I'm your host, Tom mackenzie. Today we bring together all
the elements we've discussed in this series, the Roaring Twenties,
(50:28):
the Great Depression, the rise of fascism and World War II,
and explore how they fit into a larger pattern, one
that Strauss and how call the Fourth Turning. The Fourth
(50:53):
Turning is a concept that describes the cyclical nature of history,
periods of growth, ability, unraveling, and ultimately crisis. Each cycle
consists of four phases or turnings, which culminate in a
major crisis that reshape society today. We end our journey
(51:16):
by understanding how each of the events we've covered represents
a key turning point contributing to the crescendo of crisis
that culminated in World War II. We began our story
with the nineteen twenties, an era of optimism, exuberance, and excess.
The Roaring Twenties, with its jazz flappers and unbridled consumerism,
(51:40):
represented a time of rapid social change and economic prosperity.
But beneath the surface there were cracks, cracks that would
widen as the decade wore on. The sudden downfall of
figures like Roscoe Fatty Arbuckle symbolized a loss of innocence
for h Hollywood and for America at large. The scandals
(52:04):
and the shifting morals of the era hinted at an
underlying instability. The facade of prosperity was fragile, and the
seemingly unending boom was in fact built on shaky ground.
Then came the Great Depression, a devastating economic collapse that
(52:25):
brought the prosperity of the nineteen twenties to an abrupt
and painful end. The stock market crash of nineteen twenty
nine was not just an economic event. It was a
profound psychological blow to millions of people. The sense of
optimism and the promise of the American dream vanished, replaced
(52:48):
by unemployment lines, soup kitchens, and a desperate struggle to survive.
The dust bowl added an ecological catastrophe to an already
dire situation, displacing millions of Americans who had to leave
their homes in search of a better life. The depression
tested not only America's economic resilience but also its social fabric,
(53:13):
leading to an increased appetite for change and reform. As
the world struggled to emerge from the economic ruins of
the nineteen thirties, a new threat began to take shape.
In Germany and Italy. Fascism rose to power, fueled by
the grievances left unresolved after World War One and by
(53:35):
the sense of hopelessness brought on by economic collapse. Adolf
Hitler and Benito Mussolini offered simple answers to complex problems,
promising to restore their nations to greatness, and offering scapegoats
for their people's suffering. These authoritarian leaders thrived on fear
(53:58):
and discontent, Tapping into the anxieties of a population that
had lost faith in traditional institutions. In Japan, militaristic expansion
became a way to assert power and address the perceived
inadequacies left from the international order of the nineteen twenties.
(54:23):
The culmination of these crises was the outbreak of World
War II, a global conflict that became the defining event
of the Fourth Turning. The war represented the final, all
encompassing crisis that tore down the old world order and
forced humanity to confront its darkest inclinations. It was a
time when nations had to decide what they stood for,
(54:44):
and individuals had to choose between submission and resistance. The
Axis powers, driven by fascist ideology, sought to dominate and
reshape the world according to their vision, a vision of
racial purity, conquest, and absen salute control. Against them stood
the Allies, an unlikely coalition of democracies and communist states
(55:07):
united by the shared goal of defeating a common enemy.
The cost of this confrontation was staggering. Entire cities were destroyed,
millions of lives were lost, and the very boundaries of
human morality were tested. The Holocaust exposed the world to
(55:28):
the horrors of systematic genocide, revealing the capacity for evil
that lurked beneath the surface of civilization. But even in
the face of such darkness, there were countless acts of bravery,
resistance fighters risking everything to defy their occupiers, soldiers laying
(55:50):
down their lives for freedom, and civilians enduring unimaginable hardships
with courage and dignity. These stories of sacrifice and resilience
remind us that even in the darkest times, there is hope.
(56:12):
The Fourth Turning, according to Straussenhowe, is not just a
period of crisis, but also a time of renewal. It
is a time when society is forced to reckon with
its failures, to tear down old structures and to build
something new. World War II was the crucible in which
the modern world was forged. It led to the creation
(56:33):
of new international institutions like the United Nations, meant to
prevent such a catastrophe from happening again. It reshaped national borders, economies,
and the very way we think about human rights and governance.
Out of the ashes of the war, a new world
order emerged, one built on the lessons learned from years
(56:58):
of unchecked ambition, hatred, and conflict. The conclusion of World
War II mark the end of a long cycle of crisis,
but it also marked the beginning of a new era,
an era characterized by a determination to build a lasting peace,
to create prosperity, and to avoid the mistakes of the past.
(57:22):
The nineteen fifties would see the dawn of a new high,
a period of stability, economic growth, and social cohesion. But
as history has shown, these cycles continue. The seeds of
future conflicts are often sown in the very solutions we create,
and each turning carries with it the potential for both
(57:44):
greatness and tragedy. Today, as we look at our own world,
we can see striking similarities to past turnings. Just as
the Roaring twenties were a time of exuberance, cultural change,
and economic optimism, our recent past has also been characterized
(58:08):
by rapid social progress, technological advances, and unprecedented prosperity. Yet
beneath the surface, there are also familiar cracks, economic inequality,
cultural divides, and a deep seated mistrust of institutions. In
the same way that the unbridled optimism of the nineteen
(58:29):
twenties gave way to the Great Depression, We too have
experienced moments of crisis that have exposed vulnerabilities in our
social and economic systems. The two thousand and eight financial
crisis serves as a modern parallel to the stock market
crash of nineteen twenty nine. Both events triggered widespread economic
(58:49):
distress and shattered the confidence many had in the prevailing
financial systems. The Great Recession left millions unemployed, with foreclosures
and economic uncertainty reminiscent of the Great Depression. Just as
in the nineteen thirties, people began to question whether the
(59:09):
system that had promised prosperity was truly capable of delivering it.
Political instability and the rise of populist movements today also
echo the conditions of the pre World War II era.
In many parts of the world, we see leaders rising
to power by exploiting economic and social anxieties, offering simple
(59:32):
solutions to complex problems, and often placing blame on marginalized
groups or external threats. This rhetoric, much like that used
by Hitler and Mussolini, appeals to those who feel left
behind or betrayed by the existing order. It is a
(59:52):
reminder of how quickly fear and disillusionment can lead to
the erosion of democratic noise and the rise of authoritarianism.
International tensions, too, bear an unsettling resemblance to the build
up to World War II. Just as the world watched
(01:00:16):
as fascist powers expanded their influence in the nineteen thirties,
we now observe rising tensions among global superpowers, the resurgence
of nationalist sentiment, and conflicts over territory and influence. The
world today is at a crossroads much like it was
in the late nineteen thirties, facing choices that could lead
(01:00:38):
to either confrontation or cooperation. The COVID nineteen pandemic, like
the Great Depression and the dust Bowl, has been a
profound crisis that tested the resilience of our social and
economic systems. It exposed weaknesses in healthcare, supply chains, and governance,
forcing societies to adapt and rethink priorities. It also brought
(01:01:03):
out both the best and the worst in humanity, stories
of frontline workers sacrificing everything to help others, contrasted with
misinformation and division. In many ways, the pandemic serves as
the kind of collective challenge that Strauss and Howe describe
as characteristic of the Fourth Turning, a moment that forces
(01:01:27):
societies to confront their limitations and decide what kind of
future they wish to create. As we navigate our own
fourth turning, we are faced with the same fundamental choices
(01:01:47):
that confronted previous generations. Will we allow fear and division
to dictate our actions, or will we come together to
build something better. The lessons the past of the nineteen twenties,
cultural shifts, the economic hardships of the nineteen thirties, and
the resolve that ultimately overcame fascism in World War II
(01:02:10):
are there to guide us. Just as those who lived
through the Great Depression and World War II emerged with
a renewed commitment to building a better world, we too
have the opportunity to shape our future in the face
of today's crises. The patterns are clear. After times of
(01:02:31):
great upheaval come times of renewal and rebuilding. The question
now is what kind of world we want to create.
The choices we make today, how we address inequality, how
we protect democratic institutions, will determine whether our Fourth Turning
leads to a new era of stability and progress or
(01:02:54):
to deeper conflict and disarray. The echoes of the past
are all round us, reminding us that we have been
here before and that it is within our power to
rise to the challenge. As we conclude this exploration of
the Fourth Turning, we are reminded that history is not
(01:03:15):
a straight line, but a series of repeating cycles. Each
generation faces its own challenges, its own crises, and its
own opportunities to build something better. The events of the
nineteen twenties, nineteen thirties, and nineteen forties are not just
chapters in a history book. They are echoes that continue
(01:03:38):
to resonate lessons that we must learn if we are
to navigate our own Fourth Turning successfully. The choices we
make today, the values we uphold, and the courage we
show in the face of adversity will determine the course
of our future, just as they did for those who
came before us. Thank you for joining me on this
(01:04:02):
journey through the critical moments of the past century. Remember
to subscribe to the podcast or visit our website at
Unexplained dot com for more insights into the cycles that
shape our world. I'm Tom McKenzie, and this is Unexplained History.
Until next time, let us not forget that the past
(01:04:25):
is always with us, echoing in the present as we
continue to shape the future.
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