Zack Twamley

When Diplomacy Fails Podcast

History EN ↓ 744 episodes

WDF examines how wars broke out, how they were concluded, and their consequences. Expect juicy diplomacy, sneaky intrigue, fascinating characters, and incredible drama. By Dr Zack Twamley, qualified history nerd. Current Series : The July Crisis Patreon Series : The Age of Bismarck Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author

Zack Twamley

Category

History

Podcast website

www.wdfpodcast.com

Latest episode

Oct 6, 2025

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Episodes

1916 - Episode 5: 'This Strange Thing We Are' 10.05.2016

Welcome back to ep. 5. In this episode we will examine the relations between nationalists and unionists, and the extent to which the breakdown in civil talks affected their control over their respected armed camps of the UVF and IVF. Then, we'll introduce you to an important character of the Rising - Patrick Pearse, and give you some background info that should set us up well for future episodes....

1916 - Episode 4: 'The North Began' 06.05.2016

In this episode we examine the development of the British politics with the passing of the Parliament Act in 1911, which effectively neutered the influence of the House of Lords by limiting its veto to only two uses. This meant that Home Rule was suddenly more possible than ever before, but standing in the way of this eventuality were the Unionists, emboldened by Sir Edward Carson and determined t...

1916 - Episode 3: 'She Has Begun To Sing' 02.05.2016

In this third episode of 1916, we examine the cultural and linguistic influences that were so critical in shaping and moulding a sense of Irish identity before the Rising took place. We also trace the development of crucial figures like Arthur Griffith, Douglas Hyde It was Hyde who responsible for the title of this episode when he claimed that, following the establishment of the Gaelic League, the...

1916 - Episode 2: 'The Extremist Fringe' 28.04.2016

In this episode of 1916 we examine the important other pillar of Irish nationalists; the republican or Fenian elements. Expect a great deal of background info as we detail what the aims of these groups were and what drove them onwards. We will meet key characters and bring the story up to the level with #1 where the republicans and nationalists begin to cooperate for the sake of land reform, but P...

1916 - Episode 1: 'The Lay of the Land' 25.04.2016

In our first proper episode, we bring you into Ireland as it was during the 1850s, 60s, 70s and 80s. Up to the point that men like Charles Stewart Parnell were making a real difference, as well as making loads of new groups - thanks for that guys... It's a critical background ep because it introduces you all to key themes and people that will still be knocking around by the endgame of 1916, so I h...

1916 - Prologue 24.04.2016

100 Years Ago on this day, Patrick Pearse read out the Proclamation of the Irish Republic, a document and event which was to have profound consequences for the island of Ireland for the next century. In this episode, experience the atmosphere of that event, and a special vocal history of Ireland up to the point that the Rising took place - from Gladstone's news that he would have to form a governm...

1916 - Introduction 23.04.2016

It's here at last. 100 Years Ago, my ancestors in this country acted in a certain way at a certain time - historians, citizens and politicians [everyone] has been talking about it ever since. This is the intro episode to a little special I have cooked up for just such a centenary. Well you didn't think I'd let the moment escape without one did you? Give it a listen and see what you think - it's ce...

WDF Presents: BGTW #2 A) The Golden Age TALK 10.04.2016

At last, Sean and I sit down to discuss the last 24 episodes of Britain Goes to War in the relaxed, casual, often zany style that you guys (hopefully) love. It's a fun conversation; we delve into the major issues from the importance of Lord Darby to the contrasts between 1914 and Disraeli's government. It's an episode that's sort of hard to define, but we had a blast doing it, so I hope it'll be o...

WDF Presents: BGTW #2 A) The Golden Age XXIV 03.04.2016

In this episode of BGTW we examine the Congress of Berlin at last! Disraeli's finest hour is at hand, but although even Bismarck gives into to the PM's wily charms, an undercurrent of trouble is at hand within the Empire which will in time burn everything down to the ground. This is the last episode before a brief hiatus until the end of the month of April 2016, upon which time we will hit you wit...

WDF Presents: BGTW #2 A) The Golden Age XXIII 27.03.2016

Welcome once again to another installment of Britain Goes To War - this week we take a look at the essential end of Lord Darby in the Foreign Office, and how, even despite all that he had been through, his mark on it and on British history was still profound. We hear from Darby himself in the House of Lords, as he concludes his career with a must-hear speech, and we set ourselves up for the confer...

WDF Presents: BGTW #2 A) The Golden Age XXII 21.03.2016

In this episode of BGTW, our coverage of the worsening Darby-Disraeli situation continues. Darby continues to be a one man show against the pro-war camp, but his reserves are beginning to run low as the Russians grow more testy and the smear campaign against him comes to a head. Check us out! Thankssssss :DRemember history friends, you can help this podcast and ensure that this is where history th...

WDF Presents: BGTW #2 A) The Golden Age XXI 14.03.2016

In this episode of BGTW we examine the worsening situation in Disraeli's Cabinet, and how Darby was forced to leave only to return, thanks to the PM's farce of a foreign policy. It's all here! Thankssssss for listening! Remember history friends, you can help this podcast and ensure that this is where history thrives! Support us by going to www.patreon.com/WhenDiplomacyFailsFollow me on Twitter @wd...

WDF Presents: BGTW #2 A) The Golden Age XX 07.03.2016

In this final part of our closer examination of the speeches in the Houses of Parliament, we see the end of Disraeli's speech, a challenge from the Duke of Argyll and a declaration from Salisbury. It's all pretty revealing stuff! I also give you an update on how much money we've made so far, and we prepare the ground for the next episode when we're back to normal. Thanksssssss for all the support...

WDF Presents: BGTW #2 A) The Golden Age XIX 29.02.2016

In this episode of BGTW we turn our focus to the House of Lords on 17/1/1878, where we hear from Earl of Granville, and bear witness to Disraeli orchestrating a massive revision of his Cabinet's history. Have a listen, and thanks again for all your support so far - you guys are the best! Remember history friends, you can help this podcast and ensure that this is where history thrives! Support us b...

WDF Presents: BGTW #2 A) The Golden Age XVIII 22.02.2016

In this second of our four parter mini-series examining the Houses' debates on 18th January 1878, we see Gladstone, Lord Montagu and a significant Irish MP raise their voices. Within are sly critiques of government policy, an urging to stand up for a forceful policy, and pleas to give Ireland the Parliament it deserves. The content is rich with historical goodness, so I hope that you enjoy it as p...

WDF Presents: BGTW #2 A) The Golden Age XVII 15.02.2016

In the first of a four part miniseries, BGTW takes a small detour here as we examine the reactions and speeches which were made in response to the Queen's speech on 17th January 1878. Herein we hear from heavy hitters Lord Hartington and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, among others, so I hope you'll join us for a special kind of focus! Thankssss! Remember history friends, you can help this podcas...

WDF: State of the Podcast Address 12/2/2016 12.02.2016

In this State of the Podcast Address, Zack drops some HUGE news about his personal and professional life, and enlightens us on how we can help him out with it, as well as how much we've already helped him thus far. Check it out - Thankssssss! [NOTE - I DID NOT GET THE FUNDING BUT IT'S OK AND I'M HAPPY I SWEARS]Remember history friends, you can help this podcast and ensure that this is where histor...

WDF Presents: BGTW #2 A) The Golden Age XVI 08.02.2016

In this episode of BGTW we examine the months of December 1877 and January 1878. Two months in which Cabinet unity and personal relationships were tested to their limits, where Salisbury's loyalties are fought over by Disraeli and Derby, and where on numerous occasions Britain looks set to lose its government for the sake of war which some insisted was essential, while others believed it was repre...

WDF Presents: BGTW #2 A) The Golden Age XV 01.02.2016

In this episode of BGTW we examine what happened immediately after war was declared, and how it seemed to some to suggest that a new war would soon be upon the British Empire, while to others it suggested that new efforts must be scrambled to ensure peace. The problem was, of course, that the individuals who possessed these views could be found in the same Cabinet, and used to be the best of frien...

WDF Presents: BGTW #2 A) The Golden Age XIV 25.01.2016

Welcome to this episode of BGTW (Britain Goes To War)! Herein we examine the details of the Constantinople Conference, its interested parties, what was at stake, and why it failed. Let me know what you thought through the usual channels. Thankssss! Remember history friends, you can help this podcast and ensure that this is where history thrives! Support us by going to www.patreon.com/WhenDiplomacy...

WDF Presents: BGTW #2 A) The Golden Age XIII 18.01.2016

Herein we examine in this episode of BGTW (Britain Goes To War) the complex series of events that led to a conference in Constantinople in December 1876. SPOILER - much of it has much to do with what Bismarck did. Find out more within, and thanksssss for stopping by! Remember history friends, you can help this podcast and ensure that this is where history thrives! Support us by going to www.patreo...

WDF Presents: BGTW #2 A) The Golden Age XII 11.01.2016

In this episode of BGTW we examine the steps Disraeli took to ensure British diplomatic predominance, and how they didn't really take off... Disraeli was faced with a morass of problems from late spring to autumn 1876, from ambitious Russians to wily Bismarcks, but even he could not have anticipated the sudden abrupt return of his nemesis on the public sphere, or the serious impact it would have o...

WDF Presents: BGTW #2 A) The Golden Age XI 21.12.2015

In this episode of BGTW (Britain Goes To War) we examine the series of events that occurred from mid-1875 to mid-1876. Within this imprecise timeframe a good deal of challenges confronted Disraeli's cabinet; mostly we will encounter pressure from the governments of Europe as the varied continental powers try to find some way to defuse the crisis in the East. Will Disraeli help or hinder their effo...

WDF Presents: BGTW #2 A) The Golden Age X 14.12.2015

In this episode of BGTW (Britain Goes To War) we examine the opening months of Disraeli's dominant Conservative government, Gladstone's defeat and retreat from public life, and the beginnings of rumbles in the Balkans which would soon explode in Europe's face. We also intro a number of important characters for the future. Check us out! Thanksssss! Remember history friends, you can help this podcas...

WDF Presents: BGTW #2 A) The Golden Age IX 07.12.2015

In this episode of BGTW (Britain Goes To War) we examine the Irish problems Gladstone faced when he tried to fulfill his vision of the reform-filled future. They were legion; and just as his plan imploded, Disraeli's Conservatives were on the rise and the Home Rule League was massing in Ireland. Give this somewhat content heavy episode a listen and lemme know what you think! Thanksssss! Remember h...

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