History's Devils

The First War on Terror? Irish Dynamiters and the Bombing of Victorian Britain

Long before The Troubles, 7/7 and other modern terrorism, Britain faced a wave of bombings that shocked the Victorian world. Step into one of the most overlooked chapters of British history in this gripping episode on the "Dynamite War" of the 1880s - often described as the first “war on terror.”  Joined by Gillian O'Brien (author of The Darkness Echoing: Ireland's Places of Famine, Death and Rebellion [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Darkness-Echoing-Exploring-Irelands-Rebellion/dp/1781620504]), James explains how Irish republican groups like the Clan Na Gael and Irish Republican Brotherhood carried out bombing campaigns in Britain, bringing political violence to the heart of the London. Learn how advances in explosives like dynamite - invented by Alfred Nobel of peace prize fame - changed the nature of asymmetrical warfare and terrorism, creating fear, media frenzy, and new policing tactics. We break down key events, targets, and the debates within the Irish independence movement over the morality of terrorism. This episode also examines how the British government responded with informers, spies and the development of the world's first bomb squad!  Perfect for listeners interested in history podcasts, Irish history, terrorism studies, political violence, and Victorian Britain, this episode provides deep insight into a forgotten conflict that helped shape modern ideas of terrorism and state response. Thanks to SOULFULJAMTRACKS for their tune "Dark Halloween" Follow HISTORY's DEVILS  On Instagram @historysdevils https://www.instagram.com/historysdevils/ [https://www.instagram.com/historysdevils/] On Substack https://jamescrossland.substack.com/ [https://jamescrossland.substack.com/] Follow JAMES CROSSLAND On Bluesky @jamescrossland.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/jamescrossland.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/jamescrossland.bsky.social] Tag HISTORY's DEVILS @historysdevils #historysdevils #jamescrossland #darkhistory #weirdhistory #history #historypodcast #historyfacts #didyouknow #storytelling

The Legend of Billy The Kid: Murder, Myth and Reality in the Old West

In this episode, James is joined by Jem Duducu (author of The History of the Western Movie [https://www.amazon.co.uk/History-Western-Movie-Jem-Duducu/dp/1036115917]) to tell the story of a teenage gunslinger who became a legendary figure wrapped in folklore, media exaggeration, and historical debate – Billy the Kid. Tracing the story of Billy’s criminal career and involvement in the Lincoln County War, we discuss how Hollywood films and pop culture transformed a young outlaw into a Wild West icon, generating the myth that he somehow survived his deadly encounter with the lawman Pat Garrett in 1881, and went on to live into the 1950s as a mysterious drifter and adventurer named Brushy Bill Roberts. This episode is perfect for fans of true crime, American history, film history and Wild West legends. Whether you're curious about outlaw myths, frontier justice, or the real story behind Billy the Kid, you’ll discover surprising facts, historical insights, and the truth behind the legend.   Check out Jem’s book – The History of the Western Movie [https://www.amazon.co.uk/History-Western-Movie-Jem-Duducu/dp/1036115917] Follow Jem @jemduducu Thanks to SOULFULJAMTRACKS for their tune "Dark Halloween" Follow HISTORY's DEVILS  On Instagram @historysdevils https://www.instagram.com/historysdevils/ [https://www.instagram.com/historysdevils/] On Substack https://jamescrossland.substack.com/ [https://jamescrossland.substack.com/] Follow JAMES CROSSLAND On Bluesky @jamescrossland.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/jamescrossland.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/jamescrossland.bsky.social] Tag HISTORY's DEVILS @historysdevils #historysdevils #jamescrossland #darkhistory #weirdhistory #history #historypodcast #historyfacts #didyouknow #storytelling

The Carny & The Showman: How Donald Trump and Vince McMahon Conquered America, Pt.2

In Part Two of this two-part History's Devils episode, James and Jayne finish the story of Donald Trump and Vince McMahon by explaining how the psychology of professional wrestling shaped Trump's two presidencies, and altered the way in which American politics operates.  Along the way, they discuss the similarities between alternative facts and Kayfabe (wrestling speak for "keeping it fake") and the connections between WWE and the MAGA movement, whilst pondering what a Vince McMahon presidency would look like?   Further Reading * Ringmaster: Vince McMahon and the Unmaking of America [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ringmaster-Vince-McMahon-Unmaking-America/dp/1982169443] * Things to Know About Donald Trump's Relationship with Vince McMahon [https://www.thesportster.com/donald-trump-relationship-vince-mcmahon-wwe-wrestlemania-battle-billionaires/]   00:00 - Introduction: Wrestling psychology in politics 02:15 - The concept of kayfabe and its significance 05:37 - Projecting success and inflating figures in rallies 08:11 - Trump’s manipulation of perceptions and alternate realities 13:08 - The use of promos, nickname attacks, and soundbites 17:14 - The rise of soundbite politics and social media dominance 21:26 - How Trump creates and blends realities with "alternative facts" 26:37 - The evolution of Trump's self-image and propaganda portraits 29:38 - The distortion of January 6th and the concept of political kayfabe 32:43 - The role of audience suspension of disbelief in support 36:31 - The spectacle ecosystem: rallies, chaos, and entertainment as political currency 40:37 - Pro wrestling, UFC, and the culture of machismo in Trump’s narrative 45:15 - The influence of WWE, political endorsements, and celebrity ties 50:07 - Hypothetical: Vince McMahon as a president and the wrestling of power 50:42 - Episode wrap-up and future reflections on political kayfabe Thanks to SOULFULJAMTRACKS for their tune "Dark Halloween" Follow HISTORY's DEVILS  On Instagram @historysdevils https://www.instagram.com/historysdevils/ [https://www.instagram.com/historysdevils/] On Substack https://jamescrossland.substack.com/ [https://jamescrossland.substack.com/] Follow JAMES CROSSLAND On Bluesky @jamescrossland.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/jamescrossland.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/jamescrossland.bsky.social] Tag HISTORY's DEVILS @historysdevils #historysdevils #jamescrossland #darkhistory #weirdhistory #history #historypodcast #historyfacts #didyouknow #storytelling

The Carny & The Showman: How Donald Trump and Vince McMahon Conquered America, Pt.1

Summary Dive into one of the strangest and most revealing alliances in modern history as History’s Devils unpacks the decades-long relationship between Donald Trump and Vince McMahon. In Part One of this two-part series, James and Jayne trace a 40-year connection between the future U.S. president and the controversial boss of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). From glitzy spectacle to behind-the-scenes scandal, they explore how ambition, media manipulation, and controversy fuelled both men’s rise to power. Along the way, the hosts introduce a provocative thesis: to truly understand Donald Trump, you must first understand professional wrestling. Is modern American politics more performance than policy? And did the world of scripted rivalries, crowd psychology, and larger-than-life personas help shape a presidency?   Further Reading * Ringmaster: Vince McMahon and the Unmaking of America [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ringmaster-Vince-McMahon-Unmaking-America/dp/1982169443] * Things to Know About Donald Trump's Relationship with Vince McMahon [https://www.thesportster.com/donald-trump-relationship-vince-mcmahon-wwe-wrestlemania-battle-billionaires/]   Chapters  00:00 - Welcome to History’s Devils: Exploring Modern Scoundrels 02:07 - The Multi-Dimensional Influence of WWE on Politics 04:02 - Trump and McMahon: Masters of Audience Suspension of Disbelief 09:20 - Vince McMahon’s Childhood and Persona: Power and Insecurity 15:19 - Wrestling Territories, Monopoly, and Ruthless Business Tactics 18:05 - The Birth of WrestleMania and Its Cultural Impact 22:15 - Scandals, Legal Troubles, and Teflon Resilience 28:13 - Trump’s Early Wrestling Ties and the 1980s ‘Greed is Good’ Era 31:49 - WrestleMania in Atlantic City: Branding Manipulation 36:27 - Trump’s Return to Wrestling in the 2000s and ‘The Apprentice’ 42:45 - Building the Trump Gimmick: From Wrestler to Reality TV Star 52:36 - The 2007 WrestleMania 23 and the ‘Battle of the Billionaires’ 59:55 - The Final Face-Off and Trump’s Iconic WWE Persona 62:09 - Wrestling, Politics, Power, and the Future Landscape  Thanks to SOULFULJAMTRACKS for their tune "Dark Halloween" Follow HISTORY's DEVILS  On Instagram @historysdevils https://www.instagram.com/historysdevils/ [https://www.instagram.com/historysdevils/] On Substack https://jamescrossland.substack.com/ [https://jamescrossland.substack.com/] Follow JAMES CROSSLAND On Bluesky @jamescrossland.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/jamescrossland.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/jamescrossland.bsky.social] Tag HISTORY's DEVILS @historysdevils #historysdevils #jamescrossland #darkhistory #weirdhistory #history #historypodcast #historyfacts #didyouknow #storytelling

She Poisoned Everyone? The Story of Mary Ann Cotton, Serial Killer

This week, James is taking a backseat and letting Paul Bavill (History Rage Podcast [https://www.historyrage.com/]) dive into one of the most chilling true crime stories in British history – the poisonous rampage of Mary Ann Cotton. Widely believed to be Britain’s first female serial killer, Cotton was a seemingly ordinary Victorian who woman became known as the infamous “Black Widow,” accused of poisoning those closest to her for financial gain. Set against the grim backdrop of Victorian England, this episode examines the disturbing pattern of deaths that followed Mary Ann Cotton wherever she went, and how life insurance schemes may have motivated her crimes – leaving a legacy that the people of Britain still feel today.  A must listen episode for fans of true crime, serial killer stories and tales of Victorian depravation.   When you’re done listening to this, check out History Rage [https://www.historyrage.com/]  Thanks to SOULFULJAMTRACKS for their tune "Dark Halloween" Follow HISTORY's DEVILS  On Instagram @historysdevils https://www.instagram.com/historysdevils/ [https://www.instagram.com/historysdevils/] On Substack https://jamescrossland.substack.com/ [https://jamescrossland.substack.com/] Follow JAMES CROSSLAND On Bluesky @jamescrossland.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/jamescrossland.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/jamescrossland.bsky.social] Tag HISTORY's DEVILS @historysdevils #historysdevils #jamescrossland #darkhistory #weirdhistory #history #historypodcast #historyfacts #didyouknow #storytelling