Radio War Nerd EP175—The Hundred Years War (Part I)

Recorded: March 29, 2019 First, the War Nerd and Ames discuss the long-anticipated collapse of the Russiagate conspiracy hysteria — and with it, whatever's left of the established media and political class's credibility. It's a giant silver platter gift for Trump 2020's campaign. But as Ames argues, it's more than just a question of narratives and credibility, as the last American freak-out over Russian "active measures" was used to justify a massive domestic spying and political harassment campaign . . . At 37:00 — we're joined by popular Radio War Nerd guest "Annibale" to walk us through the Hundred Years War — roughly 1337-1453, depending on who you ask — one of the most catastrophic wars in history that depopulated entire swathes of Europe . . . We know so little about the Hundred Years War, though it's arguably the narrative basis for George RR Martin's "Game Of Thrones". To help us understand this war, Annibale first helps us to understand the world of the Middle Ages, weeding out the Enlightenment-era myths that persist through today. We learn about local economies, societies, politics, and military technologies and tactics of the time, and how they began to change with the war. "Annibale" is an Italian fellow war nerd. He was a RWN guest for our 3-part "Years Of Lead" series on Italy in the Cold War (episodes 135, 136, 139); as well as episode #131 on the Italian Resistance in WWII, and episode #134, an introduction to Italy's postwar "Years Of Lead" period.