History
Pope Francis and Argentina’s Dirty War
The new Pope, formerly Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was head of the Jesuit Order in Argentina during much of that nation’s darkest episode, the so-called Dirty War in the 1970s and early ’80s. That has led to some uncomfortable questions there about his role.
British Illustrator Recreates 1960s Feel for ‘Mad Men’ Poster
Anchor Marco Werman speaks with Brian Sanders, the British illustrator who is responsible for the poster of the new season of the hit TV series ‘Mad Men.’
The Chavez Legacy in Latin America
Hugo Chavez had mixed success in exporting his politics and methods to other Latin American countries but he’s still seen as a seminal figure in the history of the region.
The Keyboard Collector of Santiago
Miguel Castillo left Chile when Augusto Pinochet seized power in Chile. Castillo lived in exile for 13 years. Now back in Santiago, he dedicates himself to music, and to a remarkable collection of arcane keyboard instruments.
Author Rory Carroll Reflects on Hugo Chavez’s Political Rule in ‘Comandante’
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has died after a two-year battle with cancer. Anchor Marco Werman speaks with Rory Carroll, former Latin American bureau chief for Britain’s Guardian newspaper, about the man who dominated Venezuela for the past 14 years.
Why Stalin Remains Popular in Parts of Former Soviet Union
Soviet leader Joseph Stalin was one of the most murderous dictators of the 20th century. And yet, 60 years after his death, he remains popular in some former Soviet republics – especially in his own nation of Georgia.
The Case of the Great Train Robbery
The Great Train Robbery figures in our Geo Quiz. Retired police constable John Wooley remembers when he cracked open the investigation nearly 50 years ago (1963). He discovered the train robber’s hangout and their hidden stash of loot.
Dresden Peace Prize Given to an Ex-Soviet Soldier Who Didn’t Do His Job
Former Soviet Lt. Colonel Stanislav Petrov was awarded the Dresden International Peace Prize for not doing his job. During the height of the Cold War, he was on duty at the nuclear command center in the former USSR when he got a warning that five nuclear warheads were headed towards the former USSR. Instead of telling his command, he kept quiet. What year did Petrov make that fateful decision?
Capital of the World: The Race to Host the United Nations
Post-war America was to be home for the fledgling United Nations. Before New York got the nod, hundreds of other cities and towns vied for the honor of building the world capital.
Pope Benedict XVI: First Pope to Resign in 600 Years
Pope Benedict XVI has announced his resignation. He’s the first Pope to quit in almost 600 years. Anchor Marco Werman gets context from Father James Bretzke, professor of moral theology at Boston College.
Amina Cachalia, Veteran of South Africa’s Freedom Struggle, Dies at 82
Amina Cachalia, who’s died in Johannesberg at the age of 82, was a veteran of South Africa’s struggle against apartheid and a close friend to Nelson Mandela for more than sixty years. The World’s Alex Gallafent met her in 2011.
How War Should Be
Across the world, a sub-set of men will settle down this week to watch clips or perhaps the whole of the movie, “Zulu,” pegged to the anniversary of a battle long ago, Jan 22-23, 1879 [...]
British Soldiers, American War – Book Review
War is full of dirty little secrets. The World’s History Editor, Chris Woolf reviews “British Soldiers, American War: Voices of the American Revolution.”
50 Years Élysée Treaty: A Cornerstone of Peace in Europe
France and Germany are celebrating the anniversary of a friendship treaty signed by Charles de Gaulle and Konrad Adenauer on January 22nd, 1963. It was concluded following three devastating military conflicts [...]
British Soldiers of the American Revolution
The common British soldier of the American Revolution has a certain image in the popular imagination. The scum of the earth, pressed into service as an alternative to jail or the gallows, then disciplined brutally with constant floggings to become a mindless killing machine. But recent research is telling quite a different story.
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