BBC History UK - Christmas 2023

In this issue

The brutality behind the Boston Tea Party
Elinor Evans reveals how this touchstone event in the US national founding story was rooted in violence.

The many faces of Napoleon
David Andress and Laura O’Brien explore how the French leader’s reputation has fared over the two centuries since his death..

How do intractable conflicts come to an end?

The Israel-Gaza war is dominating the news at the moment, but rather than exploring its roots, I wanted to discuss other examples of seemingly intractable conflicts and how they come to an end. What examples from your research would you like to highlight?

7 mins

Hard times: what centuries of cost-of-living crises reveal

As prices have soared in recent months, living costs have outstripped many incomes in the UK.

5 mins

It is one of the most fascinating shows that I have ever seen

I’VE JUST RETURNED FROM A TRIP TO NEW YORK.

3 mins

Up to 100 million Chinese became refugees in their own country

IF IT HADN’T BEEN FOR A JAPANESE SOLDIER needing a toilet break in July 1937, things could have been so different.

3 mins

"People like to tell themselves that the origins of American independence were non-violent.But it's not true"

The Boston Tea Party is often cited as a model of peaceful civil protest. But, as reveals, on the 250th anniversary of this milestone in America's foundational story, it occurred against a backdrop of bloodshed

10+ mins

The long death of the Roman republic

Julius Caesar’s murder is often seen as the event that ushered in the age of emperors. Yet structural weaknesses had plagued Rome’s republic long before his death

10 mins

THE RACE ACROSS THE ATLANTIC

In 1969, everyone from Prince Michael of Kent to Billy Butlin competed in a dash between London and New York aboard tandems, sedan chairs and jump jets recalls a madcap forerunner of Race Across the World

7 mins

THE MANY FACES OF NAPOLEON

As a major new film explores the life of the French emperor, Matt Elton asks historians Laura O'Brien and David Andress how we can make sense of the diverse and contradictory aspects of Napoleon's character and career

10+ mins

The queen behind the veil

Matilda of Scotland, wife of Henry I, did perhaps more than any other figure to bridge the chasm between the Anglo-Saxons and their Norman conquerors.  So why, asks has she been written out of history?

7 mins

Walter Cowan Britain's oldest commando

For some servicemen hardened by a long military career, death in battle is preferable to simply fading away in old age. Tells the story of one such man, a retired naval officer who leapt bravely back into the fray during the Second World War at the age of 70

6 mins

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BBC History UK Magazine Description:

BBC History Magazine is Britain’s bestselling history magazine devoted to history enthusiasts of all levels of knowledge and interest. Published 13 times a year, BBC History Magazine brings history to life with informative, lively and entertaining features written by the world’s leading historians and journalists. Whether it is the history of our politics and institutions, or the fascinating stories of our private lives through the ages, BBC History Magazine sheds new light on the past and helps make more sense of today’s world.Covering the latest new developments in history and archaeology from Britain and around the world, the latest, most thought provoking historical research and strong links with TV and radio programming maximizing use of BBC’s existing expertise in the genre.