In this episode of Why Wars Happened, we talk with historian Peter Wilson from the University of Oxford about the long and often misunderstood history of German-speaking peoples since 1500. As the author of Iron and Blood, Wilson helps break down how centuries of conflict, shifting borders, and political ambition shaped the region—from the Holy Roman Empire to the rise of Prussia and the eventual unification of Germany.

We look at how military traditions and national myths developed, the role of Austria, and the impact of key figures like Bismarck. Whether you're interested in Germany’s past or the broader forces behind Europe's wars, this conversation offers clear and thoughtful insight into a complex history.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction

00:50 – Guest: Peter Wilson

01:29 – Germany’s fragmented beginnings

05:36 – The rise and influence of Prussia

14:21 – Military traditions and their legacy

19:41 – The Holy Roman Empire and Austria

28:11 – Bismarck and unification

30:30 – Closing thoughts

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INTERVIEW: German History 1500-Present with Historian Peter Wilson

Hey guys, welcome back to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast, where you learn about the causes of wars and things like, why did it happen? Was it inevitable? Who was involved?

Sometimes I go back hundreds of years just so we can understand what happened in our narrative episodes covering the long course of a war and the background of the war. And if you want to talk more about war, we also have authors, historians, war generals, royalty, actors, filmmakers, a whole bunch of people come on as guests and we talk about everything about before, during, and after war. So let's go!

The Why Wars Happened History Podcast covers The American Revolution, World War I, World War II, Medieval Wars in England, The Habsburg Empire, The War in Iraq, Scottish wars, The War of the Roses, The Cuban Missile Crisis, The Cold War, The Thirty Years War, The Hundred Years War, The American Civil War, and many others.

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