In just six weeks, France—once Europe’s strongest military power—collapsed under the weight of Hitler’s Blitzkrieg. As German forces closed in, nearly 400,000 Allied soldiers found themselves trapped on the beaches of Dunkirk, facing certain destruction. What followed was one of the most desperate and miraculous evacuations in military history.

In this episode of Hearthside History, we take you inside the fall of France and the chaos of Dunkirk. How did Germany overrun France so quickly? Why did Hitler halt his forces at Dunkirk? And how did an armada of civilian boats—the legendary Little Ships of Dunkirk—help save an army?

We also examine the cost of France’s surrender, the rise of Vichy rule, and the moment Britain realized it was now standing alone against Hitler’s empire. The war was far from over—the Battle of Britain was about to begin.

Follow Hearthside History for more deep dives into the past, and if you enjoy the show, leave us a five-star review—it helps us bring more stories to history lovers like you!

Apple Podcasts Description for This Episode

🔥The Winter War: When Finland Defied Stalin ❄️

In the brutal winter of 1939, the Soviet Union expected to crush Finland in weeks. Instead, they walked into a frozen nightmare. Finnish soldiers, outnumbered nearly 3 to 1, used the forests, the cold, and sheer resilience to hold off Stalin’s war machine. Snipers likeSimo Häyhä—The White Death racked up hundreds of kills, while ski troops and guerrilla tactics shredded Soviet forces. But even the most determined defense can’t hold forever.

In this episode ofHearthside History, we dive into thefull story of the Winter War—from its origins and Finland’s impossible resistance to the final Soviet offensives that forced Finland to the negotiating table. How did this tiny nation stand against one of the largest armies in history? And how did the lessons of this war influence Hitler’s invasion of the Soviet Union just a year later?

Join host Ben Harwood as we unravel one of WWII’s most overlooked yet crucial conflicts.

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🔎Looking for more gripping history? Check out other shows fromPastCast Studios for deep dives into ancient civilizations, medieval warfare, Cold War espionage, and more.

Next Episode: The Fall of France & The Dunkirk Evacuation — The world watched in shock as Hitler’s forces swept through France in just six weeks. But on the beaches of Dunkirk, against all odds, a desperate evacuation changed history. Don’t miss it!

On September 1, 1939, Germany launched a devastating invasion of Poland, unleashing Blitzkrieg—a revolutionary form of warfare that stunned the world. As Polish forces fought desperately against overwhelming odds, another betrayal was already in motion. Just weeks later, the Soviet Union invaded from the east, sealing Poland’s fate and ensuring its complete collapse. But what if Stalin had stayed out of the fight? Could Poland have held out longer? Would Britain and France have finally intervened?

In this episode of Hearthside History, we break down the invasion from the secret Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact to the siege of Warsaw and the brutal occupation that followed. We uncover the forgotten battles, the heroic resistance, and the devastating human cost of the war’s opening campaign.

Would Poland have stood a chance if the Soviets had never invaded? Listen now to find out.