1. History's Most Guilty Man

Our first episode investigates Erich Ludendorff, Germany's World War One general. We examine his fascinating life, and explore the fateful decisions he made which had dire consequences for European history. We discuss his accountability for unleashing the Bolshevik Revolution, unnecessarily prolonging WWI, undermining German democracy and aiding the fledgling Nazi movement. Ludendorff's story takes us on a 20th Century odyssey of war, plots, conspiracy theories, political extremism and mental health. Music: Sergei Rachmaninoff - String Quartet No. 2 as recorded by Steve's Bedroom Band and Steve Jones licensed under Creative Commons 4.0.