Long History: Recent Episodes
Long History
The words that make up history. Listen to Columbus’ account of his first journey across the Atlantic. Explore Magellan’s 1519 voyage around the world. Hear witnesses to the development of the first Spanish colony on The Philippines, 1565-1567. Here are the full documents, over as many episodes as it takes, giving you a deep dive into history.
How major was Major? Find out about John Major, prime minister in the 1990s and the PM to have gained the most election-winning votes in a single general election ever.
Theresa May was the second female prime minister who entered office after the Brexit referendum. How did she deal with the impossible fallout from that momentous event in UK politics?
The Marquess of Salisbury, Robert Gascoyne-Cecil, was the last prime minister of the Victorian era. How was he the epitome of a conservative prime minister?
Tony Blair was prime minister for an impressive ten years. His premiership can be divided into two: before and after a certain date in 2001. Here, we look at how Blair's reputation has been affected by the decisions he made after that date.
He was prime minister for just under a year in the early 1960s, yet he harked back to prime ministers from a different era. How did Douglas-Home shine a light on the attitude of UK voters towards its prime ministers?
The third longest-serving prime minister was in office at the time of the Battle of Waterloo and the Peterloo Massacre. How did this PM hold back the tide of change?
He was the longest serving Conservative Party leader, and became prime minister three times in the 1850s and 1860s, yet Edward Smith-Stanley's time in the top job barely added up to four years in total. Why were all his premierships so brief?
The only Canadian ever to be UK prime minister, Andrew Bonar Law was in the top job for only seven months. However, he was central to politics in the early 20th century.
What happened to John Smith while he was captive amongst the local people? How does Pocahontas save his life?
How did Harold Wilson respond to the swinging 60s? The prime minister during the late 1960s and mid 1970s headed a government responsible for significant reform and economic muddle.
What happens to Captain John Smith when he is captured by the local people in Virginia?
Is this the longest serving 18th century prime minister you've never heard of? Pelham: the most important prime ministerial name to have been forgotten by history? Find out why he was in office for over a decade, and why, despite the length of his tenure, he isn't one of the more celebrated premiers.
This episode contains two of the remaining documents about Amerigo Vespucci. What is the evidence that Vespucci was given Castilian citizenship?
The prime minister before Margaret Thatcher was a popular man who waited too long to hold a general election. Find out about the prime minister during the 'winter of discontent'.
(9 or 12) In his third voyage, starting in 1503, how does Amerigo Vespucci describe the stars in the southern hemisphere?
During his premiership, John Stuart was one of the most unpopular prime ministers ever. Why?
As the Whigs were becoming the Liberals, John Russell was prime minister. His career spanned the whole of the first half of Victoria's reign, from the 1830s to the 1860s.
(6 of 12) How does Amerigo Vespucci describe the northern coast of South America in 1499-1500?
(5 of 12) On Amerigo Vespucci's 1499 journey to the Americas, what is the strange herb that the local people chew?
One of the most famous and most superlative of the early prime ministers, why was Pitt the Younger such a successful premier?
(4 of 12) Towards the end of the first voyage, why does Vespucci take so many prisoners?
(3 of 12) On his first journey, in 1497, why does Amerigo Vespucci describe one area as looking like Venice?
Sometimes, minor prime ministers do major things. George Grenville introduced an innocuous little tax and accidentally helped to create a country along the way: only the blummin' United States! Learn why Grenville made his misstep here.
(2 of 12) How does the supposed document about Amerigo Vespucci’s first journey describe the first group of local people met in the Americas?
Arguably the 19th century's most famous prime minister, not least because he created a police force who would use his name ('bobby'). What else led to Robert Peel being one of the most reformist of all prime ministers?
What stood out in the source documents about Jacques Cartier's journeys exploring the area of Canada's St Lawrence River? What makes these documents different from others looked at on Long History?
French explorer Jacques Cartier explored the area of the St Lawrence River in the 1500s, leading to the earliest written use of the word Canada. What were the main events during Cartier's three journeys to the area of today's Montreal and Quebec City?
One of the earliest prime ministers was also the only one to follow his brother into the top job. Find out more about Thomas Pelham-Holles, the Duke of Newcastle, who was prime minister during the Seven Years War.
Long History has just passed its second birthday. We've heard fantastical claims about El Dorado, we've followed the earliest explorers across the Pacific and heard eye-witness accounts of the earliest exploration and settlement of North America. What were the highlights of Long History's second year?
On Columbus' second journey he went to find out what happened to the men he left behind on Hispaniola. On the third journey he headed towards the southern Caribbean on his search for new lands. What were the main surprises along the way?
Victoria's reign was over; the 20th century had begun. Balfour represented the last gasps of the Victorian era. Why has he, even recently, raised controversy?
Columbus’ first journey is of course his most famous, but what happened on the journeys were he returned to the Americas?
(18 of 18) John White left possessions behind when he left Virginia in 1587. Three years later he return, to find out what happened to the more than 120 people he'd left behind to found a settlement. They had all disappeared, but there was another question: what had happened to his possessions?
Who was the prime minister mentioned in The Beatles' Taxman ("Haha Mr Heath")? Edward Heath took office as the 70s began, leading to a turbulent decade in British politics.
(17 of 18) What clues did the early English settlers of Virginia leave behind to explain their disappearance?
(16 of 18) Where do the English visit on this fifth journey to Virginia? Before reaching Virginia, John White sailed the Caribbean, picking fights with the Spanish along the way, leading to what amounts to a first-hand account of 16th century piracy.
Why is Lloyd George seen as one of the best prime ministers ever? Yes, he won World War One, but what were his other transformative achievements?
(15 of 18) Why did the governor John White return to England, leaving the colonists behind?
(14 of 18) What mistake led to the English killing friendly locals instead of their enemies?
David Cameron's premiership is linked with austerity and Brexit. This is a tale of three referendums. Was it third time lucky for David Cameron?
(13 of 18) John White headed a 1587 expedition to set up a new English colony in Virginia. He travelled to Roanoake expecting to find 15 men left behind on a previous voyage. What did John White find when he arrived?
(12 of 18) This is a first-hand source of the earliest attempts by the English to settle Virginia. In this episode, Sir Francis Drake Arrives, offering help. What help does Drake give, and do these first English settlers in Virginia accept his offer?
Margaret Thatcher is one of the most famous of the UK's prime ministers, and one of the most divisive. She is both celebrated and hated. What did she do that was so good, and so bad?
(11 of 18) During the earliest English attempt to settle North America, who were behind the local people’s battles against the English?
(10 of 18) How did relations develop between the English and the local people of Virginia?
Spencer Perceval was the only UK prime minister to be assassinated. Beyond that fact, what else is there to know about the country's seventeenth prime minister?
(9 of 18) What were the settlers of Virgnia hoping to find that would justify the settlement of the area by the English?
(8 of 18) How did the early English relations with the local people of Virginia evolve?
One of our most recent prime ministers also turned out to have the shortest tenure in the job ever. How did Liz Truss become prime minister, and which historic event happened while she was in office?
On the second of Raleigh’s journeys, what do the English find when they reach Roanoake? This episode also covers a brief account of a third voyage to the colony around a year later. What state is the colony in, around a year later?
Who was the first Labour Party prime minister? Why were words such as 'turncoat' used against him? Find out about 39th prime minister Ramsay MacDonald, who was in office between the two world wars.
(5 of 18) The second of Raleigh's Virginia voyages of the 1580s was headed by Sir Richard Greenville. Before reaching the North American continent, the ships passed through the Spanish Caribbean. How did the Spanish in the 1580s react to the English in the Caribbean?
(4 of 18) During the first voyage by the English to Virginia, how do they describe the area of Roanoake?
Who was prime minister in the late Victorian era? Archibald Primrose was one of three prime minister in the 1890s, but he lasted for just a year, until it became obvious how unsuited to the job he was. Find out about how this aristocrat, who seemed destined to become premier, then flopped badly when he reached the top job.
(3 of 18) Long History's second document of the series Sir Walter Raleigh and Virginia continues. The English have reached Virginia and met with the King’s brother. They go back to his town. How was the first visit of the English to a Virginian town in the 1580s?
(2 of 18) This is the first section of a source document about Sir Walter Raleigh and the early Virginia settlements. This document, which looks at the first voyage by the English to settle Virginia, is part of our 18-part series covering seven source documents. What was the first ever meeting like between the English and the people of Virginia?
Who was the prime minister as the 1950s turned into the 1960s? Find out about Harold Macmillan, drafted into the top spot after the disastrous Suez Crisis.
(1 of 18) Our series on Walter Raleigh and Virginia starts here. In 18 parts we cover seven historic documents about the earliest British attempts to settle North America.
This first episode covers Elizabeth I's official document giving Raleigh the right to settle Virginia.
The documents in this series:
- 1: Elizabeth grants permission
- 2: Voyage 1 to Virginia in 3 episodes
- 3: Voyage 2 in 2 episodes
- 4: Voyage 3 in 1 episode
- 5: Eleven months in Virginia, in 6 episodes
- 6: Voyages 4 in 3 episodes
- 7: Voyage 5 in 3 episodes
What did the official document say that gave Sir Walter Raleigh the ability to explore and settle Virginia? Listen to Queen Elizabeth’s words in this episode, and follow Long History for further episodes about the early colonisation of Virginia.
(15 of 15) Jacques Cartier is on his third journey exploring the area of today’s Quebec. How does Jacques Cartier’s third and final journey end?
Who was the prime minister at the peak of the British Empire? One example is today's random prime minister, the man in charge during the Crimean War and the Indian Mutiny. Henry John Temple, Viscount Palmerston, was happy to use patriotism as one of the tools in his political arsenal. Along the way, he had a city (and a town!) in New Zealand named after him.
(14 of 15) Jacques Cartier's third historic voyage to Canada began in 1540. What happened to Donnaconna, Lord of Canada, who was captured during Cartier’s second journey and taken back to France?
(13 of 15) In May 1536, Jacques Cartier finished exploring the St Lawrence River, and, having taken a local leader captive, decided to return to France. How was Cartier’s return home?
Who was the shortest serving prime minister before 2023? Why was his time in office so brief? Find out about one of the great prime ministers we didn't quite have, George Canning.
(12 of 15) Cartier is exploring Canada's St Lawrence River in the 1530s. As his second journey comes to an end, he comes up with a plot to take the lord of the area back to France. What is the plot, and does it work?
(11 of 15) What illness did the men suffer during Cartier’s 1530s exploration of the St Lawrence River in Canada?
Who was the man in charge when Britain signed the treaty acknowledging the loss of the 13 colonies? With two brief tenures as prime minister, William Cavendish-Bentinck spanned the 18th and 19th centuries.
(10 of 15) How did the French describe the beliefs, animals and rivers of Canada in the 1530s?
During Cartier’s 1530s expedition up Canada's St Lawrence river, how was he treated by the local people?
William Gladstone, the archetypal Victorian prime minister, was, nevertheless, disliked by Queen Victoria. He had a very long political career, during which he became one of the great reformers. Who was the man who dominated politics during the whole of the second half of the 19th century?
(8 of 15) Cartier's 1535 exploration of Canada have headed further up the St Lawrence River. What are the earliest written descriptions of the area of today’s Montreal?
(7 of 15) On his 1535 journey up the St Lawrence River, Cartier has reached the Quebec City area. What did the people of the area, then called Stadacona, do to stop Cartier going further up the river? Why did Cartier insist on proceeding?
The Dukes of Devonshire and their family are famed for many things, including Chatsworth, their historic and beautiful seat in Derbyshire. One member of this well-connected family was briefly prime minister. Find out about his time in office here.
(6 of 15) What were earliest French sightings of the area of today’s Quebec city, and its people?
How did Churchill's heir, Eden, become prime minister? How did the end of the British empire cut Eden's time short as prime minister? Find out about the Suez crisis and its consequences, both for the UK and for the 41st prime minister.
(4 of 15) During his 1534 journeys to explore the Atlantic coast of Canada, why did famous French explorer Jacquer Cartier cut his first journey short and return home?
The 11th prime minister was in office when the United States declared their independence. How and why did Frederick North - Lord North - lose America?
(2 of 15) How does Cartier describe the northern coast of Newfoundland and the waters on the way to Prince Edward Island?
(1 of 15) Jacques Cartier explored and named the St Lawrence river during three journeys beginning in 1534. Theories also suggest he was the first European to use the name Canada. Here listen to the account of the three journeys by the man himself. What did the famous French explorer find as he sailed from the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland into Canada's interior?
Robert Walpole, the first prime minister, was a huge act to follow. Did the second prime minister live up to his famous predecessor? (quick answer: no)
Vasco da Gama's journey to India changed the world. What are some of the surprises contained in the document describing that journey?
Discover the main events in this Portuguese explorer's historic journey. Follow da Gama as he opens a sea route from Europe to India via the tip of South Africa.
The 20th prime minster was an accidental prime minister who barely stayed in the job for four months. How did he end up with the job, and why did he leave so quickly? Was it something to do with his nicknames: Goody, Prosperity and the Blubberer?
(10 of 10) After exploring the southern Caribbean, on his return to Hispaniola, what does Columbus find?
Also known as Viscount Melbourne, this was Queen Victoria's first prime minister, who gave his name to an Australian city. Find out more about the man and his wife's infamous love affair with Lord Byron.
(8 of 10) On his third journey Columbus explores the gulf of Paria between Trinidad and Venezuela. When does he finally escape the gulf?
(7 of 10) Columbus is exploring the waters between Trinidad and today's Venezuela. What riches does he find here?
The tenth prime minister was an aristocrat whose time in office was dominated by scandal. Find out about the first divorced prime minister and his attitude to the fateful tea tax.
(6 of 10) In this episode, Las Casas, who wrote this document based on Columbus' journals, condemns Columbus' treatment of the people he met in the Caribbean. How was Columbus criticised by Las Casas?
The first wholly 19th century prime minister was Henry Addington. He was also the first to take office in the newly defined United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and the first middle class prime minister. Find out about this apparently unambitious, stopgap prime minister here.
Winston Churchill was prime minister twice, most famously during World War Two. Was his peacetime premiership as outstanding as his wartime period in office?
(2 of 10) How did Columbus’ third route across the Atlantic differ from his previous journeys?
Clement Attlee, the 42nd prime minister, was the first premier after WWII. Find out more about the man who created the national health service.
(6 of 6) Columbus has reached Hispaniola and has discovered the fate of the men left behind on his previous voyage. How was Hispaniola described in 1494?
(5 of 6) Columbus has reached the settlement he left behind on his previous journey. What reasons were given by the local people for the destruction of the first Spanish settlement in the Americas? What happened to its men?
Who was the first prime minister of Great Britain? He was also the longest-serving prime minister: what made him so exceptional?
(4 of 6) During his first journey to the Americas, Columbus Columbus was forced to leave 39 men behind. On his second journey he went in search for them. What did he find when he finally reached them?
(3 of 6) How was the first European sighting of Puerto Rico? When did Europeans first see St Martin and The Virgin Islands in the Caribbean?
The 22nd prime minister was much more than a cup of tea. He fundamentally reformed the country's voting system and finally made slavery illegal. Find out more in this episode.
(2 of 6) On Columbus's second journey how was his visit to Guadeloupe? How were the people, their rivalries and even their canibalism, described? Should we take the descriptions at face value?
(1 of 6) On the second voyage by Christopher Columbus, where did he first reach in the Caribbean? This episode of Long History introduces Christopher Columbus' second voyage, including a brief summary of his first voyage. The principal destination of this voyage was the settlement of Navidad. Columbus wanted to see what had happened to the 39 men who were left behind on Hispaniola on his previous voyage.
Who dealt with US calls for independence? Here is an introduction to the 8th prime minister, Charles Watson-Wentworth, who was prime minister twice, in the 1760s and for less than four months in the 1780s. He was in opposition when the US declared independence, and was premier both before and after that declaration, and so dealt with the fallout of this momentous split. He also helped to crystallise the concept of an opposition in British politics.
The 35th prime minister was in office at the beginning of World War One. Find out about Herbert Asquith and his passions.
(3 of 5) When did the Spanish take over Manila in the Philippines, and how did the people in the area react.
(2 of 5) In 1570, the Spanish still hadn’t established a capital for their new colony on the Philippines. Why did Spanish governor Legazpi decide to make Manila his base?
Prime minister number 40 is most famous for being in office as World War Two began. Find out about the missteps of Neville Chamberlain, the man who didn't bring 'peace in our time'.
(1 of 5) In 1570, the Spanish had set up their first colonies on the Philippines, but they still had not found their colonial capital, Manila. This is the second of a pair of documents serialised on Long History about the early settlement of Manila on Luzon island, What was life like for the Spanish in the Philippines before they settled Luzon?
(5 of 5) In their quest to create a colonial capital on the Philippines, what reasons did the Spanish give for the 1570 battle for Manila?
Find out about the UK's 34th prime minister, the archetypal Edwardian prime minister, who was in office from December 1905 to April 1908. He was the first person officially to be called ‘prime minister’ and was the only prime minister to die in Downing Street. Find out how, along the way, he set in motion events which set the tone for the whole 20th century.
(4 of 5) In 1570, the Spanish went to Manila, site of their future colonial capital, for the first time. How was the first meeting between the Spanish and the King of Manila?
(3 of 5) The Spanish are on a quest to find a base for their new colony on the Philippines. How was Manila Bay described by the Spanish in the 1500s? Who was the leader of the area at that time?
An introduction to the UK's 16th prime minister, from 11 February 1806 to 25 March 1807. William Wyndham Grenville was the man who abolished the slave trade in the British empire. Along the way, find out how many prime ministers have been the sons of other prime ministers and what was in the news in the early 1800s.
About the series: Random Prime Minister of the Week
Each week we pick UK prime ministers at random and create a brief introduction to who they were, how they reached the top job, and what led to their tenure coming to an end.
(2 of 5) In 1570, Captain Juan de Salzedo and the master-of-camp Martín de Goite are exploring the north-central Philippines, leading to tense standoffs with the locals. They have heard of a promising place called Manila and are making their way in that direction. In this episode they reach Luzon island, the largest of the islands on the Philippines. What battles do they have along the way?
Here we look at the most surprising aspects of Henry Hudson's four journeys to find a route from England to the Far East. Were those earlier journeys were quite as event-free as they seemed? And how much can we believe the accounts of that dramatic final, fateful voyage?
Long History has covered all four of famous explorer Henry Hudson's journeys. These include his voyages along North America's Atlantic coast, where he sailed up New York's Hudson River, and his fateful journey to Canada's Hudson Bay. In this episode of Long History we look back on those journeys and pick out the top ten events. These are four journeys which begin very slowly and innocuously, only to build up to a dramatic ending.
(12 of 15) How did Vasco da Gama react when some of the Portuguese were taken as hostages?
(9 of 15) Da Gama’s historic journey has led him to India. How was the famous Portuguese explorer's arrival in Asia?
(7 of 15) On Vasco da Gama's record-breaking journey, how is Mombasa described in the 1400s?
(5 of 15) Now into the pioneering part of his historic journey, who does da Gama meet on the south-east coast of Africa?
(3 of 15) Vasco da Gama reaches the tip of southern Africa on his world-changing journey. Where were the limits of previous Portuguese expeditions before Vasco da Gama?
(2 of 15) When did the Atlantic island of Saint Helena get its name? And how was Vasco da Gama’s first meeting with its people?
(1 of 15) Along with Vasco da Gama, who are said to be the greatest of all the navigators from the Age of Discovery?
(2 of 2) How were meetings between early explorers and the people of the Americas and beyond. Here we look at:
- Sir Francis Drake and the people of today's California.
- Sir Walter Raleigh and the people of the Venezuela area.
- Henry Hudson and the people of the New York are and Canada's Hudson Bay.
- First encounters between the Spanish and the local people, as the former set up their first colony on the Philippine islands.
(1 of 2) What were the first meetings like between Europeans and the people they met in the Americas? We'll give you some examples here, including Columbus's first encounter with Caribbean people, as well as Magellan in Argentina and early explorers of the mainland US.
We've just heard about Henry Hudson memorable fate. What are some of the other more memorable deaths on Long History so far?
(21 of 25) On Henry Hudson’s final voyage, why was there a mutiny, and who was involved?
(14 of 25) Henry Hudson has arrived in the area around today's New York. Where does he visit in the New York area?
(13 of 25) On his famous 1609 voyage, how far south did Hudson go along the US coastline?
(12 of 25) On his explorations of the US coastline, how did Hudson describe the lands of today’s Massachusetts?
(11 of 25) How are Hudson’s first meeting with the local people on the North American continent?
(10 of 25) What are the first descriptions of Hudson reaching the North American continent?
(9 of 25) Henry Hudson begins the journey where he would visit today's Canada and the United States, including the New York river that would be given his name. How did Hudson's third journey begin?
(8 of 25) Hudson turns back and heads home on his second voyage. Where does he visit on the way back from his second journey?
(6 of 25) On his second journey Hudson has passed the Norwegian coast and is now going beyond, into the Barents Sea. What does he see in these frozen seas?
(4 of 25) Overrun by ice, Hudson decides to head back home. What is Hudson’s route home on his first journey?
(3 of 25) Hudson reaches Svalbard, today part of Norway. What animals does Hudson see on his journey?
(2 of 25) Hudson heads up the Greenland coast on his first voyage. How is Hudson’s first journey into the Arctic circle?
(1 of 25) How did the Hudson, New York’s famous river, and Canada’s vast Hudson Bay get their names? In this series, by Long History, we’ll listen to Henry Hudson's Diverse Voyages and Northern Discoveries to find out about Hudson's famous journeys to discover a route the Far East via the North. Listen to the words of the man himself and people who took part in the voyages.
In this episode the famous navigator's first journey begins. Where does Hudson explore first?
Sir Walter Raleigh's The Discovery of Guiana is a strange document, not so much a description of an expedition, more a case for conquest and colonisation. What were the most striking details of this eccentric document?
(4 of 5) On their first attempt to return to New Spain, why was Saavedra forced to turn back? And which places did he visit on his wild goose chase?
(3 of 5) What do the Saavedra's men find when they finally catch up with the Loasia expedition.
(2 of 5) What happened to men from previous Spanish expeditions who were lost on the Philippines?
(1 of 5) In 1527, Saavedra set off with the third ever Spanish expedition to cross the Pacific. The crew were searching for news of the previous expedition, headed by Loaisa. A decade had still not passed since Magellan's first ever European passage across the Pacific. These were pioneering, world-changing voyages. Did Saavedra find Loaisa?
What aspects stood out during Hernando de Soto's exploration of the area of the southern United States?
Hernando de Soto was one of the earliest Europeans to explore the area between today's Florida and Arkansas, taking in most of the states in between. What were the main events during Hernando de Soto's expedition?
(18 of 18) What arguments did Raleigh use to try to persuade Queen Elizabeth to conquer Guiana?
(15 of 18) Why did Sir Walter Raleigh choose to return home rather than forge ahead in his search for riches?
(14 of 18) Raleigh’s descriptions sometimes lapse into fantasy. What are some examples of Raleigh’s more exaggerated claims?
(12 of 30) What were Raleigh’s impressions as he headed up the Orinoco in his search for El Dorado?
(11 of 18) As Raleigh continued exploring the Orinoco’s tributaries, did the reputation that the Spanish had first established in the area work for or against this Englishman as the local people encountered another European?
(10 of 18) During his voyage to explore Guiana and find El Dorado, how did Raleigh choose his route?
(8 of 18) Raleigh got much of his information about El Dorado from Berreo, the Spanish governor he took prisoner on Trinidad. How does Berreo react when Raleigh finally reveals that he wants to follow in his footsteps and search for the city of gold?
(6 of 30) Sir Walter Raleigh wanted to conquer El Dorado. According to him, what were some of the most famous and notorious attempts to find the legendary city of gold, before he made his attempt?
(4 of 30) Raleigh has made it across the Atlantic and made friends with some of the local people of Trinidad. He tells us what he has heard of the legendary city of gold. Why did Raleigh choose to search for El Dorado?
(3 of 18) Sir Walter Raleigh begins his journey, crossing the Atlantic to Trinidad island in the Caribbean and finding a society in flux. What was life on Trinidad like in the 1500s?
(2 of 18) As the famed explorer introduces his document, why does he feel the need to defend himself?
(1 of 18) Why did Sir Walter Raleigh write his document about his search for El Dorado? Listen to Sir Walter Raleigh’s own words, in his eccentric account of his expedition into the interior of northern South America. It was rumoured that the legendary El Dorado was just waiting to be discovered, and conquered, in this area.
Long History has just passed its first birthday. After recording eight historic documents over more than 170 episodes, which events stood out amongst the tales of mutiny, murder, discovery and colonisation we've covered? Listen to the moment Columbus landed on the Americas, the scene describing the death of Magellan and examples of Francis Drake's piracy, amongst others.
(25 of 25) How were the expedition members received when, five years after they began their journey, they finally reached New Spain?
(24 of 25) How do the remaining expedition members react when they finally reach Spanish-speaking lands?
(23 of 25) The expedition has finally left the American mainland, but how is their time in the stormy waters of the gulf?
(22 of 25) Five years into the journey, the expedition reaches one of its most perilous points. What happened to the remaining expedition members as they sailed the Mississippi?
(21 of 25) After four years exploring the United States, how did the expedition members plan to return to the Spanish speaking world?
(20 of 25) With a new leader, and having decided to return to Spanish-speaking lands, why did the expedition turn back from Texas?
(18 of 25) After three years exploring the North American mainland, how did Hernando de Soto’s story end, and who was his replacement?
(17 of 25) Around three years into his journey, what led up to Hernando de Soto’s lowest point?
(16 of 25) On his expedition, what issues did Hernando de Soto have when trying to communicate with local people?
(15 of 25) De Soto's expedition from the 1500s is in Northern Arkansas and meets various groups of local people. How were his relations with the people of Arkansas?
(14 of 25) After the battles in Alabama and the rout in Mississippi, how were Hernando de Soto’s relationships with the people of Arkansas?
(13 of 25) The expedition began its exploration of North America in today's Florida state, and in this episode reaches Arkansas. In this episode are some of the first ever detailed descriptions of the Mississippi river by Europeans. Where was Hernando de Soto’s first sighting of the Mississippi?
(12 of 25) After their battles in the Alabama area, the expedition moves on to today's Mississippi state only to find their reputation still precedes them. What battles await them in Mississippi?
(11 of 25) In Alabama, the local people are not friendly. How does de Soto react when attacked?
(10 of 25) The expedition has travelled from Florida to Tennessee and has now reached Alabama. Their reputation with the local people precedes them. Was Hernando de Soto welcomed in Alabama?
(9 of 25) From today's North Carolina, one of the earliest ever European expeditions to explore the US mainland has headed west. This episode begins in Tennessee, with de Soto and his men heading southwards. Where did de Soto’s expedition visit in Tennessee?
(8 of 25) De Soto and his expedition travel through North Carolina and Tennessee. How did the Gentleman of Elvas describe these places?
(7 of 25) The expedition travels through Atlantic coastal states. What does de Soto see as he travels through Georgia and South Carolina, and who does he meet?
(6 of 25) In this episode, de Soto reaches the Florida panhandle. Where did de Soto cross over from Florida to Georgia?
(5 of 25) As the expedition explored Florida, what were relations like with the local people of Florida?
(4 of 25) What were the first meetings like between de Soto and local leaders in Florida?
(3 of 25) The expedition finally makes it to the North American mainland. How were de Soto’s first days in Florida?
(2 of 25) The expedition makes its way across the Atlantic to reach Cuba. What was Cuba like, four decades after the Spanish began its colonisation?
(1 of 25) Listen to some of the earliest written descriptions by Europeans of North America. In this series, we follow one of the first European expeditions to explore the southerly states of the US, including Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, Texas and Arkansas. Who headed this expedition? Why did he want to explore the North American mainland?
In the narrative about Francis' Drakes journey around the world, what moments stood out the most?
What were the main events that took place during Francis Drake's voyage around the world? Here we take a look at the document about Drake's journey, previously serialised on Long History in 20 episodes, and pick out the main events.
(10 of 10) Urdaneta has returned home, but in this final episode he gives his description of the Spice Islands as he sees them. How were the Spice Islands described by Europeans in the 1500s?
On his return to Spain in 1535, after ten years in the Spice Islands, where did Urdaneta visit?
(7 of 10) After nearly a decade in the Spice Islands, how did the remnants of Loaisa's expedition arrange their journey home?
(6 of 10) In 1529, the Spanish and Portuguese on the Spice Islands had been squabbling for years. The locals finally lose patience with the Europeans, their promises and their conflicts. What did the Portuguese captain, Jorge de Meneses, do to spark an uprising?
(4 of 10) The crew have crossed half of the world to reach the Spice Islands, only to be told to leave by the Portuguese. What do the Portuguese do to try to oust the Spanish?
(3 of 10) The first crew to cross the Pacific after Magellan have now reached the Spice Islands, only to find that the Portuguese are already in the area. How do the Castilians respond to Portuguese threats?
(2 of 10) Magellan had a terrible time on his journey across the Pacific. During their first attempt to cross the Pacific after Magellan, what perils did Loaisa’s crew meet?
(1 of 10) Magellan’s voyage is of course world famous, but other explorers came afterwards, attempting the same journey, often with catastrophic consequences. This document is an eye-witness account of the first European attempt, after Magellan, to cross the Pacific. The expedition was headed by a man called Loaisa. After Magellan’s expedition, how was the first European to attempt to cross the Pacific?
Whereas early explorers often dismiss the people they meet on their journeys as savages, Cabeza de Vaca's eight years amongst the people of North America meant that he had to develop a deeper knowledge of them. Here we discuss some ways in which the explorer sees the people he meets as more than just cliches. What were some of the other standout aspects to Cabeza de Vaca's document?
What were the ten main events of Cabeza de Vaca's arduous expedition around America's Gulf Coast in the early 1500s?
(9 of 20) How did Francis Drake weather the storms at the southern tip of South America?
(5 of 20) What did Francis Drake and his crew think of the people they met along the Argentinian coast of South America?
Listen to Francis Drake's famous voyage about the world, in which he tries to find a northern passage around the Americas, leading to some of the earliest descriptions of the people in the place that would eventually be known as California.
The voyage began on November 15, 1577 and ended almost three later on the 26 September 1580.
(1 of 20) Why did Drake’s fleet have a false start?
Which aspects of the document about the early days of the first Spanish settlement on the Philippines stood out?
What were the principal events during the first two years of the first Spanish settlement on The Philippines, from 1565 to 1567?
(20 of 20) How does Cabeza de Vaca's narrative end? Also, some loose ends.... at the beginning of the expedition, what happened to the other crew members who went to Florida but stayed on the ships as the expedition set off on land?
(19 of 20) After eight years, how was Cabeza de Vaca's return to the Spanish-speaking world?
(18 of 20) After many years, what were Cabeza de Vaca's first encounters with Christians like?
(11 of 20) Cabeza de Vaca has been enslaved by a group of local people. How does he escape?
(10 of 20) How did Cabeza de Vaca describe the various people he met in the Texas area?
(9 of 20) What happened to the others on Cabeza de Vaca's expedition? What, in particular, was the fate of the expedition's leader?
(1 of 20) These are the adventures, perhaps the misadventures, of a man called Alvar Nuñez Cabeza de Vaca, who was part of an expedition to conquer and colonise the gulf coast of North America, beginning in 1528. The initial aims of the expedition, however, soon changed drastically and Cabeza de Vaca’s account here changes from one of conquest and colonisation to one of survival, as he spent a total eight years in the gulf coast area, in Texas and Northern Mexico, before finding a way back to the Spanish-speaking world.
Celebrating the 500th anniversary of the Magellan fleet's arrival back in Spain after circumnavigating the world for the first time ever. To celebrate this event, listen to ten eyewitness moments from that journey.
What were some of the most surprising aspects of Columbus' document about his first journey across the Atlantic?
(20 of 20) Last episode of this series! Who proved to be the biggest threat to the Spanish during the early days of the settlement?
(18 of 20) How did the Spanish respond to threats during the early days of their settlement on The Philippines?
(17 of 20) How did the Spanish view the Portuguese in the 1560s? How did the Spanish forge relations with local people in their new colony?
(16 of 20) How did the Spanish respond to threats during the early days of their settlement on The Philippines?
(14 of 20) What happened when everything went wrong on board a ship crossing the Pacific in the 1600s?
(13 of 20) Who was the man that was left behind from a previous Spanish expedition, spending over 20 years with the local people?
(5 of 20) Who was the first local to convert to Christianity and marry a Spaniard after the colony was created?
(4 of 20) What unexpected problems arise when Spanish settlers mix with the people of the area they are colonising?
(1 of 20) What was life like during the earliest days of a Spanish colony? What were their priorities? Who were their enemies? What were their attitudes to the indigenous people they met? Listen to this document from 1565-1567 to find out the answers.
What were the first days of a new Spanish colony like? This episode includes a recap of our previous series The Journey to Colonise The Philippines. It covers some of the translation issues involved when working with Spanish texts from the 1500s, and sets the scene for our next series: The Philippines' First Spanish Colony.
(24 of 30) Why did Columbus 'forgive' the crew of the rebel ship the Pinta when they returned?
(22 of 30) How did Columbus describe the creation of the first Spanish colony in the Americas?
(17 of 30) What were the first meetings between Europeans and the indigenous people of Hispaniola like?
(14 of 30) How did Columbus's early attempts to communicate with indigenous people go? Here we have one example.
(12 of 30) Besides gold, what else was Columbus seeking on his journey across the Atlantic?
(11 of 30) Why did one of Columbus's ships rebel, heading off on its own? This episode contains indigenous people escaping and one ship rebelling, showing that not everything went smoothly on Columbus's voyage.
(10 of 30) Why did Columbus embark on his journey across the Atlantic? In this episode Columbus comments on the abundance of the lands he is visiting. Amongst the many other products he finds, he is always searching for one ultimate prize: gold.
(7 of 30) When Columbus first saw Cuba on his famous 1492 voyage, where did he think he had found?
(6 of 30) Columbus continues his voyage around islands that today make up The Bahamas. He likes what he sees.
(5 of 30) Columbus and the crew explore some more islands in today’s Bahamas, all the time looking for any hints of gold in the area.
(4 of 30) As this section begins, the crew are waiting overnight before exploring the land they have found: the first land they visit in the Americas.
(3 of 30) The punishing journey continues but the crew are rewarded at the end of this episode when land is sighted.
(1 of 30) Columbus sets off on his famous 1492 voyage across the Atlantic, a voyage which will change the world.
A closer look look at Pigafetta’s First Voyage Around the World, listing ten things that surprised Long History about this voyage.
The top ten events during the Magellan fleet's first voyage around the world. This episode introduces, and summarises, our series on First Voyage Around the World, the eyewitness account of the Magellan fleet's journey, written by Pigafetta.
Part 8 (of 8) of The Journey to Colonise The Philippines. In the final part, having arrived in Cebu in 1565, Legazpi and the fleet decide that they want to stay, taking the area for the Spanish empire and beginning the Spanish colony on The Philippines.
Part 7 (of 8) of The Journey to Colonise The Philippines. The crew explore Negros island then head for Cebu in their search for a location for their new colony.
Part 6 (of 8) of The Journey to Colonise The Philippines. Rodriguez and members of the fleet explore today's island of Negros. Once again, they find empty villages as the local people have already fled the Europeans. There is a sudden stand-off between the locals and the Spanish.
Part 5 (of 8) of The Journey to Colonise The Philippines. Estevan Rodríguez visits an island that was nearly abandoned and finds out why the local people are so wary of the fleet.
Part 4 (of 8) of The Journey to Colonise The Philippines. The fleet reached The Philippines in the previous section, now the aim of the crew is to find a suitable place to settle in the islands.
Part 3 (of 8) of The Journey to Colonise The Philippines. The crew wake up in Guam, where events quickly turn to violence and death. They sail on to The Philippines, where another death takes place.
Part 2 (of 8) of The Journey to Colonise The Philippines. On their 1565 voyage across the Pacific, the first island mentioned in this section is today’s Mejit Island in the Marshall islands. The Spanish come across many atolls, then on to Guam, in today’s Northern Mariana islands.
Part 1 (of 8) of The Journey to Colonise The Philippines by Estevan Rodríguez. In the first part, the crew, whose aim is to settle The Philippines, set out from New Spain. Most of the crew don't even know their destination until they are well at sea.
Part 30, the final episode, of the First Voyage Around the World by Pigafetta. We've made it to the end! The return to Spain is as arduous as the outward journey, with numerous rebellions and deaths.
Part 29 of the First Voyage Around the World by Pigafetta. As the remaining crew head home, this penultimate part is filled with descriptions of places like Java and anecdotes about Siam and China.
Part 28 of the First Voyage Around the World by Pigafetta. The crew explore islands which are part of today’s Indonesia, eventually reaching and staying on Timor island.
Part 27 of the First Voyage Around the World by Pigafetta. After the setbacks of the previous section, the remaining crew set sail for the return to Spain.
Part 26 of the First Voyage Around the World by Pigafetta. Some major problems arise at the very moment when the fleet begin to set sail for home, forcing them to change plans drastically.
Part 25 of the First Voyage Around the World by Pigafetta. In the spice islands, the crew suspect that the king is going to betray and kill them.
Part 24 of the First Voyage Around the World by Pigafetta. The king of Portugal is angry that Magellan, a Portuguese man, worked for the Spanish king.
Part 23 of the First Voyage Around the World by Pigafetta. Finding out about the spice islands
Part 22 of the First Voyage Around the World by Pigafetta. The fleet finally reaches its principal destination on 8 November 1521.
Part 21 of the First Voyage Around the World by Pigafetta. The crew heads south, exploring the seas which are today between The Philippines and Indonesia, as they try to find their route to the spice islands.
Part 20 of the First Voyage Around the World by Pigafetta. Describing Borneo. Also, the crew’s boat repairs and exploration of the area’s islands and seas.
Part 19 of the First Voyage Around the World by Pigafetta. The fleet come across a wealthy kingdom with a very private king.
Part 18 of the First Voyage Around the World by Pigafetta. The remaining crew flee Zubu.
Part 17 of the First Voyage Around the World by Pigafetta. The most dramatic events of the journey.
Part 16 of the First Voyage Around the World by Pigafetta. Despite appearances, not everyone on The Philippines wants to submit to the Spanish.
Part 15 of the First Voyage Around the World by Pigafetta. Magellan makes friends and brings Christianity to The Philippines.
Part 14 of the First Voyage Around the World by Pigafetta. Making peace with the King’s nephew.
Part 13 of the First Voyage Around the World by Pigafetta. Reaching Magellan's fateful destination.
Part 12 of the First Voyage Around the World by Pigafetta. Early Christianity on The Philippines.
Part 11 of the First Voyage Around the World by Pigafetta. Magellan sends Pigafetta to dine with a king.
Part 8 of the First Voyage Around the World by Pigafetta. Magellan begins his arduous journey across the Pacific.
Part 7 of the First Voyage Around the World by Pigafetta. In this section one ship disappears from the fleet and heads back to Spain.
Part 6 of the First Voyage Around the World by Pigafetta. A plot to kill Magellan forms as the fleet enters the Magellan Strait.
Part 5 of the First Voyage Around the World by Pigafetta. The crew trick two Patagonians into slavery.
Part 4 of the First Voyage Around the World by Pigafetta. The fleet comes across a section of South American wildlife. Heading south, they meet their first Patagonian man.
Part 3 of the First Voyage Around the World by Pigafetta. The fleet reaches Brazil, described as 'wealthier and larger than Spain, France, and Italy, put together'. They come across some local inhabitants who are described, unfavourably, as cannibals by Pigafetta.
Part 2 of the First Voyage Around the World by Pigafetta. The fleet sets off from Seville, heading down the Atlantic coast. Storms descend, leaving the crew in fear for their lives.
The first part of Pigafetta's First Voyage Around the World, describing the Magellan fleet's circumnavigation of the world, beginning in 1519.