Think history is boring? That’s because you’ve only ever heard the fake version.
On History Rage, professional historians come in swinging — smashing the myths, clichés, and half-truths that keep getting recycled in classrooms, documentaries, and TikToks. Vikings with horned helmets? Nope. Britain standing alone in 1940? Wrong. Medieval people never bathed? Rubbish.
Why listen? Because the truth is way more exciting. You’ll leave every episode with jaw-dropping stories, killer facts to shut down pub bores, and the smug satisfaction of knowing what really happened.
🎧 Episodes drop every Monday.
📲 Follow now and get the history they don’t teach you — raw, raging, and real.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Think history is boring? That’s because you’ve only ever heard the fake version.
On History Rage, professional historians come in swinging — smashing the myths, clichés, and half-truths that keep getting recycled in classrooms, documentaries, and TikToks. Vikings with horned helmets? Nope. Britain standing alone in 1940? Wrong. Medieval people never bathed? Rubbish.
Why listen? Because the truth is way more exciting. You’ll leave every episode with jaw-dropping stories, killer facts to shut down pub bores, and the smug satisfaction of knowing what really happened.
🎧 Episodes drop every Monday.
📲 Follow now and get the history they don’t teach you — raw, raging, and real.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this gripping episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by historian and author Jem Duducu, who returns to tackle the myths surrounding the Wild West. Together, they delve into the fantastical narratives spun by Hollywood and how these portrayals have distorted our understanding of American history.
Myth vs. Reality:
- Jem passionately argues that the glorified image of cowboys and gunfights has overshadowed the true complexities of life on the frontier, revealing how the reality was far less glamorous than the movies suggest.
The Role of the US Army:
- Discover the uncomfortable truths about the US Army’s role in the westward expansion and how it contributed to the displacement and suffering of Native American populations.
Rethinking Cowboys:
- Explore the actual duties of cowboys, who were primarily ranch hands, and learn how their portrayal in film has led to a misunderstanding of their lives and contributions.
Hollywood's Influence:
- Jem critiques the Western genre, highlighting how films have shaped popular perceptions of historical events while often sacrificing accuracy for entertainment value.
Unpacking Cultural Representation:
- The conversation also touches on the representation of women and people of colour in Westerns, challenging the simplistic narratives that have dominated the genre.
Join us for an enlightening discussion that not only dissects the myths of the Wild West but also encourages a deeper understanding of the historical realities that shaped it. Jem's latest book, History of Western Movies, will be available this September, and you can catch more of his insights on the Condensed Histories podcast.
Connect with Jem:
- Follow Jem on Instagram: @jemduducu and on Bluesky: @jemduducu
Buy the book: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781538177068
Support History Rage:
If you’re enjoying this episode, consider joining the 'Angry Mob' on Patreon at patreon.com/historyrage for exclusive content, early access, and the iconic History Rage mug.
Follow the Rage:
- Twitter: @HistoryRage
- Instagram: @historyrage
- Facebook: History Rage
From all of us at History Rage, stay curious, stay passionate, and most importantly, stay angry!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.