In 1906, the Royal Navy launched HMS Dreadnought, a revolutionary new design of battleship. The following year, British and Russian diplomats negotiated an Anglo-Russian entente, along the lines of the earlier Anglo-French entente.

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Fanfare

Opening Theme

“Cançáo do Exército”
Composed by Teófilo de Magalhães. Public domain.
Performed by The United States Navy Band. Public domain recording. Source.

“Jack Tar March”
Composed in 1903 by John Philip Sousa. Public domain.
Performed by The United States Navy Band. Public domain recording. Source.

Prelude from Das Rheingold
Composed in 18693 by Richard Wagner. Public domain.
Performed by The United States Marine Band. Public domain recording. Source.

Closing Theme

Except when otherwise indicated, the contents of this podcast are © and ℗ 2015, 2016 by Mark Painter, all rights reserved. Some sound effects used by arrangement with Pond 5.

In 1905, Germany precipitates an international crisis over French intervention in Morocco, hoping to drive a wedge between France and Britain.

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Fanfare

Opening Theme

“Arabesca” from 12 danzas españolas, arranged for guitar.
Composed in 1880 by Enrique Granados Campiña. Public domain.
Performed by William Riley. Public domain recording. Source.

Except when otherwise indicated, the contents of this podcast are © and ℗ 2015, 2016 by Mark Painter, all rights reserved. Some sound effects used by arrangement with Pond 5.

The Entente Cordiale had been a tremendous diplomatic success for Britain. Now, the British government hopes to come to a similar understanding with Russia, and possibly with Germany as well. But Russia, losing a war with Britain’s ally, Japan, is not feeling much love for the United Kingdom. And Germany’s naval buildup is a major bone of contention between her and Britain.

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Fanfare

Opening Theme

“Rule, Britannia!”
Composed in 1740 by Thomas Arne. Public domain.

Closing Theme

Except when otherwise indicated, the contents of this podcast are © and ℗ 2015, 2016 by Mark Painter, all rights reserved. Some sound effects used by arrangement with Pond 5.

By 1905, the Conservatives had controlled the British government for nearly twenty years. But they could not control the forces that were transforming British society. The Liberals are poised to take power, but the rise of the Labour Party poses the question, are even the Liberals out of touch with modern Britain?

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Fanfare

Opening Theme

Fanfare-Rondeau
Composed in 1729 by Jean-Joseph Mouret. Public domain.

“Ja, vi elsker dette landet” (“Yes, We Love This Country”)
Composed in 1864 by Rikard Nordraak. Public domain.
Performed by the United States Navy Band. Public domain recording. Source.

Except when otherwise indicated, the contents of this podcast are © and ℗ 2015, 2016 by Mark Painter, all rights reserved. Some sound effects used by arrangement with Pond 5.

Today is the 240th anniversary of the independence of the United States of America. So, there will be no new episode this week, but we will be back next week!