Ministry Of History

A message from the

Welcome to the Ministry of History! I’m Artie, the Minister in charge, and my mission is simple: to make up for that terrible history teacher you had in school. I believe that we can’t truly know where we’re headed without understanding where we’ve come from, and that’s exactly what this Ministry is here to do. My journey with history began as a tour guide in Berlin, but I wanted to expand beyond just Germany and Europe because every corner of the world has a fascinating story to tell.

At the Ministry, we currently offer guided tours of Berlin, alongside our podcast and our blog, we have a strong social media presence, bringing history to life across different platforms. For engaging and insightful historical content, don’t forget to follow or subscribe!

Planning a visit to Berlin?

Why not join a Ministry tour? Our mission is to help you uncover and understand the fascinating, tumultuous story of this remarkable city – what we like to call the “Capital of the Twentieth Century.

The Highlights Tour
The Highlights Tour
Looking for all the highlights of Berlin but don’t have much time? This tour is perfect for you! In just two and a half hours, we’ll cover the major landmarks...

2 hours

|

€150

Click here to book
The Full City Tour
The Full City Tour
Curious to uncover everything about this remarkable city? On The Full City Tour, you’ll experience all of Berlin’s iconic landmarks while diving deep into its rich history. From its founding...

6 hours

|

€450

Click here to book
The Nazi Germany Tour
The Nazi Germany Tour
Want to explore the most turbulent chapter in German—and perhaps world—history? Berlin, once a symbol of progress and freedom, became the capital of Nazi Germany from 1933 to 1945. Under...

3 hours

|

€225

Click here to book

 Latest episode of the podcast

Subscribe to the Ministry of History Podcast (formerly “The History Buff”) for captivating
history content! Enjoy bite-sized solo episodes packed with intriguing insights, or dive into
deeper, co-hosted discussions on fascinating historical topics.

Minister's Questions 2: Life in Berlin and More...

Minister's Questions 2: Life in Berlin and More...

In this episode of Minister’s Questions, two ministers and passionate Berlin tour guides tour guides - Artie and Tina - explore Berlin’s share what inspired them to highlight places named after women in the city in the HerStory Buff series, offer expert recommendations for must-see spots, and discuss the impact of living in Berlin.Beyond travel tips, we delve into Germany’s snap general election, debunk persistent myths about the city, and imagine Berlin as a person—what would they be like? Plus, our guests reveal the one day in Berlin’s past they’d love to experience firsthand. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a traveler, or simply curious about Germany’s capital, this episode is full of fascinating insights and engaging conversation.This episode is also available to watch as a video on YouTube.The Ministry of History offers more than just podcast episodes! Check out our blog for engaging historical insights, access transcripts of episodes, subscribe to our newsletter for updates and early access to posts, and explore our digital content. Planning a trip to Berlin? You can even book a history tour with Artie himself! To find all this, simply head to our website. You can also follow us on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Podcast Update: A Pause, Not a Goodbye

Podcast Update: A Pause, Not a Goodbye

A Quick Message from the Minister of History 🎙️📜Hey history buffs! Artie here with a quick update on the podcast. While the Ministry of History Podcast isn’t going anywhere, I’m shifting focus to growing our social media presence for now. That means fewer episodes for a bit—but don’t worry, I’ll still be dropping sporadic releases, including the final Tudor episodes and more on East Germany.Want to stay connected? Follow the Ministry on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube (links in the description)! Stay tuned, stay curious, and keep the history love alive! 🚀📖 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Brazilian Carnival

Brazilian Carnival

In this episode, I’m joined by Daniel, an internationalist and passionate carnivalist, to dive deeper into the history and evolution of Carnival. We break down some common stereotypes and I share my personal experiences, recorded just before my second trip to Rio for Carnival!We take a closer look at how this incredible festival transformed from its chaotic, street-fighting origins—shaped by a mix of African, Indigenous, and European influences—into the massive global celebration we know today.A heads-up: the audio quality isn’t perfect as Daniel and I were using some basic equipment, but I promise it’s still a fun and engaging conversation. This episode isn’t strictly historical, but if you’re passionate about Carnival, you’ll love the insights and stories we share!You can get in touch with Daniel on his email at danielporcelbastos@gmail.comThis episode is also available to watch as a video on YouTube.The Ministry of History offers more than just podcast episodes! Check out our blog for engaging historical insights, access transcripts of episodes, subscribe to our newsletter for updates and early access to posts, and explore our digital content. Planning a trip to Berlin? You can even book a history tour with Artie himself! To find all this, simply head to our website. You can also follow us on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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East Germany (Part 3): The 1953 June Uprising

East Germany (Part 3): The 1953 June Uprising

In this third episode of the East Germany series, Artie is joined by Deputy Minister and fellow Berlin tour guide Tina to discuss East Germany’s first major crisis.By the early 1950s, West Germany was booming thanks to American subsidies, while the GDR remained in ruins, burdened by Soviet reparation payments. Living standards had declined, fuelling unrest. When the government ordered a 10% productivity increase without extra pay, anger boiled over. On 16 June 1953, workers in East Berlin went on strike. By the next day, protests had spread nationwide, turning into a full-scale uprising. Crowds stormed government buildings, tore down propaganda, and overpowered security forces. The SED was on the brink of collapse—until Soviet tanks rolled in.The uprising was brutally crushed, killing 55 people, with more subsequently executed after show trials. In response, the GDR expanded Stasi surveillance, cementing its status as one of history’s most oppressive police states.The Ministry of History offers more than just podcast episodes! Check out our blog for engaging historical insights, access transcripts of episodes, subscribe to our newsletter for updates and early access to posts, and explore our digital content. Planning a trip to Berlin? You can even book a history tour with Artie himself! To find all this, simply head to our website. You can also follow us on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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The Tudors (Part 9): Mary I - "Bloody Mary"

The Tudors (Part 9): Mary I - "Bloody Mary"

Welcome back to the Ministry’s Tudor series! In this episode, Anna and Artie uncover the fascinating—and often tragic—story of Mary I, England’s first crowned queen. Ruling from 1553 to 1558, her short reign is often overshadowed by that of her formidable sister, Elizabeth I. But was Mary truly the ruthless "Bloody Mary" history remembers her as?We dive into her early life, the dramatic power struggles that shaped her rise to the throne, and the challenges she faced as queen. Was her reputation deserved, or has history been unfair to her? And did she leave behind any lasting achievements? Find out in this episode!You can also watch this episode as video on YouTube.The Ministry of History offers more than just podcast episodes! Check out our blog for engaging historical insights, access transcripts of episodes, subscribe to our newsletter for updates and early access to posts, and explore our digital content. Planning a trip to Berlin? You can even book a history tour with Artie himself! To find all this, simply head to our website. You can also follow us on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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East Germany (Part 2): Politics, Power, and the SED

East Germany (Part 2): Politics, Power, and the SED

In this second episode of the Ministry of History's East Germany series, we’re diving into the political system, ideology, and leaders of the GDR. East Germany officially called itself a democracy—its full name was the German Democratic Republic (GDR)—and it even held elections. But were they truly democratic? The ruling Socialist Unity Party (SED) tightly controlled the state, ensuring that real political power remained in the hands of a select few. Who were those select few? Just how was the GDR's political system structured? What was contained in its constitution? What was its actual ideology - communist, socialist or something else? Listen to the episode to find out!The Ministry of History offers more than just podcast episodes! Check out our blog for engaging historical insights, access transcripts of episodes, subscribe to our newsletter for updates and early access to posts, and explore our digital content. Planning a trip to Berlin? You can even book a history tour with Artie himself! To find all this, simply head to our website. You can also follow us on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Reviews of tours with the Ministry

Follow the Ministry on Instagram, TikTok or
YouTube for fascinating history content!

#instagram
🇧🇲 The history of the tiny island nation (and British Overseas Territory) Bermuda (Part 1)

🇪🇸 Spanish explorer Juan de Bermúdez likely sighted the uninhabited island around 1505, but Spain never settled it.

🌊🚢 The English ship Sea Venture, headed for the colony of Jamestown, Virginia, was wrecked on Bermuda's reefs during a storm, forcing survivors to stay temporarily.

🇬🇧🏝 Although not originally intended, Bermuda was claimed by the English and officially settled by the Virginia Company in 1612, becoming a British territory.

🦜🌴 Over time, Bermuda became important as a naval base and was used for agriculture, shipbuilding, and as a stopover in Atlantic trade routes. 

#history #britishoverseasterritory #englishhistory #colonialism #bermuda
💰 The gleaming gold signs reflect Lombard Street's long history as the heart of London’s banking and finance district.

🏦 These hanging signs date back to a time when many people were illiterate, so visual symbols (like a golden grasshopper or anchor) identified banks and businesses.

🎨 Each sign is a piece of public art, often hand-crafted and richly decorated, preserving centuries-old heraldic and commercial traditions. 

#history #londonhistory #london #cityoflondon #lombardstreet #ministryofhistory #historyblog
⚠️ FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY
This video discusses historical events (how Hitler officially adopted the term "Führer" in government.). It does not support or promote any hateful ideology.

🪦 President Hindenburg died on 2 August 1934. As President, he had maintained certain powers.

👑 Hitler immediately merged the roles of Chancellor and President into "Führer und Reichskanzler."

🗳️ A sham referendum was held on 19 August to "legitimise" Hitler’s new position.

📊 According to the results, almost 90% “yes” vote reported, likely having been rigged and heavily manipulated.

#history #germanhistory #germanchancellor #germanpresident #historyblog #ministryofhistory #dictator #nazigermany #fuehrer #adolfhitler #1934referendum
⚠️ FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY
This video discusses historical events (how the Nazis conducted elections and maintained power). It does not support or promote any hateful ideology. 

🗳️ Nazi-era elections only allowed Nazi candidates or loyal "guests," ensuring 100% control of the Reichstag.

👮‍♂️ Voters were pressured by SA stormtroopers, surveillance, and propaganda, making free choice impossible.

📜 Gave Hitler dictatorial powers for four years, allowing him to bypass the Reichstag and Constitution.

🔁 The Enabling Act was "renewed" in 1937 and 1941, but by then, the Reichstag was a powerless Nazi puppet.

🎭 Elections and referendums were used to create a façade of democratic consent, masking totalitarian rule. 

#history #germanhistory #enablingact #historyblog #democracy #nazigermany #adolfhitler #elections
⚠️ FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY
This video discusses historical events (The Enabling Act of 1933). It does not support or promote any hateful ideology. 

🗳️ The Enabling Act of 1933 gave Hitler the power to make laws without Reichstag approval.

⚖️ The Act suspended the Weimar Constitution and parliamentary checks (for 4 years), allowing Hitler and his cabinet to rule without parliamentary oversight.

☝️ It would have to be re-voted every 4 years, but with the Nazis winning every seat in all elections thereafter, this was just a formality.

😠 It was voted through under Nazi pressure, with SA troops surrounding the Reichstag chamber.

🤐  Opposition had been silenced after the Reichstag fire, with 100 Communist MPs being arrested . Only the SPD were brave enough to stand up to the Nazis and vote against the Act.

#history #germanhistory #enablingact #historyblog #scary #weimarrepublic #nazigermany #adolfhitler
⚠️ FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY
This video discusses historical events (Marinus van der Lubbe and the 1933 Reichstag Fire). It does not support or promote any hateful ideology.

🔥 On 27 February 1933, the German parliament building (Reichstag) went up in flames, just a month after the N*zis came to power.

👤 A young Dutch communist, Marinus van der Lubbe, was arrested near the scene and accused of starting the fire.

📢 The N*zis immediately blamed the communists, claiming it was the start of a revolution - and used this to justify mass arrests and emergency powers.

☑️ For decades, most believed van der Lubbe acted alone, possibly driven by ideology or mental illness.

🕵️ But modern historians have questioned this, noting the fire spread too quickly and efficiently for one person to have done it alone.

❓ While van der Lubbe was almost certainly involved, and the N*zis clearly exploited the fire, the full truth remains unknown.

#germanhistory #neveragain #ww2history #reichstagfire #1933 #history #marinusvanderlubbe #communist #nazigermany
⚠️ FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY
This content is meant to inform about historical events (what Adolf Hitler did when he first became Chancellor). It does not glorify or promote any hateful ideology.

📣 The first act of Hitler's chancellorship was to call yet another general election (the ninth in 14 years of the Weimar Republic). 

🗳️ His hope was to gain a majority in the Reichstag and rule unhindered.

🔥 The Reichstag burnt down a month later during the election campaign on 27 February.

⛓️ A Dutch communist called Marinus van der Lubbe was arrested near the scene and blamed, fuelling anti-communist fear.

🤝 Hitler then persuaded the aging President von Hindenburg to sign the Reichstag Fire Decree, which granted Hitler emergency powers to deal with the supposed threat.

❌ The law suspended civil liberties and allowed Hitler to arrest opposition and take hold of the press. 

#history #wwiihistory #germanhistory #reichstagfire #neveragain #1933 #germanchancellor #reichstag #nazigermany
👻 The ‘Haunted Gallery’ is said to be haunted by the screaming ghost of Henry VIII’s fifth wife, Catherine Howard, who was arrested for adultery and treason.

🏃‍♀️ According to legend, she broke free from her guards and ran down the gallery, screaming for Henry to spare her life, but she was dragged away.

😱 Visitors and staff have reported hearing screams, sobbing, and feeling cold drafts in the corridor where it happened.

👀 Some claim to have captured strange images or felt unseen presences.

🏰 The Haunted Gallery is part of the larger Hampton Court Palace, full of royal intrigue, betrayal, and ghost stories from the Tudor era.

#history #royalhistory #tudors #hamptoncourtpalace #englishhistory #britishhistory #ghost #catherinehoward #henryviii
⚠️ This video is for educational purposes only.
It explains how Adolf Hitler legally became German Chancellor in 1933 under the Weimar Constitution.

☝️ There's a common misconception that Hitler "seized" power in 1933 - but that's not entirely accurate. He became Chancellor through a legally watertight and constitutionally valid process.

🇩🇪 After WWI, the Weimar Republic was deeply unstable. Political division led to frequent government collapses (with 9 elections in 14 years) fuelling frustration and extremism.

🗳️ In 1932, the Nazi Party became the largest party in the Reichstag, exploiting economic chaos during the Great Depression.

🤝 Conservative elites believed Hitler could be controlled, and were keen to do anything that would stop the communists.

👨‍⚖️ President Hindenburg legally appointed Hitler Chancellor on January 30, 1933.

📜 At first, Hitler was limited by cabinet and parliament. But not for long…

#history #fascism #howitstarted #1933 #neveragain #WWIIeducation  #germanhistory #germanchancellor #nazigermany #hitler
When you walk into Hampton Court Palace, look up at the marvellous vaulted ceiling. It contains coat of arms and badges from throughout Britain's royal history!

#royalhistory #britishhistory #hamptoncourtpalace #tudorhistory #historyblogger #englishhistory
One of Britain's most iconic royal residences... (more content to come) 

🏰 Once home to King Henry VIII, Hampton Court Palace is a stunning example of Tudor architecture and royal power.

🍗 Famous for its vast kitchens and courtly intrigues, including the fates of Henry’s wives.

🌹 The palace blends two architectural styles: the red-brick Tudor front and the elegant Baroque extensions by Christopher Wren.

🌿 Features one of the world’s oldest surviving mazes and beautifully maintained formal gardens.

👻 Said to be haunted by several royal ghosts, including Catherine Howard’s chilling screams echoing through the halls. 

#tudorhistory #hamptoncourtpalace #henryviii #englishheritage #royalhistory

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