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.
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.
2 hours
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€150
6 hours
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€450
3 hours
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€225
Subscribe to the Ministry of History Podcast (formerly “The History Buff”) for captivating
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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.
Play this episode Read moreA 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.
Play this episode Read moreIn 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.
Play this episode Read moreIn 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.
Play this episode Read moreWelcome 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.
Play this episode Read moreIn 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.
Play this episode Read more Ministry of History Tours 14 Google reviews Laura Precious2024-10-14Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wow! One of the most insightful and fun tours I've ever been on! I was totally blown away by Artie's knowledge and passion for the subject. Would totally recommend if you're looking to delve into Berlin history Elsa Rydin2024-09-24Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolutely amazing, so passionate and knowledgeable! Super entertaining and interesting to listen to! Matilda Ross2024-09-24Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Artie, our guide, was super nice and very informative. He definitely had a passion for history and a love for sharing his knowledge. One of the most in depth history tours I’ve done! Jesse Ung2024-09-24Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Artie was excellent and informative! Highly recommended! Finnie Wigney2024-09-24Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had Artie as a tour guide and he was amazing! So smart and knowledgeable. He answered all our questions and made the tour super interesting. 7/7 stars! Kate Heinrich2024-09-24Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. He was a gun! Very knowledgeable Francisco Marin2024-09-19Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If you're looking for an insightful and captivating tour of Berlin, this guide is truly exceptional. Their deep knowledge of Berlin's rich history, particularly the Nazi regime and Cold War era, adds layers of context to each stop. With a passion for storytelling, He not only highlights key historical sites but also shares fascinating details and lesser-known facts that make the experience both educational and inspiring. It's evident he love what he does, and it made the tour all the more engaging. I would absolutely take the tour again—it’s a must for history buffs! Otti Hart2024-09-19Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The worlds best tour guide, bringing so much life, love, and context to Berlin by interweaving fascinating historical facts and information with individuals' of the 20th century's stories and accounts. I've been on 3 of his tours and will continue to take visiting friends on them as a real highlight of any trip to Berlin.
⚠️ 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
When someone says: “N@zi economics was a miracle.”
💰 The regime financed recovery with huge public debt, using secret loans and MEFO bills (a shadow credit system) to hide true spending.
🛠️ Large public works like the Autobahn created jobs, but were funded by unsustainable borrowing.
🪖 Rearmament became the main economic driver - over half of government spending by the late 1930s was on the military.
📊 The apparent boom hid deep economic imbalances - consumer goods were scarce, imports tightly controlled, and wages frozen.
💣 The economy was geared for war, not long-term stability. It only “worked” as long as Germany kept expanding and conquering.
#nazigermany
#historybloggers
#autobahn
#hiddenhistory
#darkhistory
#historyuncovered
The REAL meaning behind House of "Commons" (the lower house of British Parliament).
❌ There is a common misconception that the word "Commons" means commoner (ordinary/common person).
🗣️ The word Commons comes from the French word for "communities," and is meant to reflect the collective voice of different communities, rather than the ruling class.
👑 The ruling class - nobility and clergy - were traditionally represented in the upper chamber, the House of Lords. But since the 20th century, it has transformed into a very different kind of institution.
🤝 The two chambers were equal until 1911, upon the passing of the Parliament Act which established the supremacy of the House of Commons (see previous reel for more info!).
#houseofcommons #britishhistory #politicalhistory #historyreel #ukparliament #communes #communitypower #historyfacts #funhistory #didyouknow #reelhistory #learnhistory #historynerd #historicalfacts #educationreel #frenchroots #etymology #wordorigins #historyexplained #governmentexplained #parliamentexplained #historylovers #historybuff #ukhistory #historyteacher #communityvoice #history #historyblog #historyblogger #ministryofhistory
📜 The Parliament Act of 1911 was a landmark piece of legislation that fundamentally altered the UK`s unwritten constitution by removing the power of the House of Lords to block laws.
⏳ Until 1911, both the elected House of Commons and the unelected House of Lords had to agree for a bill to become law. The Parliament Act changed that, replacing the Lords` veto with the power only to delay legislation for up to 2 years.
📅 It also reduced the maximum length of a parliamentary term from 7 years to 5.
🗳️ The Act asserted the supremacy of the House of Commons as the ultimate authority in British law, and is seen as one of the first major steps in the UK’s constitutional evolution toward full democratisation.
📉 In 1949, the Act was amended to reduce the Lords’ delaying power even further — from 2 years to just 1.
#parliamentact1911 #britishhistory #historyreel #ukpolitics #houseoflords #houseofcommons #constitutionalchange #edwardianera #1911 #modernbritain #politicalhistory #democraticreform #powerbalance #lawandpolitics #historicalmoments #historytok #reelhistory #history #britishconstitution #britishparliament #ukhistory #historyofparliamnet #ukconstitution #historyblog #historyblogger #ministryofhistory #constitutionalcrisis #georgev #herbertasquith #britishpolitics
How British Parliament began and evolved into what some refer to as "the mother of all parliaments."
📜 The English Parliament began in the 13th century, over 750 years ago. It was not just set up one day, it evolved out of efforts by English nobles to place restrictions on the king`s power—beginning with the Magna Carta in 1215.
👑 In 1295, King Edward I summoned a `Model Parliament`, bringing together representatives of counties and boroughs—a foundational moment in the evolution of what would become the House of Commons.
ℹ️ FUN FACT: "Commons" does NOT mean "commoner". It comes from the French word
"commune", meaning community.
📈 Over centuries, Parliament gained more power at the monarchy’s expense, especially after the English Civil War (1642–1651) and the Glorious Revolution (1688), which affirmed parliamentary sovereignty.
⚖️ For centuries, the House of Lords and House of Commons had equal legislative powers, both needing to agree for laws to pass.
📉 With the Parliament Act of 1911, the Commons asserted its supremacy: the Lords lost their veto power and could only delay most legislation—ending centuries of legislative equality.
#history #britishhistory #parliament #ukpolitics #houseofcommons #houseoflords #magnacarta #middleages #modelparliament #parliamentact1911 #britishparliament #kingjohn #edwardi #gloriousrevolution #civilwar #constitution #historyfacts #funfact #didyouknow #reelseducation #historyreels #ukhistory #oldestparliament #britain #england #historylovers #powerandpolitics #historyblogger #historyblog #ministryofhistory
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