Politically 1956: End of Illusion Episodes Episode guide

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1. 10. Ghosts

   10/11 What are the wider lessons of 1956?

   Next on

   Fri 13 Nov 2026 13:45

   BBC Radio 4
2. 9, Survivors

   9/11 How Harold Macmillan snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.

   Next on

   Thu 12 Nov 2026 13:45

   BBC Radio 4
3. 8. Climbdown

   8/11 Why Anthony Eden backed down in the face of US pressure.

   Next on

   Wed 11 Nov 2026 13:45

   BBC Radio 4
4. 7. Iron Fist

   7/11 The Soviet clampdown in Hungary and how Suez provided the cover.

   Next on

   Tue 10 Nov 2026 13:45

   BBC Radio 4
5. 6. Protest

   6/11 The effect of popular opinion in the UK, Egypt and Hungary.

   Next on

   Mon 9 Nov 2026 13:45

   BBC Radio 4
6. 5. Lie

   5/11 A secret agreement and how Eden failed to cover it up.

   Next on

   Fri 6 Nov 2026 13:45

   BBC Radio 4
7. 4. Ike

   4/11 The dilemmas Eisenhower faced and how his allies misjudged him.

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   Next Thursday 13:45

   BBC Radio 4
8. 3. Thaw

   3/11 Khrushchev’s Secret Speech and how it led to an uprising in Hungary.

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   Next Wednesday 13:45

   BBC Radio 4
9. 2. Oil

   2/11 Why Suez mattered and how President Nasser’s actions triggered British and French fears.

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   Next Tuesday 13:45

   BBC Radio 4
10. 1. Election Day

    1/11 How could Eisenhower support a British invasion while condemning a Soviet one?

    Next on

    Monday 13:45

    BBC Radio 4