The hottest History Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top History Topics

Makers of Modern Strategy with Hal Brands

ChinaTalk • 177 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
💾 History Military History Political History
  1. The _Makers of Modern Strategy_ series is crucial for understanding statecraft and warfare through history. It covers strategies from ancient times to modern conflicts, highlighting key thinkers and ideas.
  2. The 2023 edition includes unique essays on lesser-known figures like Tecumseh and contemporary issues like the Congo wars. These essays challenge traditional views and expand our understanding of strategy.
  3. Hal Brands emphasizes the role of history in shaping effective strategy. Studying past strategies helps inform current decisions and highlights the ongoing importance of strategic thinking in today's world.

Odds and Ends #45: Deliverism, blasphemy and selfies from space

Odds and Ends of History • 536 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
💾 History Political History Cultural History Historical Events Digital history
  1. There are interesting discussions happening around transport and how it might change in the future. A live event is planned to dive deeper into this topic with an expert.
  2. Digital transformation in government is a big challenge, but there are ways to make it work better. A new newsletter is launching to explore these issues and share helpful insights.
  3. Exploring new places can be fun, and getting travel tips for nerdy activities in New Zealand is a great way to prepare. Sharing suggestions can help make the trip more exciting.

How China Is Like the 19th Century U.S.

Construction Physics • 38624 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
💾 History Economic Growth Urbanization Manufacturing Cultural Change Social Dynamics
  1. Both China and the U.S. experienced rapid economic growth during their respective Gilded Ages. This growth transformed them into major manufacturing powers with urbanization and infrastructure development.
  2. As both countries industrialized, they saw a significant shift from farming to manufacturing jobs. This change created vast new opportunities for individuals and fostered a culture of ambition and entrepreneurship.
  3. In both nations, a wave of corruption and scams emerged alongside economic growth, leading to significant social and legal reforms aimed at improving conditions and regulating businesses.

CONFEDERATE MOUND VISIT

THREE SEVEN MAFIA • 819 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
💾 History Civil War Memory Monuments Culture Society
  1. Visiting historical sites can help us understand the past better. It's important to learn about different perspectives from history.
  2. Reflecting on events from history allows us to consider their impact on today's society. Understanding our history shapes who we are.
  3. Talking about historical figures and events helps keep the conversation going. It helps us engage with one another about common topics in our shared history.

History is in the making

The Works in Progress Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
💾 History Political Events Intellectual history Technological Change Cultural impact
  1. History often focuses too much on political events like wars and revolutions, but it's actually technology and ideas that drive real change in our lives.
  2. Key dates in history, like the invention of the airplane or the creation of the first synthetic hamburger, are often overlooked, yet they have profoundly shaped how we live today.
  3. If we shift our attention from politics to technological advancements, we can better understand how human ingenuity improves our world and offers solutions to modern problems.
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Nelson in the Arctic. Polar bears, geese, and filled breeches.

The Common Reader • 744 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
💾 History Exploration Biography Maritime Science Natural History
  1. Young Nelson went to the Arctic at just 15 years old, which was unusual for boys his age. His strong desire and connections helped him join the expedition.
  2. The journey was filled with challenges, like navigating thick fog and ice that could crush their ships. Weather changed constantly, making it tough to travel.
  3. Despite the harsh conditions and dangers, the crew encountered wildlife and gathered supplies. They had to work hard and cooperate to survive in the icy environment.

Dushanbe - Boris Litvinov, 1895 & Alexey Nechaev, 1914

The Library of Alexandria Ultima • 1 implied HN point • 04 Dec 24
💾 History Cultural History Political History Historical Figures
  1. Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, has a rich history and was known as Dyushambe and later Stalinabad. It developed in a region that was once part of the Emirate of Bukhara.
  2. The population of Dushanbe mainly consists of Tajiks, who speak an Iranian language. Unlike other Central Asian groups, their appearance can be more European.
  3. Bacha dancers are a notable cultural aspect of Dushanbe, where young boys dress as girls for performances. This tradition has historical roots in the region and continues today in some areas.

Sorry, Elon: Henry Ford Started a Colony First

Life Since the Baby Boom • 1152 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
💾 History Colonialism Economics Agriculture Management Environment
  1. Henry Ford tried to create a city called Fordlandia in the Amazon rainforest to produce rubber. He faced many challenges because the environment was very different from what he knew.
  2. The project suffered from poor living conditions, high worker turnover, and management problems, leading to riots and disease among workers. It was hard to get people to stay and work.
  3. Ultimately, the project failed to produce rubber as intended and Ford lost a lot of money. It shows how difficult it is to impose a new way of life in an unfamiliar place.

An uncivil civil war

Wood From Eden • 2016 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
💾 History Civil War Political Conflict Cultural History Social movements Nationalism
  1. Civil wars often have deep political or ideological divides. In Finland's case, it was the working class versus the upper class, which led to a very intense conflict over power.
  2. The formation of armed groups was crucial in the lead-up to the Finnish Civil War. Both the workers and the upper class created their own forces, which escalated tensions.
  3. Post-war, Finland struggled with the aftermath of the violence but eventually unified. A process of reflection and an amnesty helped rebuild society despite longstanding divisions.

A Multiplicity of George Washingtons

Looking Through the Past • 178 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
💾 History American history Cultural impact Symbolism
  1. George Washington inspired a lot of merchandise right after his inauguration and even more after his death, showing how much people admired him. Many products with his image were sold as symbols of respect and inspiration.
  2. Washington's fame led to international production of memorabilia, with items created in countries like France and Germany. This shows that people beyond America were keen to celebrate his legacy.
  3. Over time, the many different images of Washington led to him becoming more of a symbol rather than a real person. While this helped unite Americans around shared values, it also made people lose sight of who he really was.

How Diocletian’s Persecution of Christians Began

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 237 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
💾 History Ancient Rome Christianity Persecution Militarism Legislation
  1. Before Diocletian, Christians in Rome mostly lived without fear of government attack. They experienced a time called 'the little peace of the Church.'
  2. Diocletian's edicts led to a serious crackdown on Christians, starting with public office removals and destroying churches. He aimed to get rid of Christianity but ended up fueling more violence.
  3. The actions of a soldier named Marcellus sparked significant persecution, but many historians think it was part of a larger struggle between old Roman beliefs and the growing Christian faith.

A language family of one, a land beyond conquest

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 657 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
💾 History Genetics Language Europe Anthropology
  1. The Basque language, Euskara, is unique as it is the only surviving indigenous non-Indo-European language in Europe. This makes it a fascinating subject of study, as it has no known relatives.
  2. Basques have a distinct genetic profile, with a high frequency of RH-negative blood type. This unusual trait contributes to theories about their origins and historical isolation in Europe.
  3. Recent genetic research suggests that the Basques may not be the oldest inhabitants of Europe as previously thought, but instead, they are descended from human populations that lived before the introduction of agriculture.

Luther and the Spark of the Reformation

Papyrus Rampant • 178 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
💾 History Religion Education Politics Europe
  1. Martin Luther posted his Ninety-Five Theses in 1517, which wasn't meant to start a movement but turned out to spark the Protestant Reformation.
  2. He challenged the sale of indulgences, emphasizing that faith in God, not money, is what saves people from sin.
  3. Luther's actions led to a push for education and Bible translation, helping more people understand their faith and read scripture in their own language.

The Battle Line at Louvain (1914)

Cantor's Paradise • 253 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
💾 History War Culture Intellectuals Propaganda Literature
  1. The destruction of Louvain during World War I symbolizes the tragic impact of war on culture and knowledge. The burning of its famous library shows how civilian life and intellectual heritage can be violated in conflict.
  2. The reaction to the 'Manifest der 93' highlights how science and politics can intertwine during times of crisis. Many scientists signed in support of their country, but later regretted their involvement as the war unfolded.
  3. The story serves as a reminder of the dangers of political passions overtaking reason. When knowledge and culture are attacked, it can lead to a loss of humanity and truth.

Influences in Nelson's early career

The Common Reader • 956 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
💾 History Biographies Military History
  1. Horatio Nelson had a strong connection to the sea from a young age, inspired by the sights and sounds of ships passing by his home. This led him to start his naval career at just twelve years old.
  2. Nelson's family had a significant influence on his life and ambitions. His father's poetic nature and his mother's strong feelings, especially against the French, shaped his worldview and determination.
  3. Despite facing challenges, including illness, Nelson remained ambitious and aimed for glory throughout his career. He recognized the passage of time and worked hard to achieve his dreams.

Readers Questions

Soviet Space Substack • 79 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
💾 History Engineering
  1. The Soviet Space Program had a unique decision-making structure where engineers had a lot of independence, often leading to rivalries among them. This sometimes resulted in substantial projects being undertaken without the main leadership even being aware.
  2. Soviet space art reflected their exploration efforts and has key differences from Western art. It often showcased a more optimistic view of space, while Western art varied greatly in style and representation.
  3. Many Soviet rockets had an open interstage design to ensure proper fuel settling during stage separations. This design choice was simpler compared to methods used in American rockets, allowing for more efficient launches.

The Berlin Wall Never Fell

Thinking about... • 567 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
💾 History Cold War Communism
  1. The Berlin Wall did not actually fall; it remains a symbol rather than an event. People rushed to cross it in 1989, but the wall itself stayed standing.
  2. The story around the wall simplifies a complex history. It ignores the important protests and the teamwork that helped end communist rule in Eastern Europe.
  3. Thinking the wall fell suggests freedom just happens without effort. True change comes from people cooperating and working together towards freedom.

Africa’s exception to every rule: Ethiopian genetics, sovereignty and religion

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 572 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
💾 History Civilizations Genetics Colonialism Cultural Studies
  1. Ethiopia is unique in Africa due to its rich history, diverse cultures, and genetic diversity. It has a mix of influences from both Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East.
  2. The country's geographical features, like its highlands, have helped preserve its independence and distinct cultural identity over centuries. This has made Ethiopia a symbol of resistance against colonialism.
  3. Ethiopian genetic studies show a complex ancestry that includes both African and Eurasian elements. This makes Ethiopians distinct from other populations, emphasizing their unique place in human history.

🎓 On the origins of the merchant class

Obsidian Iceberg • 59 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
💾 History Trade Commerce Colonization Economics Civilizations
  1. Merchants used to work for kings and leaders, getting luxury goods for them. Over time, trade changed to focus on profit rather than just serving powerful rulers.
  2. As trade expanded, merchants started catering to smaller clients. This shift led to more diverse trading networks and a wider variety of goods available.
  3. Cities grew as places of commerce, not just government. Instead of being mainly for rulers, urban areas became important for trade and economic activity.

The World Travels of a Blood-Soaked Mother Goddess

Looking Through the Past • 198 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
💾 History Religion Mythology Archaeology Civilizations
  1. Cybele was a very ancient mother goddess from Asia Minor, worshipped with wild and intense rituals, including bloodletting and self-castration by her priests.
  2. The Greeks and later Romans adopted and adapted Cybele's worship, blending her with their own deities and transforming her image from a fierce nature goddess to a more subdued Roman matriarch.
  3. Cybele's story reflects the complex views of womanhood in ancient cultures, showcasing everything from wild sexuality to dignified motherhood.

The War Film That Turned Dietrich Bonhoeffer Away From Nationalism

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 237 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
💾 History War Nationalism Theology Cinema
  1. Dietrich Bonhoeffer changed his views on nationalism after watching the antiwar film 'All Quiet on the Western Front.' It made him see the harsh realities of war and question the idea that fighting for one's country is a noble cause.
  2. Alongside a French theologian, Bonhoeffer felt sad and moved by a scene where a German soldier comforts a dying French soldier. This moment helped him understand the deep connections between people, beyond national borders.
  3. Bonhoeffer believed that being a Christian should come before national loyalty. He saw nationalism as a dangerous idea that could harm human values, showing that real bravery means standing up against harmful beliefs, not just fighting in wars.

First letters found in new scroll

Vesuvius Challenge • 58 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
💾 History Ancient Archaeology Literature Culture Research
  1. A new scroll called PHerc. 172 has been discovered, and it was buried during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius around 79 AD.
  2. Scientists are excited because they clearly see ink in the scroll for the first time, allowing them to start reading its Greek text.
  3. The team is looking for help to further analyze the scroll and unlock more of its content, as many words are already close to being readable.

Making America

KERFUFFLE • 35 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
💾 History Agriculture
  1. Farming in the American West was much harder than expected. People thought that farming would bring more rain, but this idea was wrong, leading to failures for many farmers.
  2. The Homestead Act gave out 160 acres of land, but that wasn't enough for farming in the West. The dry climate made it tough to grow crops without proper water sources.
  3. Native Americans had a better way of life in the West because they adapted to the natural conditions. They used horses, which helped them thrive on the harsh Great Plains.

A Real Apocalypse Takes a Long Time

OK Doomer • 126 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
💾 History Historical Events Societal collapse Pandemics
  1. History shows that there have been times when people felt like the world was ending, like during disasters or pandemics. For those affected, it felt very real and devastating.
  2. The period from 536 to 550 AD was one of the worst times to be alive, marked by volcanic eruptions that caused darkness and failed crops. This led to starvation and caused societies to collapse.
  3. Records from various places around the world support the idea that this dark time impacted everyone, showing how interconnected human experiences can be throughout history.

Inside the Catholic State

Wrong Side of History • 280 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
💾 History Art history Religious history Cultural Studies Political History Biography
  1. Caravaggio's life and art were heavily influenced by the religious tensions of his time, particularly the struggles between Catholicism, Protestantism, and Islam. This backdrop shaped his perspective and themes in his work.
  2. Milan during the Counter-Reformation was a strict Catholic state, ruled by figures like Carlo Borromeo, who enforced harsh religious laws. People faced severe punishments for crimes seen as against the faith.
  3. The Pope during this time, Pius IV, was known for his intolerance and refusal to consider differing opinions. His death led to violent celebrations, highlighting the public's discontent with oppressive rule.

A Lawful Insurrection: The Massachusetts Provincial Congress

Papyrus Rampant • 119 implied HN points • 05 Oct 24
💾 History American Revolution Governance Political Movements Military History
  1. In 1774, Massachusetts set up its own government, independent from British rule, even before the American Revolution officially started. They did this peacefully and with strong community involvement.
  2. General Gage, the British governor, faced growing resistance from the people of Massachusetts. They were organizing and defying his orders, making it clear they opposed British authority.
  3. The Massachusetts Provincial Congress acted like a government by making decisions, collecting taxes, and preparing for war. Their actions laid the groundwork for the future American government and the fight for independence.

November 17, 2024

Letters from an American • 21 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
💾 History American history Industrialization Modernization
  1. In 1883, the U.S. switched to a standard time system with five time zones to simplify train schedules. Before this, there were 53 different time schedules, which caused a lot of confusion.
  2. The change was controversial because many people were used to following the sun for their daily routines. They felt that the new system was too modern and even went against traditional timekeeping customs.
  3. On the day of the switch, people expected chaos but were surprised when the transition happened quietly without major issues. The newspapers simply noted how the new time would align different cities with standard time.

My Mormon Obsession

Castalia • 459 implied HN points • 03 Aug 24
💾 History American history Religious history Cultural Studies Political History Historical Narratives
  1. Nauvoo was a unique place in American history where Mormons created a theocratic community led by Joseph Smith. They had a different approach to politics and society compared to the individualistic American spirit.
  2. Despite facing hardships, the Mormons worked hard and grew in numbers, thanks in part to Joseph Smith's leadership and their strong community spirit. Nauvoo became a symbol of resilience for them.
  3. Joseph Smith's personal life was complex, involving multiple marriages and hidden affairs. He justified his actions through his religious beliefs, demonstrating a mix of idealism and ambition.

The nobleman versus the meritocrat

Archedelia • 4618 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
💾 History
  1. European aristocrats had a moral imperative to uphold standards for the common good.
  2. Standards ennoble all who aspire to meet them, regardless of their capacities.
  3. A French winemaking family demonstrated how the practice of service and education is passed down through generations.

The Rise and Fall of the Mail-Order Home

Construction Physics • 12735 implied HN points • 11 Jul 23
💾 History American history Economic Impact
  1. In the early 20th century, mail-order homes became popular due to factors like railroad expansion and availability of goods in catalogs.
  2. Mail-order homes were not only limited to houses; they also included gas stations and barns.
  3. The fall of mail-order homes was attributed to competition from other building methods and advancements in construction technology.

Why Is Madrid the Capital of Spain?

Uncharted Territories • 2869 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
💾 History City Development
  1. The choice of Madrid as the capital of Spain was influenced by its unique geographical position and strategic advantages.
  2. Madrid's growth as a capital city was propelled by its central location, investment in infrastructure, and well-connected transport network.
  3. Philip II's decision to make Madrid the capital had implications for urban development, political power, and economic prosperity, contributing to its transformation into a major global city.

Swindling Geologist 2 (Pt 2 of 2)

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 319 implied HN points • 25 Jul 24
💾 History 19th century Biography Crime Naturalism
  1. A swindler pretended to be a geologist to steal valuable books and fossils. He was caught and went to jail but continued his con artist ways after being released.
  2. The swindler used different names and identities to deceive people and even stole microscopes from a university. His actions led to long prison sentences, but he kept going back to his old ways afterward.
  3. The success of these con artists was partly due to the trust placed in them by local naturalists and scientists. They were often seen as experts, which made their scams easier to pull off.

Ordinary People Do Terrible Things

Perspectives: Past, Present, and Future, by Patrick Wyman • 2535 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
💾 History Empires Genocide Military Conflict Human nature
  1. Evil acts are easily normalized throughout history by ordinary people.
  2. Ambitious rulers and conquerors had ordinary individuals as underlings to enforce their will and commit abhorrent acts.
  3. In various historical campaigns of mass violence, ordinary individuals can become willing participants in horrific acts under certain circumstances.

Things Worth Remembering: The Woman Who Captured Russia’s Pain

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2949 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
💾 History World War II Cold War
  1. The historiography of World War II has shifted to highlight the significant sacrifice on the Eastern front, bringing a more balanced perspective to the contributions of all parties involved.
  2. The opening and closure of Russian archives in the 1990s, along with the translation of Vasily Grossman's works, helped reveal the full extent of the Russian sacrifice during the war.
  3. Russian artists played a crucial role in recording and reflecting the Soviet experience during the Second World War, preserving a vital part of history.

The Peculiar Institution, pt. 3

The Martyr Made Substack • 2063 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
💾 History
  1. European Christians felt confident in their mission to civilize based on encountering different practices in Africa and the New World.
  2. The rituals of human sacrifice and cannibalism encountered by European explorers profoundly affected them and challenged their beliefs.
  3. The discovery of human sacrifice among different cultures led to a distrustful attitude among the conquistadors and influenced their interactions with indigenous peoples.