The hottest History Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top History Topics

"Too much fraternizing between the sexes" - Ideology and Subjectivity

Fisted by Foucault • 85 implied HN points • 29 Jul 25
💾 History World War Fascism Politics Geography Cultural Studies
  1. Brac is a beautiful island in the Adriatic, known for its friendly people and stunning beaches like Zlatni Rat. The island's tourism has replaced fishing and farming as its main source of income.
  2. The island's history is rich and complicated, influenced by various empires, especially the Venetian Empire, which left a strong cultural mark. This history includes changes in political power and local identities over the years.
  3. During World War II, Brac faced many challenges as it became part of a puppet state under both Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy. The local people just wanted to live in peace and improve their lives, free from outside control.

What We Lost and Never Knew

Risk Musings • 916 implied HN points • 14 Oct 23
💾 History Discovery Knowledge Survival Inventions Literacy
  1. Over the course of human history, a vast amount of knowledge and discovery has been lost due to the limited opportunities for people to pursue and share their ideas.
  2. Many brilliant individuals throughout history may have gone unrecognized and their innovative ideas lost, as they were focused primarily on survival rather than creativity and exploration.
  3. Today, we are fortunate to live in a time where access to resources like food, water, and shelter, along with advancements in medicine and technology, allow more individuals to focus on creativity and sharing ideas.

Age of Invention: Cash Cows

Age of Invention, by Anton Howes • 1008 implied HN points • 10 Aug 23
💾 History Industrial Revolution Innovation Agriculture Optimization
  1. Robert Bakewell had an 'improving mentality' when it came to breeding animals, focusing on optimizing profit and efficiency.
  2. Bakewell selectively bred cows and sheep to maximize valuable meat and minimize feeding costs.
  3. The improving mentality led Bakewell to continuously optimize all aspects of his farm, from animal breeding to farm layout and operations.
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The Battle Line at Louvain (1914)

Cantor's Paradise • 300 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.

STORIES WE TELL OURSELVES - PART II – THE MISSISSIPPI SCHEME 1716-1721 (A TALE IN FIVE CHAPTERS)

Reflections on "Going Down Tobacco Road" and Investing • 176 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
💾 History Economics Speculation France Investment
  1. The story is about the Mississippi Scheme in 1716-1721 and the madness of crowds.
  2. John Law, an economist, proposed paper money and a bank that led to a speculative frenzy.
  3. The frenzy resulted in a booming stock market, with individuals from all social classes participating in the speculation.

WWII Propaganda: From Tempting Vixens to Adorable Bears

Looking Through the Past • 99 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
💾 History
  1. WWII propaganda in the United States focused on mobilizing resources and convincing the public to support the war effort.
  2. The Office of War Information and other government agencies used various propaganda techniques like posters, radio broadcasts, and misinformation to influence public opinion.
  3. Propaganda during WWII covered diverse topics like intellectual freedom, conservation, forest fire prevention, and health awareness including anti-malaria and anti-STD campaigns.

Eight years in cocaine hell

The Quack Doctor • 39 implied HN points • 03 May 24
💾 History Addiction Medicine Society Treatment Legislation
  1. A Chicago society lady's life took a drastic turn when she tried a patent medicine with cocaine, leading to addiction and a downward spiral.
  2. The memoir 'Eight Years in Cocaine Hell' shed light on the dangers of addictive drugs in patent medicines, sparking discussions and legislative actions.
  3. Despite tragic experiences, recovery is possible - highlighting the importance of addressing substance abuse disorders in society today.

The North African Campaign

Castalia • 199 implied HN points • 17 Jul 23
💾 History Military History World War II American history International relations Political strategy
  1. The US rapidly expanded its military during World War II, increasing defense spending significantly. This level of spending set a trend that still affects American politics today.
  2. US commanders realized that prior peacetime training was not enough, which led to the idea of 'limited war' for better preparation. They believed that past peace movements partly caused the need for total war.
  3. During the North African Campaign, the US learned the importance of intelligence operations and made some questionable alliances for strategic benefits. They also recognized the formidable capabilities of the German military and the challenges they posed.

McClellan of the Cascades

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 359 implied HN points • 02 Feb 23
💾 History American history Civil War Exploration Geography Naturalism
  1. George McClellan was a Civil War general sent to scout a railroad route through the Cascade Mountains, but he ended up getting lost and misidentifying key passes.
  2. Despite his errors, McClellan was a keen observer of nature, documenting plants and geological features, and he had some interesting insights about the local environment.
  3. His journey reveals the importance of local knowledge, as his Indigenous guides warned him about deep snow, which he failed to appreciate, leading to his mistaken conclusions.

Love in the medieval world

Wrong Side of History • 612 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
💾 History Medieval Marriage Love Religion Culture
  1. Medieval ideas of love were heavily tied to social status and arranged marriages; noble marriages were often for financial or dynastic reasons, not love.
  2. The Catholic Church's emphasis on consent in marriage was revolutionary, allowing individuals to marry by choice rather than parental arrangement.
  3. The Church's rules on cousin marriage and restrictions on marrying relatives promoted individualism by breaking down extended family structures, paving the way for modern ideas of romantic freedom.

Of Hurricanes and Heroes

Litverse • 139 implied HN points • 11 Nov 23
💾 History Entrepreneurs Hurricanes Florida Engineering
  1. Henry Flagler's influence on the development of modern Florida was significant, as seen through his investments in hotels, railroads, and the Overseas Railroad.
  2. Flagler's ambitious vision to connect New York City to Key West with the Overseas Railroad faced challenges like hurricanes, but his determination to overcome these obstacles was unwavering.
  3. The tragic events surrounding the Overseas Railroad, including the impact of the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane, highlight the complex legacy of Flagler's monumental engineering feat.

Walking quietly with a can of snakes

The Quack Doctor • 19 implied HN points • 21 Jun 24
💾 History Legal Disputes Local news Animal studies Public Perception
  1. Dr. Otto Bohl was an eccentric character known for his unusual habits and collection of animals and curiosities.
  2. Bohl faced legal troubles and conflicts with neighbors due to his unconventional lifestyle and behavior.
  3. Despite his eccentricities, Bohl's unique personality and interactions with his community make him a fascinating figure from the early 20th century.

Makers of Modern Strategy with Hal Brands

ChinaTalk • 266 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
💾 History Military History Modern 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.

Heblich, Redding, and Voth are Wrong!

Something to Consider • 19 implied HN points • 19 Jun 24
💾 History Economic History Industrial Revolution British history
  1. The paper argues that the benefits of slave ownership during the Industrial Revolution are overstated. The claims about the economic impacts should be viewed more critically.
  2. The costs of maintaining slave colonies, like the expenses of the Royal Navy and sugar tariffs, need to be considered when evaluating the profits from slavery. These costs affect the overall economic gain for Britain.
  3. There's a need for skepticism regarding how beneficial the sugar colonies were to Britain's economy. The evidence suggests they may not have contributed as positively as previously thought.

Outlaws flee to freedom in the Southern Cone

BowTiedMara - Geoarbitrage & Mobility Assets • 157 implied HN points • 18 May 23
💾 History Argentina
  1. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid fled to Argentina to escape US authorities, attracted by the lack of state oversight and vast land for disappearing.
  2. The duo settled in Patagonia, built a ranch, raised sheep, and tried to live peacefully, but eventually returned to crime in Argentina and Bolivia.
  3. The infamous outlaws met their fate in Bolivia, where Butch Cassidy killed the Sundance Kid before committing suicide, ending their legendary criminal partnership.

King Tut's meteorite dagger: A weapon from the heavens

The Exformation Newsletter • 157 implied HN points • 16 May 23
💾 History Minerals Metals Ancient Civilizations Artifacts Archaeology
  1. King Tut's iron dagger made from a meteorite was more valuable than his gold one, showcasing the significance of minerals in history and power.
  2. Ancient Egypt's peak power was not during the time of the pyramids, but between 1550 BC and 1200 BC when they were a Great Power expanding their empire.
  3. Minerals like tin were crucial for advancements like bronze, highlighting their importance in shaping ancient civilizations and trade patterns.

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.

War and Peace: horse power, progress and prosperity

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 240 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
💾 History Military History Cultural History Economic History Political History Social history
  1. Horses played a key role in the success of the Mongolian invasions. Genghis Khan's ability to quickly mobilize large numbers of horses allowed him to surprise and defeat his enemies.
  2. The Mongol strategy relied on their horses for speed and endurance, which made long-distance raids and rapid attacks possible. This mobility changed how wars were fought.
  3. Horseback riding also enabled nomadic societies to effectively gather and transport resources needed for war. It gave them an advantage over foot soldiers in battles.

Battle of Thermopylae (disambiguation)

Outlandish Claims • 19 implied HN points • 18 Jun 24
💾 History Empires World War II Cultural impact
  1. The Battle of Thermopylae was a significant historical event where a small band of disciplined soldiers held off a large empire, emphasizing the power of conviction and unity over sheer numbers.
  2. The significance of Thermopylae transcended time, with the battle recurring six more times and impacting the fate of different empires, showcasing the lasting impact of historical events.
  3. Thermopylae also made its mark in popular culture, inspiring scenes in movies like _Lord of the Rings_ and showing how tales of heroism and sacrifice continue to resonate and influence storytelling.

In the Foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau - Nikolai Severtsov, 1873

The Library of Alexandria Ultima • 5 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
💾 History Ethnography Military History Central Asia 19th century Colonialism Social history
  1. They live well on abundant land and cattle and keep clean. But they are often lazy, drunk, coarse, and morally loose, and they rationalize stealing and violence against non‑Christians.
  2. Their prosperity relied heavily on cheap labor and refugees as well as on taking supplies from local Kazakh/Kyrgyz people. Even after some reforms ended forced requisitions, they still exploited pastures, hay fields, and forests beyond their official rights.
  3. Their practices harmed the local environment and society: orchards were cut for firewood and forests overused, and many settlements had a surplus of men over women. In war they were bold when looting undefended villages but tended to avoid real resistance.

A Shameful History, Part 1

The View from Rural Missouri by Jess Piper • 139 implied HN points • 10 Oct 23
💾 History
  1. Raymond Gunn, a Black man, was horrifically lynched in Maryville, MO in 1931, reflecting a dark history of racial violence.
  2. The story of Raymond Gunn sheds light on the racial tensions and injustice prevalent in society during the Jim Crow era.
  3. Black individuals like Gunn faced lynching and mob violence under mere accusations, highlighting the deep racial hostility and lack of scrutiny in the judicial system.

The Ring Sword

Norse Mythology & Germanic Lore • 79 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
💾 History Symbolism
  1. Norse mythology stems from broader Germanic traditions and transitions over millennia, showing hints of even earlier origins.
  2. The mention of a ring in the hilt of a sword in ancient myths refers to a symbolic ring-sword design from the Migration Period, with rich symbolism and historical significance.
  3. Ring-swords were a trend in the Migration Period and were associated with aristocracy, symbolizing loyalty and courage through the ring attachment, often found in ancient burials and preserved in myths and artwork.

Plague, peril and reform: John Howard's quarantine journey

The Quack Doctor • 39 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
💾 History Quarantine Prisons Reform Investigation
  1. John Howard willingly experienced quarantine first-hand to understand and advocate for reform in the 18th century.
  2. His journey revealed the grim conditions in lazarettos and the hazards of infectious diseases during travel.
  3. Despite personal danger, Howard persisted in his mission, leaving a legacy that inspires compassionate responses to social issues.

Old pandemics: Yellow Fever in Buenos Aires

BowTiedMara - Geoarbitrage & Mobility Assets • 137 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
💾 History Pandemics Hygiene Immigration
  1. The yellow fever pandemic in Buenos Aires in 1871 was devastating, with a high death toll of about 11-15% of the city's population.
  2. Hygiene standards in Buenos Aires in the 1870s were lacking, leading to ideal breeding grounds for disease-carrying mosquitoes.
  3. The Chacarita Cemetery in Buenos Aires, a result of the yellow fever pandemic, is a hidden gem with historical significance and famous burials.

Of Chemistry and Office: A (Brief) Genealogy of Power, Part Two

Earthly Fortunes • 137 implied HN points • 13 May 23
💾 History Industrial Revolution
  1. The French Revolution led to a shift in power from the church to the state, and the establishment of civil services to govern local lives.
  2. Industrial expansion typically coincided with the growth of civil services in different regions.
  3. The structure of civil services, developed during times of industrialization, has been adopted by big companies and institutions.

Beyond the Pale: Irish cultural uniqueness past Rome's reach

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 463 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
💾 History Europe Genetics
  1. Irish cultural uniqueness is deeply rooted in their historical resistance to aligning with Roman norms, particularly in the realm of religion and organization.
  2. The genetic analysis shows that the Irish share close genetic ties with the British populations, highlighting their shared ancestry and debunking the notion of a significant genetic difference between them.
  3. The distinctiveness of Irish culture, including practices like polygyny, and their gradual integration of Christianity at their own pace, sets them apart in the European context.

You Don't Know MLK

Humanities in Revolt • 219 implied HN points • 14 Jan 23
💾 History Civil Rights Social justice Activism Morality Ethics
  1. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. faced significant opposition and was hated by many Americans during his time, contrasting with his revered status today.
  2. King advocated for radical social change, including fighting against materialism, militarism, and economic injustice, aspects often overlooked in mainstream narratives about him.
  3. It's important to recognize the fuller picture of Rev. King's activism beyond just his nonviolent civil rights work, as he also promoted economic equality, critiqued capitalism, and spoke out against the Vietnam War.

Europe's Kristallnacht

Diane Francis • 659 implied HN points • 14 Mar 22
💾 History World War Holocaust Cultural Events Jewish History
  1. Kristallnacht was a violent attack against Jewish people in Germany in 1938, where many properties were destroyed.
  2. Around 30,000 Jewish men were arrested and sent to concentration camps during this event.
  3. The lack of action from local authorities and other nations highlighted a troubling indifference to the suffering of the Jewish community at that time.

Five... Things about the History of Eels in London

Londonist: Time Machine • 39 implied HN points • 07 Apr 24
💾 History Food & Drink London Economic History
  1. Eels have played a significant role in London's history, from being a vital food source after the Great Fire to a currency and social indicator.
  2. The trading laws of Billingsgate Fish Market included a monopoly on trading eels for Dutch fishermen, showcasing the importance of eels for supplying food in London.
  3. Over time, the market for jellied eels in London has shrunk and moved towards the coast, reflecting wider social shifts.

A grave scandal: the sale of corpses in 1857

The Quack Doctor • 19 implied HN points • 07 Jun 24
💾 History Victorian Era
  1. The Anatomy Act of 1832 brought an end to the murky practice of using executed murderers for dissection, but the demand for cadavers for medical study remained. The act allowed for bodies to be offered for study under certain conditions, leading to an increased supply of cadavers.
  2. Despite the regulations, a scandal in 1857 revealed a scheme where corpses were illicitly sold for profit. The Newington Workhouse in London was involved in a system where bodies were sent for dissection without families' knowledge during fake funerals.
  3. Individuals like Alfred Feist and Robert Hogg exploited poor families by deceiving them about the funerals of their loved ones, demonstrating the vulnerability of marginalized communities facing inhumane treatment.

The Modernity Machine

Breaking Smart • 161 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
💾 History Modernity Society Psychology Political History Cultural History
  1. Modernity may have started in the 13th century instead of the 16th, linked to global shifts in culture and politics rather than just Western advances.
  2. Technological changes affected societies worldwide, creating different modern experiences that aren't just Western but globally diverse.
  3. The relationships between classes, like monarchs and workers, have changed over centuries toward more equality, suggesting that trends towards decentralization and empowerment will continue.