The hottest History Substack posts right now

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ONE IMAGE: By My Authority & My Ego: The Long-Run Shape of Human Economic History, from -73000 to 2180

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 153 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
💾 History Economic History Population Studies Cultural Evolution
  1. The human economic history is complicated and shaped by many factors over a long time. It's important to look back at our past to understand how we got to where we are.
  2. Calculating the true value of what people produced in the past is really tricky. Most production used to go towards basic needs, but now we have more technology and efficiency to create luxuries.
  3. Making predictions about the future is even more uncertain. We can only guess how things will continue to change and develop.

The Italian Problem, Part II: No Halfway Measures

Bird History • 59 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
💾 History Conservation Immigration Laws Assimilation Activism
  1. Conservationists in the early 1900s clashed with Italian immigrants over the tradition of eating songbirds, leading to heated conflicts and even fatal incidents.
  2. Enforcement of laws protecting songbirds led to heavy fines and long prison sentences for Italian immigrants caught hunting, sparking significant tensions and occasional violence.
  3. Efforts to educate Italian communities about bird protection laws included posting bilingual signs and organizing lectures, with varying degrees of success in changing behaviors.

The Battle of the Bulge Episode 3: The Schnee Eifel Pocket

Letters from an American • 4 implied HN points • 18 Jan 26
💾 History Military History World War II American history
  1. This is the third installment in a series about the Battle of the Bulge.
  2. It focuses on the Schnee Eifel pocket, a forested ridge held by two untested units of the U.S. 106th Infantry Division.
  3. German forces launched their offensive on December 16, 1944, triggering the fighting that trapped those units at Schnee Eifel.

Mongols of North America

Wood From Eden • 528 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
💾 History American history Colonialism
  1. The Comanche people used the arrival of horses on the plains to develop a new way of life centered around horses and hunting bison from horseback.
  2. The Spanish colony of New Mexico had to resort to cooperation and appeasement with the Comanche, offering lavish gifts in exchange for peace and stopping raiding.
  3. The decline of the bison population due to hunting by commercial buffalo hunters in the 1870s was a decisive blow to the Comanche economy, leading to their ultimate decline and confinement to reservations.
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Yes. Rome Did Fall

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 568 implied HN points • 22 Jun 23
💾 History Ancient Rome
  1. Rome fell to various barbarian tribes in the 5th century, leading to no Roman Empire in the west
  2. The Eastern Roman Empire in Constantinople survived and transformed into the Byzantine Empire
  3. Augustine's 'City of God' reflects the fall of Rome and the importance of Christianity

The Italian Problem, Part I: Bird-Killing Foreigners

Bird History • 59 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
💾 History Immigration Conservation Wildlife
  1. Italian immigrants in the early 20th century hunted and ate songbirds, conflicting with American conservationists.
  2. Americans blamed Italian immigrants for the decline in bird populations, regarding them as a threat to agriculture and the food supply.
  3. There was a strong xenophobic sentiment towards Italians, with harsh punishments called for those caught killing songbirds.

Surviving Singapore

Ben’s Blog 🏉 🧠🧑‍💻 • 43 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
💾 History War Memory Heritage Family Identity
  1. A soldier's act of kindness saved a Peranakan family during a tragic time in history. Because of his mercy, their family survived and continued to thrive.
  2. The story highlights the impact of empathy, showing that one good choice can change a family's future. It's a reminder of how small actions can have big consequences.
  3. Reflecting on family history helps us appreciate our roots and the struggles of those before us. Learning from their experiences teaches us how to face our own challenges.

Arsenic and old faces

The Quack Doctor • 19 implied HN points • 10 May 24
💾 History Beauty Medicine Advertising Chemistry Legislation
  1. Arsenic was once thought to provide a youthful complexion, leading to the trend of advertising arsenic pills and soaps in the 1890s.
  2. Entrepreneurs in the 1890s marketed commercial arsenic products for complexion, openly promoting the poisonous ingredient as a benefit.
  3. Chemists faced legal trouble in the late 1800s for selling arsenic soap that did not actually contain arsenic, signaling a dangerous trend of mislabeling products.

MK-ULTRA & The CIA's Bizarre Psychedelic Escort Service

Tripsitter • 99 implied HN points • 08 Jun 23
💾 History Mind Control Conspiracies Psychedelics Experiments
  1. The CIA's MK-Ultra program involved using psychedelics for mind control and manipulation, leading to disturbing outcomes like forced confessions and personality alterations.
  2. Under MK-Ultra, experiments like Operation Midnight Climax and 'psychedelic driving' subjected individuals to involuntary drug doses, induced comas, and repeated messaging, resulting in severe negative effects on mental health.
  3. Conspiracies surrounding MK-Ultra include connections to infamous figures like the Unabomber, Charles Manson, and Jack Ruby, raising disturbing questions about the program's impact on society.

Rise of Civilization, Part I

America in Crisis • 59 implied HN points • 21 Dec 23
💾 History Civilization Cultural Evolution Religion Institutions Economic Development
  1. Humans scaled society to manage larger groups through cultural evolution, harnessing collective brain power.
  2. Living under the 'gossip trap' limited social organization, fostering a focus on reputation management over innovation.
  3. The rise of Western civilization was influenced by factors like Church initiatives, shifting societal foundations towards commerce, education, and meritocracy.

NOTES: Reckoning with Post-Columbus Empires

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 115 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
💾 History Imperial History Colonialism Cultural Exchange Economic Impact
  1. Empires are built on conquest and exploitation, but they can also lead to positive effects like cultural exchange and technological progress. It’s important to recognize both the harm and the unintended benefits.
  2. The legacy of colonialism often leads to a complex view where the loss of local power is weighed against advances in trade, technology, and cultural contact. Understanding this balance is key.
  3. When reflecting on imperial history, it's essential to consider the wider impacts on society rather than just focusing on the actions of the conquerors. This broader perspective helps us see the mixed legacy of empires.

Raqmu: Striking the Stone

Outlandish Claims • 19 implied HN points • 05 May 24
💾 History Ancient Civilizations Warfare Culture Legends Innovation
  1. The biblical character Aaron is portrayed as making mistakes in various stories, leading to consequences for others.
  2. The Nabateans in history turned a dry area into an oasis by carving water sources from rock, eventually building a castle to protect it.
  3. The ancient Nabateans had a petroleum industry, using bitumen for adhesives and potentially influencing the legend of Hanukkah with their oil trade.

Tromp and Racism

Outlandish Claims • 19 implied HN points • 01 May 24
💾 History Racism Eugenics Genetics Succession
  1. Francis Galton advocated for eugenic breeding based on historical geniuses, but his methodology was flawed due to privilege and biases
  2. Tromp's rise in the naval ranks was largely due to his father's influence, showcasing how privilege can overshadow actual ability
  3. Galton's ideas on hereditary genius and scientific racism highlight the dangers of attributing success solely to genetics, legitimizing historical injustices and fostering bigotry

Plagued Again

Diane Francis • 479 implied HN points • 23 Dec 21
💾 History Medieval Epidemics Europe Public Health Social Impact
  1. The Black Death was a major pandemic that hit Europe in 1348, causing massive deaths. It spread through fleas and rats, showing how important hygiene is in preventing disease.
  2. In response to the plague's recurrence in the 1600s, people used primitive methods like quarantining the sick. This shows how societies have tried to control outbreaks even with limited knowledge.
  3. Marking houses with red crosses symbolized the danger of disease and isolation. This historical practice reflects the ongoing struggle to manage public health crises.

1672: The Disaster Year

Outlandish Claims • 19 implied HN points • 30 Apr 24
💾 History Events
  1. In 1672, the Dutch Republic faced division over government leadership with the Pro-Republic party opposing the Orangists, leading to a series of events resulting in chaos and violent outcomes.
  2. Cornelis Tromp, a key figure in the Orangist camp, used manipulative tactics to incite a mob to storm the capital building and ultimately orchestrate the death and cannibalism of Johan de Witt, the Pro-Republic leader.
  3. The historical event in 1672 highlights the dangers of allowing individuals to break laws for personal gain, leading to a consolidation of power through violent means and the normalization of corruption and abuse of power.

The Fruits of Philosophy

Cremieux Recueil • 434 implied HN points • 09 Sep 23
💾 History Population decline
  1. Birth control methods have been used for thousands of years, and people have always tried to have control over family size.
  2. Modern birth control methods like condoms, pills, and IUDs are highly effective in preventing pregnancies.
  3. Events like the Bradlaugh-Besant trial in Britain had a significant impact on fertility rates by making birth control information widely available.

Lost Over Dunkirk

Military Aviation Videos • 19 implied HN points • 28 Apr 24
💾 History Military Aviation WWII Propaganda
  1. The story recounts the heroic adventures of Spitfire Ace Gordon Olive, showcasing his skill and bravery during the Battle of Britain.
  2. Gordon Olive's recount of chasing and bringing down a Messerschmitt 111 with his Spitfire highlights the plane's effectiveness and the intensity of aerial combat during WWII.
  3. Despite facing dangerous situations, Olive's quick thinking and skill as a pilot allowed him to escape and continue fighting, showcasing the courage and resilience of military aviators.

Everyone Had A Feather Bed

Bird History • 79 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
💾 History
  1. Feather beds were a common and valuable item in 18th and 19th century America, made from feathers of various birds, each household trying to gather enough feathers to stuff a bed.
  2. Feather beds required proper care and attention to prevent them from turning smelly and lumpy, with feathers needing to be treated before use.
  3. As coil-spring mattresses with cotton became popular, feather beds lost their appeal in the late 19th century, showcasing a shift in bedding preferences towards more modern options.

The Woman Who Stood For Parliament... in 1885

Londonist: Time Machine • 79 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23
💾 History Women's Rights Political Activism
  1. In 1885, a woman named Helen Taylor attempted to get elected to Parliament, 34 years before women were granted the right to vote in the UK.
  2. The voting rights for women in 1918 were limited to certain women who met specific criteria, stricter than those for men at the time.
  3. Subscribe to Londonist: Time Machine for a 7-day free trial to read more about Helen Taylor's story and access the full post archives.

Reflections on the Land League

Robert's Reflections • 19 implied HN points • 26 Apr 24
💾 History Land ownership Ireland Economic Development Political violence
  1. The Land League in 19th-century Ireland campaigned for land redistribution to address economic disparities, offering lessons for modern movements.
  2. The Land League's tactics included boycotting land agents and enforcing the 'three Fs' - free sale, fixity of tenure, and fair rent - leading to successful reform actions.
  3. Lessons from the Land League include the importance of diverse demographics, strong leadership, funding strategies, persistence, and the organic development of movements in Ireland.

Glory, Glory What a Hell of a Way To Die

The Radar • 39 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
💾 History Military WWII
  1. The Battle of the Bulge was a significant event in history where American soldiers showed remarkable resilience and determination.
  2. Amid harsh conditions, the soldiers fought bravely and unitedly for each other rather than personal glory.
  3. Brig. Gen. Anthony McAuliffe's response of 'NUTS!' exemplifies the defiant spirit and resolve of the Allied forces during the battle.

Secrets of the mummy factory

The Quack Doctor • 39 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
💾 History Archaeology Craftsmanship Deception Trade
  1. An artisan in Los Angeles made a fortune creating fake Egyptian mummies for exhibitions and museums, using intricate methods to deceive even experts.
  2. The mummy-making process involved using wood, excelsior, plaster, glue, bamboo, and human skeletons to create realistic-looking replicas sold for up to $1000.
  3. The artisan, Fisher, blurred the line between fraud and honesty, creating a large number of fake mummies and other curious artifacts for profit, then later transitioning to giving talks about his craft.

A Féchín Rumour

The Abbey of Misrule • 300 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
💾 History Religious history Folklore
  1. The pilgrimage site of St. Féchín contains a mass grave from the Great Famine in Ireland.
  2. St. Féchín's well, known for healing, is now dry and neglected in a field of cows.
  3. Historical rumors suggest St. Féchín may have played a role in a deadly plague upon society as a response to a request.

Alternative History and the Failure of Imagination and Research. How would a victorious Germany depict the defeated USSR?

20th Century Musings in the 21st Century • 138 implied HN points • 12 Jun 23
💾 History World War II Atrocities Allies
  1. Alternative history novels often overlook atrocities committed by powers other than Germany.
  2. Realistic alternative history fiction would likely include investigations and publicizations of Soviet crimes against ethnic Germans.
  3. Some historical narratives ignore crimes committed by countries other than Germany during World War II.

"One Man's Trash": Historical Treasures Once Damaged or Discarded

Meaning || Matter • 19 implied HN points • 24 Apr 24
💾 History Ancient Texts Archaeology Civilizations Cultural heritage Historical research
  1. Many important historical discoveries come from things that were discarded or damaged. This shows how lucky historians are when they find these pieces of the past.
  2. Sometimes, tragic events lead to amazing finds. For example, when fires burned clay tablets, they were preserved instead of destroyed, giving us insight into ancient civilizations.
  3. Items thought to be worthless or trash can turn out to be incredibly valuable. Old manuscripts and documents that were nearly lost have changed our understanding of history significantly.

The two Indo-European revolutions and Germania’s rise

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 274 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
💾 History Ancient Civilizations Genetics Archaeology
  1. The rise and fall of different cultures in pre-Roman Germany was influenced by successive trends in artifacts and genetics, highlighting a transition from Bronze Age patriarchies to new ruling elites.
  2. The Beaker revolution in Central Europe saw the replacement of Corded Ware male lineages dominated by R1a with a rise in the R1b haplogroup, indicating a shift in ruling elite and population dynamics.
  3. The Beaker people's expansion from western Germany led to genetic subsuming of previous populations in Britain and Ireland, contributing to the formation of proto-Germanic tribes in antiquity.

The Canada 93 Election

Wrong Side of History • 256 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
💾 History Election Revolt Victory
  1. The article discusses the lack of a new revolt on the Right and what lessons can be learned from Galloway's victory in the Canada 93 Election.
  2. The post contains references to sci-fi shows like Red Dwarf and Star Trek, exploring the concept of aliens appearing as the perfect object of desires.
  3. To access the full content of the article, one needs to be a paid subscriber on the website.

You’re so Turk and you don’t even know it

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 446 implied HN points • 24 Jun 23
💾 History Empires Influence Civilizations Culture
  1. The Turks had a unique approach to conquest, assimilating the cultures of those they conquered instead of destroying them.
  2. Turkic influence spanned over 1,500 years across vast territories, impacting cultures from Europe to China.
  3. Turks played a significant role in shaping Eurasian culture, spread Islam, and extended civilization rather than causing decline.

Trauma

backstory • 290 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
💾 History War Personal Stories Tragedy Memory Legacy
  1. Trauma can have a lasting impact, even from seemingly minor incidents
  2. Family history and past experiences can shape how we view the world
  3. Events from history can have long-lasting effects on individuals and societies

'Give the man his finger!'

The Quack Doctor • 19 implied HN points • 19 Apr 24
💾 History Medical History
  1. An amateur anatomist got into trouble for detaining an amputated finger after a bizarre accident involving a meat hook in 1824.
  2. Surgeon William Lawrence faced controversy in his career, including having one of his books ruled blasphemous, but he continued his medical practice successfully.
  3. The amusing legal battle between Selwood and Barnard over the ownership of the amputated finger reveals the humorous yet serious nature of the historical incident.