The hottest History Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top History Topics

'Raging Bull' and the Quest for Space Guns

Ulysses • 59 implied HN points • 16 Nov 23
💾 History Innovations Warfare Biography
  1. Gerald Bull was a Canadian engineer who aimed to shoot satellites into space using massive artillery pieces.
  2. Bull faced setbacks but persevered, reaching significant achievements like firing projectiles to record-breaking altitudes and building the world's largest operational artillery piece.
  3. Despite his dream of launching satellites into orbit, Bull's involvement in creating 'Doomsday weapons' led to tragic consequences for him.

History, Pedagogy & Revolution

Black Lodges • 39 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
💾 History Revolution Ideologies Political strategy Social movements Philosophy
  1. Understand historical figures like Lenin and Gramsci not for hero worship but for their ideas and methodology.
  2. The disenfranchisement growth in the past decade is related to the decay of the capitalistic system, leading to challenges and disingenuous influences.
  3. The debate continues on whether to follow a Gramsci approach of cultural hegemony or a Lenin approach of violent overthrow for societal change.

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.

Top Fighter Squadrons of WWII

Military Aviation Videos • 19 implied HN points • 17 Apr 24
💾 History WWII
  1. The top fighter squadrons of World War II achieved remarkable aerial victories, with certain units surpassing 200 kills, showcasing the bravery and skill of the pilots.
  2. Fighter squadrons like No. 303 (Polish) Squadron RAF and USMC VMF121 'The Green Knights' made significant contributions during key battles, such as the Battle of Britain and the Pacific War, with their aggressive tactics and exceptional success.
  3. Jagdgeschwaders like JG 51 and JG 52 of the Luftwaffe had an immense impact during the war, achieving thousands of victories, with top aces like Gerhard Barkhorn and Günther Rall emerging from their ranks, showcasing the intensity and devastation of air combat.

History and Hope

Natto Thoughts • 39 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
💾 History Lessons Hope Institutions Responsibility
  1. Timothy Snyder promotes the 'Politics of Responsibility' as a way to address political anxieties and avoid complacency.
  2. Snyder emphasizes the importance of defending institutions like the free press and democracy, even in the face of imperfections and challenges.
  3. Cultivating hope involves helping others, living in the present, seeking quiet signs of progress, and building community connections to strengthen societal bonds.
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On Trade with Central Asia - Nikolai Petrovsky, 1872

The Library of Alexandria Ultima • 6 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
💾 History Central Asia Colonialism Geopolitics Diplomatic History
  1. Russia’s move into Central Asia was driven by two goals: political advantage against rival powers and opening new markets, so holding the region’s power center was seen as essential.
  2. Bukhara sits at a strategic crossroads between Afghanistan, Persia, Russia and other routes, making it a major exchange hub that any power can access, so control there determines regional influence.
  3. Russian goods flood the Bukharan market via local middlemen and are often sold so cheaply they undercut native cotton and hurt long-term trade interests, creating pressure to assert direct control—potentially by force—to secure those markets.

When The Underground Sucked: London's Atmospheric Railways

Londonist: Time Machine • 59 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
💾 History 19th century Transportation London Railways
  1. London's atmospheric railways in the 19th century were like the Hyperloop of that time, a unique transportation system that was given serious thought.
  2. An atmospheric railway was essentially being pulled to work through a giant vacuum cleaner, an innovative and unconventional concept for its era.
  3. The article explores past futures and how London's history includes fascinating ideas like atmospheric railways that can offer a unique perspective on the present.

A Journey from Trans-Baikal to the Amur Through Manchuria - Peter Kropotkin, 1865 (3/4)

The Library of Alexandria Ultima • 2 implied HN points • 01 Feb 26
💾 History Travel Writing 19th century Agricultural history
  1. Mergen, now called Nenjiang City, is the main place described and is presented as the largest Chinese settlement the traveler passed through.
  2. The journey had two aims: to find the quickest route between Trans‑Baikal and the Amur and to evaluate commercial opportunities along that route.
  3. The land around Mergen is said to be very fertile black earth, far more suitable for farming than the taiga, and that agricultural richness could have supported a much larger settlement if controlled.

Gunpowder-Empire Fiscal Legibility & State Development: Economic History/Political Economy Seminar

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 222 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
💾 History Economic History Political Economy
  1. The Viceroyalty of New Spain in 1550 was dominated by a gunpowder-empire machine with Castilians and indigenous populations, showcasing early forms of state development.
  2. The introduction of the Patio Process in 1554 for silver extraction revolutionized mining districts in Mexico, attracting workers and increasing prosperity due to the flow of mercury.
  3. Improved fiscal legibility in mining districts post-Patio Process led to accelerated political centralization, as viceroys had more confidence in transitioning areas from encomienda to corregimiento for better state control and revenue collection.

A History of Meritocracy

Holodoxa • 79 implied HN points • 07 May 23
💾 History Meritocracy Criticism Origins
  1. Meritocracy is the idea of distributing social and economic advancement based on talent, skill, and effort rather than kinship or power.
  2. Adrian Wooldridge's book presents a historical defense of meritocracy, addressing its origins, modern status, and contemporary challenges.
  3. Wooldridge discusses the flaws of modern meritocracy, like the perpetuation of privilege, but believes these issues can be resolved with better meritocratic practices.

Bringing Wild Birds Home

Bird History • 59 implied HN points • 10 Oct 23
💾 History
  1. European colonizers attempted to domesticate America's wild birds, impressed by their abundance and desirability for meat, but largely failed in these efforts.
  2. The Mallard duck was the only North American bird successfully domesticated, with most other attempts proving unsuccessful due to the birds' wild nature.
  3. Canada Geese were domesticated to some extent for their feathers and meat, and even used as live decoys by hunters, though they retained their wild instincts and were not fully suitable for domestication at scale.

A grand day out

Telescopic Turnip • 28 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
💾 History Cold War Military History Game Theory
  1. The moon landing was an incredible achievement in engineering and science, showing that humans can do amazing things when they work hard.
  2. People often debate the worth of the moon landing, especially since it cost so much money. Some think there could have been better ways to use that money for scientific discovery.
  3. Despite being part of a competition with the USSR during the Cold War, the moon landing also represented a sort of cooperation and restraint, helping to avoid greater conflicts.

Homesteading: Revolutionary Foundations and the Culpeper Minute Men

Who is Robert Malone • 9 implied HN points • 15 Nov 25
💾 History Revolutionary War American history Military History Founding Fathers
  1. Virginia played a big part in America's founding, but many people forget about the ordinary folks who fought against British rule. Their efforts were crucial in making the United States a reality.
  2. The Culpeper Minute Men were some of the first volunteer militiamen from Virginia, ready to fight at a moment's notice. They represented the idea of a well-trained militia that the Founding Fathers wanted to protect liberty.
  3. Key battles like Hampton and Great Bridge showed that local militias could stand up to British troops. These victories helped boost morale and political support for independence in Virginia.

Who was the first person to ride on the Tube?

Londonist: Time Machine • 59 implied HN points • 28 Jun 23
💾 History Celebrity
  1. About two million people use the London Tube every day, but who was the very first person to ride it?
  2. The London Underground has a history of trial runs and even had celebrities onboard before its official opening.
  3. To access more historical content and the full post archives about the Tube, consider subscribing to Londonist: Time Machine for a 7-day free trial.

5 Historical Quirks to Spot in... Oxford Street

Londonist: Time Machine • 59 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
💾 History London
  1. Oxford Street in London has interesting historical quirks like a famous dancer and rooftop beavers to spot.
  2. Londonist's newsletter for paid subscribers highlights historical sights in well-known areas, this time focusing on Oxford Street.
  3. Readers can access the full post archives and get a 7-day free trial by subscribing to Londonist: Time Machine.

Former Totalitarians

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 206 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
💾 History Leadership Ethics Regime Decisions
  1. A life judged based on leadership in a horrific regime can be a critical aspect of history.
  2. Ethical individuals who foresaw the consequences but were not part of the consequential decisions can hold significant importance.
  3. The transition from being monstrous to making critical decisions in tough times can have lasting impacts on society.

The Eagles Nest

Cosmographia • 119 implied HN points • 21 Oct 22
💾 History World Politics Germany
  1. The post titled 'The Eagles Nest' delves into a brief raid into Germany, offering historical insight.
  2. The author, M. E. Rothwell, shares experiences from their first day of secondary school, highlighting moments of discrimination and prejudice.
  3. The post is only accessible to paid subscribers, encouraging readers to subscribe for more content.

How Fossils Fueled Philanthropy

Under the Hood: The Power of Principled Leadership • 58 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
💾 History Philanthropy Oil industry Business Ethics Legacy
  1. John D. Rockefeller's philanthropy had a significant positive impact, despite his negative portrayal by the media.
  2. Rockefeller's principles included using money for good, running a tight ship, and prioritizing education and continuous learning.
  3. Revisionism is important to understand historical figures accurately, as seen with Rockefeller's misunderstood legacy.

Rise of civilization Part 2

America in Crisis • 39 implied HN points • 21 Dec 23
💾 History Capitalism Industrial Revolution
  1. Capitalism involves the accumulation of capital through entrepreneurial growth ethic to increase labor productivity.
  2. Capitalism allowed a release from Malthusian limits to economic growth, enabling the rise in GDP per capita seen through history.
  3. The development of capitalism involved utilizing surplus population in profitable activities, leading to economic conditions for industrial revolution and modern Western-centric world.

The Myth that Jews were the Ethnic Group most Persecuted by the Soviet Regime. Part One: The Great Terror and National Operations

20th Century Musings in the 21st Century • 119 implied HN points • 02 May 23
💾 History
  1. Claims that Jews were the most persecuted group by the Soviet regime have been discredited through historical data.
  2. During the Great Terror of 1937-1938, national operations targeted various diaspora communities, not specifically Jews.
  3. Poles, Germans, Latvians, Finns, and other groups were more heavily repressed by the Soviet regime compared to Jews during this time.

A Journey from Trans-Baikal to the Amur Through Manchuria - Peter Kropotkin, 1865 (1/4)

The Library of Alexandria Ultima • 6 implied HN points • 11 Dec 25
💾 History Exploration Imperialism Russia China Cartography 19th century
  1. Russia sought a much shorter overland route across Manchuria to connect Trans‑Baikal with Blagoveshchensk because the Amur and Argun form a long arc that made travel far longer. A direct route promised faster transport and would keep trade and silver under Russian control.
  2. A small caravan of Cossack hunters was sent to scout that straight route, carrying limited goods, forty horses, four carts, and about a month’s supplies to test markets and seek furs. The mission combined reconnaissance with trade and hunting to see if the route was practical and profitable.
  3. Russia’s mid‑19th‑century acquisition of the Amur and Ussuri regions and the later building of the Chinese Eastern Railway reshaped the frontier, shortened routes, and spurred colonization and new cities. Those strategic gains and the railway zone were later contested and changed hands after the Russian Revolution.

My Chapter On 'Lost Decades' In New Book on Heisei Era

Japan Economy Watch • 239 implied HN points • 15 Mar 22
💾 History Economy Society Politics Culture Technology
  1. The chapter focuses on why Japan experienced 'lost decades' and the potential for future improvement.
  2. Initially, there was denial about the situation, but eventually, leaders recognized the need for fundamental reform.
  3. Despite past challenges, there are signs of positive societal changes offering Japan an opportunity for revitalization with the right policies.

Hooked on a cure: a tale of tapeworm troubles

The Quack Doctor • 19 implied HN points • 22 Mar 24
💾 History Medical History Medical Practices
  1. In the 18th century, a man underwent extreme and bizarre methods to rid himself of tapeworm infestation, showing the dangerous lengths people may go to in desperation for a cure.
  2. The man endured multiple ineffective treatments prescribed by physicians before resorting to self-experimentation and ingesting home-made hooks to extract tapeworms, showcasing the challenges and risks of old-time medical practices.
  3. Ultimately, after a year of experimenting with various remedies, the man found a solution that successfully expelled a significant amount of tapeworms from his body, demonstrating the perseverance and determination of individuals in seeking relief from illness.

Bronze Age Collapse

Nemets • 246 implied HN points • 06 Nov 23
💾 History
  1. The Bronze Age Collapse led to the disintegration of societies and political structures across western Eurasia.
  2. International trade was a significant revenue source for Bronze Age states, and its collapse contributed to economic decline.
  3. The Celts were unique in their successful conquests during the Bronze Age Collapse, taking advantage of power vacuums and expanding their territories.

The teeth stuck out like so many tusks

The Quack Doctor • 19 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
💾 History Victorian Medical training
  1. Dentistry in the Victorian era was often unregulated, leading to a mix of skilled practitioners and quacks offering dental services.
  2. Some individuals operating as dentists had little to no formal training or expertise, leading to cases of poorly made dentures and unsatisfied customers.
  3. Legal disputes over botched dental work were not uncommon, showcasing the challenges and risks of seeking dental care in that time period.

Nellie Bly in the mad-house

The Quack Doctor • 19 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
💾 History Investigative Journalism Women's Rights Mental health Social reform
  1. Nellie Bly's investigative journalism exposed the harsh reality of how women deemed insane were mistreated, leading to reforms in mental health treatment.
  2. Nellie Bly's daring undercover assignment at a lunatic asylum showcased the power of investigative journalism to drive societal change, especially for women reporters.
  3. The impact of Nellie Bly's work transcended mere reporting, sparking profound investigations into institutional practices and highlighting the significant role of journalism in advocating for marginalized individuals.

The Lost Islands Of Seattle

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 139 implied HN points • 03 Nov 22
💾 History Urban History Geography Cartography Local history
  1. Seattle used to have more islands than it does now. Some islands formed quickly and then disappeared due to construction and changing landscapes.
  2. At one point, Seattle was completely surrounded by water, making it an island for a brief period in history. This showed how much the city has changed over time.
  3. Certain places in and around Seattle, like Seward Park and Foster Island, had unique histories as 'temporary islands' due to seasonal water levels.

Communist Revolutionary Ho Chi Minh Loved The Declaration of Independence

JoeWrote • 27 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
💾 History Revolution Independence Colonialism U.S. Relations Ideology
  1. Ho Chi Minh quoted the American Declaration of Independence when he announced Vietnam's independence. This showed his admiration for American ideals.
  2. Despite later becoming America's enemy, Ho Chi Minh connected his fight for Vietnam's freedom to the principles of equality and rights found in the Declaration.
  3. Ho Chi Minh's use of American language in his declaration wasn't just a jab at the U.S., but a genuine reflection of his belief in those democratic values.

Irkeshtam - Ilya Levitov, 1908

The Library of Alexandria Ultima • 6 implied HN points • 01 Dec 25
💾 History Historical Events Geopolitics Trade Routes Cultural Exchange Colonialism
  1. Irkeshtam is an important customs post on the Russian-Chinese border, controlling major trade routes. This place connects Russian Central Asia to Chinese Central Asia.
  2. Traveling to Irkeshtam can be dangerous due to challenging mountain paths and risks like rockslides. Despite this, travelers are welcomed and cared for by the Cossacks stationed there.
  3. The area has limited resources, mainly meat and some crops, creating high prices for goods. Proper care for animals and better support for traders would improve conditions and boost trade.

The Real Yellowstone, Part II: expanding an empire

Becoming Noble • 59 implied HN points • 24 Jan 23
💾 History Risk-taking
  1. In times of chaos, forming close bonds with others of strong will is essential for establishing anything lasting.
  2. Diversifying ventures and adapting to changing circumstances can help exploit opportunities, reduce vulnerability, and sustain growth.
  3. Geography and constant readiness for new possibilities can be key in navigating challenges and expanding an empire.

‘Making people well and making people laugh’

The Quack Doctor • 19 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
💾 History Victorian Era Medical Practices Career journey
  1. William Thomas' ambition to become a doctor was sparked by a jovial local doctor in his community.
  2. Thomas gained valuable experience in medicine through hands-on training, learning about bedside manner and patient interaction.
  3. Despite facing challenges and unexpected responsibilities in his early career, Thomas persevered and continued to grow as a medical professional.

The Great Emu War

Ironic Sans • 248 implied HN points • 29 Aug 23
💾 History War Military Humor Film Australia
  1. The Great Emu War of 1932 happened in Australia, where soldiers fought against emus wreaking havoc on farmland.
  2. The military's attempts to use machine guns against emus were futile, resulting in a humorous battle where the emus often escaped.
  3. Despite initial defeats, the military eventually resorted to different tactics, such as bounties, to control the emu population after a humiliating retreat.

A Top Secret Bunker and a Nobel Prize

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 179 implied HN points • 30 Jun 22
💾 History Military Urban World War II Science
  1. A secret underground bunker at Pigeon Point in Seattle was built during World War II for secure radio communications. It was designed to be bomb-proof, which is pretty fascinating.
  2. After the war, the bunker was used for medical research, including cancer studies by Dr. E. Donnall Thomas. His work led to him winning a Nobel Prize for advancements in bone marrow transplants.
  3. Now, the area where the bunker once operated is part of a school and park, but the original underground facility still exists with no visible signs or entrances.

Recent Research Curiosities

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 119 implied HN points • 01 Dec 22
💾 History Historical Events Urban Development
  1. There was a secret code used by miners in the 1890s that raises questions about corporate espionage or just a fun way to communicate. It included strange words that make you wonder what they really meant.
  2. The Central Building in Seattle had a unique 'Chamber of Commerce Observatory' that offered views of the growing city rather than the stars. It was a place to see the opportunities in Seattle's development.
  3. A visit to the old observatory found it empty but still with great views. It used to be a public space but now could be a nice spot for writers to observe city life.