The hottest History Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top History Topics

Former Totalitarians

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano β€’ 206 implied HN points β€’ 15 Mar 24
πŸ’Ύ 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.

All the ladies like whiskers

Letters of Note β€’ 2044 implied HN points β€’ 15 Oct 23
πŸ’Ύ History American history
  1. In 1860, an 11-year-old girl named Grace Bedell wrote to Abraham Lincoln suggesting he grow a beard to win votes.
  2. Abraham Lincoln replied to Grace Bedell's letter explaining he did not have any daughters and raising concerns about starting to grow a beard.
  3. Grace Bedell's simple but bold suggestion to Lincoln led to him growing a beard, meeting her, and eventually becoming President of the United States.

The first Labour government and the next Labour government

Writing from London β€’ 530 implied HN points β€’ 01 Feb 24
πŸ’Ύ History Labour Party Progressive Movement
  1. A century ago, the UK saw the swearing in of its first Labour government, marking a significant shift in political history.
  2. The challenges faced by the first Labour government in the 1920s are still relevant today for the next Labour government, particularly in terms of navigating the political system and preventing conservative power.
  3. Creating a unified front against conservative parties has historically proven crucial for progressive movements, as seen with the alliance between Liberals and Labour in the past.

Reflections on the Land League

Robert's Reflections β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 26 Apr 24
πŸ’Ύ 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.
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The Kingdom of Kush π“Ž‘π“„Ώπ“ˆ™π“ˆ‰

Cosmographia β€’ 1238 implied HN points β€’ 30 Nov 23
πŸ’Ύ History Ancient Civilization Art Literature Photography Cartography
  1. The post is about The Kingdom of Kush and is part of the Atlas' Notes series which focuses on art, poetry, literature, cartography, and photography related to a specific place.
  2. The post is meant for paid subscribers, showcasing a full map of Cosmographia and offering a sign-in option for existing paid subscribers.
  3. The content offers a blend of visuals and written material, creating an immersive experience for those interested in exploring The Kingdom of Kush.

Weekend Roundup

Classical Wisdom β€’ 471 implied HN points β€’ 04 Feb 24
πŸ’Ύ History Ancient Civilizations Mythology
  1. Classical Wisdom offers a collection of gifts featuring ancient love quotes for Valentine's Day.
  2. Become a member to explore topics like Atlantis and the Allegory of the Cave from Plato.
  3. Classical Wisdom provides resources and articles on various topics related to ancient wisdom.

Pinochet in London

A Lawyer Writes β€’ 432 implied HN points β€’ 09 Feb 24
πŸ’Ύ History Judicial system Dictatorship Ethics
  1. The Pinochet case in London was a unique and groundbreaking event in English legal history.
  2. The case led to significant changes in the English legal system, pushing it into the modern era.
  3. Despite the legal twists and turns, Pinochet was never extradited to Spain due to health reasons.

Breaking History Ep 30: Don't be a fool for the FBI (The Truth of 180 years of Terrorism Foreign and Domestic)

Matt Ehret's Insights β€’ 491 implied HN points β€’ 01 Feb 24
πŸ’Ύ History Terrorism Intelligence Conspiracies Documentaries
  1. The post discusses uncomfortable truths about the FBI and the origins of terrorism over the past 180 years.
  2. It questions the involvement of the British Empire in the current Civil War plan in the USA.
  3. The post raises concerns about potential foreign manipulation in the current political situation in the USA.

The two Indo-European revolutions and Germania’s rise

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning β€’ 274 implied HN points β€’ 29 Feb 24
πŸ’Ύ 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.

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

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality β€’ 222 implied HN points β€’ 04 Mar 24
πŸ’Ύ 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.

Win the War, Lose the Battle

The Radar β€’ 59 implied HN points β€’ 09 Apr 24
πŸ’Ύ History Military Cold War Decision-making Innovation
  1. Firing military commanders without clear explanations can have significant strategic consequences and impact an organization's long-term success.
  2. The responsible exercise of authority is crucial for the best interest of military organizations and the importance of transparency in such decisions.
  3. Unwarranted firings can not only destroy individual careers but also detrimentally affect the entire organization and potentially alter the course of history.

The Peace of Westphalia as a Lesson in Solving Religious Wars Past Present or Future.

Matt Ehret's Insights β€’ 1434 implied HN points β€’ 15 Oct 23
πŸ’Ύ History Colonialism
  1. The Peace of Westphalia in 1648 transformed world history by setting the foundations for the concept of sovereign nation states.
  2. The Treaty of Westphalia aimed for a perpetual, true amity among nations while promoting forgiveness for past transgressions - principles applicable to all civilizations.
  3. The economic developments following the Treaty of Westphalia, such as infrastructure projects in Europe, demonstrated the vitality and benefits of peace among nations.

THE 'OTHER' PRINCES IN THE TOWER

History, etc β€’ 1100 implied HN points β€’ 08 Nov 23
πŸ’Ύ History Royalty Revolution
  1. Two young royal claimants, Edmund and Roger Mortimer, were locked up years before Richard III's nephews to protect a usurper's rule.
  2. A plot led by Lady Constance Despenser aimed to free the Mortimer boys and unite them with rebels to challenge Henry IV's throne.
  3. By connecting the Mortimer boys with Welsh freedom-fighter Owain Glyndwr, there was hope to spark opposition and remove Henry IV from power.

How did the USSR Collapse?

kamilkazani β€’ 491 implied HN points β€’ 14 Jan 24
πŸ’Ύ History Collapse Soviet Union
  1. The common belief that regional separatism caused the collapse of the USSR is incorrect.
  2. There was a misconception that the weakening of Moscow led to periphery elites breaking away, but this is not the main reason for the collapse.
  3. It's crucial to understand the real reasons behind the collapse of the Soviet Union.

The Rise and Fall of Japan's National Public Railway Labor Unions

S(ubstack)-Bahn β€’ 160 implied HN points β€’ 09 Mar 24
πŸ’Ύ History Labor Unions Privatization Neoliberalism Japan
  1. Japan's national public railway labor unions faced a significant decline from their powerful past, with membership dropping drastically over the years.
  2. The labor unions within Japan's national railways held significant influence and power in the past, shaping the fate of the railways through radical left-wing politics and strikes.
  3. The privatization of Japan's national railways in the 1980s marked the end for the powerful labor unions, leading to mass layoffs, legal battles, and the dissolution of the unions.

A most fortunate defeat

A User's Guide to History β€’ 334 implied HN points β€’ 05 Feb 24
πŸ’Ύ History War America Canada
  1. In 1812, the United States declared war on Britain but faced opposition from various groups in Canada.
  2. The resistance from Canadian groups prevented American conquest and avoided potential political and military threats.
  3. The failed attempt at annexing Canada turned out to be a fortunate defeat for the United States, averting a possible civil war scenario.

City of the Parisii

Cosmographia β€’ 1178 implied HN points β€’ 29 Oct 23
πŸ’Ύ History Paris Maps
  1. Nicolas Delamare's work on Parisian history through maps provides a detailed snapshot of the city's evolution from ancient times to 18th-century Paris.
  2. The Parisii, a Celtic tribe, built a prosperous settlement on the banks of the Seine River, minting their own gold coins before Julius Caesar's conquest of Gaul.
  3. Julius Caesar's strategic battle against the Parisii, involving alliances and tactical maneuvers, exemplifies Roman military prowess in conquering ancient settlements.

Why the Jews of Khazaria, the Himyarites and GokTurk Empire are Keys to Universal History

Matt Ehret's Insights β€’ 1297 implied HN points β€’ 18 Oct 23
πŸ’Ύ History Middle East
  1. The Khazar Kingdom in Central Europe had a significant role in uniting different faiths and cultures under one alliance for centuries.
  2. The GokTurk Empire played a major role in facilitating Silk Road trade routes between Asia and Europe.
  3. The ecumenical alliances between Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Confucian leaders in history helped maintain peace and preserve trade routes, but eventually faced challenges from Venetian and Byzantine powers.

Buffalo Bill's Not-So-Wild Home

Non-Boring History β€’ 412 implied HN points β€’ 23 Jan 24
πŸ’Ύ History Entertainment
  1. Buffalo Bill's mansion in North Platte, Nebraska is a Victorian house with an interesting history.
  2. Buffalo Bill Cody's life story involved dramatic turns, from being a scout, buffalo hunter, to a showman.
  3. Buffalo Bill's impact on American showbiz and the Western theme continues to influence entertainment today.

Age of Invention: Lessons from the Rise of Coal

Age of Invention, by Anton Howes β€’ 1201 implied HN points β€’ 25 Oct 23
πŸ’Ύ History Industrial Revolution
  1. The transition to coal started by finding ways to exploit cheaper coals, leading to innovations like coal-fuelled salt pans.
  2. Lime, often overlooked by economic historians, had a significant impact on agriculture and productivity.
  3. Coal's impact on agriculture increased the availability of grain, resulting in an abundance of muscle power for various industrial tasks.

My Sunday With The Amber-Eyed Hare

Daily Dreher β€’ 1454 implied HN points β€’ 02 Oct 23
πŸ’Ύ History World War II Nazism Holocaust Totalitarianism Communism
  1. The story reflects on the rise and fall of a Jewish banking family through generational possessions and the impact of war
  2. The deep-rooted anti-Semitism in European society is highlighted through historical artifacts and experiences
  3. The narration urges vigilance against totalitarianism by drawing parallels between Nazi and Communist regimes, emphasizing the importance of learning from history

Meet Black Patriots Fighting for Independence (their own)

Non-Boring History β€’ 314 implied HN points β€’ 06 Feb 24
πŸ’Ύ History American Revolution Resistance Survival Independence
  1. Enslaved African Americans had complex allegiances during the American Revolution, supporting the British for various reasons.
  2. The British offered enslaved people opportunities during the War of Independence, but the reality of slavery persisted even after gestures of freedom.
  3. Enslaved people formed their own communities in the swamps to resist slavery, facing challenges for their independence and eventually being brought down by authorities.

She championed Charlotte's first hospitals

The Charlotte Ledger β€’ 412 implied HN points β€’ 20 Jan 24
πŸ’Ύ History Civil War Hospitals Reconstruction
  1. Jane Wilkes led the effort to establish Charlotte's first civilian hospitals after volunteering in Confederate camp hospitals during the Civil War.
  2. She championed the fundraising for St. Peter's Home and Hospital in 1876, followed by the creation of Good Samaritan Hospital in 1891 for the city's black residents.
  3. Her dedication to improving public health care in Charlotte was honored with a statue along the Little Sugar Creek Greenway in 2010.

Birds and Slavery

Bird History β€’ 79 implied HN points β€’ 28 Mar 24
πŸ’Ύ History Slavery Ornithology Freedom
  1. Birds played a significant role in the lives of enslaved men and women, representing forced labor but also providing opportunities for food, freedom, and sometimes even companionship.
  2. Slaves often engaged in hunting birds to feed the plantation, showcasing exceptional skills to provide food for the masters, while being deprived of the best game themselves.
  3. Enslaved Africans developed their own ornithology, understanding and relating to birds in unique ways that went beyond mere exploitation, showcasing a complex relationship with the natural world.

A (NEW, TRUE) MEDIEVAL GHOST STORY

History, etc β€’ 1081 implied HN points β€’ 31 Oct 23
πŸ’Ύ History Medieval
  1. A chronicler visits a French castle and encounters strange events and stories.
  2. The count of Foix has a mysterious ability to know things instantly, possibly thanks to a ghost named Orton.
  3. Raymond, a lord from a neighboring land, strikes a deal with the ghost Orton, leading to unexpected consequences.

Today in History: January 4-6

Foreign Exchanges β€’ 491 implied HN points β€’ 06 Jan 24
πŸ’Ύ History Events Leaders Wars Empires Revolution
  1. On January 4, 1878, Ottomans lost Sofia to the Russian army in a significant battle during the Russian-Ottoman War.
  2. US President Dwight Eisenhower established a doctrine on January 5, 1957, to intervene in the Middle East against Soviet influence.
  3. The last Byzantine Emperor, Constantine XI Palaiologos, was crowned on January 6, 1449, before falling in the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453.

Tracing a Tragedy

The Forgotten Files β€’ 334 implied HN points β€’ 31 Jan 24
πŸ’Ύ History Conservation Wildlife Extinction
  1. William T. Hornaday highlighted the tragic extinction of American Bison and its causes in his report.
  2. The extinction of bison was driven by factors like man's greed, lack of protective measures, and advanced firearms.
  3. Hornaday's efforts led to his influential role in wildlife preservation and saving species from extinction.

Listening to history

A Lawyer Writes β€’ 353 implied HN points β€’ 25 Jan 24
πŸ’Ύ History Holocaust Survivor
  1. Holocaust survivor Anita Lasker-Wallfisch criticizes planned learning center near Houses of Parliament.
  2. Lasker-Wallfisch doubts effectiveness of museums and memorials in curbing antisemitism.
  3. Government faces criticism for considering underground learning center at public park near Parliament.

Washington finds his calling

A User's Guide to History β€’ 255 implied HN points β€’ 10 Feb 24
πŸ’Ύ History Military Leaders Battles Colonialism Biography
  1. George Washington showed early signs of leadership and military skill when he led a small militia group to victory in battle.
  2. Washington had a natural inclination for soldiering, always feeling alive in moments of danger and battle.
  3. Throughout his life, Washington maintained his courage and charm even in the face of enemy fire, showing his leadership qualities and bravery.

Battle Cry of Freedom

Pitchfork Papers β€’ 294 implied HN points β€’ 02 Feb 24
πŸ’Ύ History Constitution Slavery Federal Government
  1. The American Civil War saw both sides claiming to fight for freedom, but with conflicting interpretations and motivations.
  2. The Confederacy justified their fight for freedom while supporting slavery, relying on selective readings of historical documents.
  3. The Union, while fighting against slavery, also had inconsistencies in how they interpreted constitutional rights and the power of individual states.