The hottest History Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top History Topics

A (NEW, TRUE) MEDIEVAL GHOST STORY

History, etc • 1081 implied HN points • 31 Oct 23
💾 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.

"But then I realized horses are just men-extenders"

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 394 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
💾 History Civilization Technology Culture Evolution Military
  1. Horses played a key role in advancing human civilization by providing a new source of power for farming, transport, and warfare. They helped people accomplish tasks more efficiently and laid the groundwork for modern advancements.
  2. The relationship between humans and horses lasted for thousands of years and influenced societal structures, including the development of patriarchal societies. As horses were integrated into daily life, they changed the nature of work for men and women differently.
  3. Even though technology has replaced horses in many ways, their historical importance is profound. They were our first major means of boosting productivity and transforming the way humans lived and worked.

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.

Christmas Mailbag - Questions Wanted!

Odds and Ends of History • 335 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
💾 History Historical Events Cultural heritage Historical Figures Historical Analysis
  1. The author is looking for questions to include in a Christmas-themed Q&A post. People can submit their questions in the comments.
  2. There is an upcoming transport event in January, and tickets are selling quickly, so interested people should book soon.
  3. This post aims to engage the audience and encourage interaction through questions and event participation.
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The Story of the Ice Balloon

Cosmographia • 1078 implied HN points • 24 Jul 23
💾 History Exploration Tragedy Discovery Adventure Mystery
  1. The story highlights the fine line between courage and folly. Andrée's bold expedition to the North Pole by hot air balloon ultimately ended in tragedy.
  2. The late 19th century was the 'Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration,' with individuals like Scott and Shackleton driven by a fervor to conquer the poles.
  3. The ill-fated journey of Andrée, Strindberg, and Frænkel serves as a cautionary tale about ambition, courage, and the consequences of daring exploration.

THE SCENE OF THE CRIME

Seymour Hersh • 54 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
💾 History War history Vietnam War Journalism Political History
  1. The My Lai massacre during the Vietnam War involved the brutal killing of civilians, including women and children, by American soldiers who believed they were following orders. This horrific event revealed the dark side of war and highlighted how soldiers could become desensitized to violence.
  2. Many veterans left Vietnam with deep psychological scars and guilt, questioning their actions and the morality of the war. Some, like Paul Meadlo, openly expressed remorse for their involvement in the killings.
  3. The aftermath of My Lai not only fueled anti-war sentiment in the U.S. but also led to a greater awareness of the need for accountability in military actions. It served as a reminder of the atrocities committed during war and the importance of protecting civilians.

The first Labour government and the next Labour government

Writing from London • 530 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
💾 History Labour Party Progressive Movement Political alliances
  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.

A Deep Dive Into The Colourised Copperplate

Londonist: Time Machine • 379 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
💾 History London Maps
  1. The article provides a detailed exploration of 90 locations mentioned on the Tudor map's eastern plate, discussing the history and significance of each label.
  2. John Stow, a key London historian from the 16th century, played a crucial role in deciphering the information on the Copperplate map, offering valuable insight into the city's history in that period.
  3. The map reveals interesting historical information about various streets, churches, and landmarks in Tudor London, showcasing how the city has evolved over the centuries.

The Big London History Quiz of the Year 2024

Londonist: Time Machine • 199 implied HN points • 17 May 24
💾 History Heritage Events Trivia Landmarks Museums
  1. London Historians organize an annual pub quiz testing knowledge about London's history, providing an engaging way for people to learn and have fun.
  2. Upcoming London history events like the Magnificent Music Hall, Dunkirk at the Docks, and Biscuit Day offer unique and educational experiences for interested individuals.
  3. The Big London History Quiz of the Year 2024 covers categories like Picture round, London history, sporting history, Births, Marriages, Deaths, and Plaques and memorials, showcasing the rich historical tapestry of London.

Blood on the Seine

Cosmographia • 838 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
💾 History European history Art history
  1. Paris evolved from a Gaulish settlement to a significant city under various rulers like Clovis I and Charlemagne.
  2. Charlemagne, known as the Father of Europe, made Aachen his permanent capital, shifting attention from Paris.
  3. After Charlemagne's reign, Paris experienced a decline in political significance and development, facing new threats like Viking invasions.

Southwark's Forgotten Royal Palace

Londonist: Time Machine • 419 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
💾 History Architecture
  1. There is a piece about Southwark's forgotten royal palace called Suffolk Place in Londonist's newsletter by Dr Elizabeth Norton and Tudor Places magazine.
  2. Londonist's regular writer, Matt Brown, took a break from the newsletter for a week to spend some time with his kids.
  3. Readers can subscribe to Londonist's Time Machine for a 7-day free trial to access the full post archives.

Leaving behind the history written in letters of blood

Wrong Side of History • 275 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
💾 History European history Nationalism Immigration Philosophy Ethics
  1. European society changed a lot after World War II, and old ideas of guilt and hospitality mixed with a new horror from the war. This shift influenced how people thought about nationalism and morality.
  2. People became very afraid of nationalism after the war, often going too far in pushing it away, which made them overlook other important values like order and liberty.
  3. There is a strong belief among European elites that immigration is always a good thing, even if the reasons they give can be confusing. This ideology has become common in their discussions.

Yet More Very Local History

So Here’s a Thing • 963 implied HN points • 27 May 23
💾 History Local history
  1. In Santa Cruz, a hamster given to a young girl in 1911 disappeared when denied the freedom to leave the building.
  2. Despite a photograph of the Miramar Grand Hotel dated 1907, no other historical mention of the hotel has been found, leading to the conclusion that it never existed.
  3. A group known as 'the guardians of the San Lorenzo' were sighted in Santa Cruz for over 150 years before disappearing into the ocean on a raft, with an annual festival still held in their honor.

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 • 491 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
💾 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.

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.

Two Tales from Laos: Iron Age Battlefields & Demons In The Night

Grey Goose Chronicles • 943 implied HN points • 14 May 23
💾 History Culture War Religion Archaeology Conflict
  1. The Taiping Rebellion led to conflicts and alliances in Laos involving different groups and wars.
  2. The Plain of Jars in Laos holds mysterious archaeological artifacts from the Iron Age, sparking interest and research.
  3. The Hmong people faced complex challenges from wars, alliances, and a post-war mystery known as SUNDS that impacted their community.

The US Was Right to Nuke Imperial Japan

American Dreaming • 339 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
💾 History War Politics Atrocities Imperialism Morality
  1. The use of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki is often misunderstood. Many see Japan as a victim without considering the violence they inflicted in WWII.
  2. Japan was deeply committed to their imperial ambitions, making surrender unlikely. This created a difficult situation for the US, as any alternative to the bombings could have resulted in far greater loss of life.
  3. Many people are not aware of Japan's brutal wartime actions. Understanding this context can change perceptions about the necessity of the atomic bombings.

Chartbook 251: In the beginning was Napoleon

Chartbook • 1945 implied HN points • 03 Dec 23
💾 History Europe Warfare Economy Global
  1. Napoleon's era of warfare was on a larger scale and more organized than previous conflicts in Europe.
  2. The Napoleonic wars had a significant impact on the economies of France, Britain, and the wider world, affecting trade and prices globally.
  3. Napoleon's ambitions and successes led to massive counter-acting forces, reshaping European power dynamics and economy, with Britain emerging as a financial and naval powerhouse.

December 28, 2024

Letters from an American • 33 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
💾 History U.S. History Indigenous Peoples Historical Events
  1. The Wounded Knee Massacre was a tragic event where many Lakota people were killed by soldiers after a tense situation escalated. It all started over a fight for a gun that symbolized survival for the Lakota.
  2. On the day before the massacre, the Lakota leader Sitanka urged his people to surrender for their safety. This moment was crucial and could have led to a peaceful resolution instead of violence.
  3. Reflection on history shows that while we can't change the past, we always have the power to shape a better future and learn from our mistakes.

The Secret History of Santa Cruz, Vol 4

So Here’s a Thing • 865 implied HN points • 14 Jun 23
💾 History Local history
  1. Santa Cruz has a rich history with mysterious and unusual events, such as the blessings of a coven of Mail Witches at the post office and the presence of little people in the mountains.
  2. The Darkhouse lighthouse on Barclay Point was related to many shipwrecks but ceased to have accidents after its demolition.
  3. Various oddities and anomalies like forest fires, a mysterious doorway on Cowell Beach, and a flying resident called "Blessed Mary" add intriguing layers to the history of Santa Cruz.

Fullbore Friday

CDR Salamander • 864 implied HN points • 16 Jun 23
💾 History WWII Military tactics
  1. Even if you can only go 80% speed, as long as your weapons are good, you can still go
  2. Luck and tactics can play a big part in naval battles
  3. Admiral William "Bull" Halsey's strategy during the Battle of Cape St. George was very successful, earning it the nickname "Trafalgar of the Pacific"

How did the USSR Collapse?

kamilkazani • 491 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
💾 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.

More Very Local History

So Here’s a Thing • 825 implied HN points • 10 May 23
💾 History Local Mystery Events Illness
  1. In the early 1900s, strange phenomena and mysteries like disappearing rivers and unidentifiable figures captured the attention of Santa Cruz, adding an air of mystery to local history.
  2. The Mullins Gang, a group of loggers turned robbers in the mountains near Santa Cruz, had a curious photo full of stories, with rumors that some could not see the gang members in the picture.
  3. Santa Cruz's past was filled with intriguing events like a temporary loss of language in 1917, and local traditions such as Halloween costume competitions that sometimes ended oddly, adding layers of curiosity to the area's history.

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.

Today in History: January 4-6

Foreign Exchanges • 491 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
💾 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.

The 'Lost Bushmen' of the Drakensberg: The Bantu, The San & The Mountain

Grey Goose Chronicles • 805 implied HN points • 09 Jun 23
💾 History Social Dynamics Cultural Exchange Colonialism Indigenous Peoples
  1. The history of the Bushmen in the Drakensberg region is rich with tales of interaction between farmers and hunter-gatherers.
  2. The San peoples, though often seen as living relics of the stone age, have a complex and diverse genetic and cultural background.
  3. The 'Secret San' of the Drakensberg, a mix of various ethnic groups, have a unique legacy and identify as the descendants of hidden San peoples.

Age of Invention: The Second Soul, Part I

Age of Invention, by Anton Howes • 1281 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
💾 History Europe Taxes Geography Society
  1. Salt was a crucial product in the past, impacting agriculture, food preservation, and even the economy of various regions.
  2. The control and taxation of salt played a significant role in the rise and fall of empires and states, showcasing the power dynamics associated with this essential commodity.
  3. Different geographical factors influenced the success of salt taxes, with regions like north-west Europe reaping the most rewards from this practice.

Secret Santa Cruz, Volume 5

So Here’s a Thing • 786 implied HN points • 10 Jul 23
💾 History Local history
  1. Isaac Hatcher, a self-taught architect, forgot to include floors in his biggest commission, leading to a short-lived career in ship construction.
  2. The Sisters of Infinite Procrastination were expelled after their structure was accidentally completed, leading to their fall from grace.
  3. Residents refused to enter a building present after a flood in 1904, believing it appeared mysteriously and remains empty behind false walls.

America's First Drug Cartel Was Not Colombian or Mexican; It Was The Italian-Jewish Mob

CrashOut by Ioan Grillo • 766 implied HN points • 11 Sep 23
💾 History Organized Crime Drug Trafficking Prohibition
  1. America's first drug cartel was built by Italian-Jewish mobsters, not Colombian or Mexican cartels.
  2. The mobsters in the US were heavily involved in narcotics despite the glamorized image of mafia dons being focused on honor rather than drug trafficking.
  3. Homegrown criminals from Italian, Jewish, and Irish backgrounds set the foundation for drug trafficking in the US, paving the way for later cartels like Colombians and Mexicans.

PINK MOON 2023

The Lunar Dispatch • 766 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
💾 History Tragedy Survivor Preservation
  1. Preservation of historical sites on the Moon is a growing concern.
  2. The Titanic's wreckage is a battleground between conservationists and protectionists.
  3. Marconi's ambition for an all-hearing radio raises questions about preserving human speech for posterity.