The hottest History Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top History Topics

Buffalo Bill's Not-So-Wild Home

Non-Boring History • 412 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
💾 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.

Unique Locations of Rich Cities

Erik Examines • 44 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
💾 History Urban Development Economic Theory Cultural Exchange
  1. Cities become rich not just because of resources, but often due to their location. Being in the right place for trade can make a huge difference.
  2. Historical and modern successful cities like Singapore, Amsterdam, and London thrived because they were trade hubs. They had good harbors and access to important waterways.
  3. Even if a city has challenges like diversity or resource scarcity, its strategic location can lead to economic success. This shows that trade routes and connections can often matter more than local resources.

Chartbook 269: Alderney, or the delirious arithmetic of modern mass violence.

Chartbook • 1187 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
💾 History World War II
  1. The story delves into controversies and investigations surrounding the potential presence of mass graves and significant historical events on the English Channel island of Alderney during World War II.
  2. It explores the complexities and challenges in quantifying and understanding the immense scale of tragedies like the Holocaust and Nazi atrocities, emphasizing the importance of accurate analysis to do justice to historical events.
  3. The analysis portrays the need for precise examination and mapping of historical events, such as the Nazi regime's labor mobilization and coercion, to comprehend the intricate and structured nature of power dynamics within historical contexts.

Every Interesting Elephant Who Ever Came to London

Londonist: Time Machine • 259 implied HN points • 22 Mar 24
💾 History London history
  1. Elephants were once indigenous to the area that would become London, with a long history that involves being part of circuses, zoos, and royal gifts.
  2. Contrary to popular belief, there is no strong evidence that Emperor Claudius used war elephants during the Roman invasion of Britain in AD 43.
  3. Historically, London has had notable elephants like Louis IX of France's gift to Henry III in 1255 and the famous Chunee that lived in Exeter Exchange from 1809 to 1826.

Thirteen Thoughts on Saddam Hussein

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 1097 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
💾 History Geopolitics Iraq Family Middle East
  1. Saddam Hussein was a remarkable figure who rose to power through hard work and intelligence, despite his brutal actions.
  2. Saddam's past as a teenager foreshadowed his future behavior as a leader, showing the impact of his upbringing on his decisions.
  3. The Middle East faced limited ideological paths, with Saddam's choices influenced by this environment and his conspiratorial worldview.
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She championed Charlotte's first hospitals

The Charlotte Ledger • 412 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
💾 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.

Horse Vs Car: They Called It 200 Years Ago

Londonist: Time Machine • 259 implied HN points • 20 Mar 24
💾 History London Transportation
  1. In the early 20th century, London rapidly transitioned from a horse-drawn city to a city flooded with cars and motor-buses, a change that had been predicted for nearly a century.
  2. The transformation from horses to cars in London was seen as a significant and swift evolution, presenting challenges that were not foreseen by many in the past.
  3. Over generations, people in London anticipated the shift from horse-drawn transportation to motor vehicles, hinting at the changes that were to come in the city's future.

Secret Santa Cruz, Vol 6

So Here’s a Thing • 727 implied HN points • 02 Aug 23
💾 History
  1. In 1917, a strange cloud caused people named Edward in Santa Cruz to be replaced by individuals claiming to be called Gregory, leading to ongoing suspicion of the name Gregory in the area.
  2. The Bryson family were known as the last shadow-hunters in Santa Cruz, paid a bounty for trapping shadows, but showing professional courtesy by letting an elder shade leave peacefully in a photograph from 1902.
  3. In 1921, the Santa Cruz Court House had to close due to an infestation of unfriendliness. Citizens sitting in a particular chair to judge were immediately thrown in jail, and the chair remains under investigation.

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.

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.

Atomic bombing of Japan was not necessary to end WWII. US gov't documents admit it

Geopolitical Economy Report • 697 implied HN points • 09 Aug 23
💾 History World War II Cold War Nuclear Weapons War Crimes
  1. US government documents admit that the atomic bombing of Japan in WWII was not necessary
  2. The decision to use nuclear weapons against Japan was aimed politically at the Soviet Union, rather than solely to end the war with Japan
  3. Many top US military officials, like General Eisenhower, opposed the use of atomic bombs on Japan, suggesting it was unnecessary and could have been avoided

The Art of Propaganda

The Forgotten Files • 373 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
💾 History Propaganda WWII America Japan Public Perception
  1. The post discusses how propaganda was used to shape public perception in America and Japan during WWII.
  2. Various examples of propaganda materials from the WWII era are showcased, including maps and leaflets.
  3. The materials highlighted demonstrate the different strategies and messages used in propaganda to influence attitudes and actions.

Makers of Modern Strategy with Hal Brands

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

"Life on This Earth in the Year A.D. 2000"

Londonist: Time Machine • 179 implied HN points • 19 Apr 24
💾 History London Transport Competition Events Architecture
  1. In 1954, there was a competition predicting life in the year 2000, with a focus on London's transport future.
  2. The competition attracted a diverse group of participants from various backgrounds and regions around the world.
  3. Transportation was the most popular topic in the competition, with the winning proposals envisioning rooftop roadways for London in 2000.

A most fortunate defeat

A User's Guide to History • 334 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
💾 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.

Listening to history

A Lawyer Writes • 353 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
💾 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.

History Unknown: The CIA Bought (and Changed) George Orwell's "Animal Farm"

JoeWrote • 46 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
💾 History Cold War Propaganda CIA Socialism Literature
  1. The CIA has been involved in many controversial and extreme actions, such as planning false flag attacks, making it hard to speak about American foreign policy without sounding extreme.
  2. George Orwell, under his real name Eric Arthur Blair, had a complicated political history, shaped in part by his experiences during the Spanish Civil War.
  3. Orwell's book 'Animal Farm' is not just about communism but a critique of the Soviet Union's style of governance, as he wanted to highlight its flaws rather than dismiss socialism altogether.

Tracing a Tragedy

The Forgotten Files • 334 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
💾 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.

Meet Black Patriots Fighting for Independence (their own)

Non-Boring History • 314 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
💾 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.

German Militarism and the Virtues of Hypocrisy

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 1048 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
💾 History Politics Culture Military Monarchy
  1. Otto von Bismarck's 'blood and iron' speech was a pivotal moment that shaped Prussia's history and led to Germany's unification.
  2. Jonathan Steinberg's biography offers insight into the politics and culture of 19th-century Germany through direct quotes from major figures like Bismarck.
  3. Despite impressive accomplishments during and after Bismarck's reign, Germany faced challenges including maintaining a powerful monarchy and conservative elite, which played a role in the tumultuous first half of the 20th century.

Rex Romae: Blood and Beauty

Cosmographia • 619 implied HN points • 08 Oct 23
💾 History Ancient History Leaders Mythology Art
  1. Early Rome was ruled by Kings called 'rex', with Romulus being the first King who founded Rome in 753 BC. The city remained a kingdom until the Republic was born in 509 BC.
  2. There were supposed to be seven Kings in total according to Roman tradition, even though early records are lost. Historical accounts by Livy and Plutarch, though sometimes unreliable, provide captivating stories about these Kings.
  3. Numa Pompilius, chosen as King after Romulus, is known for his peaceful reign where he established religious and political institutions in Rome and created the city's first codified laws said to be dictated by a nymph named Egeria.

Warring kingdoms

The Newsletter of (Not Quite) Everything • 334 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
💾 History Economic Impact
  1. Labour's deputy leader highlighted the financial impact on working people under successive Conservative governments.
  2. The UK's urban economies have suffered from significant underperformance, leading to a cumulative loss in wealth for the average person.
  3. The majority of UK cities experienced growth in employment but not in productivity, resulting in a 'growthless recovery' with various factors at play, such as Brexit and infrastructure decisions.

A Streetcar Named Seattle

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 299 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
💾 History Urban History Transportation Public Transit City Development
  1. Seattle once had a large trolley and cable car system used by millions before it was replaced by buses in 1941. It was a major form of transportation before most people owned cars.
  2. Many physical reminders of the trolley system still exist in Seattle, like special street corners and widened streets made for the trolleys. These features show how the city was planned around this transportation method.
  3. The modern electric trolleys in Seattle run on routes that often follow the old trolley paths, preserving a piece of the city's history in its current transit system.

Secret Santa Cruz, Vol 7

So Here’s a Thing • 609 implied HN points • 04 Sep 23
💾 History Local history
  1. Daniel Rittenhaus claimed his house could float above the ground through a contract with spirits, but was killed in a skirmish with locals and his house destroyed in 1899.
  2. Edward Morey, a respected priest, turned to bee worship after accusing God of stealing from him, and was expelled from the county after causing deaths in Santa Cruz.
  3. Elizabeth Trelawny experimented with pyramids to visit distant planets, but vanished mysteriously in 1922, never seen again.

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.

Bad Weather Isn't Enough To Make Power Companies Bury Their Lines. So What Is?

North Carolina Rabbit Hole • 353 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
💾 History Infrastructure Public Relations Urbanization Technology Environmentalism
  1. Power companies find burying overhead lines too expensive compared to overhead lines.
  2. New developments in North Carolina are opting to bury power lines during construction.
  3. Historically, power companies moved lines underground to enhance urban aesthetics and meet rising electricity demands.

Introduction to The Soviet Jew

Yasha Levine • 589 implied HN points • 28 May 23
💾 History Soviet Union Immigration Cold War Nationalism
  1. The Soviet Jew memoir is being restarted and will be released in installments for paid subscribers.
  2. The Victims of Communism Foundation focuses on educating about the evils of communism and collaborating with various anti-communist figures and activists.
  3. The author realized the personal connection of his family's immigration from the Soviet Union to the broader theme of America weaponizing nationalist diasporas.

Battle Cry of Freedom

Pitchfork Papers • 294 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
💾 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.

Fratricidal Foundation

Cosmographia • 579 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
💾 History Ancient Rome Mythology Literature Art
  1. The post discusses the legend of Rome's founding through the story of Aeneas and his descendants, connecting the narrative gaps and adding legitimacy to Roman origins.
  2. The next chapter explores the legends of Rome's founding as portrayed by Ovid, Livy, Plutarch, and various artists throughout history, depicting wolves, fratricide, rape, and war.
  3. The legend of Rome's founding is rich with tales of familial conflict and historical significance, as depicted by various ancient writers and artists.

Age of Invention: Unsung Materials

Age of Invention, by Anton Howes • 1072 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
💾 History Industrial Revolution Inventions Materials Patents
  1. The history of various industries from the period 1550-1650 is often overlooked.
  2. There were significant advancements in industries like iron, stockings and silk, saltpetre, glass, brass, and manure during this time.
  3. Exploring the development of these industries can provide insights into key historical innovations and societal changes.

When Slavery Came Home

Non-Boring History • 550 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
💾 History Slavery Future
  1. The post discusses facing difficult truths from the past to create a better future.
  2. It mentions the dark secrets of a historical place in rural Cheshire, near Manchester, England.
  3. Readers can access more content and archives by subscribing for a 7-day free trial.

Washington finds his calling

A User's Guide to History • 255 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
💾 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.

When Communism Came To America

The Redneck Intellectual by C. Bradley Thompson • 530 implied HN points • 28 Mar 23
💾 History Communism Moral Philosophy Economic Systems
  1. Seventeenth-century American colonies like Jamestown and Plymouth were founded on communist principles, which led to starvation and failure.
  2. Communism is inherently immoral and leads to resentment, mistrust, and decreased productivity.
  3. The introduction of private property at Jamestown and Plymouth led to increased productivity, social harmony, and moral transformation, emphasizing the importance of freedom and private property.