The hottest European history Substack posts right now

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.
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.
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.

Paris evolved from a Gaulish settlement to a significant city under various rulers like Clovis I and Charlemagne.
Charlemagne, known as the Father of Europe, made Aachen his permanent capital, shifting attention from Paris.
After Charlemagne's reign, Paris experienced a decline in political significance and development, facing new threats like Viking invasions.

Over one million American men served in Europe during World War I.
The sacrifice of American troops in both World War I and II were enormous.
Defending democracy has historically come at a high price, including the loss of many lives.

China's historical system focused on providing peasants with hope of advancement, motivating them to fight for military honors and social mobility.
A meritocratic approach in China ensured that power and wealth were not easily inherited, preventing the monopolization of success by nobles.
The use of concubines in China served as a method to ensure competent heirs, prevent inbreeding, and stabilize society through non-exclusive relationships.

Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Scandinavia has a tumultuous history of foragers, farmers, and barbarian invasions.
The Vikings originated from Scandinavian tribes and executed daring raids across Europe.
The modern image of peaceful Scandinavia contrasts with its violent medieval history.

Where you are born significantly impacts your economic opportunities.
Competition and war among states can drive institutional progress and innovation.
Territorial competition between states can lead to a process of creative destruction and better governance.

The articles examine how the history of Western Civilization is used and its evolving threats
There's a focus on power and European history in the recommended reading
Various viewpoints and reflections on Western civilization are presented in the articles