The hottest Historical Events Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

Things Worth Remembering: When the Earth Shakes

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1674 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
💾 History Philosophy Disasters Human behavior Cultural impact Historical Events
  1. The 1906 San Francisco earthquake led to a lot of chaos, but it also showed how people can come together and create order from disorder.
  2. Philosopher William James found inspiration in the earthquake's aftermath, believing in hope even during tough times.
  3. This history reminds us that even in crisis, there can be opportunities to rebuild and unite as a community.

VFYW: Through A Window Darkly

The Weekly Dish • 7 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
💾 History World War II Military History Historical Events Cultural impact Historical Sites
  1. The Battle of the Bulge was a significant WWII conflict that took place in Luxembourg, marking an important turning point for the Allied forces.
  2. Luxembourg's strategic location during the war resulted in heavy fighting and notable sacrifices, with a cemetery dedicated to fallen American soldiers from that battle.
  3. The ongoing contest encourages participants to guess locations based on photos, showcasing the diversity and clever detective work of its players.

The end is nigh and here's why

Experimental History • 23696 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
💾 History Historical Events Psychology
  1. Many people throughout history have believed that the world is ending soon, and this is still common today. It's a way for them to make sense of their fears about death and uncertainty.
  2. People tend to focus on bad news more than good news, which makes it feel like the world is getting worse over time. Our memories also fade bad experiences more quickly, which can lead to a feeling that the past was better.
  3. There's a strange belief that today's problems are new and unprecedented when, in fact, people have complained about the same issues throughout history. This perspective can cause anxiety about the future.

Police Use of DNA to Create a Suspect’s Face Is Dangerous Junk Science & Why Aren't More Black People Voting?

kareem • 6151 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Justice System Political Activism Historical Events
  1. Be cautious of the dangerous junk science involved in using DNA to predict a suspect's face and running facial recognition on it.
  2. Black History Month is crucial to celebrate the contributions of Black individuals that have been historically overlooked and ignored.
  3. Efforts to restrict Black voting rights are a serious issue, with people of color being underrepresented in the electorate despite making up a significant portion of eligible voters.
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Top Links 598 The impact of HIV/AIDS. The legacy of Commons. Austerity amongst downfall & the year when left-conservative populism became a thing.

Chartbook • 286 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Historical Events Social Issues Political theory Health Policies
  1. The long-lasting effects of HIV/AIDS have significantly impacted life expectancy in sub-Saharan Africa. This shows how health crises can change a whole region's future.
  2. Understanding the legacy of Commons helps explain how past governance affects current political landscapes. It’s important to look at history to grasp today's issues.
  3. The rise of left-conservative populism marks a shift in political movements. This change highlights how people's feelings about politics and economy are evolving.

Top Links 576 Social exclusion in the US mortgage market. Elon's regulatory issues. Will Trump trigger chaos in the Balkans? Historical Vistas on Sri Lanka’s 2022 People’s Uprising

Chartbook • 472 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Social Issues Regulations Historical Events
  1. Many Americans can't buy homes because of low credit scores. The bottom third of people really struggle to get mortgages.
  2. There are concerns about how recent actions by Elon Musk might affect regulations in his businesses. People are watching closely for any changes.
  3. The political situation with Trump could cause serious problems in the Balkans. It's a situation that needs attention due to its potential impact.

The U.S. Government (Probably) Killed MLK

JoeWrote • 48 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Government Historical Events Conspiracy Justice System
  1. The U.S. government has sanitized Martin Luther King Jr.'s message, ignoring his critiques of economic injustice and imperialism. This creates a false image of who he really was and what he stood for.
  2. In 1999, the King family won a civil lawsuit stating that there was a conspiracy to kill MLK, which included claims of involvement from the mafia and government. This trial was not just about money but aimed at validating their fight for the truth.
  3. Many people do not believe the official story of MLK's assassination, and there are doubts about the involvement of various parties in his death. This ongoing skepticism highlights the complexities surrounding his legacy and the circumstances of his death.

Odds and Ends #49: How bat protection regulations broke Britain's planning system

Odds and Ends of History • 536 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
💾 History Historical Events Cultural impact Social Issues Environmental Policy
  1. Bat protection rules in the UK have complicated the planning system, causing delays and issues for construction projects.
  2. Some areas in Europe are actually doing well in terms of economic growth, contrary to common beliefs comparing them to the US.
  3. Many Netflix films are made but quickly forgotten, as the platform produces a lot of content that doesn't stick with viewers.

Odds and Ends #45: Deliverism, blasphemy and selfies from space

Odds and Ends of History • 670 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
💾 History Political History Cultural History Historical Events Digital history Social history
  1. There are interesting discussions happening around transport and how it might change in the future. A live event is planned to dive deeper into this topic with an expert.
  2. Digital transformation in government is a big challenge, but there are ways to make it work better. A new newsletter is launching to explore these issues and share helpful insights.
  3. Exploring new places can be fun, and getting travel tips for nerdy activities in New Zealand is a great way to prepare. Sharing suggestions can help make the trip more exciting.

The Lost Stones of London

Londonist: Time Machine • 399 implied HN points • 08 May 24
💾 History Historical Events Archaeology Local government
  1. London's geography is linked to ancient stones like Oswald's Stone, which has been almost forgotten, highlighting the city's rich history.
  2. Historic stones in London served various purposes like marking boundaries or council meeting spots, adding unique character to the city's landscape.
  3. Despite being forgotten, remnants of ancient stones like London Stone and Wealdstone can still be found around London, connecting the modern city to its past.

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.

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.

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.

January 9, 2025

Letters from an American • 21 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Leaders Historical Events
  1. Jimmy Carter's funeral brought together all five living former presidents and many others, showing his impact on American politics and society.
  2. Carter was remembered for his commitment to human rights, integrity, and environmental issues, with many speakers highlighting his leadership style and strong character.
  3. His legacy includes significant contributions to women’s rights, climate action, and public health, with a focus on community and partnership to solve global issues.

Holmes' Helper

Marlene’s Newsletter • 4 implied HN points • 21 May 25
💾 History True Crime Biography Historical Events Psychology
  1. In the 1890s, gruesome discoveries were made at H. H. Holmes' building, where human remains were found buried. The sight shocked the community, revealing Holmes as a notorious murderer.
  2. Pat Quinlan, who claimed to be just a janitor, was suspected of knowing more about Holmes' crimes. His involvement with the hotel raised questions about what he really knew.
  3. Holmes was executed in 1896, but Quinlan struggled with guilt and fear afterward. He believed he was haunted by the ghosts of Holmes' victims, leading to his tragic end in 1914.

Saturday Commentary and Review #149

Fisted by Foucault • 421 implied HN points • 09 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Europe Global Conflict International relations Government Historical Events
  1. Saudi royals prefer Israel over Hamas due to long-standing concerns about Islamism threatening their rule.
  2. The collapse of Austria-Hungary spawned unique literature reflecting on the loss of the empire.
  3. Bellingcat, known for open source intelligence, has been revealed to collaborate with Western intelligence agencies.

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.

CIA agent used a dog named Volodia to rape innocent people (male & female): LA Times

Global Community Weekly (GloCom) • 39 implied HN points • 22 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Torture Human Rights Historical Events Government National Security
  1. The CIA practiced using a dog to rape innocent people in the 1970s.
  2. Gina Haspel, a former CIA Director, was friends with a CIA agent involved in the dog raping practice.
  3. The article raises concerns about the lack of accountability for past torture practices and the need for national dialogue.

Comancheria: Season 1

Kvetch • 21 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24
💾 History Historical Events
  1. Season 1 of Comancheria covers the rise of Comancheria and the challenges faced by various tribes and settlers.
  2. Episodes in Season 1 delve into historical events like the Chaos caused by the introduction of new technologies, the conflicts between Comanches and Apaches, and the Spanish expeditions and truces in the early 1700s.
  3. The cycle of violence intensified, leading to terror, atrocities, and a significant impact on the territories, setting back civilization by a hundred years.

How much do AI chatbots know about the Finnish history?

Ahpocalypse Now • 19 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
💾 History Chatbots Artificial Intelligence Historical Events Accuracy
  1. When testing AI chatbots with questions on Finnish history, the farther the topic is from well-known subjects, the worse the AI performs.
  2. Comparing OpenAI's ChatGPT with Microsoft's Bing, Bing may require more specific prompts to provide detailed answers.
  3. AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Bing may offer inaccurate or hallucinated information, highlighting the importance of fact-checking and verifying information when using AI for historical research.

Swindling Geologist - Part 1 (of 2)

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 1 HN point • 18 Jul 24
💾 History Historical Events Biographies Cultural History
  1. A con artist pretended to be famous geologists in the late 1800s, tricking people into giving him money and valuable items.
  2. He used different names and stories to fool people, claiming to be with renowned geological surveys and even faking injuries.
  3. The swindler's tricks worked for many years, but he kept changing his identity to avoid getting caught.

Research Note: On Walking Out

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 17 May 10
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil War Political History Secession Political parties Historical Events
  1. The 1860 Democratic conventions in Charleston and Baltimore saw several southern states walk out over disagreements.
  2. The southern states seceded from the union in two main waves, starting with South Carolina and ending with Tennessee.
  3. Some states, like Missouri and Kentucky, chose not to leave, indicating divisions in support for secession.

Did William Jennigs Bryan's "cross of gold" speech crash the economy?

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 11 Oct 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Rhetoric Economic Impact Historical Events Political parties Election Analysis
  1. The 'Cross of Gold' speech showed the Democratic Party's shift towards supporting silver over gold, which worried some investors.
  2. The speech didn't directly crash the economy, but it reflected bigger changes in the party that could have economic effects.
  3. Bryan was a surprising candidate, and his strong speech energized the silver delegates and changed party dynamics.

The Problem with the Persistence Literature

Something to Consider • 0 implied HN points • 14 Mar 23
💾 History Economic History Historical Events Research Methodology
  1. Many studies look at how past events affect the present but often don't help us understand future outcomes. It's easy to tell stories about what happened before, but challenging to predict how current events will shape the future.
  2. Some research does use past events to study how systems and institutions work, which is more useful. These studies can help us understand why some countries thrive while others do not.
  3. Not all papers in the persistence literature are valuable. If they only focus on how past events influence today without making any connections to the future, they might not be worth our time.

Lord Lovell's Lost Bride

Marlene’s Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
💾 History Ghost stories Social history Historical Events
  1. In 1923, Edna Hilton married Capt. Denzil Cope and moved to Bramshill Castle, which is known for its ghost stories.
  2. The legend of 'The Mistletoe Bride' tells of a bride who went missing during a game of hide and seek, only to be discovered years later inside a chest.
  3. Bramshill House is also home to ghost sightings and strange occurrences, like moans and footsteps, which continue to intrigue visitors.

The Santa Barbara Oil Spill: A Turning Point for Environmentalism

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 20 May 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Oil Spills Environmental Policy Historical Events Marine life Public awareness
  1. The Santa Barbara oil spill in 1969 was a huge disaster, spilling millions of gallons of oil and harming many animals and the environment.
  2. This incident raised public awareness about environmental issues, leading to stronger regulations and the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
  3. The spill marked a significant change in how the U.S. viewed oil drilling and environmental protection, influencing policies for years to come.