The hottest History Substack posts right now

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Top World Politics Topics

The Curse of the Dispensation

America in Crisis • 99 implied HN points • 04 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History
  1. Democrats shifted focus from the working class in favor of other constituencies like women and college students after a 1968 defeat
  2. The decline of Democratic dominance in 1968 was attributed to poor foreign policy choices like excessive military spending during peacetime
  3. Over time, holding onto a dominant party status can lead to complacency and eventual downfall, as seen in the transitions from the Roosevelt to Reagan dispensations

Network connectivity problems

Odds and Ends of History • 67 implied HN points • 15 Dec 25
🎙 Podcasts History
  1. The National Grid’s queuing system for connecting new customers is badly broken and causes frustrating delays, and the government is trying to fix it.
  2. There’s a remarkable World War II railway bridge in Weston-super-Mare with an unusual wartime story that’s worth knowing.
  3. London’s planning system forces data centres and new homes to compete for limited electricity capacity, creating constraints on development, and the Gridlocked report argues planning changes could ease that pressure.

Welcome to Rock 'n' Roll with Me

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 179 implied HN points • 15 Apr 24
🎶 Music History
  1. The goal is to celebrate and preserve classic rock music from the 60s and 70s, since it often gets overlooked on radio today.
  2. Ellen wants to share songs that make her and others want to dance, and she will focus mainly on rock but might include other genres too.
  3. She encourages comments and song requests, making it a fun community space for music lovers, while keeping copyright rules in mind.

Review: Here There Are Blueberries

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 8 implied HN points • 10 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Ordinary people can become perpetrators, but responsibility varies and the roles of victim, bystander and perpetrator can shift over time.
  2. Trauma can pass down generations both for survivors and for descendants of perpetrators, who may inherit guilt or the burden of making amends for actions they didn’t commit.
  3. Language and the omission of facts help enable and hide atrocities, so we must pay close attention to euphemisms, word choices and missing information.

How New York Became a City of Billionaires

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 278 implied HN points • 07 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture History
  1. New York has changed from a city that supported all its residents to one focused on the rich and ambitious. This shift happened mostly in the late 1980s.
  2. Wealth inequality in New York has grown, causing both extreme wealth and poverty to rise at the same time.
  3. The changes in New York have also led to increased racial tensions and fears among its residents.
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WORM MOON 2023

The Lunar Dispatch • 648 implied HN points • 08 Mar 23
🔬 Science History
  1. Progress in creating theoretical spacetime tunnels like wormholes has been slow.
  2. Albert Einstein, known for his scientific achievements and humanitarianism, had a complex private side.
  3. With the advent of quantum computers, concerns arise about privacy and the need for mutual forgiveness in the face of revealed dark sides.

The Divine Engineer of Ancient Sichuan

Chris Arnade Walks the World • 826 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Chengdu is a city that mixes modern life with traditions. Tourists can find panda-themed items everywhere and the city shows a blend of old and new.
  2. Li Bing is a significant figure in Chinese history for his engineering skills. He developed an ancient irrigation system that helped people manage floods and improve farming.
  3. Chinese heroes are often celebrated for serving the people rather than just fighting battles. Figures like Li Bing show how public service and engineering are valued in their culture.

2.6.3 The Misinterpretation of Newton

Fields & Energy • 299 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🔬 Science History
  1. Newton did not explain why gravity exists. He focused on describing what gravity does instead of offering guesses about its cause.
  2. Many scientists after Newton misinterpreted his ideas, leading to a belief that gravity was an essential quality of matter, even though Newton disagreed with such views.
  3. Over time, Newton's concepts became viewed as abstract ideas rather than being connected to real evidence from the physical world.

Why We’re Obsessed with JFK Conspiracies

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 741 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History
  1. Many people are really curious about JFK's assassination and the theories surrounding it. These theories often stem from a mix of history and pop culture.
  2. The 1991 movie _JFK_ played a big role in shaping public interest in these conspiracy theories. It questioned the government's involvement in the assassination and got people talking.
  3. Recently, the idea of releasing more documents on JFK's assassination has garnered attention, especially with Donald Trump's involvement. It shows that the topic is still relevant and controversial today.

The soul of a house

Disaffected Newsletter • 1019 implied HN points • 13 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Houses have a character or 'soul' that reflects the good or bad experiences that happen within them. Some houses feel welcoming while others seem cold or forbidding.
  2. Moving frequently and facing hardships can leave emotional scars, making the idea of a true home feel elusive. Finding a place that feels secure and safe can be a crucial part of childhood.
  3. Houses can evoke strong memories and dreams, even after many years. They remain important in our lives, often representing our desires for stability and belonging.

The Case for Bénédictine

Cocktails With Suderman • 379 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🍲 Food & Drink History
  1. Stocking a home bar with liqueurs can be challenging due to space, cost, and usage considerations.
  2. Bénédictine is a versatile and delicious liqueur that adds sweet complexity to cocktails.
  3. Bénédictine can be used in classic cocktails like the Vieux Carre and Monte Carlo, and serves as a sweetener in whiskey-based drinks.

Economic Ornithology

Bird History • 379 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🔬 Science History
  1. Before pesticides, birds were valued by farmers for their role in controlling bugs on crops, and economic ornithologists calculated the precise worth of each bird in dollars.
  2. The Bureau of Biological Survey was established to study the economic impact of birds on agriculture, shifting focus to quantify the benefits and drawbacks of various bird species on crops.
  3. Studies conducted by economic ornithologists resulted in a widespread belief in the economic significance of birds in pest control, but the field eventually lost credibility as pesticides and modern agricultural practices took over.

BEWARE OF RAGING MUD FIRES

Cintra Wilson Feels Your Pain • 628 implied HN points • 12 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Houseboat communities have a unique history with roots in wartime shipyards and post-war improvisation.
  2. The houseboat residents faced challenges with legal regulations and community gentrification.
  3. The houseboat residents maintained a rebellious and unorthodox lifestyle, resisting conformity and embracing individuality.

Chalino, King of the Drug Ballad

CrashOut by Ioan Grillo • 628 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Chalino Sánchez emigrated to Los Angeles to pursue his music career but remained loyal to his roots in Sinaloa.
  2. Chalino revolutionized the narco corrido genre, paving the way for its popularity and influencing future artists.
  3. Chalino's life and music legacy continue to inspire, with his impact seen through murals, imitators, and his family's continued defense of his reputation.

Geography of Love

The Forgotten Files • 373 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Heart maps from two eras show gender norms.
  2. Men's heart is portrayed as a citadel, while women's heart has canals and rivers.
  3. The images highlight stereotypical gender roles from different time periods.

The Cold War History of Export Controls

ChinaTalk • 415 implied HN points • 30 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History
  1. Export controls on technology have a long history, dating back to the Cold War, and they show how countries try to limit each other's advancements.
  2. The effectiveness of these controls depends heavily on cooperation between countries; without a united approach, it's hard to enforce such regulations.
  3. Tracking where technology goes after it's exported is crucial. If countries can't monitor this, it makes it easy for others to use loopholes and bypass the rules.

Diary: (2) John Oakes on Silence

Book Post • 314 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Being in stillness and silence can be beneficial for new ways of thinking and being
  2. Taking time for solitude and quiet can lead to inner reflection and creativity
  3. Moderation in experiencing silence and solitude can have a soothing effect on the mind

Ultrafinitism as arithmetic potentialism

Infinitely More • 25 implied HN points • 12 Jan 26
📖 Philosophy History
  1. Ultrafinitism can be fruitfully seen as a form of potentialism, which clarifies its philosophical commitments and lets us give a formal treatment of ultrafinitist theories.
  2. Models of finite arithmetic naturally extend step by step to larger models (M+, M++, and so on), presenting arithmetic as a growing structure even without committing to a single completed limit model.
  3. The potentialist view highlights that mathematical truth can depend on how a theory develops, and it provides a natural framework for discussing and adjudicating different ultrafinitist positions about mathematical existence.

Pizza Ebraica

Susanality • 609 implied HN points • 13 Oct 23
🍲 Food & Drink History
  1. The recipe for Pizza Ebraica is a unique and delicious treat from Rome's Jewish Ghetto, rich in history and tradition.
  2. Leah Koenig's book, Portico, dives into the diverse and evolving cuisine of Rome's Jewish community, showcasing the vibrant culinary heritage of the area.
  3. Roman Jewish food offers a blend of traditional dishes and modern twists, highlighting a unique aspect of Jewish cuisine that is different from the more familiar Ashkenazi foods.

Les Belles Dames Sans Merci

SBJournal • 353 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Facing challenges in printing and distributing a feminist erotic magazine in the 80s due to societal norms and discrimination.
  2. Encountering obstacles in business operations and facing prejudice due to the nature of the content.
  3. Navigating the complexities of feminist politics, censorship, and personal relationships within the context of sexual liberation movements.

My Conversation with Matt Teichman

By Reason Alone • 42 implied HN points • 03 Jan 26
🎙 Podcasts History
  1. Structured practices like spaced repetition, reading groups, and long-term recall systems make learning more effective and more enjoyable.
  2. Even small bits of knowledge — names, dates, or basic history — give big interpersonal and intellectual returns, and many people genuinely enjoy the act of recalling facts.
  3. There are bigger questions about how knowledge and tools shape thinking: whether deeper knowledge aligns people’s views, whether humans can be universal explainers, and how imperfect LLMs might still add value to learning and creativity.

The only outcome

Disaffected Newsletter • 1059 implied HN points • 24 May 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. The current state of society in the West was bound to happen due to cultural paths taken over the last 70 years. We can't ignore that we are responsible for our situation today.
  2. There is a deep-rooted narcissism among people who lack understanding of true freedom and history, which has been shaped by a controlling government.
  3. For real change to occur, society might need to confront some painful truths and experiences, possibly through a crisis, so that people can take responsibility for their lives.

Sexuality is as wide as the sea

Wyclif's Dust • 3487 implied HN points • 26 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Sexuality is complex and diverse, like the sea.
  2. The link between sex and identity has led to a proliferation of identities, but the idea of sexual identity is fragile.
  3. The understanding of human sexuality is still uncertain, and sexual mores have evolved over time.

The Berkeley Co-op Cookbook Sandbox

SBJournal • 314 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🍲 Food & Drink History
  1. The Berkeley Co-op Cookbook from the 60s focused on wholesome, inexpensive food.
  2. The cookbook was created by proto-feminists who promoted radical food ideas.
  3. The Co-op provided grocery store childcare, a rare and innovative concept.

A Day to remember

A Lawyer Writes • 569 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Today would have been Sir Robin Day's 100th birthday.
  2. Sir Robin Day was a pioneer in using forensic skills for TV current affairs.
  3. Sir Robin Day's impact on broadcasting is lasting and significant.

Of Piscivory and Political Capital

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 359 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Cormorants have been unfairly hated throughout history, often seen as symbols of greed and gluttony by famous authors. Those views were likely from people's own faults rather than the birds' behavior.
  2. The cormorants are skilled fish-eaters and have even been trained for fishing in some cultures, showing their unique relationship with humans.
  3. People's negative opinions about cormorants appear to be changing, as awareness and sympathy for these birds grow, suggesting a shift in how we view wildlife.

3.1 The Discovery of Electromagnetism

Fields & Energy • 239 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🔬 Science History
  1. Hans Christian Örsted proved that electricity and magnetism are connected by running a current near a compass, making them part of the same field called electromagnetism.
  2. André-Marie Ampère built on Örsted's work, showing that moving electric currents can attract or repel each other just like magnets do.
  3. Many scientists assumed forces acted at a distance, but Michael Faraday later suggested that closer particles must interact to create these forces.

The Khanjar Dial Edition

Why is this interesting? • 784 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Watches can be much more than just timepieces; they often have interesting histories and connections to culture. The Khanjar dial watches from Oman are a perfect example, blending royal recognition with unique design.
  2. Some watches, like the Khanjar models, are given as gifts and can become valuable over time. A watch gifted to a pilot once sold for £600,000 at auction, showcasing how special pieces can gain worth.
  3. Today, Khanjar dial watches are still given out with discreet engravings, making them rare collectibles. They appeal to watch lovers for their unique stories and connections to royal heritage.

How California cursed the world

Blackbird Spyplane • 1558 implied HN points • 21 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Malcolm Harris's book 'Palo Alto' dives into the dark side of Silicon Valley's impact on the world
  2. The California narrative of utopianism masks a history of exploitation and manipulation
  3. Resistance and liberation efforts against the colonialist-capitalist-militarist system are highlighted in the book

A Lost Son Comes Home

The Recovering Academic • 395 implied HN points • 26 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration History
  1. Researching family roots can provide a sense of connection and identity in times of major life transitions.
  2. Exploring ancestral places can offer insights into family history and traditions, creating a deeper understanding of one's origins.
  3. Family graves and homes hold important emotional significance, serving as anchors to the past and providing a sense of belonging.

Becoming A Geogeek

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 459 implied HN points • 30 Nov 23
🔬 Science History
  1. Taking a geology class can change your perspective on the world. It helps you see the connections in nature and understand different landscapes.
  2. Field trips in geology are about more than just learning; they are about observing and appreciating the natural world closely.
  3. Whether living in a city or a rural area, geology influences where you go and how you experience your environment.

Tell Better Stories

Investing 101 • 64 implied HN points • 29 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Stories shape how we see ourselves and our history, so it's important for them to be truthful. Misleading narratives can lead to harmful consequences.
  2. A powerful story can inspire movements and change over generations. Even flawed beginnings can spark ongoing revolutions for equality and rights.
  3. Good storytelling embraces complexity and the messy details of life. It's about understanding all sides rather than taking one side.

Roma Caput Mundi

Angela Nagle's Newsletter • 294 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. The populist zeitgeist is skeptical of luxury, art, and culture due to perceived corruption in sources of power and patronage.
  2. The Renaissance in Rome produced great art and culture, reflecting the city's historical status as Caput Mundi, the head of the world.
  3. The aesthetic spirit in art and culture may reemerge when the current skeptical attitude shifts.

Radicalised Bureaucracies

Paroxysms • 898 implied HN points • 03 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. There has been a resurgence of interest in the Professional Managerial Class (PMC) and their impact on society, especially in relation to economic foundations and cultural dignity.
  2. The PMC is seen as converting economic issues into moral or cultural problems, focusing on symbolic recognition rather than material redistribution.
  3. The rise of radical bureaucracies within institutions has shifted towards a language of Critical Social Justice, emphasizing ethical values like equity and inclusion over technocratic principles.