The hottest History Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

You can't always tell when you're on the right side of history

Odds and Ends of History • 804 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. You can't always tell when you're on the right side of history, even when causes seem morally right now.
  2. Appealing to being on the right or wrong side of history can be a powerful but flawed argument tactic in debates.
  3. Progress is possible, and it's important to think deeply about moral crusades rather than relying on 'right side of history' arguments.

Catch up with Emily Howes on The Shift Bookclub Live

The Shift With Sam Baker • 59 implied HN points • 17 Apr 24
🎨 Art & Illustration History
  1. The Shift Bookclub Live featured a discussion with Emily Howes, author of The Painter's Daughters, covering topics like art, sexism, mental health, and societal expectations.
  2. Emily Howes, an existential psychotherapist and writer, delved into themes of women's roles in 18th-century society, freedom vs. money, mental health, and family dynamics in her book.
  3. The conversation during the live event explored issues like shaming women, family secrets, sisterhood, and self-sacrifice within the context of The Painter's Daughters' narrative.

What Would a Suffragist Do? Lessons for Social Change from Our Feminist Foremothers

Humanities in Revolt • 219 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
🚌 Education History
  1. The 19th Amendment marked a significant advancement in women's rights in the US, championed by suffragists like Susan B. Anthony who fought tirelessly despite not living to see the victory.
  2. Lessons from feminist foremothers emphasize the importance of lifelong commitment to the cause of justice, regardless of age, and the need to honor those who paved the way for expanded rights.
  3. Challenges by suffragists like Sojourner Truth and Frances Ellen Watkins Harper against dehumanizing norms and cultural ideologies demonstrate the vital role of critical consciousness in driving social change.

Lessons in Excellence from the Tuskegee Airmen

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 816 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History
  1. The Tuskegee Airmen were groundbreaking African American military pilots who excelled in their roles despite facing discrimination. They proved their capabilities and earned numerous honors.
  2. Brigadier General Charles McGee, one of the Tuskegee Airmen, exemplified resilience, excellence, and selflessness throughout his military career, becoming an inspirational figure.
  3. The Tuskegee Airmen's story reflects the importance of unity, hard work, and shared values in overcoming challenges. Their achievements emphasize the significance of traditional values and meritocracy.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Five Scenes from Vienna

Not Drinking Poison • 216 implied HN points • 20 Feb 23
🍲 Food & Drink History
  1. Vienna is a key waypoint for exploring central Europe's natural wine communities.
  2. Vienna's economy neglect of winemaking traditions created opportunities for young wineries.
  3. Vienna's natural wine scene is vibrant and diverse, with luxurious and forward-thinking elements.

Signs of the Times

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 179 implied HN points • 16 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Seattle has unique street markers made from tiles and metal. These have different styles and date back to the early 1900s.
  2. In 1902, Seattle decided to mark sidewalks with street names, but these old tiles often became hard to see due to visibility issues.
  3. Kids used to vandalize the street signs, which led to attempts to put fines in place for those caught throwing stones.

Anti-Communism and 20th-century Economics

In My Tribe • 865 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🚌 Education History
  1. Great economists of the 20th century were motivated by the conflict between capitalism and communism.
  2. There was a trade-off between freedom and economic pain, with differing views on how to handle it.
  3. The focus of 21st century intellectuals has shifted to issues like climate change and terrorism, moving away from the economic debates of the past.

Debt

Life in the 21st Century • 216 implied HN points • 26 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History
  1. The politics and perception of debt have shifted over the last century, from deficit spending to austerity measures.
  2. The exponential growth of private debt, fueled by government policies and cheap credit, is a significant concern in the contemporary financial landscape.
  3. There is a growing need for a modern-day debt forgiveness or restructuring approach to address the increasing burden of debt on society.

Rest is Resistance

Laetitia@Work • 216 implied HN points • 19 May 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Rest is not just self-care but a political subject, with the potential to disrupt the current world order.
  2. The Nap Ministry advocates for rest as a form of reparation and ancestral connection, challenging societal norms that prioritize productivity.
  3. Daydreaming during rest is important for making novel connections, generating ideas, and shaping one's sense of self and future trajectories.

"Money Don't Matter 2 Night," Prince (1992)

The Lost Songs Project • 216 implied HN points • 22 May 23
🎶 Music History
  1. The song "Money Don't Matter 2 Night" by Prince is a socioeconomic battle cry with a sexy vibe.
  2. The song peaked at #14 on the R&B chart and #23 on the Hot 100, with 11.4 million streams.
  3. The post features guest columnists Jami Smith and Songs That Saved Your Life, offering unique insights and perspectives.

Do You Still Believe in Rome?

Myth Pilot • 216 implied HN points • 29 May 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. The post discusses the idea of believing in Rome and entering the Eternal City.
  2. It mentions women keening and rose petals while heading to the temple of Mars Ultor.
  3. To continue reading, a subscription to Myth Pilot is required with a 7-day free trial available.

Musical interlude

Disaffected Newsletter • 339 implied HN points • 16 Jun 23
🎶 Music History
  1. Music can evoke emotions and memories. Listening to a song might remind you of a special moment or feeling.
  2. Sharing music with others builds connections. When you share a song, it can create a shared experience that brings people closer.
  3. Art, like music, often reflects personal experiences. The stories behind songs can be just as compelling as the melodies themselves.

How to Measure Molecules

Asimov Press • 367 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🔬 Science History
  1. In the late 19th century, Lord Rayleigh measured the size of a single molecule using simple materials like oil and water. This clever experiment showed how basic observations can lead to important scientific discoveries.
  2. Benjamin Franklin also made significant observations about oil on water in the 18th century, but he didn't calculate the size of molecules. His work laid the groundwork for future scientists like Rayleigh.
  3. Rayleigh's experiment demonstrated that you don’t always need complex tools to make groundbreaking discoveries. Even simple experiments can provide valuable insights that inspire later research.

Modern Magnificenza

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 133 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Our society is very focused on logical thinking, but we also need creativity and emotional understanding. It's important to balance both sides of our brains to have a fulfilling life.
  2. We are experiencing big shifts in power and wealth today, similar to what happened before the Renaissance. Wealthy individuals can lead to positive changes by funding beautiful, meaningful projects in their communities.
  3. Working on meaningful and beautiful projects can provide not just personal satisfaction but also benefit the community. This approach can help those feeling lost in today's fast-paced, tech-driven world.

Book out Book in

Splattern • 39 implied HN points • 21 May 24
📚 Literature History
  1. _A Pearl in the Storm_ is a powerful memoir about resilience and finding purpose, highlighting the importance of inner strength during tough times.
  2. In _The Best and the Brightest_, Halberstam explains how fear of being labeled soft on communism influenced American decisions in the Vietnam War.
  3. Halberstam enjoyed the process of researching and interviewing for his book, finding it to be a fulfilling intellectual journey.

Norway Notes

ChinaTalk • 311 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Oslo is a city full of parks and interesting activities, like volleyball, even if its neighborhoods are sometimes considered rough. The city has a vibrant vibe, especially during the summer with long daylight hours.
  2. Norway's history with its support for Palestine has created some complexity, especially as the nation grapples with issues of antisemitism. There are mixed feelings and challenges about how historical support affects current views.
  3. The Viking culture is fascinating but had both brutal and humane aspects. Books about the Vikings provide intriguing insights into their lives and are accessible for anyone interested in this part of history.

Russia's Tragic Troika

Diane Francis • 719 implied HN points • 01 Sep 22
🌍 World Politics History
  1. Mikhail Gorbachev tried to improve Russia by ending the Cold War and allowing more freedom, but his changes led to chaos and the fall of the Soviet Union. Many in the West praise him, while people in Russia hold a different view.
  2. Boris Yeltsin, who followed Gorbachev, struggled with corruption and poor leadership, which made life tough for Russians. He gave power to Vladimir Putin, who eventually took control and changed the country into a more authoritarian regime.
  3. The three leaders—Gorbachev, Yeltsin, and Putin—represent different challenges for Russia. Instead of working for the people, their actions often hurt the nation and fueled ongoing problems both at home and abroad.

The Paradox Of Spirituality

Weekly Wisdom • 238 implied HN points • 09 Feb 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality History
  1. Spirituality is a complex, elusive concept that defies easy definition, with a focus on ethics and virtue.
  2. Spirituality often involves a path of introspection and transcendence, which can include practices like meditation and prayer.
  3. Spirituality provides a framework for exploring meaning, prosocial behavior, and interconnectedness in both personal and societal contexts.

The Lesbian Legacy of 'ER'

Paging Dr. Lesbian • 98 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. 'ER' was a groundbreaking show for featuring one of the first lesbian main characters on American television and for exploring LGBTQ+ storylines.
  2. The portrayal of Kerry Weaver's lesbian relationships on 'ER' were notable for being depicted as real, deeply-felt connections rather than fleeting flings.
  3. The impact of 'ER' on viewers and society through its representation of LGBTQ+ characters, particularly Kerry Weaver's journey, highlights the evolving landscape of lesbian representation in media.

What is the Democrats' problem?

America in Crisis • 79 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History
  1. Good economic statistics and better messaging won't solve Democrats' problems
  2. Democratic voters often prioritize noneconomic reasons over economic issues when voting
  3. The loss of the economic message by Democrats since the 1970s has contributed to challenges in gaining electoral support

Lessons learned from Ford's assembly line

Jon’s Newsletter • 119 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
💼 Business History
  1. Ford's assembly line made car production much faster, cutting down assembly time from 12 hours to just 90 minutes. This allowed Ford to produce cars more efficiently.
  2. By dropping the price of the Model T from $850 to under $300, Ford made cars affordable for many more people. This helped him sell over 15 million Model Ts by 1927.
  3. Henry Ford also raised workers' wages to $5 a day, which was double the average wage. This not only reduced turnover but also allowed workers to buy the cars they made.

Call me Starbucks.

All Visible Objects • 118 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Starbucks Coffee famously took its name from the character Starbuck in Moby-Dick, but the reason behind the choice remains somewhat mysterious and unexplained.
  2. The connection between Starbucks and Moby-Dick seems to stem more from a chain of coincidences and word associations rather than a deep literary appreciation or deliberate homage to the book.
  3. The original inspiration for the name Starbucks may have come indirectly from Ed Leimbacher, who named a film company Pequod after the ship in Moby-Dick, showing how literary influences can shape unexpected outcomes.

How an American Changed Soviet Cartoons

Animation Obsessive • 717 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration History
  1. Lucille Cramer, an American, made a significant impact on Soviet cartoons in the 1930s by helping to industrialize animation in the USSR.
  2. Cramer's work in the Soviet Union led to the establishment of a lasting animation system that influenced classics like 'The Snow Queen' (1957).
  3. Cramer's journey and contributions to early Soviet animation showcase the global reach and influence of individuals in the field of entertainment.

Eating King Can

Bird History • 99 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🍲 Food & Drink History
  1. Canvasbacks were once America's most famous and exclusive dish, known for their unique appearance and diet.
  2. The demand for canvasbacks led to fraudulent sales, with some buyers being tricked by vendors substituting them with similar-looking but cheaper ducks.
  3. Conservation efforts have helped stabilize the canvasback population, but threats like habitat loss still pose risks to these birds in the present day.

Notes & Links

Kvetch • 24 implied HN points • 29 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture History
  1. AI is already reshaping the real economy and offers a huge chance to redesign business models, though current service incentives are often broken and need fixing.
  2. Countries can choose their demographic and strategic paths, so national identity and immigration policy are political choices rather than inevitable fates.
  3. Institutions and leaders are fallible: journalists, bureaucrats, and officials often act from self‑interest or inertia, which breeds mistrust and can let important failures happen; history shows small groups or individuals can make outsized decisions.

What Owning Nothing is Like

Litverse • 199 implied HN points • 20 Jul 23
📚 Literature History
  1. Ownership and identity are intertwined - renting can affect how we see ourselves and where we belong.
  2. The history of Ireland reveals a stark division between those who own land and those who do not, leading to dire consequences.
  3. Shared beliefs and a common future are crucial to building a society, especially when class divisions are deep and trust is lacking.

Programming Patriotism

Litverse • 199 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
📚 Literature History
  1. George Orwell viewed patriotism as a survival strategy during times of crisis, emphasizing the unity it can create.
  2. Orwell focused on optimizing humanity through patriotism, seeing it as a programming language for society's functionality.
  3. Orwell's experiences as a cop and insights into leadership in 'Animal Farm' reflect his beliefs that centralized systems dehumanize individuals and create inefficiencies.

Please let me wonder

Why is this interesting? • 120 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🎶 Music History
  1. Brian Wilson has passed away, which is a significant loss for music fans. His contribution to music was profound and will be remembered.
  2. Many people recognize 'Pet Sounds' as a top album, but there's also appreciation for 'The Beach Boys Today.' It marks a shift in their music style.
  3. The Beach Boys' evolution from surf songs to deeper themes showcases their creativity and growth as artists over time.

⬜ The meaning of a moka pot

One Thing • 158 implied HN points • 23 Nov 23
🍲 Food & Drink History
  1. Moka pot is a classic kitchen item with a design for good coffee but may not always produce amazing coffee.
  2. The moka pot's appeal lies in its ability to transcend trends and societal distinctions, making it a versatile and enduring coffee maker for many.
  3. Upgrading to fancier versions of the moka pot may not always guarantee better coffee quality, as the simplicity and functionality of the original design can hold its own against modern iterations.

Soul Bits

Tessa Fights Robots • 21 implied HN points • 03 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture History
  1. The author reflects on their birthplace, highlighting that it no longer exists. It's a strange feeling to acknowledge a place that has disappeared.
  2. They describe a significant change from ordinary Soviet life to a chaotic, free era filled with colorful commerce. This transformation felt like liberation from past burdens.
  3. The piece captures a mix of nostalgia and complexity about change and memory, blending personal experience with larger historical events.

Reflections on Y2K and a Crappy Year on Substack

Textual Variations • 265 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Y2K was a big deal back in 1999, with many people fearing that computers would fail and cause chaos. Thankfully, it turned out to be mostly nothing, and it was a weird moment in history.
  2. 2024 was a tough year for many, especially for writers trying to grow their audience on platforms like Substack. It can be hard when things don't go as planned.
  3. Albert Pyun, a low-budget filmmaker, has a director's cut of his 1990 'Captain America' movie that many fans are excited to see. It's a chance to understand his vision better.

American Economic History: Introduction

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 253 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🚌 Education History
  1. The course will focus on American economic history without trying to create a single, simple story. Instead, it will look at different themes and questions week by week.
  2. An important question will be whether America is exceptional and in what ways. This can help us better understand history and economics.
  3. Students will not only learn about historical events but also get a taste of data science to analyze economic models and improve their analytical skills.

O-Day - Morning, not mourning

Remote View • 196 implied HN points • 12 Feb 23
🔬 Science History
  1. Discussion on the potential challenges of working technologies
  2. Caution needed when dealing with Fractal Toroidal systems to ensure safety
  3. Respectful treatment of developments in science and technology is essential

Whose Record Did Beyoncé Break?

Timeless & Timely • 196 implied HN points • 18 Feb 23
🎶 Music History
  1. Beyonc&eacute broke the record for most Grammy wins as an individual
  2. The record was previously held by Georg Solti, a classical music conductor
  3. Georg Solti won 31 Grammy Awards and was nominated for a Grammy every year from 1963 to 1993

Bernie & G.: a life in photos, before Stonewall

well, actually • 196 implied HN points • 22 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. The photo album documents a gay couple's life before Stonewall, showcasing rich moments of love and connection.
  2. Queer life in mid-20th century US was marked by oppression, but also contained joy, community, and individuality in private spaces.
  3. The album sheds light on Bernie and G.'s world, showing their private celebrations, travels, and relationships with friends and family.