The hottest History Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

Before You Go #1: Bar Bruno

London in Bits • 137 implied HN points • 24 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. The 'Before You Go' series showcases endangered spots in London that people love.
  2. Bar Bruno in Soho is an iconic spot with a rich history and unique charm.
  3. Cafe blogger Russell Davies highlights the importance of cafes evolving while maintaining their authenticity.

Apple Eaton Centre

Tabletops • 137 implied HN points • 01 Jul 23
🕹 Technology History
  1. Apple's second store in Canada opened at Toronto Eaton Centre on May 6, 2006, as a testbed for new ideas.
  2. The store featured innovative design elements like The Studio for creative projects and unique display pedestals.
  3. Apple Eaton Centre underwent rapid renovations in 2008 and later reopened in a larger space below its original location.

When Mainstream Success Trumps Scholarly Integrity: The Frustrating Case of Frank Dikötter

Crossing the River by Feeling the Stones • 137 implied HN points • 18 May 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Frank Dikötter's works have faced lukewarm feedback from academic peers in Chinese history.
  2. Despite popular success, Dikötter's writing style tends to rely on shocking anecdotes rather than thorough analysis.
  3. Scholarly reviewers have criticized Dikötter for bias, lack of rigor, and ignoring contrary evidence.

Bona Lavs

Mister Slang • 137 implied HN points • 04 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Polari was a secret language used by various groups like tramps, sailors, show people, and homosexuals.
  2. Polari was not a proper language with grammar but rather a lexicon of around 100 words and phrases.
  3. Polari declined with the changes in gay speech and the emergence of Gay Liberation in the late 1960s.

Lawless

Earthly Fortunes • 137 implied HN points • 22 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Administrative procedures can greatly impact our lives, regardless of their perceived significance.
  2. Laws can come from various sources, not just high-ranking officials or big institutions.
  3. Invisible law-givers, often empowered by technology like AI, play a significant role in shaping laws and regulations.
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The Queen of Rock & Roll

The Better Letter • 137 implied HN points • 26 May 23
🎶 Music History
  1. Remembering the legendary Tina Turner, known as the Queen of Rock & Roll.
  2. Diversity and inclusion are crucial in all aspects of society, including music history.
  3. Freedom of expression, questioning the norm, and embracing diversity are essential values to uphold.

Against Decolonisation

CIEO • 137 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Decolonisation movements may inadvertently promote the idea that Africans lack agency.
  2. Western philosophy should not be dismissed as alien to Africans; it is part of a shared global heritage.
  3. Rejecting modernity in the name of decolonisation may hinder progress and social justice in African societies.

Frozen Revolutions, Obstinate Memories

NOW IS GOOD • 137 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Chilean documentarian Patricio Guzmán's films capture the hope and chaos surrounding Allende's presidency.
  2. The legacy of Pinochet's dictatorship and Chile's colonial history are themes in Guzmán's recent documentaries.
  3. Allende's domestic agenda lacked support, facing challenges in achieving socialism and coordinating actions within the government.

Chinese TV Show Recommendations!

Moly’s Substack • 137 implied HN points • 08 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Chinese TV shows are produced differently due to censorship regulations, requiring complete filming before broadcast.
  2. Chinese TV series often have a continuous storyline without seasonal breaks or decay.
  3. Chinese TV offers a variety of genres like political intrigue, history, sitcom, romance, crime, and more for diverse preferences.

The Lysander Effect

ancientlifecoach • 137 implied HN points • 26 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Embrace favoritism as a leadership strategy for unwavering loyalty from your team.
  2. Focus on being a partisan and taking your team's side in everything, even if it seems unreasonable.
  3. Combining favoritism with a worthy mission can lead to strong team loyalty and success.

Technology & Why It Fascinates Us

The Digital Anthropologist • 19 implied HN points • 10 Jun 24
🕹 Technology History
  1. Humans have always been captivated by new technologies and the possibilities they offer for a better life.
  2. Technologies reflect our collective potential as a species, showcasing what we can achieve together.
  3. Despite occasional failures and setbacks, the evolution of technology over generations has ultimately improved our lives.

Bandung travelogue

The Global Jigsaw • 158 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
🏝 Travel History
  1. Bandung, Indonesia has a rich historical significance as the birthplace of the Non-Aligned Movement in 1955.
  2. The trip to Bandung is a journey into history, with echoes of the past seen in its architecture and landmarks.
  3. Bandung's unique blend of colonial and traditional Javanese influences is a fascinating backdrop for exploring the city's rich history.

Did Kurt Vonnegut Hate Technology?

Litverse • 299 implied HN points • 02 Sep 22
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Some researchers fear the consequences of their work yet continue to push forward, showing an ambivalent attitude toward technology.
  2. Kurt Vonnegut had a deep fascination with the inner workings of technology but also harbored a strong luddite sentiment towards its potential impact on humanity.
  3. Vonnegut's work and beliefs highlight the delicate balance between the advancements of technology and the preservation of human values and purpose.

Five... Moments from London's Baseball History

Londonist: Time Machine • 19 implied HN points • 09 Jun 24
🎾 Sports History
  1. London has a surprisingly rich history of baseball dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
  2. One of the first large-scale baseball events in London involved teams from Boston and Philadelphia in 1874 at Lord's.
  3. The UK's first recorded baseball game was in 1749 in Walton-on-Thames, involving notable figures like the Prince of Wales.

Harlequin Ducks

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 479 implied HN points • 04 Aug 22
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Harlequin ducks are known for their colorful and striking appearance, especially the males during breeding season. Their unique colors make them stand out in nature.
  2. These ducks have an unusual lifestyle, living both at sea and in the mountains. They can dive underwater to find food, and they often nest in hollow trees instead of typical bird nests.
  3. The author finds joy in experiencing the beauty of both the sea and mountains. This connection to nature inspires their writing, leading to new creative projects about the regions they love.

Is He Crazy?

Diane Francis • 659 implied HN points • 17 Mar 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History
  1. Many people on TV try to explain Vladimir Putin's behavior in the war but often use unreliable sources.
  2. Some are just sharing ideas from his official biography or propaganda.
  3. Masha Gessen, a knowledgeable journalist, offers a deeper understanding of Putin's mindset.

Gleneagles GC at McLaren Park #1 & #10

Wigs on the Green • 78 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🎾 Sports History
  1. Gleneagles GC at McLaren Park is a challenging course in San Francisco, facing potential closure.
  2. The architecture and design of the first and tenth holes offer strategic challenges for players.
  3. Players need to consider various factors like angles, green contours, and risks to navigate the course effectively.

Nicaragua's President Ortega: US/EU waging war to stop multipolar world

Geopolitical Economy Report • 318 implied HN points • 25 Jul 22
🌍 World Politics History
  1. Nicaragua's President Ortega accuses US and EU of waging wars to block a multipolar world.
  2. Ortega quotes Che Guevara, stating that imperialism is untrustworthy and dialogues with Washington are like dealing with the devil.
  3. Ortega emphasizes the historical context of imperialism, highlighting the oppressive and violent behaviors of the US and European powers.

On Mystery Science Theater 3000

Banana Peel Pirouette • 98 implied HN points • 03 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. The humor and appeal of Mystery Science Theater 3000 was deeply rooted in the unique media environment of late twentieth-century cable television.
  2. The evolution of viewing habits from channel surfing to deliberate selection has influenced the way audiences engage with TV shows like MST3K, affecting its continued relevance.
  3. The technological and cultural changes in media consumption over time play a significant role in how audience reception and appreciation of older cultural artifacts like MST3K evolve.

Pylons

The Commonplace • 809 implied HN points • 12 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Pylons have left a significant mark on the modern world and landscape.
  2. The countryside before pylons represented a timelessness and deep continuity that has been altered by progress.
  3. There is a complexity in the impact of technological advancements, with every step forward carrying consequences.

'Speaking of Mothers' - a superb piece of writing from Sarah Henderson.

A B’Old Woman • 119 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. The word 'mother' is important and meaningful in many cultures and societies. It's a term that represents deep connections and feelings.
  2. Some organizations are trying to replace the word 'mother' with terms like 'birthing parent', which many people find troubling.
  3. The concept of motherhood is seen as foundational to our understanding of family and identity, and losing that word could impact how we view these roles.

From Genocide to the Brave New Multipolar World

History's Parrot • 78 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics History
  1. Societies are facing collapse due to neglect, betrayal, and the concentration of power and money in the hands of a few.
  2. Neoliberalism leads to societal destruction, alienation from humanistic values, and exploitation by power elites.
  3. Genocides are not sudden events but are set in motion by societal collapses, liberal sellouts, excessive greed, and the breakdown of empathy and common sense.

Links for July

By Reason Alone • 59 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Having a flip phone can help you focus more on life without constant phone distractions. It's a cool way to stay reachable in emergencies without being glued to your smartphone.
  2. Brick architecture has a rich history and interesting properties. Learning about it can change the way you appreciate the buildings around you.
  3. More people are staying married, while fewer are actually getting married nowadays. This shows changing social trends around relationships.

Defining Leftism

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 678 implied HN points • 30 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History
  1. The terms 'Left-wing' and 'Right-wing' originated from the French Revolution seating arrangements, with the radical sitting on the left and the conservative on the right.
  2. Over time, 'Left' became associated with progressive, socialist, and revolutionary ideas advocating for change and equality, while 'Right' with conservatism and tradition.
  3. Leftism encompasses political ideologies focusing on social equality, aiming to reduce social hierarchies based on race, class, gender, and other factors.

Nash's Invention of Non-Cooperative Game Theory (1949-50)

Cantor's Paradise • 221 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🚌 Education History
  1. Nash developed his idea of non-cooperative game theory during his time at Princeton, focusing on how people can benefit from making decisions independently. His work changed the way games and competitive actions are analyzed.
  2. He introduced the concept of Nash equilibrium, where no player can improve their outcome by changing their strategy alone. This idea is crucial for understanding strategic interactions in economics and beyond.
  3. Despite initial indifference from established economists, Nash's theories gained recognition and eventually earned him a Nobel Prize. His insights made game theory relevant and valuable for various fields, including economics.

Kingdom of characters

The Global Jigsaw • 79 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. China's core identity is maintained through its unique written language and food.
  2. The written Chinese language has remained largely unchanged for 2200 years.
  3. Challenges arise in making Chinese characters compatible with modern technology like keyboards.

Woodstock 1999: When Influencer Marketing Goes Wrong

Litverse • 259 implied HN points • 23 Sep 22
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Influencer marketing, with its significant impact and reach, has become a prominent and desirable career option in today's world.
  2. Woodstock 1999 serves as a cautionary tale of how influencer marketing, choice of influencers, and audience dynamics can lead to disastrous outcomes.
  3. In the realm of influencers, the artists become as influenced by their own influence as everyone else, which can sometimes lead to issues of authenticity, growth, and perpetual self-actualization.

Ahab's Leg Dilemma: Part 1

All Visible Objects • 59 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration History
  1. The specific leg that Captain Ahab is missing in Moby-Dick is not definitively stated, creating a longstanding mystery in literary analysis and artistic adaptations.
  2. Melville scholars and artists have debated whether Ahab had a left or right missing leg, with historical studies showing a tendency towards illustrating him with a left leg prosthesis.
  3. Artistic interpretations of Ahab's missing leg throughout different mediums, such as books, films, and illustrations, tend to split almost evenly between left and right legs, showing a balanced artistic representation despite the lack of explicit text in Melville's novel.

Inhale Insight: The Transformative Power of Psychedelic Breathwork

Tripsitter • 99 implied HN points • 22 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness History
  1. Breath can shift states and induce different experiences like calmness, energy, or even psychedelic effects.
  2. Psychedelic breathwork involves rhythmic breathing patterns to induce altered states and can have physical sensations, emotional releases, and even visions.
  3. Psychedelic breathwork can be safe for most mentally and physically healthy individuals, but certain conditions should avoid it, and side effects can include dizziness, tingling, cramps, among others.

After nuking Japan, US gov't lied about radioactive fallout as civilians died

Geopolitical Economy Report • 279 implied HN points • 17 Aug 22
🌍 World Politics History
  1. After dropping atomic bombs on Japan in 1945, US officials lied about the radioactive fallout and claimed there was no residue, despite evidence to the contrary.
  2. The US general overseeing the nuclear program told Congress that the aftermath of the bombings was 'a very pleasant way to die,' dismissing the suffering of Japanese civilians.
  3. Declassified documents revealed that top US government officials, including Gen. Leslie R. Groves, misled the public about the true impact of the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

It's Candy

Disaffected Newsletter • 239 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
🎶 Music History
  1. The post seems to focus on music, possibly as a fun or enjoyable experience. Music often provides a way to connect and feel good.
  2. There is a sense of community with an invitation to share the content and invite others to listen. Sharing music can create bonds between people.
  3. The mention of being reader-supported suggests that the content is influenced by what the audience wants. Feedback and support can help shape the direction of future posts.

Edwin Cohn and the Harvard Blood Factory

Asimov Press • 174 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🔬 Science History
  1. Edwin Cohn greatly advanced medical treatments during World War II by developing blood products that helped save soldiers' lives. His team created more stable albumin solutions that could be used in emergencies, proving crucial for treating wounded soldiers.
  2. Cohn transformed his lab from a focus on theoretical experiments to practical applications during the war. He implemented pilot plants that increased efficiency, allowing for the quick transition from lab findings to actual medical products.
  3. Cohn's approach shows the importance of combining solid funding, teamwork, and a clear vision to tackle big scientific problems. His success reflects how having the right infrastructure and support can allow researchers to make impactful discoveries.

Hans, are we…. the admixed ones?

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 446 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🔬 Science History
  1. There is a lack of definitive research on the genetic history of Germany compared to other European countries like Britain or Estonia.
  2. Germany's past with race science, notable figures like Hans Günther, and the overshadowing of the Nazi era, has impacted the nation's exploration of human population genetics.
  3. Historical migrations, such as those of Corded Ware populations, have contributed significantly to the genetic makeup of Northern Europe, with influences from Neolithic farming populations.

Let's Get Real

Unpopular Front • 145 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History
  1. Some believe that Trump isn't a strong leader because he struggles with Congress and doesn't have popular support. However, this weak position could be why he tries to bypass normal government processes and use executive power more.
  2. Critics of the idea that Trump is fascist argue he's not repressive, but history shows that early fascist leaders cooperated with existing systems before showing more authoritarian tendencies, which we may be seeing now.
  3. People often think fascism has to involve a strong military or violent takeover, but it can also use economic control and the threat of job loss to maintain power, which is evident in today's political environment.

Propaganda Looney Tunes

Variations on a Theme • 59 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Cartoons have been historically used as a tool for propaganda, influencing people's perceptions and behaviors.
  2. The use of cartoons, memes, and other media in spreading information and propaganda is a common feature of modern life, with virality being a significant factor.
  3. Propaganda can have unintended consequences, as seen in historical events like the Four Pests Campaign in China, urging caution and critical thinking in the face of persuasive messaging.

Pace Yourself

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 495 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. In a fast-paced world, embrace varying speeds and allow different layers to move at their own pace.
  2. Building a strong foundation of knowledge allows for better understanding of new ideas and innovations.
  3. Consider pace layering when analyzing businesses and technologies, focusing on long-term impacts and deeper context.

The Kiss of Death Edition

Why is this interesting? • 422 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Michael Mann is known for his meticulous attention to detail in filmmaking, like the extensive training for the cast in 'Heat'.
  2. The 1957 crash in Guidizzolo, known as the 'Kiss of Death', ended the Mille Miglia race and symbolizes audacity and the recklessness of youth.
  3. The photo of Linda Christian kissing Marquis Alfonso de Portago before the fatal crash is seen as a haunting symbol, with Christian's seemingly detached gaze hinting at a premonition.

On Living in the Past

Castalia • 219 implied HN points • 31 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture History
  1. Living in the past can offer a deeper connection to history and heritage. It helps us understand our identity and where we fit in the world.
  2. Many cultures naturally integrate the past into their present. This blending creates a richer experience of life, unlike the strict focus on the 'now' often seen in the West.
  3. Balancing past and present can enrich our lives. Embracing history alongside contemporary experiences can lead to greater happiness and fulfillment.

Age of Invention: Freight Expectations

Age of Invention, by Anton Howes • 736 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
🕹 Technology History
  1. Transport infrastructure plays a key role in boosting economic growth by providing access to energy and markets.
  2. Historically, the primary focus of early transport infrastructure like canals and railways was to transport goods, especially coal and grain.
  3. While passenger transportation is beneficial for connecting cities and improving labor market efficiency, access to energy and markets are more crucial for economic growth.