The hottest History Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics
Londonist: Time Machine 39 implied HN points 16 Feb 24
  1. The post discusses a shameful and forgotten chapter of London's LGBTQ+ history, focusing on an incident involving offal, mud, and dead cats.
  2. The author is arranging a tour of the Peek Freans Biscuit Museum in Bermondsey, known for the invention of popular biscuits like bourbons and custard creams.
  3. Readers can access the full post archives with a 7-day free trial subscription to Londonist: Time Machine.
Londonist: Time Machine 79 implied HN points 25 Oct 23
  1. The forgotten teenager, Letitia Sage, was the third woman to fly over London and is better remembered.
  2. The Barbican Centre, known for performing arts, once saw the first flight in London with a large crowd witnessing the event.
  3. Subscribing to Londonist: Time Machine gives 7 days of free access to read this post and explore the full post archives.
Castalia 239 implied HN points 01 Nov 22
  1. Yuval Harari's books are popular because they simplify complex ideas about history into easy-to-understand stories. This appeals to many readers who want to grasp big concepts without much effort.
  2. Although his ideas are widely accepted, some people feel they miss important nuances about history and human behavior. Not everything in history follows a clear path of progress; sometimes, societies regress or choose different directions.
  3. Harari's view of ideas as 'viral' can be dangerous. It suggests that people have no control over their beliefs, but history shows us we can resist harmful movements and make choices that defy conformity.
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The Weekly Gazette 42 implied HN points 26 Jun 24
  1. The Thirteenth Amendment ended slavery but had a loophole that allowed forced labor for convicted criminals. This led to a system called convict leasing, which exploited many African Americans long after they were supposedly freed.
  2. Many Southern states created harsh laws, known as Black Codes, to arrest black people for minor offenses. Once convicted, they were treated worse than before, enduring brutal working conditions and mistreatment.
  3. Slavery-like practices still exist today, not just in the U.S. but globally. Even though laws against practices like debt bondage exist, they often go unenforced, trapping many in exploitative situations.
Tessa Fights Robots 24 implied HN points 19 Dec 24
  1. We are not slaves, but instead are loved and supported by our ancestors. It’s important to remember that we’re meant for joy, not just pain.
  2. The pain from our ancestors can lead people to suppress their true selves. Many parents, trying to protect their children, unintentionally continue this cycle by promoting fear of pursuing dreams.
  3. True freedom starts from within. We must choose not to engage with negative patterns in our lives and embrace our natural state of being free and joyful.
Labor Intensive Art 39 implied HN points 08 Feb 24
  1. The author reflects on the cultural orientations toward labor and faith in Portugal and the impact of Protestant rationalism on capitalism.
  2. The author shares the personal connection to Portugal through her heritage and explores how previous generations altered their identities for the American dream.
  3. The post discusses the author's exploration of the difference in cultural attitudes toward work and productivity in different communities.
Orbis Tertius 158 implied HN points 18 Sep 23
  1. Borges curated an anthology called _A Personal Library_ but could only complete 74 out of 100 books, making it his final work.
  2. Borges also edited _The Library of Babel_, a collection of fantastical stories, but getting physical copies might be challenging due to scarcity and translations.
  3. Luigi Serafini's _Codex Seraphinianus_ is a fictional encyclopedia with strange illustrations, and he considered it a 'proto-blog' for reaching out to people outside the art gallery circle.
Pen>Sword 79 implied HN points 03 Aug 23
  1. Moroccan women's football team made World Cup history by advancing to knockout stages despite odds
  2. Nouhaila Benzina became the first footballer to wear a hijab in the World Cup, breaking a significant barrier
  3. Moroccan women's team defied expectations and beat Columbia, continuing to make history with their football prowess
The Leftovers 79 implied HN points 25 Jul 23
  1. The story shared is about a childhood game involving a hidden dynamo used to shock classmates by making them think it is a lie detector.
  2. The consequences of playing such a game were faced when the teacher found out and punished the boys by making them clean the workshop.
  3. This reminiscing tale serves as a reminder of the mix of innocence and mischief in childhood, even if some actions can have serious repercussions.
Anxiety Addiction & Ascension 79 implied HN points 05 Sep 23
  1. The author reflects on how Greta Thunberg's message about her stolen childhood is misguided, believing it's actually the common people who have had their childhood taken by societal norms.
  2. The narrative describes the nostalgic appeal of 80s music and how 'You're the Voice' symbolizes a shared childhood for many, creating a sense of unity during a turbulent time of the Cold War.
  3. The author expresses disappointment in John Farnham allowing his song to be used in a political campaign, feeling that it has tainted the song's legacy and stolen a piece of their childhood.
The New Urban Order 79 implied HN points 31 May 23
  1. The narrative around cities and urban living is evolving, with a renewed focus on improving quality of life and addressing why people choose to live in cities today.
  2. Major cities are facing challenges as online cultural offerings and retail experiences compete with the unique aspects of city living, emphasizing the need for cities to enhance their distinct urban forms and community connections.
  3. Investing in public transit, affordable housing, historic architecture, and community spaces are vital for cities to attract and retain residents, especially essential workers, and maintain a sense of place and connection in a rapidly changing world.
Euro Desk Paris 59 implied HN points 26 Dec 23
  1. The Middle Ages are misunderstood and had valuable aspects like devotion, handmade goods, and communal life.
  2. Historical era designations like 'Dark Ages' should be reconsidered as they might not accurately reflect the time period.
  3. Saturnalia historically suspended rules and masters served servants, and embracing similar traditions can be intriguing.
Iterare 78 implied HN points 24 Mar 23
  1. Visiting historical sites can provide a sense of perspective on the transient nature of life and legacy
  2. Embrace the present moment and cherish the memories created, as they are unique and fleeting
  3. Our actions may not leave a lasting impact beyond a few generations, so focus on making meaningful memories in the present
Tabletops 78 implied HN points 02 May 23
  1. Apple's store designs appear effortless and are iconic in urban settings.
  2. The process of building an Apple store involves overcoming obstacles like public approval and construction delays.
  3. Apple Boylston Street is unique and was the largest store in the U.S. at the time, showcasing distinctive architectural features.
Mister Slang 78 implied HN points 14 May 23
  1. Vaudeville was a popular form of entertainment mix that included various acts like musicians, comedians, and acrobats.
  2. Female stars like Eva Tanguay played a significant role in vaudeville, earning fame and fortune from their performances.
  3. Eva Tanguay, known as 'The I Don't Care Girl,' challenged societal norms through her provocative performances, costumes, and independent attitude.
Mister Slang 78 implied HN points 18 Jul 23
  1. The author reflects on their childhood in Lincolnshire in the 1950s, sharing memories of the county's unique features and their experiences growing up there.
  2. Growing up as one of the few Jewish families in Lincoln, the author reminisces about the challenges and adventures of maintaining their religious customs in a predominantly non-Jewish community.
  3. Despite the passage of time, revisiting one's childhood home can evoke a mix of nostalgia and reality, with familiar places often transformed or lost.
Mister Slang 78 implied HN points 16 Jul 23
  1. Gladys Bentley was a significant figure for openly living as a black, lesbian artist in a time when this was rare.
  2. She challenged societal norms through her performances, songs with transgressive lyrics, and open expression of her identity.
  3. Bentley's impact extended beyond her music as she increased public awareness about sexual variations and spoke for marginalized communities.
Mister Slang 78 implied HN points 12 Jul 23
  1. Blues singers used slang and double entendre in their music, often pushing the boundaries of decency.
  2. The blues offered a raw and honest perspective on life, focusing on the present rather than the afterlife.
  3. The dirty blues genre included explicit lyrics and was sometimes intertwined with hokum, a mix of trickery and nonsense.
WORLD GONE WRONG 78 implied HN points 20 May 23
  1. Dystopian fiction has played a role in framing racial fears and anxieties, particularly directed towards different immigrant groups.
  2. Chinese immigrants faced discrimination and anti-Asian sentiments in countries like the United States, fueled by racist narratives in literature and media.
  3. Racist dystopian novels that vilified Chinese immigrants contributed to growing anti-immigration movements and legislative actions restricting Chinese immigration.
Bullfish Hole 78 implied HN points 11 May 23
  1. There is no evidence of a whaler being swallowed by a sperm whale, but a lobster diver was accidentally swallowed by a humpback whale in 2021.
  2. Assisted suicide has widespread support in Canada, but there was a tragic mass suicide incident involving a Kenyan cult.
  3. Abolishing tenure in universities may not effectively address the issue of politicization and could make matters worse, according to different perspectives.
Mister Slang 78 implied HN points 30 Jun 23
  1. Billy Rowe was an African-American columnist in the mid-1900s known for his showbiz focus and advocacy against racism.
  2. Rowe coined numerous slang terms in his columns, some of which predated similar terms by his peers.
  3. Rowe's slang terms reflected the world of big bands, clubs, and societal issues of his time, showcasing his unique contribution to language.
Johto Times 159 implied HN points 09 Mar 23
  1. The Pokémon Center New York has a dedicated historical website that preserves memories and information about the now-closed store. This helps people remember or learn about its magical past.
  2. Julie and Grace are the passionate individuals behind the preservation efforts, and they share their excitement about the project through engaging interviews.
  3. Johto Times has reached over 100 subscribers in less than a month, showing that there’s a strong interest in Pokémon stories and content.
Cosmographia 139 implied HN points 25 Nov 22
  1. The post discusses Budapest's history through memorials and monuments, shown in II parts.
  2. The content is only available to paid subscribers, highlighting exclusivity.
  3. The author provides a link for existing subscribers to sign in, encouraging engagement.
Tessa Fights Robots 23 implied HN points 17 Dec 24
  1. The word 'Russian' is complicated and doesn't define one's origins clearly. It refers to a huge area and mix of cultures rather than a specific identity.
  2. There are many theories about where the word 'Rus' comes from, including connections to Vikings or ancient tribes, but no one really knows for sure.
  3. People from Russia likely have diverse ancestry due to historical mixing, making them a blend of many nations and beautiful stories, not just defined by pain.
Men Yell at Me 288 implied HN points 13 May 23
  1. Mother's Day is not just about gifts and recognition, but has deeper historical significance related to community care and activism.
  2. The original spirit of Mother's Day focused on pacifism, progress, community care, and support for mothers, led by women like Ann Jarvis, Julia Ward Howe, and Anna Jarvis.
  3. There is a need to shift focus towards advocating for maternal mental health care, medical knowledge, childcare, and policies supporting mothers' well-being, rather than relying on symbolic gestures.