The hottest Military History Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

There Is No Good Reason for the U.S. to Join Israel's War on Iran

KERFUFFLE • 41 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military History International relations National Security Middle East
  1. Israel can handle its own military challenges with Iran. They have shown they can take out important targets without needing U.S. involvement.
  2. Iran isn't currently building nuclear weapons, and there’s no solid evidence suggesting they are a threat right now. The situation is more about politics than actual danger.
  3. Getting involved in a war with Iran wouldn't benefit the U.S. It risks American lives while serving the interests of powerful leaders, rather than the general public.

A Lawful Insurrection: The Massachusetts Provincial Congress

Papyrus Rampant • 119 implied HN points • 05 Oct 24
💾 History American Revolution Governance Political Movements Military History
  1. In 1774, Massachusetts set up its own government, independent from British rule, even before the American Revolution officially started. They did this peacefully and with strong community involvement.
  2. General Gage, the British governor, faced growing resistance from the people of Massachusetts. They were organizing and defying his orders, making it clear they opposed British authority.
  3. The Massachusetts Provincial Congress acted like a government by making decisions, collecting taxes, and preparing for war. Their actions laid the groundwork for the future American government and the fight for independence.

Appeasement at Munich

Thinking about... • 775 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict Studies Military History Diplomacy Geopolitics
  1. History shows that appeasing aggressors can lead to greater conflicts. Just like in 1938, giving in can make things worse in the long run.
  2. Ukraine’s resistance has changed the situation. By fighting back, they have prevented further aggression and have kept a major conflict from escalating.
  3. If the U.S. supports appeasement, it risks creating a stronger aggressor. A Russian victory over Ukraine could lead to more wars and even nuclear threats in the future.

American Heroes, 4: Sgt. William H. Carney

Journal of Free Black Thought • 21 implied HN points • 01 Jun 25
💾 History U.S. History Military History Civil Rights Black History Heroism
  1. Sgt. William H. Carney was the first black American to receive the Medal of Honor for his bravery during the Civil War. He showed incredible courage by holding the American flag high, even when he was wounded.
  2. Carney's actions during the Battle of Fort Wagner inspired his fellow soldiers and demonstrated his commitment to freedom and duty. He believed in not letting the flag touch the ground.
  3. After the war, Carney continued to fight for civil rights and supported other veterans, showing that his dedication went beyond the battlefield.

Influences in Nelson's early career

The Common Reader • 956 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
💾 History Biographies Military History Cultural Influences
  1. Horatio Nelson had a strong connection to the sea from a young age, inspired by the sights and sounds of ships passing by his home. This led him to start his naval career at just twelve years old.
  2. Nelson's family had a significant influence on his life and ambitions. His father's poetic nature and his mother's strong feelings, especially against the French, shaped his worldview and determination.
  3. Despite facing challenges, including illness, Nelson remained ambitious and aimed for glory throughout his career. He recognized the passage of time and worked hard to achieve his dreams.
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Overthrowing Fate: Barbarossa Revisted

Big Serge Thought • 7 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
💾 History Military History World War II Political strategy Historical Analysis
  1. Germany could have improved its chances in World War II by better managing its resources and reacting faster to the situation on the ground. They had more people and supplies available than they used.
  2. The idea that Germany lost because they delayed their attack on Moscow isn't accurate. They faced new Soviet forces earlier than expected that complicated their plans.
  3. Better leadership and decision-making could have changed the course of the war. If Germany had acted on its manpower and supply needs sooner, it might have created a stronger position for future battles.

Eternal 1942

Castalia • 479 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
💾 History World War II Military History Political History Cultural History Geopolitics
  1. The research and writing process can feel like stepping into another time, as the author immersed himself in 1942 to better understand that historical period. This experience helped him connect with his characters and the events they were navigating.
  2. In 1942, many believed that fascism showed efficiency and strength compared to liberal democracies, but by the end of the year, perspectives shifted as victories by the Allies began to change the tide of World War II.
  3. The legacy of understanding Nazism as a unique evil has shaped modern politics, leading to a focus on identifying and combatting extremism, something that continues to influence current political discussions.

War and Peace: horse power, progress and prosperity

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 240 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
💾 History Military History Cultural History Economic History Political History Social history
  1. Horses played a key role in the success of the Mongolian invasions. Genghis Khan's ability to quickly mobilize large numbers of horses allowed him to surprise and defeat his enemies.
  2. The Mongol strategy relied on their horses for speed and endurance, which made long-distance raids and rapid attacks possible. This mobility changed how wars were fought.
  3. Horseback riding also enabled nomadic societies to effectively gather and transport resources needed for war. It gave them an advantage over foot soldiers in battles.

Makers of Modern Strategy with Hal Brands

ChinaTalk • 266 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
💾 History Military History Political History
  1. The _Makers of Modern Strategy_ series is crucial for understanding statecraft and warfare through history. It covers strategies from ancient times to modern conflicts, highlighting key thinkers and ideas.
  2. The 2023 edition includes unique essays on lesser-known figures like Tecumseh and contemporary issues like the Congo wars. These essays challenge traditional views and expand our understanding of strategy.
  3. Hal Brands emphasizes the role of history in shaping effective strategy. Studying past strategies helps inform current decisions and highlights the ongoing importance of strategic thinking in today's world.

December 22, 2024

Letters from an American • 19 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
💾 History U.S. History Military History Political History Art history Cultural History
  1. George Washington willingly resigned his military power after the Revolutionary War. This showed his commitment to democracy and his belief that no one should hold too much power.
  2. Washington's resignation was a significant moment in American history, highlighting the importance of peaceful transitions of power. It set a strong example for future leaders.
  3. John Trumbull's painting of Washington's resignation now hangs in the U.S. Capitol as a reminder of this crucial decision in establishing a nation based on freedom and respect for governance.

The North African Campaign

Castalia • 199 implied HN points • 17 Jul 23
💾 History Military History World War II American history International relations Political strategy
  1. The US rapidly expanded its military during World War II, increasing defense spending significantly. This level of spending set a trend that still affects American politics today.
  2. US commanders realized that prior peacetime training was not enough, which led to the idea of 'limited war' for better preparation. They believed that past peace movements partly caused the need for total war.
  3. During the North African Campaign, the US learned the importance of intelligence operations and made some questionable alliances for strategic benefits. They also recognized the formidable capabilities of the German military and the challenges they posed.

Tanks for the memories

Logging the World • 179 implied HN points • 11 Dec 22
🔬 Science Statistics Probability Military History Cybersecurity Data Analysis
  1. In a raffle with a large number of tickets, the biggest number drawn out starts to show some structure as more tickets are selected.
  2. By looking at the maximum value drawn in a raffle, one can estimate the total number of tickets, a concept applied in statistics like the German tank problem.
  3. Sequential numbering schemes can reveal interesting insights, as seen in situations like the Skripal poisonings and Novak Djokovic's COVID test, highlighting the importance of careful numbering practices.

A Thank You to Subscribers

Phillips’s Newsletter • 80 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics US Politics Power Dynamics Military History
  1. The author expresses gratitude to subscribers for their support and the growth of the community.
  2. Future plans for the Substack include more content on Ukraine War, Strategic/Military History, US politics, and the author's upcoming books.
  3. There is a promise to keep the Ukraine-Russia War Talk Podcast free and also introduce a periodic podcast on non-Ukraine topics for paying subscribers.

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.

Trashghanistan

Diane Francis • 339 implied HN points • 15 Jul 21
🌍 World Politics International relations Military History Conflict Studies Geopolitics Terrorism
  1. Afghanistan has a long history of being invaded but remains unconquerable due to its tough terrain and complex mix of ethnic groups. The U.S. is just the latest empire to fail there after others like the British and Soviets.
  2. Despite the spending of $2.21 trillion over 20 years, the U.S. could not build a stable government in Afghanistan. Corruption and lack of oversight led to a weak Afghan security force, making it easy for the Taliban to regain control.
  3. The withdrawal of U.S. troops is seen as a mistake by some former leaders, but the public supports it. Unfortunately, many Afghans face a grim future as the Taliban reemerges and the country is likely to fall back into poverty and chaos.

The Creation of the Russian Imperial Frontier Guard in the Trans-Caspian Oblast and Mountainous Bukhara - Vladmal, Pogranec.ru, 2008

The Library of Alexandria Ultima • 6 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
💾 History Military History Central Asia
  1. The Russian Empire established a frontier guard system in Central Asia in the late 19th century to secure its borders with Persia and Afghanistan. This included setting up border posts staffed by both Russian soldiers and local hires, known as dzhigits.
  2. The area was difficult to patrol due to its remote geography and the challenge of controlling trade and smuggling activities. Most of the border remained vulnerable to contraband smuggling because there weren't enough posts.
  3. The health and living conditions for the frontier guards were poor, with many facing sickness and discomfort due to extreme weather and inadequate housing. The government aimed to improve this by planning more permanent structures and medical support.

I Need to Get Back to the War

Anxiety Addiction & Ascension • 39 implied HN points • 18 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics Military History Authoritarianism National sovereignty Vaccines Propaganda
  1. When faced with a meaningful cause to fight for, being idle for too long can be unbearable. Finding an enemy worth fighting can ignite a strong desire to take action.
  2. Reflecting on historical events and personal connections can inspire a deep sense of purpose. Ancestral ties and the weight of history can influence our perspectives and motivations.
  3. Engaging in the current 'informational and psychological war' can be as impactful as past physical conflicts. Fighting for causes like national sovereignty can be seen as a modern-day equivalent to the noble struggles of previous generations.

Military Road

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 39 implied HN points • 26 Aug 21
💾 History U.S. History Military History Cultural History
  1. Military Road was established in the 1850s to connect key locations in Washington Territory and support military and settlement needs. It showed the government's commitment to developing the area.
  2. The road was mostly used by settlers rather than troops, helping them travel and build communities. It played a big role in the growth of the population in western Washington.
  3. Despite being built for military use, the road struggled with weather issues and became muddy often. However, it still left a lasting impact on the region's infrastructure.

The Eagle Has Landed: America Meets the Wehrmacht

Big Serge Thought • 3 implied HN points • 02 Aug 23
💾 History World Politics Military History Warfare Tactics Military technology
  1. America's war experience in World War Two provided unmatched confidence and a sense of reassured power, contributing to postwar confidence and strength.
  2. The American military entered the war with doctrinal uncertainty, having to learn quickly how to fight a continental- scale ground war.
  3. The early American armored force and doctrine was underdeveloped due to historical factors, leading to challenges in combat against German panzers in World War Two.