The hottest Military History Substack posts right now

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In Omsk: A German Colony in the Western Siberian Command - Ivan Babkov, 1912

The Library of Alexandria Ultima • 8 implied HN points • 11 Feb 26
đź’ľ History Military History
  1. Omsk was a modest provincial city in the 1850s that had lost much of its military role but later grew through construction and civic improvements under the Governor-General.
  2. The Western Siberian military and administrative leadership was largely non-Russian, dominated by Germans, Swedes, Poles, Latvians and Finns, creating a distinctly foreign-led local elite.
  3. Patronage among these officers placed compatriots into positions, sometimes despite little relevant experience, so local commanders often relied on imported personnel rather than native Russian officers.

Journey to American Democracy: The Battle of the Bulge

Letters from an American • 17 implied HN points • 10 Jan 26
đź’ľ History Military History
  1. The head of the Eisenhower Library was forced to resign after refusing to hand over Eisenhower’s sword to President Trump, even after offering a replica.
  2. His departure led to him joining a new video series about the Battle of the Bulge, bringing military history into a project about defending democracy.
  3. The series is framed as a timely warning, linking WWII’s fight against fascism to troubling actions by the Trump administration, and aims to remind people that Americans won that fight to defend democracy.

December 18, 2025

Letters from an American • 25 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
đź’ľ History Military History
  1. The American founding argued that legitimate government rests on natural rights and the consent of the governed, not hereditary monarchy.
  2. When the revolution seemed doomed in winter 1776, Thomas Paine’s The American Crisis urged everyone to persist and helped rally public support and soldiers’ enlistments.
  3. Washington’s surprise crossing of the Delaware and the victories at Trenton and Princeton revived morale, prompted reenlistments, and are credited with saving the Revolutionary cause.

The North African Campaign

Castalia • 199 implied HN points • 17 Jul 23
đź’ľ History Military History
  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.
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Makers of Modern Strategy with Hal Brands

ChinaTalk • 266 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
đź’ľ History Military 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.

War and Peace: horse power, progress and prosperity

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 240 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
đź’ľ History Military 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.

In the Foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau - Nikolai Severtsov, 1873

The Library of Alexandria Ultima • 5 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
đź’ľ History Military History
  1. They live well on abundant land and cattle and keep clean. But they are often lazy, drunk, coarse, and morally loose, and they rationalize stealing and violence against non‑Christians.
  2. Their prosperity relied heavily on cheap labor and refugees as well as on taking supplies from local Kazakh/Kyrgyz people. Even after some reforms ended forced requisitions, they still exploited pastures, hay fields, and forests beyond their official rights.
  3. Their practices harmed the local environment and society: orchards were cut for firewood and forests overused, and many settlements had a surplus of men over women. In war they were bold when looting undefended villages but tended to avoid real resistance.

Battle of the Bulge Episode 2: The Malmedy Massacre

Letters from an American • 6 implied HN points • 12 Jan 26
đź’ľ History Military History
  1. It focuses on the Malmedy Massacre during the Battle of the Bulge and the horrific violence that took place there.
  2. The material is harrowing and hard to watch because it confronts the human cost of a massacre up close.
  3. The broader lesson is that authoritarian governments can be brutally indifferent to individual lives, treating people as expendable.

Tanks for the memories

Logging the World • 179 implied HN points • 11 Dec 22
🔬 Science Military History
  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.

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 Military History
  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 grand day out

Telescopic Turnip • 28 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
đź’ľ History Military History
  1. The moon landing was an incredible achievement in engineering and science, showing that humans can do amazing things when they work hard.
  2. People often debate the worth of the moon landing, especially since it cost so much money. Some think there could have been better ways to use that money for scientific discovery.
  3. Despite being part of a competition with the USSR during the Cold War, the moon landing also represented a sort of cooperation and restraint, helping to avoid greater conflicts.

Homesteading: Revolutionary Foundations and the Culpeper Minute Men

Who is Robert Malone • 9 implied HN points • 15 Nov 25
đź’ľ History Military History
  1. Virginia played a big part in America's founding, but many people forget about the ordinary folks who fought against British rule. Their efforts were crucial in making the United States a reality.
  2. The Culpeper Minute Men were some of the first volunteer militiamen from Virginia, ready to fight at a moment's notice. They represented the idea of a well-trained militia that the Founding Fathers wanted to protect liberty.
  3. Key battles like Hampton and Great Bridge showed that local militias could stand up to British troops. These victories helped boost morale and political support for independence in Virginia.

Trashghanistan

Diane Francis • 339 implied HN points • 15 Jul 21
🌍 World Politics Military History
  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.

A Journey from Trans-Baikal to the Amur Through Manchuria - Peter Kropotkin, 1865 (2/4)

The Library of Alexandria Ultima • 3 implied HN points • 30 Dec 25
đź’ľ History Military History
  1. A translated 19th-century reconnaissance describes crossing the Greater Khingan Mountains while scouting a direct route between Russia’s Trans‑Baikal frontier and Blagoveshchensk on the Amur River.
  2. This is part two of a four‑part translation and includes a translator’s introduction and a link to the original source; the first part contains an introductory note and biographical material.
  3. The post features landscape photos of the Greater Khingan (Daxinganling) and is hosted on Substack, with most content behind a paywall but a free excerpt available.

I Need to Get Back to the War

Anxiety Addiction & Ascension • 39 implied HN points • 18 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics Military History
  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.

American Heroes, 4: Sgt. William H. Carney

Journal of Free Black Thought • 21 implied HN points • 01 Jun 25
đź’ľ History Military History
  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.

Hitler Ahoy: The Third Reich's Surface Fleet

Big Serge Thought • 3 implied HN points • 26 Nov 25
đź’ľ History Military History
  1. The German navy, or Kriegsmarine, was not ready for World War II and had high hopes for a large fleet that never materialized. They planned to have many ships, but when war started, they only had a few.
  2. Despite their ambitions, the German naval forces wasted valuable resources and weakened the army by focusing too much on building surface ships rather than submarines, which could have been more effective.
  3. The invasion of Norway was a surprise success for Germany, but it also led to heavy losses for their surface fleet. This campaign revealed issues with British naval power and showed how quickly the situation can change in war.

A Thank You to Subscribers

Phillips’s Newsletter • 80 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics 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.

December 22, 2024

Letters from an American • 19 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
đź’ľ History Military 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.

Overthrowing Fate: Barbarossa Revisted

Big Serge Thought • 7 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
đź’ľ History Military History
  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.

The River Chu - Nikolai Abramov, 1860

The Library of Alexandria Ultima • 4 implied HN points • 10 Jul 25
đź’ľ History Military History
  1. The Chu River is important in Central Asia, flowing from the Tianshan Mountains through Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. It's known for its quick currents and sandy shores.
  2. Historically, the river marked Russia's frontier with Central Asia, and the Kokand Khanate controlled parts of the area including key fortresses until Russian conquest.
  3. The Chu River supports local agriculture and is home to various fish species, with its surroundings rich in natural resources and historical significance.

VFYW: Through A Window Darkly

The Weekly Dish • 7 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
đź’ľ History Military History
  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.

Military Road

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 39 implied HN points • 26 Aug 21
đź’ľ History Military 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 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
đź’ľ History Military History
  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.

Red Army Rising: Kursk and Beyond

Big Serge Thought • 4 implied HN points • 11 Jul 23
đź’ľ History Military History
  1. Surrendering in war can be seen as a sign of shame and betrayal.
  2. Choosing to fight a losing battle can lead to strategic paralysis and ineffective decision-making.
  3. The famous tank battle at Prokhorovka during the Battle of Kursk, was more of a Soviet tactical blunder rather than a significant engagement.

The Eagle Has Landed: America Meets the Wehrmacht

Big Serge Thought • 3 implied HN points • 02 Aug 23
đź’ľ History Military History
  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.

Master Plan: An Interview with John Lewis Gaddis

The Octavian Report • 0 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
đź’ľ History Military History
  1. Effective grand strategy mixes hedgehog focus and fox agility, knowing when to pursue one big aim and when to shift into adaptive, creative problem-solving.
  2. Planning and disciplined preparation are essential, but you must be ready to abandon plans and improvise when unexpected realities hit.
  3. Today’s short attention spans, political polarization, and technological pace make long-term strategy harder, so leaders should cultivate a lightness—flexibility and a broad perspective—rather than rigid ideology.

Life During Wartime: Elliot Ackerman on Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Anabasis

The Octavian Report • 0 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
đź’ľ History Military History
  1. People often ask the wrong questions before going to war, and charismatic leaders can hide their true motives so armies become committed before they know why they’re fighting.
  2. Chance, not intelligence or bravery, often decides who wins or loses in war. Small, random events — like a single javelin — can flip men’s fortunes overnight.
  3. The Anabasis depicts a "directionless" war where soldiers debate whether to return, settle, or keep fighting, which mirrors modern conflicts fought for many reasons other than actually ending them.

Greatest War: Tom Holland and Graham Allison on Thucydides

The Octavian Report • 0 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
đź’ľ History Military History
  1. When a rising power threatens a ruling one, the structural stress between them makes large-scale conflict more likely and ordinary flashpoints can trigger war.
  2. War is not inevitable—leadership choices and lessons from past cases can prevent catastrophe, but managing a rising power will be a long, stressful generational task.
  3. Thucydides emphasized power politics and left out cultural and social factors, so ancient Athens and Sparta are imperfect models and should be applied to modern states with caution.

December 7, -43: 2067 Years Ago Roman Politics Had a Very Sharp Edge Indeed

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 0 implied HN points • 07 Dec 25
đź’ľ History Military History
  1. Cicero was killed on December 7, 43 BC by soldiers acting for the Second Triumvirate, a violent outcome of the post‑Caesar power struggles.
  2. The phrase "adolescentem laudandum, ornandum, tollendum" is rhetorically powerful and ambiguous; its gerundive form signals necessity and can mean praise, honor, and—crucially—removal, hinting at sanctioned violence.
  3. Octavian played a double game in the aftermath of Caesar's death—borrowing, shifting alliances, and ultimately joining Antony and Lepidus to form the Triumvirate—which helped bring about Cicero's downfall.