The hottest Political History Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top U.S. Politics Topics

Trump's William McKinley Fetish is a Real Curveball

I Might Be Wrong • 12 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. Trump has shown an unusual admiration for President William McKinley, frequently mentioning him in speeches and calling him underrated. This is surprising because McKinley is not a common figure of praise among modern politicians.
  2. Trump believes that McKinley's tariffs significantly contributed to America's wealth, but many experts think this is a misunderstanding. Economic growth during that time was influenced by several factors, not just tariffs.
  3. McKinley's views on tariffs changed while he was in office, suggesting that his original ideas might not have been as set in stone as Trump claims. This highlights how historical interpretations can vary over time.

Book Review: The Rise and Fall of Ancient Egypt

Something to Consider • 19 implied HN points • 08 Feb 23
💾 History Political History
  1. The book mainly focuses on the history of Egypt's kings rather than the lives of everyday people. Most of what we know about ancient Egyptians comes from royal artifacts and structures, so there’s limited information about the general population.
  2. It’s a fun and easy read, full of fascinating facts that correct common misconceptions about Egyptian history. Readers learn a lot about important figures and events without feeling bogged down by overly complex details.
  3. The study highlights how and why states form and fall apart. Ancient Egypt's stability relied on agricultural wealth and a balance of power, while neglect or too much strength in leadership could lead to its eventual decline.

Trump Winning a Second Non-consecutive Term Would Really Fuck My Whole Thing

I Might Be Wrong • 15 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. If Trump wins a second non-consecutive term, it could change how we remember other presidents like Grover Cleveland. People might forget Cleveland's achievements and just focus on his unique non-consecutive presidency.
  2. Cleveland feels frustrated that people aren't discussing how a Trump victory would overshadow his legacy. He believes his historical significance is at risk, and that's a big deal for him.
  3. Many presidents are known for a specific thing, like Lincoln for the Civil War. Cleveland only wants to be remembered for his non-consecutive terms, and he’s worried that Trump could take that away from him.

Mini-Posts Collection 4 - Election Edition

Messy Progress • 11 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. Elections in the US have grown angrier over the years, with certain decades marked by extreme division and conflict. Historical elections show a pattern of rising tensions, especially in recent years.
  2. Politics often thrives on outrage because it drives donations and engagement. Politicians may take extreme stances to energize their base and keep the funding flowing, rather than aiming for broad consensus.
  3. Remote work could help bridge the social divide in America by allowing people to live in diverse areas while maintaining their jobs. This could foster better understanding and connection between different social and economic groups.
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Are the Theosophical Roots of Kamala Being Intentionally Mishandled by Alt Media?

Rounding the Earth Newsletter • 8 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. Theosophy is a complex belief system that influences various social and political movements. It's often overlooked in discussions about powerful organizations.
  2. Kamala Harris's background and political role may reflect a larger social engineering strategy. Some suggest that her mixed heritage is used for political gain.
  3. There are concerns about manipulation within media figures, like Candace Owens, and how they might steer public perception away from deeper issues like Theosophy.

Dushanbe - Boris Litvinov, 1895 & Alexey Nechaev, 1914

The Library of Alexandria Ultima • 6 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
💾 History Political History
  1. Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, has a rich history and was known as Dyushambe and later Stalinabad. It developed in a region that was once part of the Emirate of Bukhara.
  2. The population of Dushanbe mainly consists of Tajiks, who speak an Iranian language. Unlike other Central Asian groups, their appearance can be more European.
  3. Bacha dancers are a notable cultural aspect of Dushanbe, where young boys dress as girls for performances. This tradition has historical roots in the region and continues today in some areas.

In the Shallows Of The Deep State.

Trying to Understand the World • 5 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. The idea of a 'Deep State' has become popular as people try to explain political power hidden behind the scenes. It's used to describe unseen influences that control governments and decisions.
  2. Many people find comfort in believing that chaos has some hidden plan or control, rather than accepting that the world could be disorganized and unpredictable.
  3. In Western societies, trust in political leaders is low, leading people to think there might be secret groups managing things better than visible leaders, which can help make sense of troubling events.

election 2020 / election 2022 / election 2024 / election 2040 . . .

the rohn report • 19 implied HN points • 06 Nov 20
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. Political leadership shifts in government are cyclical, with power moving back and forth between different parties over time.
  2. Human behavior can be influenced by our genetic makeup and evolutionary history, suggesting a balance of good and bad elements in our nature.
  3. Encouraging and supporting each other could be a promising alternative to the divisive nature of politics, fostering a more positive and collaborative society.

Electronic Jim Crow Ballot Boxes! Electronic Jim Crow Currency! Electronic Jim Crow Police State!

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 6 implied HN points • 17 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. Electronic Jim Crow systems are being built in the US, affecting voting, currency, and surveillance.
  2. Historically, punishment for unlawful actions by politicians was reflected in election results.
  3. The spread of electronic control in ballot boxes poses a threat to democracy and civil society leaders.

La politique de l’épuisement et l’épuisement de la politique.

Trying to Understand the World • 1 implied HN point • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. There are two main ways to interact with the past: one is to preserve and recreate it, while the other is to use it as inspiration to create something new. In modern society, the past is often exploited for political and financial gain.
  2. Today's politics often feels like a caricature, where real meaning and ideology are lost. Politicians focus more on getting attention rather than discussing significant issues, leading to extreme and superficial debates.
  3. Modern culture has become repetitive and disconnected from its roots, resulting in a shallow experience. This has affected how we create and appreciate art and culture, leading to a cycle of exhaustion and emptiness.

History Extra for November 3, 2024

Letters from an American • 1 implied HN point • 04 Nov 24
💾 History Political History
  1. Abraham Lincoln used math to challenge the idea of slavery. He argued that if one person can claim the right to enslave another, then the enslaved person can claim the same right to fight back.
  2. The Kansas-Nebraska Act and its impact were significant factors in the lead-up to the Civil War. This act showed how divided the nation was over the issue of slavery.
  3. Lincoln’s thoughts on slavery reflect a deeper moral question about rights and freedom. It sparked important conversations about who holds power and who should have rights.

Of Deadlocks and Dark Horses

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 27 Feb 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. A brokered convention and a dark horse candidate are different ideas. A brokered convention happens when no candidate can win the nomination easily, while a dark horse is someone who unexpectedly wins despite not being a frontrunner.
  2. Modern politics makes it harder for dark horse candidates to succeed. Unlike in the past, where parties did most campaigning, today candidates need to run their own campaigns and have significant organization and funding to be viable.
  3. The idea of factions splitting off at a convention seems unlikely. History shows that successful splits usually happen over major, divisive issues. In the current climate, factions are more likely to stay united than risk losing the election.

Counterfactuals, Consequences, and Election Importance

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 20 Feb 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. Elections are often labeled the 'most important', but some are truly more significant than others. It's helpful to compare them using different criteria, like the changes they brought about.
  2. Understanding what is 'important' versus what is 'consequential' helps clarify elections' effects. 'Important' events shape outcomes, while 'consequential' events influence timing or method without changing the end result.
  3. Two notable elections in American history are 1800 and 1860. The 1800 election was crucial for establishing a democracy, while the 1860 election led to expected tensions and conflict, showing how sometimes the less dramatic event can be more important.

Man on the Moon

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 26 Jan 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. Newt Gingrich proposed building a permanent base on the moon, reflecting ongoing interest in space colonization. This idea goes back to his 1981 legislation about space territories.
  2. The process of granting statehood has historically faced numerous complications, largely due to Congress having too much discretion without clear rules. This caused political challenges and tensions in the past.
  3. Gingrich's plan for moon statehood shares problems with earlier proposals. It lacks constitutional backing, leaving room for Congress to change the rules easily later on.

Day One?

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 20 Jan 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. Presidential candidates often make big promises for their first day in office, but the actual execution can be complicated by factors like inauguration falling on a Sunday.
  2. Historically, inaugurations have faced challenges due to timing and the need for a new president to take the oath of office legally.
  3. The implementation of the 20th amendment ensures clearer rules about inauguration timing, preventing gaps in presidential authority.

Through the Looking Glass

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 07 Dec 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. The movie 'Countdown to Looking Glass' shows a fake crisis that fits into Cold War themes. Even though it's old, the issues of terrorism and political instability are still relevant today.
  2. Gingrich compares the crisis to historical events but misses mentioning some key moments, like the Cuban missile crisis. This raises questions about the choice of examples used in the movie.
  3. The film ignores Congress's role in crisis situations, focusing only on the President's actions. This leaves out important discussions about legislative authority during national emergencies.

Once upon a time, today was very important

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 05 Dec 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. Congress used to start meetings on the first Monday in December, which created a yearly gap between elections and new sessions. This meant that elected officials often had to wait a long time before taking office.
  2. In the early days of the U.S., voting for the Speaker of the House was much more chaotic and could take weeks or even months. There were many small parties and factions, making it hard to find a consensus.
  3. A famous Speaker election battle happened in 1859, where the House was deadlocked for two months because different groups couldn't agree on a candidate. This showed how divided the political landscape was back then.

Ready Steady Stoned

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 21 Nov 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. It's often thought that not renominating an unpopular president can help a party, but history shows it usually doesn't lead to success. Popularity tends to be closely tied between the president and the party.
  2. Historical claims need to be contextualized. The idea that there has never been a clear successor is not true; there have been various obvious candidates in history.
  3. Dropping out of a race isn't always a noble choice. Sometimes it's simply about recognizing the inability to win rather than stepping aside for the good of the party.

A House Divided

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 20 Oct 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. Lincoln faced a divided nation and had to adjust his views, ultimately moving towards abolishing slavery when public sentiment shifted. Obama is in a tough spot because he doesn't have a clear, unilateral action like the Emancipation Proclamation to tackle today's issues.
  2. The call for Obama to adopt more aggressive leftist policies, like higher taxes on the wealthy, might not actually resolve underlying economic problems. It's important to recognize that such actions alone won't fix the economy or reduce unemployment significantly.
  3. Moving to the left could risk alienating moderate voters and lead to more gridlock in government. Lincoln was a savvy politician who adapted to his situation, and it's unclear if moving left is the best strategy for Obama as he approaches upcoming elections.

Tuesday APD blogging: The case of the federal calendar

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 18 Oct 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. The Framers of the Constitution were well-intentioned but made mistakes, especially with the timing of when Congress should meet. They chose December, which didn’t match well with the new government's start date, causing a delay in legislative processes.
  2. Originally, Congress met much later in the year after elections, leading to 'lame duck' sessions, where outgoing officials had little power and new officials were not in place yet. This affected the ability to pass important laws efficiently.
  3. The 20th Amendment, ratified in 1933, eventually fixed some of these timing issues by adjusting the start dates for Congress and the President, making the process smoother and allowing new officials to take office sooner.

How would Watergate have played out absent the 25th amendment?

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 14 Oct 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. Without the 25th amendment, Nixon might have faced different political pressures and may have delayed his resignation. He could have argued that the situation was a partisan attack to gain public support.
  2. Impeachment would likely still happen without the amendment, but the conviction could be less certain. If the GOP had united against it, they might have swayed the Senate's decision.
  3. Carl Albert probably wouldn't have wanted to become Acting President. The pressure to take the role would increase if it meant avoiding an even less desirable president in James Eastland.

On leadership

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 27 Sep 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. Not many people have served in top leadership positions in both the House and Senate. It’s a rare transition, mainly because moving to the Senate means starting over with seniority.
  2. Three out of the five leaders who made the jump from House to Senate went on to serve in Senate leadership positions. This shows that ambition plays a big role in their career paths.
  3. Personal traits are important for leadership. Many of these leaders likely sought out leadership roles because they had natural leadership qualities, not just because of their circumstances.

On no-longer-quite-as-special interests

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 20 Sep 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. It's important for political leaders to clearly state their plans in writing. This helps them show their true intentions instead of being vague.
  2. Changes in policy proposals can happen depending on who is in power. Certain proposals that would have been unthinkable before might be on the table now.
  3. Strong political figures can greatly influence debates and decisions in Congress. Their presence can lead to more accountability and dialogue about important issues.

On the meeting places of legislatures

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 19 Sep 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. The Texas Capitol is impressive and has a friendly atmosphere, allowing visitors to explore freely. It's filled with Texas symbols and has a rich history shown through its art and architecture.
  2. In contrast, the U.S. Capitol has become highly secure, making it hard for visitors to access and enjoy the space. Once, people could wander freely, but now security measures have changed that.
  3. This shift to more security at the U.S. Capitol feels like a loss of openness. It makes people reflect on how public access to government buildings has changed over the years.

On Presidential Debates and Antebellum Nostalgia

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 08 Sep 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. Presidential debates are very controlled events, limiting candidates' freedom to speak openly. The rules often make debates feel more like scripted shows than real discussions.
  2. Nostalgia for historic debates, like Lincoln-Douglas, might not reflect what voters want today. Those debates were lengthy speeches without direct engagement or questions.
  3. In debates, candidates often focus on attacking each other's positions rather than clearly sharing their own. Debates mainly show how well candidates think on their feet rather than informing voters about policies.

On candidates holding odd jobs

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 16 Aug 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. It's very rare for someone who's currently in the House of Representatives to run for president. Only a few have even won significant votes in the past.
  2. Being a sitting Representative often means lacking enough political experience and stature that voters expect from presidential candidates.
  3. Representatives can have a lot to lose if they run for president because they might have to give up their powerful roles in Congress, and their long voting history can be used against them.

On hair metal political analogies

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 27 Jul 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. People often change their opinions about political figures over time, even if they previously criticized them harshly. It's funny to see this shift, especially when both sides are praising leaders they once disliked.
  2. The concept of nostalgia plays a big role in how we view the past. Just like with music, what people liked or disliked can change as time goes on.
  3. Comparing politicians to musicians can highlight how our perspectives change. Just like some albums may not seem as fun later, political opinions can shift based on current events.

On the history of political phrases

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 17 May 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. The phrase 'waste, fraud, and abuse' became popular in American politics around the late 1970s. It seems strange that it didn't exist earlier, given how much it's talked about now.
  2. Many political phrases we hear today have roots that go back much further in history. Phrases like 'split-ticket' and 'corrupt bargain' have been around since the 19th century.
  3. Even though 'waste, fraud, and abuse' is commonly criticized, it has only recently gained attention in the political spotlight, showing how language in politics evolves over time.

On Career Paths

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 23 Nov 10
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. Historically, many Senators had experience in the House, but it seems less common now. This suggests that moving from the House to the Senate used to be a more typical career path for politicians.
  2. Before the 1840s, it was not unusual for Representatives to have previously served in the Senate, showing how political careers were more interconnected back then.
  3. Claude Pepper is a significant example of someone who served in both the Senate and the House, but he was the last of his kind, highlighting a change in political career trends.

RIP: Robert Byrd

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 28 Jun 10
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. Robert Byrd was the longest-serving Senator in U.S. history, holding office for over 51 years. He had a significant impact on the Senate and was known for his knowledge of its procedures.
  2. Byrd had a complex legacy, having been a former member of the Klan and participating in the filibuster against the civil rights act, but he later renounced and apologized for his past actions.
  3. The 'Byrd rule' is an important Senate procedure named after him, which can impact legislation process. The term 'Byrd bath' refers to the careful review process to ensure legislation complies with this rule.

Research Note: On Walking Out

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 17 May 10
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. The 1860 Democratic conventions in Charleston and Baltimore saw several southern states walk out over disagreements.
  2. The southern states seceded from the union in two main waves, starting with South Carolina and ending with Tennessee.
  3. Some states, like Missouri and Kentucky, chose not to leave, indicating divisions in support for secession.

Summer of '64

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 31 May 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. In the 1964 Civil Rights Act vote, geography played a big role in how members of Congress voted. Northern Democrats were more supportive, while Southern Democrats and Republicans had very little support.
  2. The intensity of support for civil rights varied among party members. Northern Democrats were the strongest advocates, while the Republicans had mixed support, often not pushing for civil rights despite some members voting for it.
  3. Party labels don’t define who supported civil rights; individual actions mattered more. Some heroes and villains in the civil rights movement existed in both parties, and it’s important to focus on their contributions instead of just party affiliations.

The debacle of the old congressional calendar or: how you know the Constitution wasn't divinely inspired

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 03 Jan 18
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. The old congressional calendar was poorly designed, causing long gaps between elections and when Congress actually met. This led to issues like the 'lame duck' sessions where outgoing officials had to make big decisions without a fresh mandate.
  2. The Framers of the Constitution made mistakes in setting the calendar dates due to not knowing how long ratification would take. This resulted in the first Congress meeting much later than expected, leading to political instability.
  3. The 20th amendment fixed these problems by aligning the start of congressional terms with the beginning of sessions. This helped ensure smoother transitions in government and avoid delays in handling national issues.

FIVE POINTS: Meet the new year, same as the old year

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 09 Jan 18
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. The way Congress is scheduled affects how decisions are made. Members plan their work around breaks and weekends, which changes how laws are discussed and voted on.
  2. Having a celebrity like Oprah as a presidential candidate raises concerns about their ability to govern. While she might attract votes, a celebrity's lack of experience could be risky for important national decisions.
  3. Retiring committee chairs in Congress leads to a loss of expertise and reduces their effectiveness. Strict rules on how long someone can serve in leadership roles can harm the quality of governance.

The Truth Behind the Federal Reserve

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 0 implied HN points • 10 Dec 08
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. The Federal Reserve, which controls the nation's money supply, is privately owned and has been a key player in driving countries into massive debt through various methods.
  2. The history of banking and central banking in America involves a complex web of power, from fraudulent practices to political manipulation, impacting the country's economic landscape significantly.
  3. Proposed solutions such as reclaiming the government's power to print debt-free money, alongside advocating for a monetary reform act, aim to combat the control of elite corporations and bankers and restore financial independence to the country.

Unfounding founding fathers

Douglass’s Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
💾 History Political History
  1. Many academic fields are not teaching young people the history of their field, which may be limiting their capacity to offer alternative perspectives.
  2. While the founding fathers were deeply educated about politics and governance, current practices often show a lack of depth and passivity.
  3. Reflecting on the past can offer interesting insights into the present and help avoid undoing the hard work of those who came before us.

On Warm Buckets of Piss***

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 22 Apr 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. Choosing a vice president usually doesn't change the election outcome much. It often matters more what the other side does than who you pick.
  2. A vice president can affect things significantly if the president dies. This is an important reason to think carefully about who to choose.
  3. Political parties often prioritize short-term gains from a VP selection over long-term party strength. It's better to choose someone who can lead well if needed.

Beating a dead (dark) horse: Everyone on the bolt bus

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 28 Feb 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History
  1. If a political convention is deadlocked, it can lead to chaos because delegates may act emotionally and irrationally. This could cause factions to break away unexpectedly.
  2. A close division within a party is not the same as a deep division. Just because opinions are split doesn't mean there's a serious conflict that would lead to a big breakup.
  3. Voter indecision doesn’t always mean delegate disagreement. A split vote among voters doesn’t automatically lead to delegates deciding to fracture the party, as that would be a more serious choice altogether.