The hottest World War II Substack posts right now

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'This fire will return!'

Wrong Side of History • 517 implied HN points • 13 Feb 26
💾 History World War II
  1. Dresden was devastated by a massive Allied bombing on 13 February 1945 that produced a firestorm, killing tens of thousands and destroying the city center.
  2. Before the war Dresden was a celebrated cultural and manufacturing hub—famous for its Baroque architecture, music, and porcelain—much of which was lost in the attack.
  3. Allied air strategy evolved from targeted raids to area bombing aimed at creating firestorms, a deliberate and controversial policy led by figures like Arthur Harris that raised lasting moral and historical debates.

A raid too far?

Wrong Side of History • 313 implied HN points • 18 Feb 26
💾 History World War II
  1. The Allied bombing of Dresden caused huge civilian suffering and became a powerful example used to question the morality of bombing cities in war.
  2. Histories of Dresden are contested and were shaped by political agendas, so whether the raid counts as a war crime or something like ‘genocide’ remains debated among historians.
  3. The raid was ordered to disrupt German transport for the eastern front and was authorised while Churchill was at Yalta, and the bomber crews faced extreme danger and moral unease because they knew their missions would kill many civilians.

Reinhard Heydrich

Pizza Party • 28 implied HN points • 04 Mar 26
💾 History World War II
  1. Reinhard Heydrich was one of the most brutal Nazi leaders and a key architect of the Holocaust.
  2. He planned and directly oversaw Operation Salon Kitty, the takeover of a brothel used for espionage and control.
  3. These events are dramatized in a graphic novel called Kitty's Bordello, featuring art by Abel García, and the post invites readers to subscribe for more.

America’s Most Righteous War Produced Its Best Anti-War Novel

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 431 implied HN points • 15 Jan 26
📚 Literature World War II
  1. War is absurd and self-contradictory, forcing people to break normal moral rules and fight for goals that often don’t make logical sense.
  2. Satire and dark comedy can cut through the fog of war, showing its contradictions and helping people understand or cope with its horrors.
  3. Veterans can become depressed and lost after combat because war gives a clear purpose and tight bonds that are hard to replace at home.

You are not so kind as you used to be

Letters of Note • 2731 implied HN points • 29 Sep 23
💾 History World War II
  1. In 1940, Winston Churchill's wife wrote him a letter advising him to be kinder to his staff and show more composure.
  2. Being irascible and rude may not lead to the best results, instead, it could breed dislike or a slave mentality.
  3. Combining power with kindness and calmness can be more effective in leadership.
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Fullbore Friday

CDR Salamander • 1238 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
💾 History World War II
  1. The article discusses a submarine mission during World War II targeting a Japanese cruiser.
  2. The crew faced challenges like cramped conditions, faulty equipment, and the risk of being detected by the enemy.
  3. Despite these difficulties, the crew successfully completed the mission, showcasing bravery and teamwork.

Fullbore Friday

CDR Salamander • 1002 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
💾 History World War II
  1. USS Arkansas (BB-33) had a remarkable service history through two World Wars with only one casualty.
  2. Arkansas provided important gunfire support during key events like the invasion of Normandy and Operation 'Anvil'.
  3. The pilots of VCS-7, a US Navy Spotter Squadron, transitioned from float planes to flying Supermarine Spitfires during combat operations.

My Sunday With The Amber-Eyed Hare

Daily Dreher • 1454 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
💾 History World War II
  1. The story reflects on the rise and fall of a Jewish banking family through generational possessions and the impact of war
  2. The deep-rooted anti-Semitism in European society is highlighted through historical artifacts and experiences
  3. The narration urges vigilance against totalitarianism by drawing parallels between Nazi and Communist regimes, emphasizing the importance of learning from history

Who Was The German Resistance?

Castalia • 419 implied HN points • 01 Apr 24
💾 History World War II
  1. There was a German resistance against Hitler that started as early as 1938, surprising many after the war. They actively tried to kill him and faced many challenges.
  2. Key figures like Henning von Tresckow and Admiral Wilhelm Canaris played important roles in the resistance. They took great risks and attempted several assassination plots.
  3. Their failure to kill Hitler and the skepticism from the Allies about their intentions limited their impact. Despite their courage, history could have been very different if they had succeeded.

The Anglo-American Hand Behind The Rise Of Fascism Then And Now

Matt Ehret's Insights • 1277 implied HN points • 09 May 23
💾 History World War II
  1. The integration of leading Nazis into Anglo-American intelligence complex after WWII led to the rise of fascism then and now.
  2. Modern expressions of fascism seen in Ukraine and other post Soviet nations glorify Nazi collaborators.
  3. The financiers and industrialists of the 1920s -1940s were key in fueling fascism with their support and resources, showing that Hitler and Mussolini were not 'their own men'.

Eternal 1942

Castalia • 479 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
💾 History World War II
  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.

Book Review: 22 Cells In Nuremberg A Psychiatrist Examines the Nazi Criminals

Who is Robert Malone • 12 implied HN points • 23 Feb 26
💾 History World War II
  1. Ordinary people with ambition, weak morals, and a willingness to exploit fear can commit mass crimes when conditions let them; atrocities don’t require monstrous psychopathy.
  2. Authoritarian politics work by stirring emotion, manufacturing enemies, and shutting down critical thought, and those tactics can appear in any democracy, especially during crises.
  3. Preventing authoritarianism depends on strong civic habits: broad voting access and participation, resisting divisive demagogues, robust institutions, and education that promotes critical thinking.

Things Worth Remembering: The Woman Who Captured Russia’s Pain

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2949 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
💾 History World War II
  1. The historiography of World War II has shifted to highlight the significant sacrifice on the Eastern front, bringing a more balanced perspective to the contributions of all parties involved.
  2. The opening and closure of Russian archives in the 1990s, along with the translation of Vasily Grossman's works, helped reveal the full extent of the Russian sacrifice during the war.
  3. Russian artists played a crucial role in recording and reflecting the Soviet experience during the Second World War, preserving a vital part of history.

Atomic bombing of Japan was not necessary to end WWII. US gov't documents admit it

Geopolitical Economy Report • 697 implied HN points • 09 Aug 23
💾 History World War II
  1. US government documents admit that the atomic bombing of Japan in WWII was not necessary
  2. The decision to use nuclear weapons against Japan was aimed politically at the Soviet Union, rather than solely to end the war with Japan
  3. Many top US military officials, like General Eisenhower, opposed the use of atomic bombs on Japan, suggesting it was unnecessary and could have been avoided

The Face of Nazi Propaganda

The Forgotten Files • 275 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
💾 History World War II
  1. Nazi propaganda in WWII was used to demoralize and discredit the Allies
  2. Propaganda posters often depicted grotesque images of Churchill and Britain as an octopus
  3. The propaganda aimed to highlight defeats and setbacks of the British naval and military forces

Photo of the Day

Photo of the Day • 255 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
💾 History World War II
  1. Over one million American men served in Europe during World War I.
  2. The sacrifice of American troops in both World War I and II were enormous.
  3. Defending democracy has historically come at a high price, including the loss of many lives.

Photo of the Day

Photo of the Day • 235 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
💾 History World War II
  1. Charles Lindbergh's fame led him to live in Europe and gather intelligence on Germany's military air power.
  2. Lindbergh faced criticism for accepting an award from Herman Goring in light of increasing antisemitism and Nazi actions in Germany.
  3. Some believed Lindbergh had Nazi sympathies due to his speeches and writings upon returning to the US.

Humanising History

David’s Substack • 79 implied HN points • 16 May 24
💾 History World War II
  1. The BBC has a huge oral history collection with over 400 interviews. These recordings give personal stories from people who worked there and help us understand the social and cultural history of the 20th century.
  2. Oral histories can reveal details about historical events that official records don't show. They provide a deeper emotional connection to the past by sharing feelings and experiences of those who lived through it.
  3. Researching history using both written documents and oral histories allows for a fuller understanding of events. By combining facts with personal stories, we can see the human side of history and why people acted the way they did.

Battle of the Bulge Episode 6: Patton’s Army on the Move

Letters from an American • 6 implied HN points • 15 Feb 26
💾 History World War II
  1. Personal family connections to soldiers in Patton’s Third Army make the Battle of the Bulge feel immediate, and revisiting the story helps the pieces of the history fall into place.
  2. Patton’s Third Army was a decisive, mobile force whose movements around Bastogne helped shift the momentum of the Battle of the Bulge.
  3. There is real concern that recent political stances at international forums could undermine the post–World War II alliances and the safeguards meant to prevent a return to such large-scale conflicts.

Chartbook 269: Alderney, or the delirious arithmetic of modern mass violence.

Chartbook • 1187 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
💾 History World War II
  1. The story delves into controversies and investigations surrounding the potential presence of mass graves and significant historical events on the English Channel island of Alderney during World War II.
  2. It explores the complexities and challenges in quantifying and understanding the immense scale of tragedies like the Holocaust and Nazi atrocities, emphasizing the importance of accurate analysis to do justice to historical events.
  3. The analysis portrays the need for precise examination and mapping of historical events, such as the Nazi regime's labor mobilization and coercion, to comprehend the intricate and structured nature of power dynamics within historical contexts.

Photo of the Day

Photo of the Day • 176 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
💾 History World War II
  1. Ruthy joined the Women's Army Corp during World War II as an X-ray technician.
  2. There were concerns and rumors about the female military service affecting American social norms during that time.
  3. Propaganda and misinformation, like the 'big lie,' had significant impacts on public perceptions during Ruthy's lifetime.

Photo of the Day

Photo of the Day • 157 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
💾 History World War II
  1. Francis the US Army Mule 08KO served tirelessly under tough conditions in various Asian struggles.
  2. Mules were used to transport supplies in wars despite the military shifting to mechanized vehicles.
  3. Rescued mules played a crucial role in transporting supplies and aiding wounded soldiers during the Korean War.

A Father's Day Salute

Bastiat's Window • 275 implied HN points • 16 Jun 23
💾 History World War II
  1. Lt. Harold Graboyes had unique experiences and stories from his time in the Army during World War II.
  2. Despite challenges and misunderstandings, Lt. Harold Graboyes remained loyal to the Army and valued the opportunities it provided him.
  3. Lt. Harold Graboyes was a brilliant individual with a deep love for learning, even though circumstances limited his formal education.

Photo of the Day

Photo of the Day • 157 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
💾 History World War II
  1. Some young men found World War II to be a significant turning point in their lives.
  2. The war provided new experiences and opportunities for men from different backgrounds.
  3. The war had both positive and negative impacts on relationships and society.

Five... London Women of the Second World War

Londonist: Time Machine • 99 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24
💾 History World War II
  1. During the Second World War, London women played crucial roles in espionage, codebreaking, piloting planes, and inventing key military modifications.
  2. Christine Granville, born Maria Krystyna Skarbek, was Britain's longest-serving female secret agent who undertook daring missions like infiltrating occupied territories on skis and rescuing British agents from the Gestapo.
  3. Despite her exceptional bravery and contributions, Christine Granville faced post-war struggles, disbelieved war records, and tragic personal circumstances, highlighting the often overlooked challenges faced by women war heroes.

The North African Campaign

Castalia • 199 implied HN points • 17 Jul 23
💾 History World War II
  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.

Battle of Thermopylae (disambiguation)

Outlandish Claims • 19 implied HN points • 18 Jun 24
💾 History World War II
  1. The Battle of Thermopylae was a significant historical event where a small band of disciplined soldiers held off a large empire, emphasizing the power of conviction and unity over sheer numbers.
  2. The significance of Thermopylae transcended time, with the battle recurring six more times and impacting the fate of different empires, showcasing the lasting impact of historical events.
  3. Thermopylae also made its mark in popular culture, inspiring scenes in movies like _Lord of the Rings_ and showing how tales of heroism and sacrifice continue to resonate and influence storytelling.

Hitler's Willing Executioners

The Ruffian • 448 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
💾 History World War II
  1. Antisemitism in Germany was deeply rooted and violent, with a long history preceding the Nazi era. The widespread contempt for Jews eventually manifested in the genocide as an end goal, not just a regrettable task.
  2. Daniel Goldhagen's book 'Hitler's Willing Executioners' argues that Germans were not reluctant participants in the genocide, but willing and enthusiastic in carrying out Hitler's war on Jews, contrary to claims of coercion.
  3. The Nazi era demonstrated a genocidal impulse where killing became an end in itself, bringing about a society where Jews were considered 'socially dead people', subjected to extreme cruelty and violence with the active participation and consent of ordinary Germans.

The way we debate Hiroshima is all wrong

Matthew's Notebook • 117 implied HN points • 22 May 23
💾 History World War II
  1. The debate over Hiroshima involves questions about war crimes, responsibility, and historical apologies.
  2. The decision to drop the atomic bombs on Japan was part of a broader plan that included invasion, negotiation, and blockade.
  3. There were alternatives to using nuclear weapons on Japan, such as negotiation or demonstrating the bomb's power in a less deadly manner.

Alternative History and the Failure of Imagination and Research. How would a victorious Germany depict the defeated USSR?

20th Century Musings in the 21st Century • 138 implied HN points • 12 Jun 23
💾 History World War II
  1. Alternative history novels often overlook atrocities committed by powers other than Germany.
  2. Realistic alternative history fiction would likely include investigations and publicizations of Soviet crimes against ethnic Germans.
  3. Some historical narratives ignore crimes committed by countries other than Germany during World War II.

A Top Secret Bunker and a Nobel Prize

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 179 implied HN points • 30 Jun 22
💾 History World War II
  1. A secret underground bunker at Pigeon Point in Seattle was built during World War II for secure radio communications. It was designed to be bomb-proof, which is pretty fascinating.
  2. After the war, the bunker was used for medical research, including cancer studies by Dr. E. Donnall Thomas. His work led to him winning a Nobel Prize for advancements in bone marrow transplants.
  3. Now, the area where the bunker once operated is part of a school and park, but the original underground facility still exists with no visible signs or entrances.

Fly the Furrow: The Cairo-Baghdad Mail Route

Terra Nullius, by Ned Donovan • 127 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
💾 History World War II
  1. In the early 1920s, the Cairo-Baghdad mail route faced challenges like navigating a featureless desert with limited communication technology.
  2. Major A.L. Holt's innovative solution involved mapping a ground route using convoys and marking symbols on the ground for pilots to follow.
  3. The Cairo-Baghdad air mail route, known as 'Flying the Furrow,' was vital for reducing mail delivery time and training RAF pilots for long-distance flights.

23 Jan 2024 – Missing bombers and spy satellites

Outsider Art • 19 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
💾 History World War II
  1. During WWII, Japan captured American B-17 bombers for examination, but some mysteriously disappeared after the war, sparking lingering curiosity and theories.
  2. Historical mysteries like missing planes and unexplained phenomena continue to capture the imagination and intrigue readers and researchers alike.
  3. Modern surveillance technology, like spy planes and satellites, has advanced significantly, raising privacy concerns and prompting some individuals to prefer living away from prying eyes.

Hitler Ahoy: The Third Reich's Surface Fleet

Big Serge Thought • 3 implied HN points • 26 Nov 25
💾 History World War II
  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.