The hottest World War II Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top History Topics

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.

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 Cold War
  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.

Fullbore Friday

CDR Salamander • 1238 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
💾 History Military World War II Awards
  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 War Military World War II Navy
  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.

Hitler's Willing Executioners

The Ruffian • 448 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
💾 History Genocide Holocaust Antisemitism Nazism 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.
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My Sunday With The Amber-Eyed Hare

Daily Dreher • 1454 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
💾 History World War II Nazism Holocaust Totalitarianism Communism
  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

Photo of the Day

Photo of the Day • 235 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
💾 History World War II American history Aviation
  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.

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.

Photo of the Day

Photo of the Day • 157 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
💾 History Military World War II Animals
  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.

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 Fascism Banking International relations Eugenics
  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'.

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 Cold War Nuclear Weapons War Crimes
  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

A Father's Day Salute

Bastiat's Window • 275 implied HN points • 16 Jun 23
💾 History World War II Military Personal Story Culture Education
  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.

23 Jan 2024 – Missing bombers and spy satellites

Outsider Art • 19 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
💾 History World War II Archaeology
  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.

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 • 137 implied HN points • 12 Jun 23
💾 History World War II Atrocities Allies
  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.

The way we debate Hiroshima is all wrong

Matthew's Notebook • 117 implied HN points • 22 May 23
💾 History World War II Nuclear Weapons Military Strategy War Crimes Global Conflict
  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.

Oppenheimer & Groves' Unlikely Partnership

Leigh Marie’s Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 18 Jul 23
💾 History World War II Partnership
  1. Colonel Leslie Richard Groves and Dr. J. Robert Oppenheimer formed an unlikely but successful partnership to develop the atomic bomb during World War II.
  2. Despite their differences in background and personalities, Groves and Oppenheimer united to achieve a common goal and led the Manhattan Project to completion.
  3. Their collaboration and effective communication were crucial in overcoming challenges, such as recruitment of scientists, managing operations, and the eventual testing and use of the atomic bomb.

Apex Predator: The American Army in Normandy

Big Serge Thought • 3 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
💾 History World War II Military Allies
  1. The American Army's success in Normandy marked a significant shift in their military tactics and effectiveness.
  2. The US Army's operational conduct against Germany evolved from relying on firepower to developing superior maneuvering techniques.
  3. Operation Cobra led by General Omar Bradley showcased the American version of Soviet Deep Battle, combining overwhelming firepower with concentrated attacks for success.

Death Tango: The Race to the Dnieper

Big Serge Thought • 3 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
💾 History World War II Military Strategy
  1. The Red Army's use of sequential operations was a smashing success, shattering the German front and pushing deep into enemy territory.
  2. Despite initial setbacks, German Field Marshal Manstein was tasked with saving Army Group South and had to strategically maneuver his forces to prevent further collapse.
  3. The Anglo-American Joint Intelligence's warning about the potential collapse of German forces in Russia highlighted the critical situation facing the Wehrmacht at the hands of the Red Army.

The Battle at Milne Bay

Military Aviation Videos • 0 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
💾 History World War II Military Aviation
  1. The Battle of Milne Bay was a significant WWII battle where Australian and US forces defeated Japanese forces, proving that the Japanese were not invincible on land.
  2. The Royal Australian Air Force played a vital role in maintaining air superiority and causing serious damage to the invading Japanese forces during the battle.
  3. The Allied forces at Milne Bay faced challenges such as Malaria, difficult living conditions, and combat in harsh tropical environments, showcasing their resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

A Village in the Third Reich

Apposition • 0 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
💾 History World War II Nazism Resistance Atrocities
  1. The book provides a unique perspective on history by focusing on the everyday struggles of people in a German village during the Second World War.
  2. The village of Oberstdorf transformed from a traditional, insular community to a resort town in the 1920s, facing challenges like economic collapse and Nazi influence.
  3. The book highlights how ordinary people navigated difficult decisions, adversity, and moral dilemmas during a time of war and the rise of the Nazi regime.