#historical-analysis

[ follow ]

The Christmas Story Has Always Been About Power

King Herod, a complex figure, is portrayed as the true villain of the Christmas story, representing tyranny and ruthless ambition.

Syphilis: Did Christopher Columbus bring the STD to Europe? DW 12/18/2024

Syphilis likely originated in the Americas and was brought to Europe by Columbus's sailors after their interactions with indigenous populations.
from Aeon
6 days ago

The rule of law and racial difference in the British Empire | Aeon Essays

British colonial law was utilized to exploit colonised lands and dismiss Indigenous political structures, claiming superiority and enforcing terra nullius.
#social-issues

Donald Trump and the Ubiquity of Political Violence

Violence is a persistent issue in American history, yet society often forgets its prevalence and complexity.

New Medieval Books: An Introduction to Literary Debate in Late Medieval France - Medievalists.net

Medieval literary debate involved deep analysis, encompassing social issues such as gender roles and the impact of literature on society.

Donald Trump and the Ubiquity of Political Violence

Violence is a persistent issue in American history, yet society often forgets its prevalence and complexity.

New Medieval Books: An Introduction to Literary Debate in Late Medieval France - Medievalists.net

Medieval literary debate involved deep analysis, encompassing social issues such as gender roles and the impact of literature on society.
moresocial-issues
#immigration

Brianna Nofil, historian: There's going to be massive amounts of money made at every step of the deportation process'

The U.S. has created a complex system of migrant incarceration that mirrors criminal justice yet exists in a distinct legal landscape.

Briefly Noted Book Reviews

Handel's "Messiah" reflects Enlightenment themes of navigating catastrophe rather than triumphing reason, serving as a profound participatory art form.
The treatment of immigrants in county jails reveals a troubling legacy of systematic neglect under U.S. immigration policies.

Brianna Nofil, historian: There's going to be massive amounts of money made at every step of the deportation process'

The U.S. has created a complex system of migrant incarceration that mirrors criminal justice yet exists in a distinct legal landscape.

Briefly Noted Book Reviews

Handel's "Messiah" reflects Enlightenment themes of navigating catastrophe rather than triumphing reason, serving as a profound participatory art form.
The treatment of immigrants in county jails reveals a troubling legacy of systematic neglect under U.S. immigration policies.
moreimmigration
#communism

The Impossible Story of Commumism

Communism started as a hopeful reaction to capitalism's horrors but has largely failed to fulfill its promises, culminating in oppression and tragedy.

9 Things Communism Got Right

Communism, despite its failures, made progress in industrialization, literacy, and equality.

The Impossible Story of Commumism

Communism started as a hopeful reaction to capitalism's horrors but has largely failed to fulfill its promises, culminating in oppression and tragedy.

9 Things Communism Got Right

Communism, despite its failures, made progress in industrialization, literacy, and equality.
morecommunism

Sex Work the American Way

The regulation of sex work in the U.S. reflects ideas of American exceptionalism and moral superiority in managing sexuality.
#philosophy

Return to God?

Religion has shaped philosophical discourse throughout history, influencing cultures and societies on a global scale.

Does the Enlightenment's Great Female Intellect Need Rescuing?

Émilie du Châtelet's contributions were recognized in her time but largely forgotten, highlighting the complexities of rediscovering marginalized figures.

Return to God?

Religion has shaped philosophical discourse throughout history, influencing cultures and societies on a global scale.

Does the Enlightenment's Great Female Intellect Need Rescuing?

Émilie du Châtelet's contributions were recognized in her time but largely forgotten, highlighting the complexities of rediscovering marginalized figures.
morephilosophy

The Real Terrorist Group that Inspired The Order

The Order film portrays real historical white nationalists who aimed to form a whites-only nation in the 1980s.

Disasters and History by Bas van Bavel & Daniel R. Curtis & Jessica Dijkman & Matthew Hannaford & Maika de Keyzer & Eline van Onacker & Tim Soens (Book Review)

The book examines societal resilience and vulnerability to disasters in historical contexts, providing insights for contemporary disaster management.

Jesus Christ: God, magician or charlatan?

Catherine Nixey's book presents a complex and controversial view of Jesus Christ, challenging traditional Christian narratives.
#ancient-rome

Gladiator rebellions and bread strikes: ancient Rome's labor unions revealed

Workers' rights remain a critical issue today, echoing struggles from as far back as the Roman Empire.

Opinion | Gladiator Movies Don't Tell the Real Story About Rome and Masculinity

Gladiators were seen as entertainers in Roman society, lacking the broader virtues associated with masculinity.
Modern perceptions of masculinity often misinterpret the role and status of gladiators in ancient Rome.

Gladiator rebellions and bread strikes: ancient Rome's labor unions revealed

Workers' rights remain a critical issue today, echoing struggles from as far back as the Roman Empire.

Opinion | Gladiator Movies Don't Tell the Real Story About Rome and Masculinity

Gladiators were seen as entertainers in Roman society, lacking the broader virtues associated with masculinity.
Modern perceptions of masculinity often misinterpret the role and status of gladiators in ancient Rome.
moreancient-rome
#education

New Online Course: The Culture of Medieval Violence - Medievalists.net

The course explores the medieval culture of violence through diverse sources and compares it with its portrayal in modern pop culture.

"A Farce, or a Tragedy, or Perhaps Both." - emptywheel

The conservative takeover in education has drastically influenced the current political landscape by undermining informed citizenship.
The long-term shift in educational priorities has contributed to Donald Trump's electoral success.

New Online Course: The Culture of Medieval Violence - Medievalists.net

The course explores the medieval culture of violence through diverse sources and compares it with its portrayal in modern pop culture.

"A Farce, or a Tragedy, or Perhaps Both." - emptywheel

The conservative takeover in education has drastically influenced the current political landscape by undermining informed citizenship.
The long-term shift in educational priorities has contributed to Donald Trump's electoral success.
moreeducation

America's Missed Opportunities to Change the World: 4 Scenarios

Hindsight reveals how different U.S. choices could have changed global history, urging thoughtful consideration of current decisions.
#governance

Ray Dalio says to understand Trump's 2nd administration, you should study how far-right governments in the 1930s worked

Trump's governance approach is reminiscent of 1930s hard-right regimes, focusing on efficiency and major reforms.

Government plans often go astray

Political planning issues are echoed in 80 countries, emphasizing the need for reform in governance.
Chemistry plays a vital role in archaeology, aiding in the understanding of historical timelines.

Ray Dalio says to understand Trump's 2nd administration, you should study how far-right governments in the 1930s worked

Trump's governance approach is reminiscent of 1930s hard-right regimes, focusing on efficiency and major reforms.

Government plans often go astray

Political planning issues are echoed in 80 countries, emphasizing the need for reform in governance.
Chemistry plays a vital role in archaeology, aiding in the understanding of historical timelines.
moregovernance

Scientists discover what caused Roman Empire to collapse

The eastern Roman Empire's collapse stemmed from miscalculating the Persian threat, leading to trade disruptions and military defeats.
#team-management

Leadership Lessons From Admiral Nelson

Effective leadership involves clear communication and preparing teams for unpredictability, similar to navigating unforeseen challenges in battle.

The best football formations

Football formations are key to understanding tactical concepts, balancing individual brilliance and team cohesion for success.

Leadership Lessons From Admiral Nelson

Effective leadership involves clear communication and preparing teams for unpredictability, similar to navigating unforeseen challenges in battle.

The best football formations

Football formations are key to understanding tactical concepts, balancing individual brilliance and team cohesion for success.
moreteam-management
#trump

Opinion | I'm a Presidential Historian. This Is My Biggest Regret About Trump.

Trump is a unique threat to democracy, representing an unprecedented shift in American politics since his manipulation of fear and authoritarianism.

What is fascism? A look at the term being hurled at Donald Trump

Trump has been labeled a 'fascist' by notable figures, sparking debate over the definition of fascism and his alignment with it.

Presidential Historian Raves Over Heartwarming' Trump-Biden Meeting on MSNBC After Surreal Carnival' Election

The Biden-Trump meeting was seen as a calming and heartwarming moment in the aftermath of a tumultuous 2024 presidential election.

Opinion | I'm a Presidential Historian. This Is My Biggest Regret About Trump.

Trump is a unique threat to democracy, representing an unprecedented shift in American politics since his manipulation of fear and authoritarianism.

What is fascism? A look at the term being hurled at Donald Trump

Trump has been labeled a 'fascist' by notable figures, sparking debate over the definition of fascism and his alignment with it.

Presidential Historian Raves Over Heartwarming' Trump-Biden Meeting on MSNBC After Surreal Carnival' Election

The Biden-Trump meeting was seen as a calming and heartwarming moment in the aftermath of a tumultuous 2024 presidential election.
moretrump
#kent-state

'Kent State' a Chilling Examination of 1970 Campus Shooting and its Ramifications

The Kent State tragedy showcases the volatile atmosphere of the 1960s and its lasting impact on American society.

Briefly Noted Book Reviews

The Kent State shootings sparked a historical conversation about the consequences of protests during the Vietnam War.

'Kent State' a Chilling Examination of 1970 Campus Shooting and its Ramifications

The Kent State tragedy showcases the volatile atmosphere of the 1960s and its lasting impact on American society.

Briefly Noted Book Reviews

The Kent State shootings sparked a historical conversation about the consequences of protests during the Vietnam War.
morekent-state

Opinion | Why We Turn to Crosswords in Times of Crisis

Crossword puzzles can provide solace and distraction during challenging times, serving as a refuge from life's struggles.

Why American Foreign Policy Fails

The U.S. learned harsh lessons about the limits of its power during foreign conflicts post-WWII, despite initial appearances of invulnerability.

Nostalgic Serie A five-a-side teams: picking a lineup for Milan

Choosing top players for a team can be challenging due to the abundance of talent, making selection bittersweet.

What this 500-year-old shipwreck can tell us about how we age

The collarbones of crew members from the Mary Rose suggest that most were right-handed, impacting our understanding of bone aging and conditions.
#world-war-ii

Hitler Would Have Been Astonished

Cooper's rhetoric closely mirrors historical disinformation tactics used by Hitler and Goebbels.

These Are the Sniper Rifles That Shaped WWII

World War II significantly advanced sniper rifle technology, marking the evolution of military strategy and reliance on ground snipers.
Snipers have played a crucial role in ground warfare since World War II, with significant technological advancements in their weapons.

A US invasion of Taiwan in WWII would have been a disaster. A Chinese operation faces similar dangers.

The US considered a major invasion of Taiwan in WWII but deemed it a high-casualty nightmare, similar to potential future invasions by China.

Hitler Would Have Been Astonished

Cooper's rhetoric closely mirrors historical disinformation tactics used by Hitler and Goebbels.

These Are the Sniper Rifles That Shaped WWII

World War II significantly advanced sniper rifle technology, marking the evolution of military strategy and reliance on ground snipers.
Snipers have played a crucial role in ground warfare since World War II, with significant technological advancements in their weapons.

A US invasion of Taiwan in WWII would have been a disaster. A Chinese operation faces similar dangers.

The US considered a major invasion of Taiwan in WWII but deemed it a high-casualty nightmare, similar to potential future invasions by China.
moreworld-war-ii

Do men really think about the Roman Empire all the time? Give them Joan Smith's Roman history of misogyny

Joan Smith's work reveals the harsh realities of Roman history, urging a reevaluation of how women were depicted in narratives about the empire.
#stonehenge

Scientists solved mysterious origin of Stonehenge's Altar Stone: Scotland

The Altar Stone of Stonehenge originates from Scotland, challenging previous beliefs about its Welsh origins.

Civil engineer Herbert Stone's rock-solid views on Stonehenge

Ancient engineers had advanced techniques for erecting Stonehenge's stones, reflecting remarkable skills and understanding of their environment.

Scientists solved mysterious origin of Stonehenge's Altar Stone: Scotland

The Altar Stone of Stonehenge originates from Scotland, challenging previous beliefs about its Welsh origins.

Civil engineer Herbert Stone's rock-solid views on Stonehenge

Ancient engineers had advanced techniques for erecting Stonehenge's stones, reflecting remarkable skills and understanding of their environment.
morestonehenge

Mati Diop's New Documentary Is a Bold Metaphor for the Effects of Empire

Colonial power dynamics persist, even in cultural restitution efforts like the repatriation of artefacts to Benin.
#political-science

How Tyrants Fall by Marcel Dirsus review road to revolution

The fleeting nature of power highlights that many dictators face severe consequences after losing control.

How Autocrats Game the Rules of Democracy

Democracy's resilience is no longer guaranteed; recent global events challenge long-standing beliefs about its stability.

How Tyrants Fall by Marcel Dirsus review road to revolution

The fleeting nature of power highlights that many dictators face severe consequences after losing control.

How Autocrats Game the Rules of Democracy

Democracy's resilience is no longer guaranteed; recent global events challenge long-standing beliefs about its stability.
morepolitical-science
#economic-policy

Harris's Price Control Plan is Worse Than You Think

Old, harmful ideas in American politics resurface repeatedly, demonstrating a pattern of repeating historical mistakes.

Trump Loves Tariffs, Doesn't Actually Know What They Are

The former president's nostalgic views on Gilded Age protectionism ignore its historical consequences, particularly the economic depression of the 1890s.

Neoliberal Policies Associated With Reaganomics Actually Started With Carter

Neoliberal policies have significantly increased income inequality, rooted in earlier administrations rather than solely attributed to Thatcher and Reagan.

Nature, Culture, and Inequality by Thomas Piketty review mind the gap

Piketty emphasizes that wealth inequality is influenced by politics and collective action, challenging the notion of inevitable disparities in market economies.

Harris's Price Control Plan is Worse Than You Think

Old, harmful ideas in American politics resurface repeatedly, demonstrating a pattern of repeating historical mistakes.

Trump Loves Tariffs, Doesn't Actually Know What They Are

The former president's nostalgic views on Gilded Age protectionism ignore its historical consequences, particularly the economic depression of the 1890s.

Neoliberal Policies Associated With Reaganomics Actually Started With Carter

Neoliberal policies have significantly increased income inequality, rooted in earlier administrations rather than solely attributed to Thatcher and Reagan.

Nature, Culture, and Inequality by Thomas Piketty review mind the gap

Piketty emphasizes that wealth inequality is influenced by politics and collective action, challenging the notion of inevitable disparities in market economies.
moreeconomic-policy

Don't trust the polls? Neither did The New York Times in 1956 (spoiler: it didn't work out great)

The New York Times conducted extensive reporting in 1956 to gauge public opinion but failed to accurately predict Eisenhower's reelection victory.

Ancient Christianities by Paula Fredriksen (Book Review)

Explores the interplay of early Christianity, Judaism, and paganism, revealing the diverse origins and developments within ancient Christianities over the first five centuries.

DNA confirms these 19th century lions ate humans

The Tsavo Man-Eaters killed many railway workers in 1898, confirmed via DNA analysis to have included human remains among other prey.

Hastings: An Unusual Battle - Medievalists.net

The Battle of Hastings was an unusually lengthy and evenly matched encounter, requiring careful interpretation within the broader context of medieval military history.

Historian & Armor Expert Reacts to Warhammer 40k Space Marine 2's Multiplayer Weapons & Armor

Tobias Capwell analyzes the historical inspirations behind Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2's weaponry and armor, connecting gaming design to real-world martial practices.

I wasn't interested in Churchill': Steve McQueen on the ordinary people' in his film Blitz

Blitz offers a grim, chaotic depiction of WWII bombings, emphasizing individual struggles over traditional portrayals of unity or misery.

Everyone wants to know what AI is worth. One investor looked to the past for the $20 trillion answer.

AI's potential is vast, with Ben Miller estimating its value could reach $20 trillion, though its growth aligns with past technology trends.

Israel Has Invaded Lebanon Three Times Before. Here's a Closer Look.

Israel's past invasions of Lebanon aimed to secure its borders but led to unintended destabilization and increased sectarian tensions.

Another Way Jimmy Carter, 100 Today, Bested His Fellow Presidents

Jimmy Carter, the longest-lived U.S. president, is also the most prolific author, with more best-selling books than those written about him.

The 2024 Chicago White Sox: a team so historically bad they stopped tweeting results

The 2024 Chicago White Sox had the worst season in modern MLB history with 121 losses, reflecting a catastrophic performance.
Social media commentary highlighted the team's inability to perform, capturing the fans' frustration with humorous posts.

Silver Linings: Money, Plague and Economic Change in 7th and 8th century England - Medievalists.net

Bede's era saw significant economic changes in 7th to 9th century England, characterized by wealth and the prominence of minsters.

White Collar Crime in the Crusades - Medievalists.net

White-collar crimes like bribery and tax evasion were pervasive in the crusader states, thriving on unspoken social norms and corruption.
#abraham-lincoln

Review: 'Lover of Men' casts Abraham Lincoln in a lavender light

The documentary argues that Abraham Lincoln may have had queer relationships, particularly with his close male friends, challenging traditional historical narratives.

'Lover of Men' explores the gay side of Abraham Lincoln

The documentary claims Abraham Lincoln had deep emotional and sexual relationships with men, portraying this as a significant aspect of his identity.

Review: 'Lover of Men' casts Abraham Lincoln in a lavender light

The documentary argues that Abraham Lincoln may have had queer relationships, particularly with his close male friends, challenging traditional historical narratives.

'Lover of Men' explores the gay side of Abraham Lincoln

The documentary claims Abraham Lincoln had deep emotional and sexual relationships with men, portraying this as a significant aspect of his identity.
moreabraham-lincoln

As a war historian I was pessimistic about human nature. Writing the history of the mind has changed me | Paul Ham

War is not inevitable; there is hope for a future free of violence through evolving human beliefs.

Drug Use Isn't All or Only an Individual Choice

Drug use and addiction are shaped by intricate social and political contexts that necessitate a broader model of care.

Myth and misogyny: how male representations of the female form have changed the way women are viewed

Creation myths reveal the historical minimization of female figures, showcasing how women's narratives have been overshadowed by male creators.

Callaghan's tight fist was his undoing as it could be for Reeves | Phillip Inman

Rachel Reeves must balance fiscal responsibility with maintaining an appealing welfare state, a challenge faced by past chancellors.

Ancient equine genomes reveal dawn of horse domestication

Modern domestic horses spread widely around 4,200 years ago, contradicting earlier beliefs that they were linked to human migrations 5,000 years ago.

New Medieval Books: Defining Nature's Limits - Medievalists.net

The Catholic Church's response to Protestantism shaped its approach to science and magical claims during the 16th century.

True face of the 'Screaming Mummy' is revealed after 3,500 years

The Screaming Woman mummy's facial reconstruction reveals her expression resulted from an agonizing death, not careless embalming, challenging previous assumptions.

How the Dutch became the tallest nation on Earth

Increased average heights over the last 200 years reflect improved living standards, nutrition, and health, particularly in Europe, with Dutch men notably the tallest.

Protocol Village: Validation Cloud Supports Stellar Full Archive Nodes, Nillion Partners With AI Network Ritual

Nillion and Ritual partner for decentralized AI technology.

Historian Richard J Evans: I'm planning to write a book about pandemics next. I've had enough of Nazis'

Biographical approach to history is regaining importance to understand the departure from democratic norms and the rise of authoritarianism.

For Epidemics to Cross Oceans, Viruses on Ships Had to Beat the Odds

In the past, infectious diseases often burned out on ships before they could spread to new areas, unlike the rapid global transmission seen in the contemporary world.

1999 Yankees (Rewind) Diary, May 3: Disaster inning leads to series split with KC

The importance of accuracy in historical reports

Concord author's book, centered on Boston's Civil War-era history, wins Pulitzer

Examination of struggles of Black workers in 19th century Boston despite the city's abolitionism hub status.

How to stop students cramming for exams? Send them to sea

Proposal to prevent exam over-preparation.

Baby names: Oliver and Isla are the most popular in Australia but what do the long-term trends reveal?

Theodore, Hudson, and Luca enter the top 10 list for boys in Australia. Isla is now the most popular girl's name, with varying trends seen over the years.

Euro 2024: A small summer fairy tale? DW 07/14/2024

Germany's 2006 World Cup success was a romanticized fairy tale, and the expectation for 2024 is to bring people together realistically.

I cast spells at the audience': Bat for Lashes on howling, magic and new documentary on witch trials

Natasha Khan embraces witchery to convey female empowerment and self-liberation, sharing howling rituals and exploring the historical roots of witch persecution.
[ Load more ]