"History 102" with WhatifAltHist's Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg Turpentine

This episode of History 102 features a comprehensive analysis of World War II. WhatifAltHist creator Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg discuss the build-up to the war, including the aftermath of World War I and the conditions in Europe that led to the rise of Hitler. Recommendations for further reading on the subject are provided, enhancing understanding of the war's complex aspects and its lasting impact on global history.

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Recommended Podcast: Company Breakdowns
Each episode of Company Breakdowns dives into S-1s and series B-and-beyond companies, interviewing founders and investors to break down the companies. First episode is on Rubrik - which just IPO'd. Coming up this season: Databricks, Reddit + more,
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This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.
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FOLLOW ON X:
@whatifalthist (Rudyard)
@eriktorenberg (Erik)
@TurpentineMedia
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TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Intro
(05:49) Hitler's Goal: Conquering Eastern Europe
(11:59) Blitzkrieg: Rapid Conquest
(17:52) Sponsor: Beehiiv
(25:50) Hitler's Strategic Miscalculations
(34:53) Exploring the Eastern Front: The Turning Point of WWII
(49:05) The Holocaust: A Horrific Atrocity
(52:52) Recommendations for Further Reading
(54:36) Wrap

Recommended Books:


The Second World War by John Keegan


The Second World War: A Complete History by Martin Gilbert


The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich: A History of Nazi Germany by William Shirer


Bloodlands by Timothy Snyder


The Dictators: Hitler's Germany, Stalin's Russia by Richard Overy, Ph.D.


Tragedy and Hope: A History of the World in Our Time by Caroll Quigley

In this episode of History 102, Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg delve into critical historical moments and patterns, focusing on the Spanish Empire's unique and often overlooked role in shaping the modern world. This episode challenges common historical narratives by examining Spain's extractive policies, and the consequences of its colonization efforts, including the impact on indigenous populations and the development of an extractive culture that contrasts with other Western societies' developmental paths.

SPONSORS: BEEHIIV
Head to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝 to https://Beehiiv.com and use code “MOZ” for 20% off your first three months
–
Recommended Podcast: Company Breakdowns
Each episode of Company Breakdowns dives into S-1s and series B-and-beyond companies, interviewing founders and investors to break down the companies. First episode is on Rubrik - which just IPO'd. Coming up this season: Databricks, Reddit + more,
Spotify
Apple
–
This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.
–
FOLLOW ON X:
@whatifalthist (Rudyard)
@eriktorenberg (Erik)
@TurpentineMedia
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TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Intro
(02:30) Exploring the Roots of Global Inequality
(03:56) The Formation of the Spanish Empire: From Medieval Europe to Columbus
(09:13) Columbus' Dark Legacy and the Consequences of Conquest
(12:14) The Spanish Inquisition: Reality vs. Myth
(15:46) Sponsor: Beehiiv | Turpentine
(23:09) Extractive Systems and Their Impact
(32:11) The Conquest of the Aztecs
(34:12) The Aztec Empire: Conquest and Sacrifice
(35:02) Cortes and the Fall of the Aztecs
(37:37) Population Collapse and Cultural Impact
(38:24) The Inca Empire: Swift Expansion and Spanish Conquest
(40:17) Exploring the Spanish Empire: Governance and Social Structure
(44:16) The Decline of the Spanish Empire: Economic Mismanagement and Independence Movements
(1:00:23) Final Thoughts and Recommendations
(1:01:03) Wrap

Recommended Books:


Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies by Jared Diamond


Empires of the Atlantic World: Britain and Spain in America 1492-1830 by John H. Elliott


The Story of the Americas by Leland DeWitt Baldwin


A History of Latin America by Hurbert Herring


Forgotten Continent: A History of the New Latin America by Michael Reid

In this episode of History 102, Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg explore the rise of Rome, from its origins as a small settlement in Central Italy to becoming a dominant force in the known world, drawing parallels between historical events and modern-day societal patterns. They discuss themes of decadence, social cohesion, and the cyclical nature of civilizations.
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SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | PLUMB
Head to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝 to https://Beehiiv.com and use code “MOZ” for 20% off your first three months

Plumb is a no-code AI app builder designed for product teams who care about quality and speed. What is taking you weeks to hand-code today can be done confidently in hours. Check out https://bit.ly/PlumbTCR for early access.
–
Recommended Podcast: Company Breakdowns
Each episode of Company Breakdowns dives into S-1s and series B-and-beyond companies, interviewing founders and investors to break down the companies. First episode is on Rubrik - which just IPO'd. Coming up this season: Databricks, Reddit + more,
Spotify
Apple
–
This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.
–
FOLLOW ON X:
@whatifalthist (Rudyard)
@eriktorenberg (Erik)
@TurpentineMedia
–
TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Intro
(01:26) Rise of Rome
(02:02) The Influence of Greek Civilization on the Latins
(05:09) The Romans: From City-State to Empire
(16:41) Sponsors: Harmonic | Plumb
(36:13) The Punic Wars: Rome's Defining Battles
(48:35) Rome's Expansion East and the Fall of Carthage
(54:12) Reflections and Recommendations on Roman History
(56:25) Closing Thoughts and Next Episode Teaser
(56:09) Wrap
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Recommended Books:

Will Durant's Caesar and Christ: A History of Roman Civilization and of Christianity from Their Beginnings to A.D. 325 (Story of Civilization)


Greg Woolf's Rome: An Empire's Story


Numa Denis Fustel de Coulanges'  The Ancient City: A Study of the Religion, Laws, and Institutions of Greece and Rome


Tom Holland's Rubicon



Recommended Podcast:
Dan Carlin's Hardcore History 21-23 – Punic Nightmares Series

In this episode of History 102, hosts Erik Torenberg and Rudyard Lynch delve into the American Civil War, providing a comprehensive overview encompassing its causes, key battles, and the aftermath.
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SPONSOR: PLUMB
Plumb is a no-code AI app builder designed for product teams who care about quality and speed. What is taking you weeks to hand-code today can be done confidently in hours. Check out https://bit.ly/PlumbTCR for early access.
–
Recommended Podcast: Company Breakdowns
Each episode of Company Breakdowns dives into S-1s and series B-and-beyond companies, interviewing founders and investors to break down the companies. First episode is on Rubrik - which just IPO'd. Coming up this season: Databricks, Reddit + more,
Spotify
Apple
–
This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.
–
FOLLOW ON X:
@whatifalthist (Rudyard)
@eriktorenberg (Erik)
@TurpentineMedia
–
RECOMMENDED BOOKS:
Roll, Jordan, Roll by Eugene D. Genovese
The Guns of the South by Harry Turtledove
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TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Intro
(00:41) Exploring the Roots of the American Civil War
(01:24) Complex Causes Behind the Civil War
(02:02) Slavery in Sparking the Civil War
(04:12) The Industrial Revolution's Impact on the Civil War
(06:34) Reflections and the Debate on Civil War
Causes
(16:55) Beliefs of the North and South
(20:57) The South's Strategy and the Role of International Powers
(22:57) Sponsor
(23:00) The Turning Points of the Civil War
(29:14) The War Itself
(48:19) The Aftermath and Reconstruction Era
(55:26) Wrap

In this episode which was first aired on Whatifalthist’s podcast, Rudyard Lynch explores the hypothetical scenario of World War III, analyzing potential winners, front lines, and geopolitical alliances.
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SPONSOR: PLUMB
Plumb is a no-code AI app builder designed for product teams who care about quality and speed. What is taking you weeks to hand-code today can be done confidently in hours. Check out https://bit.ly/PlumbTCR for early access.
–
Recommended Podcast: Company Breakdowns
Each episode of Company Breakdowns dives into S-1s and series B-and-beyond companies, interviewing founders and investors to break down the companies. First episode is on Rubrik - which just IPO'd. Coming up this season: Databricks, Reddit + more,
Spotify
Apple
–
This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.
–
FOLLOW ON X:
@whatifalthist (Rudyard)
@eriktorenberg (Erik)
@TurpentineMedia
–
TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Welcome
(00:12) Exploring the What Ifs and Changing Perspectives of World War III
(01:50) Theoretical Alliances and Their Strengths
(03:19) Potential Flashpoints and Concerns
(04:35) The Unpredictability of Predicting the Future
(05:11) Imagining a Scenario: China's Invasion of Taiwan
(08:28) The Realities of Modern Warfare and Technology
(10:21) Reevaluating China's Military and Social Stability
(11:43) Sponsor: Turpentine
(16:43) The Complex Terrain of Potential Conflicts
(20:55) A New Type of War: Demographic and Economic Battles
(24:30) Concluding Thoughts and the Future of Warfare
(25:00) Wrap

Today, we're excited to announce that Turpentine will be releasing Rudyard Lynch's WhatifAltHist as a podcast feed! Click the link below to subscribe. The highlighted episode we're airing today was touched on in our most recent History 102 episode on China's Modern History. Rudyard lays out his the patterns that predict China's coming socio-economic crisis.
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SPONSOR: PLUMB
Plumb is a no-code AI app builder designed for product teams who care about quality and speed. What is taking you weeks to hand-code today can be done confidently in hours. Check out https://bit.ly/PlumbTCR for early access.
–
Recommended Podcast: Company Breakdowns
Each episode of Company Breakdowns dives into S-1s and series B-and-beyond companies, interviewing founders and investors to break down the companies. First episode is on Rubrik - which just IPO'd. Coming up this season: Databricks, Reddit + more,
Spotify
Apple
–
This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.
–
FOLLOW ON X:
@whatifalthist (Rudyard)
@eriktorenberg (Erik)
@dwr (Dan)
@moz_podcast (Moment of Zen)
@TurpentineMedia
–
BOOKS CITED:

Asian Waters by Humphrey Hawksley

Asia's Cauldron by Robert Kaplan

Disunited Nations by Peter Zeihan

Why Nations Fail by James Robinson and Daron Acemoglu

The Origins of Political Order by Francis Fukuyama

The Next 100 Years by George Friedman

World Order by Henry Kissinger

The Best of Times and the Worst of Times by Michael Burleigh

Seeing Like a State by James C Scott

Destined for War by Graham Allison

Crashed by Adam Tooze

China's Asian Dream by Tom Miller

China by John Keay

Mao by Jung Chang

The Soul of China by Amaury de Riencourt

Oriental Ways of Thinking by Nakamura



TIMESTAMPS
(00:00) Intro
(00:43) Exploring China's Impending Social and Economic Crisis
(02:11) The Western Fascination with Authoritarian Regimes
(03:00) Understanding China's Internal Struggles and Media Misrepresentation
(05:15) The Demographic Challenges Facing China
(09:50) Economic Pressures and Real Estate Bubble in China
(14:51) The Shift Towards Maoism and Increased Oppression
(20:54) The Potential for Revolution and Civil Unrest
(30:18) Predicting the Collapse of Modern China
(31:42) Conclusion