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

This episode of History 102 explores the fascinating rise of Islam, its Golden Age, and its decline, unpacking the cultural, political, and economic factors that shaped this pivotal period in history.

WhatifAltHist creator Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg talk about the cultural and scientific achievements of the Umayyad and Abbasid Caliph - a period of unprecedented growth and innovation in the Islamic world. Then, uncover the reasons behind the decline of the Abbasid Caliphate, from internal conflicts and moral decay to the rise of the Turks and the shift from scientific progress to religious conservatism.

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SPONSOR: 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

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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Recommended Podcast: The Riff with Byrne Hobart
Byrne Hobart, the writer of The Diff, is revered in Silicon Valley. You can get an hour with him each week. See for yourself how his thinking can upgrade yours.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6rANlV54GCARLgMOtpkzKt
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-riff-with-byrne-hobart-and-erik-torenberg/id1716646486
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FOLLOW ON X:
@whatifalthist (Rudyard)
@eriktorenberg (Erik)
@TurpentineMedia

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TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Introduction
(01:45) The Enigma of Muhammad
(03:14) The World Before Islam
(04:42) Internal Conflicts
(07:30) Sponsor: beehiiv
(08:00) The Umayyad Caliphate
(32:12) The Abbasid Caliphate
(33:56) Misconceptions About Islam
(36:00) The Decline of the Abbasids
(38:15) Internal Conflicts and Barbarian Mercenaries
(41:00) The Rise of Al Ghazali and the End of Science
(44:17) The Decline of Capitalism
(45:41) The Loss of the Mediterranean
(47:42) The First Crusade and Societal Choices
(49:10) Wrap

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Books mentioned:

In the Shadow of the Sword: The Rise and Fall of Islam by Tom Holland

Destiny Disrupted: A History of the World Through Islamic Eyes by Tamim Ansary

The Venture of Islam: Conscience and History in a World Civilization by Marshall Hodgson (3-volume set)

Islam and the Arab World

The Myth of a Tolerant Muslim Spain

This episode of History 102 explores the European Middle Ages, its misunderstood aspects, technological and social advancements, and critical events. WhatifAltHist creator Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg discover how the seemingly "dark" medieval era set the stage for the scientific revolution, the age of exploration, and the rise of modern Europe.

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SPONSOR: 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

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.
–
Recommended Podcast: The Riff with Byrne Hobart
Byrne Hobart, the writer of The Diff, is revered in Silicon Valley. You can get an hour with him each week. See for yourself how his thinking can upgrade yours.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6rANlV54GCARLgMOtpkzKt
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-riff-with-byrne-hobart-and-erik-torenberg/id1716646486
–

FOLLOW ON X:
@whatifalthist (Rudyard)
@eriktorenberg (Erik)
@TurpentineMedia

–

TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Intro
(00:23) Setting the Stage: The European Middle Ages
(03:58) Misconceptions About the Middle Ages
(05:29) The High Middle Ages: Society and Innovations
(14:12) Feudalism and Social Structures
(28:34) Sponsor: Beehiiv
(29:17) Political Dynamics in Medieval Europe
(40:10) The Decline of the Middle Ages
(43:39) The Black Death and Its Aftermath
(46:53) Legacy of the Middle Ages
(1:01:29) Conclusion and Book Recommendations
(1:02:51) Wrap

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Recommended Books:
The Rise of the West: A History of the Human Community by William H. McNeill
A Short History of the Middle Ages by Barbara Rosenwein 
The Time Traveler's Guide to Medieval England: A Handbook for Visitors to the Fourteenth Century by Ian Mortimer
A Secular Age by Charles Taylor
Europe Emerges: Transition Toward an Industrial World-Wide Society, 600-1750 by Robert L. Reynolds

This episode of History 102 delves deeply into the ancient history of China, from its foundation around 2000 BC to the fall of the Han Dynasty around 200 AD. WhatifAltHist creator Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg also explore the rise and fall of the Shang, Zhou, Qin, and Han dynasties, uncovering the political and social forces that shaped ancient Chinese history.

Discover how ancient China evolved in isolation, developing its own unique civilization, institutions, and beliefs, with surprising parallels to other world powers.

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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
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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.
–
FOLLOW ON X:
@whatifalthist (Rudyard)
@eriktorenberg (Erik)
@TurpentineMedia
–
TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Introduction to History 102
(00:15) Casual Catch-Up and Initial Thoughts
(00:36) Discussing Viewer Reactions
(01:27) Introduction to Ancient China
(02:14) China's Unique Historical Evolution
(06:20) Geography and Early Civilizations
(09:34) The Shang Dynasty and Early Theocracies
(12:07) The Zhou Dynasty and the Mandate of Heaven
(17:28) The Warring States Period and Philosophical Developments
(20:02) Sponsor: Beehiiv
(31:20) The Rise of the Qin Dynasty
(39:16) The Han Dynasty: China's Golden Age
(47:18) The Fall of the Han Dynasty and Its Aftermath
(54:01) Wrap

Recommended Books:
The Grace of Kings by Ken Liu

This episode of History 102 dives into ancient India, exploring its rich civilizations, philosophical divergences from the West, and the profound influence of the caste system on its society. WhatifAltHist creator Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg also debunk myths and explore the real impact of the caste system, Hindu nationalism, and the arrival of Islam on ancient Indian civilization.
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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
–
TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Intro
(00:43) A Deep Dive into Ancient India: Uncovering Hidden Histories
(07:30) Exploring the Indus Valley Civilization: The Bronze Age's Forgotten Empire
(10:07) The Aryans and the Birth of the Caste System
(25:06) Sponsor: Beehiiv
(25:10) Buddhism vs. Hinduism: A Battle for India's Soul
(38:56) The Mauryan Empire: India's Golden Age
(41:09) India's Dark Age and the Rise of Hindu Conservatism
(52:44) Controversial Takes: The British Impact on India
(57:51) Recommended Readings

Recommended Books:
The Soul of India by Amaury de Riencourt 
The Rise of the West
Our Oriental Heritage: The Story of Civilization, Volume I by Will Durant

This episode of History 102 features a follow up analysis of World War II focused on Japan, China, and the events located in the Pacific. WhatifAltHist creator Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg discuss the build-up to the Pacific War, the geopolitical backdrop of Japan's militaristic expansion, and the cultural psyche that fueled its aggressive actions.

Key points include Japan's transition to authoritarianism in the 1920s, its strategic ambitions in China leading to the Sino-Japanese War, and the critical battles and dynamics with other global powers including the USSR and the USA. The episode also explores the nuanced causes and justifications behind the Pacific War, Japan's wartime atrocities, and the decisive moments that led to Japan's surrender, including discussions around the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Tourism content in the episode includes the broader implications of WWII, the downfall of colonial empires, and the socio-political changes in post-war Japan. 
–
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
–
Recommended Books:

Tragedy and Hope by Carroll Quigley

Inside Asia by John Gunther

Eagle Against the Sun by Ronald H. Spector

Japan and the Shackles of the Past by R. Taggart Murphy

Author Ian Cross

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.

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
–
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