History 102 with WhatifAltHist's Rudyard Lynch and Austin Padgett

Turpentine
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History 102 with WhatifAltHist's Rudyard Lynch and Austin Padgett

Rudyard Lynch, creator of the enormously popular YouTube channel WhatifAltHist joins Austin Padgett every week to offer a deeper understanding of critical moments in history. Together they identify patterns in order to predict the future and understand the dynamics that result in civilizations rising and falling. We cover WW1, WW2, Classical Greece, Medieval Islam, the rise of Communism, and more. History 102 is a part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: www.turpentine.co

  1. Explaining the Holy Roman Empire

    JUN 28

    Explaining the Holy Roman Empire

    In this episode of History 102, 'WhatIfAltHist' creator Rudyard Lynch and co-host Austin Padgett do a deep dive into the thousand-year Holy Roman Empire, exploring how this decentralized German confederation shaped European civilization, from Charlemagne's coronation through medieval peak to Napoleonic dissolution, revealing patterns that illuminate modern geopolitics. -- 📰 Be notified early when Turpentine's drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess -- SPONSOR: NETSUITE | SHOPIFY | ORACLE More than 42,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, the #1 cloud financial system bringing accounting, financial management, inventory, HR, into ONE proven platform. If you're looking for an ERP platform, get a one-of-a-kind flexible financing program on NetSuite: https://netsuite.com/102 - Download your free CFO's guide to AI and machine learning. Shopify is the world's leading e-commerce platform, offering a market-leading checkout system Shoppay and exclusive AI apps. Nobody does selling better than Shopify. Get a $1 per month trial at https://shopify.com/momentofzen. Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI): Oracle's next-generation cloud platform delivers blazing-fast AI and ML performance with 50% less for compute and 80% less for outbound networking compared to other cloud providers. OCI powers industry leaders like Vodafone and Thomson Reuters with secure infrastructure and application development capabilities. New U.S. customers can get their cloud bill cut in half by switching to OCI before March 31, 2024 at https://oracle.com/cognitive. -- FOLLOW ON X: @whatifalthist (Rudyard) @LudwigNverMises (Austin) @TurpentineMedia -- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    2h 24m
  2. Explaining the Death of God

    JUN 12

    Explaining the Death of God

    In this episode of History 102, 'WhatIfAltHist' creator Rudyard Lynch and co-host Austin Padgett explore how Western civilization shifted from a deeply religious, meaning-filled worldview to modern materialism and nihilism over the past 500 years, and discusses why this "death of God" is a global phenomenon affecting everything from birth rates to political movements. -- 📰 Be notified early when Turpentine's drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess -- SPONSOR: NETSUITE | SHOPIFY | ORACLE More than 40,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, the #1 cloud financial system bringing accounting, financial management, inventory, HR, into ONE proven platform. If you're looking for an ERP platform, get a one-of-a-kind flexible financing program on NetSuite: https://netsuite.com/zen - Download your free CFO's guide to AI and machine learning. Shopify is the world's leading e-commerce platform, offering a market-leading checkout system Shoppay and exclusive AI apps. Nobody does selling better than Shopify. Get a $1 per month trial at https://shopify.com/momentofzen. Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI): Oracle's next-generation cloud platform delivers blazing-fast AI and ML performance with 50% less for compute and 80% less for outbound networking compared to other cloud providers. OCI powers industry leaders like Vodafone and Thomson Reuters with secure infrastructure and application development capabilities. New U.S. customers can get their cloud bill cut in half by switching to OCI before March 31, 2024 at https://oracle.com/cognitive. -- FOLLOW ON X: @whatifalthist (Rudyard) @LudwigNverMises (Austin) @TurpentineMedia -- KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DISCUSSION The Core Thesis 500-year shift from spiritual worldview to materialist nihilism affecting global civilization Not science vs. religion - it's a fundamental change in human consciousness Historical Timeline 1500s: Protestant Reformation splits religious authority 1600s: Science artificially separated from religion and mysticism 1700s: Enlightenment creates "pure reason" without context 1800s: Nietzsche predicts 20th century nihilism and tyranny 1900s-present: Complete removal of sacred from life Real Causes Elite desire to control populations without religious competition Religion became bureaucratic moral policing vs. genuine spirituality Society only values measurable, material things (left-brain dominance) Modern Consequences Global birth rate collapse and rise of substitute religions (leftism, progressivism) "Society of the last men" - glorifying weakness and mediocrity Complete disconnection from human nature and meaning The Path Forward Reintegrate science, religion, and mysticism under "natural science" Recognize this as a transitional phase - previous civilizations have recovered Humans are innately religious - when genuine religion dies, destructive substitutes fill the void Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    2h 1m
  3. Explaining the Napoleonic Wars

    JUN 7

    Explaining the Napoleonic Wars

    In this episode of History 102, 'WhatIfAltHist' creator Rudyard Lynch and co-host Austin Padgett examine the Napoleonic Wars through the lens of "Great Man" versus socioeconomic theories of history. Napoleon's unprecedented military genius and institutional reforms demonstrate how individual agency can shape entire civilizations, challenging Marxist deterministic interpretations while exploring lasting political and cultural transformations across Europe. -- 📰 Be notified early when Turpentine's drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess -- SPONSOR: NETSUITE | SHOPIFY | ORACLE More than 40,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, the #1 cloud financial system bringing accounting, financial management, inventory, HR, into ONE proven platform. If you're looking for an ERP platform, get a one-of-a-kind flexible financing program on NetSuite: https://netsuite.com/zen - Download your free CFO's guide to AI and machine learning. Shopify is the world's leading e-commerce platform, offering a market-leading checkout system Shoppay and exclusive AI apps. Nobody does selling better than Shopify. Get a $1 per month trial at https://shopify.com/momentofzen. Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI): Oracle's next-generation cloud platform delivers blazing-fast AI and ML performance with 50% less for compute and 80% less for outbound networking compared to other cloud providers. OCI powers industry leaders like Vodafone and Thomson Reuters with secure infrastructure and application development capabilities. New U.S. customers can get their cloud bill cut in half by switching to OCI before March 31, 2024 at https://oracle.com/cognitive. -- FOLLOW ON X: @whatifalthist (Rudyard) @LudwigNverMises (Austin) @TurpentineMedia -- KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DISCUSSION Main Thesis: Napoleon represents the "Great Man" theory of history vs. Marxist "socioeconomic factors" interpretation One individual's personality and will shaped an entire historical era Napoleon's Rise: From minor Corsican nobility to French artillery officer at 24 French Revolution created social mobility in military ranks Conquered Italy, became popular hero, launched coup against weak Directory Military Genius: Won more consecutive battles than almost any conqueror in history Pioneered artillery warfare and total war tactics France mobilized massive armies (200k-500k) vs. traditional 40k forces Peak Power: Crowned himself Emperor, controlled most of Western Europe Created lasting institutions: Napoleonic Code, metric system, modern legal framework His domestic reforms outlasted his military conquests Fatal Overreach: Continental System to blockade Britain economically failed Betrayed Spain (his only major ally), creating brutal guerrilla war Disastrous Russian invasion (1812) destroyed his army and myth of invincibility Downfall: Coalition of all Europe defeated him at Leipzig Briefly exiled to Elba, returned for "100 Days" Final defeat at Waterloo, died in British exile on St. Helena Legacy: His institutional reforms shaped modern Europe more than his military conquests Sparked nationalism across Europe that eventually unified Germany and Italy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 46m
  4. Explaining the French Empires

    MAY 25

    Explaining the French Empires

    In this episode of History 102, 'WhatIfAltHist' creator Rudyard Lynch and co-host Austin Padgett analyze France's three distinct empires across four centuries, examining why France—despite superior geography and population—repeatedly failed to achieve lasting global dominance like Britain, cycling through spectacular rises and political collapses that prevented strategic consolidation. -- 📰 Be notified early when Turpentine's drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess -- SPONSOR: NETSUITE | SHOPIFY | ORACLE More than 40,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, the #1 cloud financial system bringing accounting, financial management, inventory, HR, into ONE proven platform. If you're looking for an ERP platform, get a one-of-a-kind flexible financing program on NetSuite: https://netsuite.com/zen - Download your free CFO's guide to AI and machine learning. Shopify is the world's leading e-commerce platform, offering a market-leading checkout system Shoppay and exclusive AI apps. Nobody does selling better than Shopify. Get a $1 per month trial at https://shopify.com/momentofzen. Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI): Oracle's next-generation cloud platform delivers blazing-fast AI and ML performance with 50% less for compute and 80% less for outbound networking compared to other cloud providers. OCI powers industry leaders like Vodafone and Thomson Reuters with secure infrastructure and application development capabilities. New U.S. customers can get their cloud bill cut in half by switching to OCI before March 31, 2024 at https://oracle.com/cognitive. -- FOLLOW ON X: @whatifalthist (Rudyard) @LudwigNverMises (Austin) @TurpentineMedia -- KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DISCUSSION Three French Empires First Empire (1620-1765): North America Quebec to New Orleans via Great Lakes/Mississippi Founded Chicago, Detroit, St. Louis, New Orleans Lost everything to Britain in Seven Years War (1763) Second Empire (1798-1815): Napoleon's Europe Continental empire from Rhine to Russia Invented "total war" concept Ended with Russian invasion disaster Third Empire (1830-1960s): Colonial Africa West Africa, Algeria, Vietnam response to Franco-Prussian War Lasted longest but economically insignificant "Strong generalist, not extreme player" - Best European geography and population, but never committed to single strategy like England (naval) or Germany (continental). Pattern: Success → Political crisis → Lost empire → Repeat. Louis XIV's Centralization: Created cultural dominance but killed regional innovation that powered England Seven Years War (1756-63): Lost North America and India to Britain in same year - "made Britain superpower, destroyed France" Franco-Prussian War (1871): Humiliation sparked Africa colonization; transformed France from militaristic to pacifist WWI: Highest casualties of major powers, shifted to pacifism WWII: Rapid defeat, Vichy collaboration created lasting national shame Lost final colonies in brutal Algerian War (1962), became junior partner to Germany in EU. Key Quote: "France is a great country, but always on the edge of breaking through the threshold the Anglo-Saxons reached... lots of thrashing about and epicness without the long-term impact of Spain, Britain, or Russia." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    2h 17m
  5. Explaining the Creation of France

    MAY 20

    Explaining the Creation of France

    In this episode of History 102, 'WhatIfAltHist' creator Rudyard Lynch and co-host Austin Padgett talk about France's metamorphosis from post-Roman fragmentation to unified nation-state, analyzing how Frankish conquests, feudal innovations, and religious conflicts shaped French cultural identity. They reveal the paradoxical consequences of centralization—cultural flourishing alongside structural weaknesses that would ultimately determine France's historical trajectory. -- 📰 Be notified early when Turpentine's drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess -- SPONSOR: NETSUITE | SHOPIFY | ORACLE More than 40,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, the #1 cloud financial system bringing accounting, financial management, inventory, HR, into ONE proven platform. If you're looking for an ERP platform, get a one-of-a-kind flexible financing program on NetSuite: https://netsuite.com/zen - Download your free CFO's guide to AI and machine learning. Shopify is the world's leading e-commerce platform, offering a market-leading checkout system Shoppay and exclusive AI apps. Nobody does selling better than Shopify. Get a $1 per month trial at https://shopify.com/momentofzen. Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI): Oracle's next-generation cloud platform delivers blazing-fast AI and ML performance with 50% less for compute and 80% less for outbound networking compared to other cloud providers. OCI powers industry leaders like Vodafone and Thomson Reuters with secure infrastructure and application development capabilities. New U.S. customers can get their cloud bill cut in half by switching to OCI before March 31, 2024 at https://oracle.com/cognitive. -- FOLLOW ON X: @whatifalthist (Rudyard) @LudwigNverMises (Austin) @TurpentineMedia -- KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DISCUSSION Evolution from Failed State to Nation: How France transformed from a fragmented collection of independent counties to a unified nation through Parisian expansion. Franks and Cultural Shifts: The Germanic Frankish conquest moving power from southern to northern France, establishing the foundation for French culture. Medieval Power Dynamics: Development of knight feudalism and how it spread across Europe, reshaping social structures from France outward. Hundred Years War: England and France's century-long conflict that forged distinct national identities from previously intertwined ruling classes. Religious Influences: The Cathar crusade, Protestant-Catholic conflicts, and how religious tensions shaped French unity and division. Louis XIV's Centralization: How the Sun King's policies crushed regional autonomy, creating an absolutist state centered on Paris that both strengthened and ultimately weakened France. Cultural Legacy: France's role as Europe's cultural center, spreading its influence through food, literature, and political structures despite internal challenges. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    2h 25m
  6. Explaining the Pax Romana

    MAY 15

    Explaining the Pax Romana

    In this episode of History 102, 'WhatIfAltHist' creator Rudyard Lynch and co-host Austin Padgett discuss the Pax Romana—a 200-year period of Mediterranean peace from Emperor Augustus to Marcus Aurelius. They explore Rome's governance evolution, imperial degeneracy, cultural transitions, technological stagnation, and Christianity's rise. The conversation examines Rome's remarkable longevity while drawing parallels to modern empires and cyclical historical patterns. -- 📰 Be notified early when Turpentine's drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess -- SPONSOR: NETSUITE | SHOPIFY | ORACLE More than 40,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, the #1 cloud financial system bringing accounting, financial management, inventory, HR, into ONE proven platform. If you're looking for an ERP platform, get a one-of-a-kind flexible financing program on NetSuite: https://netsuite.com/zen - Download your free CFO's guide to AI and machine learning. Shopify is the world's leading e-commerce platform, offering a market-leading checkout system Shoppay and exclusive AI apps. Nobody does selling better than Shopify. Get a $1 per month trial at https://shopify.com/momentofzen. Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI): Oracle's next-generation cloud platform delivers blazing-fast AI and ML performance with 50% less for compute and 80% less for outbound networking compared to other cloud providers. OCI powers industry leaders like Vodafone and Thomson Reuters with secure infrastructure and application development capabilities. New U.S. customers can get their cloud bill cut in half by switching to OCI before March 31, 2024 at https://oracle.com/cognitive. -- FOLLOW ON X: @whatifalthist (Rudyard) @LudwigNverMises (Austin) @TurpentineMedia -- KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DISCUSSION The Pax Romana was an unprecedented 200-year period of Mediterranean peace from Emperor Augustus (40 BCE) to Marcus Aurelius (180 CE) Augustus (formerly Octavian) transformed Rome from republic to empire while maintaining republican facades; he streamlined bureaucracy, reduced taxes, and created effective governance systems Roman emperors exhibited varying leadership qualities - from effective rulers like Augustus and Claudius to notorious figures like Caligula and Nero The empire maintained stability through decentralized governance, allowing local nobles to rule their regions while Roman field armies secured strategic points Despite imperial excess at the top, most citizens experienced an economic golden age with improved standards of living Roman society featured remarkable similarities to modern issues: inequality, welfare dependency, urban poverty, and moral debates The empire gradually shifted from republican ideals to oriental despotism, with emperor worship becoming increasingly mandatory Rome experienced technological and cultural stagnation despite its military prowess and territorial control Christianity emerged as Romans lost faith in their traditional religious systems, eventually transforming Roman civilization more profoundly than political changes Rome's adaptability was its greatest strength, allowing it to reinvent itself repeatedly under different leadership structures before its eventual decline Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 59m
  7. Explaining Latino History

    MAY 8

    Explaining Latino History

    In this episode of History 102, 'WhatIfAltHist' creator Rudyard Lynch and co-host Austin Padgett discuss Latino history through a geopolitical and cultural lens. They analyze Latin America's development across five distinct regions, exploring how Spanish colonial structures, cultural dynamics, and economic dependencies have shaped the continent's political evolution from aristocratic republics to military dictatorships and emerging democracies. -- 📰 Be notified early when Turpentine's drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess -- SPONSOR: NETSUITE | SHOPIFY | ORACLE More than 40,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, the #1 cloud financial system bringing accounting, financial management, inventory, HR, into ONE proven platform. If you're looking for an ERP platform, get a one-of-a-kind flexible financing program on NetSuite: https://netsuite.com/zen - Download your free CFO's guide to AI and machine learning. Shopify is the world's leading e-commerce platform, offering a market-leading checkout system Shoppay and exclusive AI apps. Nobody does selling better than Shopify. Get a $1 per month trial at https://shopify.com/momentofzen. Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI): Oracle's next-generation cloud platform delivers blazing-fast AI and ML performance with 50% less for compute and 80% less for outbound networking compared to other cloud providers. OCI powers industry leaders like Vodafone and Thomson Reuters with secure infrastructure and application development capabilities. New U.S. customers can get their cloud bill cut in half by switching to OCI before March 31, 2024 at https://oracle.com/cognitive. -- FOLLOW ON X: @whatifalthist (Rudyard) @LudwigNverMises (Austin) @TurpentineMedia -- KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DISCUSSION Latin America encompasses all seven emotional-psychological frameworks in the hosts' cultural model. Geography shaped settlement patterns, with major cities built in highlands for temperate climates. African diseases devastated native populations, altering tropical region habitability. The hosts divide Latin America geographically (Spanish vs. Portuguese colonies) and racially. Mexico is statistically closest to the global median of anthropological patterns. The region evolved politically from aristocratic republics to military dictatorships to democracies. Spanish colonial institutions created extractive systems that prevented property rights development. A dozen families often control most of the economy in many Latin American countries. The hosts identify five distinct regions: Mexico, Caribbean basin, Andes, Southern Cone, and Brazil. Latin America historically depended on Spain/Portugal, then Britain, then America, and now increasingly China. Argentina and El Salvador show potential for breaking historical patterns of corruption. Most Latin American countries struggle with lack of trust, weak property rights, and bloated bureaucracies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 55m
  8. Explaining Mexican History

    APR 28

    Explaining Mexican History

    In this episode of History 102, 'WhatIfAltHist' creator Rudyard Lynch and co-host Austin Padgett explore Mexican history from pre-colonial Mesoamerican civilizations through Spanish conquest to modern times. They examines cultural evolution, governance challenges, and social transformations while highlighting how geographic, racial, and colonial legacies shaped Mexico's development. -- 📰 Be notified early when Turpentine's drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess -- SPONSOR: NETSUITE | SHOPIFY | ORACLE More than 40,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, the #1 cloud financial system bringing accounting, financial management, inventory, HR, into ONE proven platform. If you're looking for an ERP platform, get a one-of-a-kind flexible financing program on NetSuite: https://netsuite.com/zen - Download your free CFO's guide to AI and machine learning. Shopify is the world's leading e-commerce platform, offering a market-leading checkout system Shoppay and exclusive AI apps. Nobody does selling better than Shopify. Get a $1 per month trial at https://shopify.com/momentofzen. Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI): Oracle's next-generation cloud platform delivers blazing-fast AI and ML performance with 50% less for compute and 80% less for outbound networking compared to other cloud providers. OCI powers industry leaders like Vodafone and Thomson Reuters with secure infrastructure and application development capabilities. New U.S. customers can get their cloud bill cut in half by switching to OCI before March 31, 2024 at https://oracle.com/cognitive. -- FOLLOW ON X: @whatifalthist (Rudyard) @LudwigNverMises (Austin) @TurpentineMedia -- KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DISCUSSION Pre-Colonial Mesoamerica Mexico has the longest continuous history in North America, with sites like Monte Alban dating back to at least 500 BCE The Olmec were the first major Mesoamerican civilization (around 1200 BCE) Mesoamerican civilizations developed advanced calendars likely to predict El Niño cycles that affected agriculture Colonial Period The Spanish conquest under Cortés was rapid (less than two years) and devastating Spanish colonial society developed a rigid caste system with peninsulares (Spanish-born) at the top, then criollos (American-born Spaniards), mestizos (mixed), and indios (indigenous) at the bottom The Spanish monarchy, nobility, and church formed the power structure, with natives being infantilized and protected but denied power Mexican Independence and 19th Century Mexico's independence movement wasn't as unified as the American Revolution and resulted in much more bloodshed The country split between conservatives (pro-monarchy, pro-church, pro-capitalism) and liberals (anti-church, anti-monarchy, pro-centralization) The Mexican-American War resulted in Mexico losing about half its territory Modern Mexico (20th-21st Century) Porfirio Díaz's 30-year rule stabilized Mexico and brought industrialization but increased inequality Mexico has strong regional differences: the north is more European/industrialized, the central region was the old Aztec core, and the south is more indigenous Drug cartels have created significant violence and governance challenges US-Mexico Relations Commercial and cultural influence from the US has profoundly changed Mexican society Maquiladoras (border factories) have become economic engines Nearshoring manufacturing from Asia to Mexico is becoming increasingly important Mexico and the US have complementary demographics (younger/older populations) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    2h 6m
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About

Rudyard Lynch, creator of the enormously popular YouTube channel WhatifAltHist joins Austin Padgett every week to offer a deeper understanding of critical moments in history. Together they identify patterns in order to predict the future and understand the dynamics that result in civilizations rising and falling. We cover WW1, WW2, Classical Greece, Medieval Islam, the rise of Communism, and more. History 102 is a part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: www.turpentine.co

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