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

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

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
–
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