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...

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'...

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. - SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | PLUMB Head to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium...

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. --- 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...

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. --- 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...

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. --- SPONSOR: PLUMB Plumb is a no-code AI app builder designed for product teams who care about quality and speed. What is taking you...

Today, we're releasing a special episode from the Moment of Zen podcast where Rudyard was the featured guest along with hosts Erik Torenberg and Dan Romero. They discuss his analysis of potential future global events, such as an American civil war and a revolution in China, considering economic conditions, demographics, and societal behaviors. This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the...

In today's episode, hosts Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg delve into the rich and complex history of China in the last several hundred years -- a critical period if we consider China the greatest rival of the US. The discussion explores China's once stagnant technological and social progress, periods of humiliation by Western powers, China under Mao, and the subsequent rise to become a global superpower. Rudyard's comprehensive narrative also highlights the dramatic shifts in China's...

In today's episode, Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg discuss critical moments in colonial American history -- a span of 180 years before the revolution. They discuss the formation of regional cultures in colonial America, the foundation of modern America, and lesser-studied elements of American history before the revolution. Drawing upon colonial America, the English Civil War, the French and Indian War, they analyze how American culture has been shaped by its history and also delve into the...

"Imagine this giant gradually getting attacked by mosquitos..." In today's episode, Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg delve into the critical moments and competing narratives of the fall of the Roman Empire. They compare the classical Greeks and Romans, identify key Roman figures and outsiders who impacted the course of history, and identify the major influences that shaped their era - and our current one. Watch this episode accompanied by maps and illustrations on YouTube:...

Today WhatifAltHist's Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg dive into the Vikings, the topic that got Rudyard into history in the first place. This discussion covers the misconceptions about the dark ages, the Vikings' significant reach, and their role in shaping history. They also highlight the Vikings’ legacy of establishing trade links and what how the society of the Vikings closely mirrors our own. Watch this Vikings episode accompanied by maps and illustrations on Rudyard's YouTube:...

In the debut episode of History 102, WhatifAltHist creator Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg discuss the causes, events, and impacts of World War I. They highlight key turning points such as Germany's Schlieffen Plan and America's late entry into the war. The discussion also explores the significant cultural and social shifts caused by the war including the rise of communism, feminism, and modern art. They also ponder on possible alternatives had Germany won the war. The episode wraps with...