High School History Recap

In this episode we pick up the story of Russia with the reign of the "Great Reformer" Alexander II and the development of the Nihilist and Populist movements. We show how discontent for serfdom and the monarchy grew and how different groups took up the struggle for a more equal society until it found a voice (and strategy) in the ideas of Karl Marx. We discuss the pathways that ultimately led to the formation of Vladimir Lenin's vanguard, the Bolsheviks. We've drawn extensively on the work of the historian Mark Steinberg @TheGreatCourses. PS: Alexander II died in 1881.

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In this episode we continue our discussion of the Vietnam War. We cover the period from the Geneva Conference in 1954 to the end of Lyndon Johnson's presidency in 1968. We look at the creation of North and South Vietnam under the leadership of Ho Chi Minh and Ngo Dinh Diem respectively. We look at the assistance the Soviets and the Chinese gave to Hanoi and the establishment of the Ho Chi Minh Trail. We distinguish between the ARVN, the NVA and the Viet Cong. What was JFK's policy in Vietnam? How did Lyndon Johnson escalate America's involvement in Vietnam? We look at the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution and the campaign of Rolling Thunder that followed. What was General Westmoreland's priorities in Vietnam? We look at how the Tet Offensive changed Americans' views of the war in Vietnam and why Johnson decided not to run for reelection in 1968.

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In this episode we look at early Russian history, from the founding of the Viking state Kievan Rus to the rule of Nicholas I in the 1800's. We specifically discuss the foundation of Russian state ideology in the 1830's and 1840's. We look at influences like Westernization, but also at the cemented institutions of orthodoxy, autocracy and serfdom. The Pugachev and Decembrist Rebellions are put into context. We also consider the contribution of the intelligentsia at positioning Russian identity. A source we can recommend is @The Great Courses, specifically the series by Mark Steinberg. Please post comments or questions on twitter @WilliamHPalk.

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In this episode we turn to Big History, and explore humanity's transition from a nomadic foraging (i.e. hunter-gatherer) way of life to the more settled existence of farming. Historians call this transition the agricultural revolution. It is a pity that certain school curricula don't include a broader view of our past. There are brilliant Big History and World History websites one can access (e.g. www.oerproject.com) that really takes you on an epic journey through time and space. We look at some of the features of forager societies, and consider the advantages and disadvantages of farming.

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In this episode we discuss the history of Vietnam from the early 1800's up to the Geneva Conference of 1954. We look at the Vietnamese's everlasting struggle for independence; especially from the early days of French colonial rule until the end of the French and Indochina War. We consider the motivations of the leader Ho Chi Minh and his Viet Minh movement. We try and place the Vietnam war in the context of the Cold War. 

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In this bonus episode, we talk to Paul Ludi who did his master's thesis on Jan Smuts. Smuts can be considered one of the main founders of the country of South Africa; yet he rarely gets any significant attention in contemporary high school history books. Here we consider his real legacy: his academic brilliance and statesmanship, but also his segregationist attitude. What were his views on race, and in which way was he merely a product of his generation. To comment, please visit us on twitter @WilliamHPalk.

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In this episode we look at the events leading up to Germany's invasion of Poland on 1 Sep 1939. The invasion of Poland is seen as the start of World War II. We also discuss how the Germans revolutionized warfare at this juncture. We consider the different components of Blitzkrieg or lightning warfare. 

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This is our first remotely recorded episode during lock-down in South Africa (hence the difference in audio). In this episode, Colin and I explore the changes in farming that laid the foundation for the start of the Industrial Revolution in England. We discuss the enclosure movement, changes in farming techniques and technology, and the sharing of farming information. For this episode we draw on the work of Patrick Allitt who teaches a course on the Industrial Revolution on @TheGreatCourses. Please share your comments with us @WilliamHPalk or email us at [email protected].

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In this episode we discuss some of history's deadliest pandemics and the impact some of them had on society. We also look at the origins of COVID-19. We draw on information from @FlintDibble, @VisualCap, @TheGreatCourses, @lfspinney, @harari_yuval and @NAChristakis. We also share some tips to remain safe in this time, and ponder on how governments should best deal with this pandemic. We hope you enjoy it! Please follow us on twitter @WilliamHPalk. Stay safe guys!

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In this episode we discuss Hitler's foreign policy - from retaking the Rhineland to the invasion of Poland. We recap his rise to power in the face of a global economic crisis and comment on his ambition. We consider whether his quest for lebensraum was the main impetus of his foreign policy. We mention Chamberlain's policy of appeasement and look at the controversial Non-Aggression Pact Hitler signed with Stalin. Please contact us at [email protected] or at the twitter handle @WilliamHPalk. 

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