Intro

In this episode of History 102, WhatifAltHist creator Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg talk about the brutal cost of communist ideology, from mass killings to cultural destruction, and the psychological motivations driving its appeal. From Marx to Mao, explore the rise, fall, and enduring legacy of communism, its impact on history, and its surprising influence today.

🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://hmplogxqz0y.typeform.com/to/JCkphVqj

RECOMMENDED PODCAST:

Complex Systems with Patrick McKenzie

Patrick McKenzie (@patio11) talks to experts who understand the complicated but not unknowable systems we rely on. You might be surprised at how quickly Patrick and his guests can put you in the top 1% of understanding for stock trading, tech hiring, and more.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Mos4VE3figVXleHDqfXOH

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/complex-systems-with-patrick-mckenzie-patio11/id1753399812

–

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

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

–

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Communism as a Moral Lesson
• Marxism's Influence
• Origins of the Modern Left
• Saint Simon and the Roots of Leftism
• Pre-Marxist Socialist Thinkers
• Karl Marx and the 1848 Revolutions
• Marx's Intellectual Ability and Hegelianism
• The Industrial Revolution and the Rise of Communism
• The Psychology of Leftism and Power
• The Russian Revolution and Lenin
• The Nature of Communist Revolutions
• Stalin and the Purges
• The Soviet Union and the Iron Curtain
• The Decline of Communism
• Communism's Death Toll and the Need for Reassessment
• Communism and Social Justice
• Mao Zedong and the Chinese Communist Party
• Cambodian Communism and the Khmer Rouge
• The Geographic Apex and Decline of Communism
• Post-Communist Transition
• The Need for a Psychological Revolution

Books Mentioned:

• The Decline and Fall of Socialism
• Fire in the Minds of Men by James Billington
• Les Miserables
• The 100 Greatest Atrocities of the Twentieth Century by Matthew White

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices