In this episode of History 102, 'WhatIfAltHist' creator Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg explore the origins, impacts, and global spread of the Industrial Revolution, from 18th century Britain to modern challenges.
Unleashing progress or Pandora's box? This episode presents a unique perspective, framing the Industrial Revolution as "the magic of kings" - a transformative force that granted humanity godlike powers while leaving our fundamental nature unchanged.
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FOLLOW ON X:
@whatifalthist (Rudyard)
@eriktorenberg (Erik)
@SamoBurja (Samo)
@TurpentineMedia
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TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Introduction
(00:23) Change of topic to Industrial Revolution
(01:16) Magic of kings vs magic of priests
(03:23) Pre-industrial vs post-industrial life
(06:16) The Unabomber's critique of industrial society
(09:58) Oversocialization and leftism
(15:55) Sponsor: Fundrise | WorkOS
(16:58) Historical origins of the Industrial Revolution
(21:23) Agricultural Revolution and its impacts
(25:58) Different models of industrialization
(30:23) Industrialization and European colonialism
(34:58) Post-industrial societies and their challenges
(38:23) Global spread of industrialization
(42:58) Positives and negatives of the Industrial Revolution
(47:01) Recommended books on the Industrial Revolution
(48:48) Wrap
BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:
"Why Nations Fail" by Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson
"Tragedy and Hope" by Carroll Quigley
"Bloodlands" by Timothy Snyder
"Enlightenment Now" by Steven Pinker
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