The Pete Quiñones Show Reading Solzhenitsyn's '200 Years Together' w/ Dr Matthew Raphael Johnson - Part 53
Jul 16, 2025
Matthew Raphael Johnson, a researcher and writer specialized in Russian history, dives deep into the complex themes of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's '200 Years Together.' They examine the tragic consequences of World War I, discussing misguided national motivations and the brutal impact on both soldiers and civilians. Johnson sheds light on Jewish identities amid wartime chaos, the scapegoating of Jewish communities, and the harsh realities faced by Jewish soldiers, revealing a nuanced history intertwined with prejudice and loyalty.
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Sven Longshanks Prison Anecdote
- Matthew Raphael Johnson shared a personal story about speaking with Sven Longshanks, who was in prison in Wales but remained in good spirits.
- Longshanks viewed the experience almost like a college one and is expected to be back in action soon.
WWI's Root Cause and Impact
- The First World War was mostly caused by Britain's fear of a Russo-German alliance rather than nationalist motives.
- The war devastated Europe and wiped out entire classes of military leadership, leaving a lasting impact.
Tsar's Ignored War Warning
- Tsar Nicholas II ignored warnings, including from Rasputin, that entering WWI would destroy him.
- The chaotic war environment made the rise of leftist revolutionary movements inevitable and benefited them tremendously.
