Joe Solis-Mullen joins us to discuss historians you should read, from Marxist to Conservative to Libertarian. They cover prominent figures like Eric Hobsbawm and Barbara W. Tuchman. They delve into the work of historian Eric Hobsbawm, explore the medieval ages with 'The Distant Mirror', and highlight the importance of reading books from different perspectives. They also discuss popular history books, the differences between British and American historians, and the role of the partition of Poland in the American Revolution.
Reading historical books allows for a deeper understanding of past events and learning from them.
Paul Kennedy's 'The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers' provides insights into power transitions in European history.
Robert Higgs' 'Crisis in Leviathan' examines how wars have expanded government power and infringed upon individual liberties.
Deep dives
The Framers' Coup: The Making of the US Constitution
The book discusses the detailed process of how the Constitution was created and ratified, highlighting the unconstitutional aspects of the process.
From Colony to Superpower: US Foreign Relations since 1776
The book provides an extensive overview of the history of US foreign relations, including the conquest of Cuba and the Philippines, presenting the debates and arguments that took place.
Making Race a Nation
This comparative study examines the construction of racialized regimes in the United States, South Africa, and Brazil, shedding light on the similarities and differences between these nations.
Disenfranchising Democracy: Constructing the Electorate in the United States, the United Kingdom, and France
This book explores the construction of electorates in the United States, the United Kingdom, and France, focusing on the racial and racialized aspects of these constructions.
Importance of Reading Historical Books
Reading historical books is important as it allows readers to gain a deeper understanding of past events and learn from them. The podcast episode highlights the significance of books in studying European history and recommends 'The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers' by Paul Kennedy as an essential book for this period. The book covers the emergence and decline of various empires, such as the Spanish, Dutch, French, and British, and provides insights into power transitions. It serves as a comprehensive resource for those interested in understanding the dynamics of international systems and the impact of power shifts throughout history.
The Influence of War on Expanding Government Power
The podcast explores how war and national emergencies have been exploited by governments to expand their power and infringe upon individual liberties. The discussion highlights Robert Higgs' book 'Crisis in Leviathan' as a detailed account of historical episodes where wars led to the empowerment of central authorities. From World War I to September 11th, the book examines how wars have enabled the erosion of constitutional rights and the growth of the military-industrial complex. This book sheds light on the self-reinforcing cycle of war and state power, providing readers with valuable insights into the historical context and consequences of wartime measures.
Joe Solis-Mullen joins us today to discuss historians you should read. All the historians discussed come from completely different backgrounds and ideologies, ranging from Marxist, to Conservatives, to Liberals, to Libertarians.
