In this episode of History 102, 'WhatIfAltHist' creator Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg dive deep into the fascinating yet often overlooked realm of 17th century Eastern Europe.

Join Rudyard and Erik as they bring this pivotal era to life: unravel the rise and fall of Poland-Lithuania, Russia's emergence as a great power, and Sweden's surprising dominance, and discover how Cossacks, Ottoman Turks, and visionary leaders shaped the region's destiny.

With a blend of scholarly insight and engaging storytelling, Rudyard uncovers the absurdities, triumphs, and tragedies that defined this transformative century

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@whatifalthist (Rudyard)

@eriktorenberg (Erik)

@SamoBurja (Samo)

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(01:39) Rudyard's Personal Connection to 17th Century Eastern Europe

(03:15) The Three Great Frontiers of Western Civilization

(06:18) Eastern Europe as a Frontier

(08:18) Serfdom and the Role of the Church in Eastern Europe

(13:44) Sponsor: Givewell

(17:56) The Time of Troubles in Russia

(22:10) The Rise and Fall of Poland-Lithuania

(28:51) The Cossacks and the Deluge

(34:41) The Rise of the Romanovs and the Conquest of Siberia

(42:11) Sweden and the Rise of Gustavus Adolphus

(49:56) The Turkish Empire and the Siege of Vienna

(56:41) The Khanate of Crimea and the Saratov Line

(59:56) Peter the Great, Charles XII, and the Great Northern War

(1:04:41) Conclusion and Book Recommendations

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BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:

"Europe's Steppe Frontier: 1500-1800" by William H. McNeill

"The Rise of the West" by William H. McNeill

"Poland: A History" by Adam Zamoyski

"Russia: A History" by Olli Vares

"The Age of Reason Begins" by Will Durant

"The Age of Louis XIV" by Will Durant