History 102 with WhatifAltHist's Rudyard Lynch and Austin Padgett

Explaining 17th Century Western Europe

Nov 8, 2024

Austin Padgett, a business development executive in agriculture technology, dives into the transformative 17th century in Western Europe. The discussion highlights the role of the Protestant-Catholic divide in shaping modern political polarization. They explore the breakthrough moments that led to agricultural innovation, the rise of Northern European powers, and the decline of absolutism. The conversation also draws intriguing parallels between historical upheavals and contemporary societal challenges, emphasizing the enduring impact of the era on modern capitalism.

01:06:52

Episode guests

Austin Padgett

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Quick takeaways

The Protestant-Catholic divide in the 17th century mirrored modern political polarization, influencing warfare, science, and economic systems significantly.

The transformation of warfare methods from melee to ranged combat during the Thirty Years' War reshaped military strategies and power dynamics.

Economic innovations and struggles against monopolies in the 1600s paved the way for modern capitalism and urban migration trends.

Deep dives

Introduction of New Perspectives

A new co-host joins the discussion, bringing expertise in libertarianism and agricultural development. Austin Padgett, who has worked internationally in agriculture, provides a fresh perspective on historical events, particularly those influencing political and economic dynamics. His background includes experience in Asia focusing on rural communities, which enriches the conversation about societal transformations over time. Together, the hosts aim to draw connections between historical events and contemporary societal frameworks.

Intro

4min

Warfare Transformation in 17th Century Europe

9min

The Rise of Northern Europe and the Decline of Absolutism in the 17th Century

4min

Exploring Parallels between 17th Century and Modern Society

3min

The Protestant Reformation: Ethnic Divides and Modern Parallels

4min

Turmoil and Transformation: 17th Century Europe

18min

The Thirty Years' War and Its Aftermath

20min

In this episode of History 102, 'WhatIfAltHist' creator Rudyard Lynch is joined by business development executive and agriculture technology industry entrepreneur Austin Padgett and explore 17th century Western Europe's pivotal transformation. They examine how the Protestant-Catholic divide, parallel to modern political polarization, shaped warfare, science, and economics.

The conversation reveals how the Dutch and English success in breaking monopolies and embracing agricultural innovation set the stage for the Industrial Revolution and modern capitalism.

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FOLLOW ON X:

@whatifalthist (Rudyard)

@eriktorenberg (Erik)

@TurpentineMedia

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(01:27) The 17th Century: On the Edge of Modernity

(03:52) The Pike and Shot Era & Military Transitions

(06:58) Mercenaries and Defensive Warfare

(09:50) The French Revolution and Mass Conscription

(10:40) Libertarian Perspective & The Shifting Political Compass

(13:40) North Europe's Victory Over South Europe

(17:26) Economic Factors and the Weakening of Monarchies

(20:08) The Elizabethan Golden Age and the Secular Cycle

(22:41) The Protestant Reformation and its Impact

(26:47) Lessons from the 17th Century

(28:04) The Thirty Years War and its Impact on Europe

(30:00) Spain's Economic Failures as a Lesson

(35:30) England and the Netherlands' Breakthroughs

(36:24) The Scientific, Agricultural, and Social Revolutions

(44:48) The Political Context of the 17th Century

(49:51) The Enlightenment and the Thirty Years War's Legacy

(1:00:54) Louis XIV's Reign and the Cultural High Point of France

(1:02:08) Conclusion and U.S. Political Implications

(1:02:50) Book Recommendations

(1:03:46) The Importance of Agriculture

(1:04:19) Wrap

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:

"The Global Crisis" by Geoffrey Parker

"The Military Revolution" by Geoffrey Parker

"The Age of Reason Begins" by Will Durant

"The Age of Louis XIV"by Will Durant

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History 102 with WhatifAltHist's Rudyard Lynch and Austin Padgett

Explaining 17th Century Western Europe

Episode guests