The Rest Is History
492. The War on Beards: From Peter the Great to John Lennon (Part 2)
Sep 9, 2024
Discover the wild history of beards in Europe, from their praise as symbols of masculinity to the ridicule that led to clean-shaven modernity. Explore why Peter the Great taxed beards, the rise of the Victorian beard during the Crimean War, and how cultural shifts influenced famous faces like The Beatles. Delve into the societal links between facial hair and identity, with delightful anecdotes and humorous insights sprinkled throughout. It’s a journey through time that's anything but hair-raising!
53:41
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast highlights how perceptions of beards have evolved, reflecting shifting societal attitudes towards masculinity and cleanliness throughout history.
- It discusses the impact of the Crimean War on beard popularity, linking military status to the cultural embrace of facial hair during the Victorian era.
Deep dives
The Quirky History of Beards
The discussion begins with notable views on beards, referencing Lord Raglan's opinions during the Crimean War, reflecting a broader cultural sentiment towards facial hair. The episode emphasizes the historical context of beards, arguing that while some figures may have been portrayed with extreme views, these sentiments often reveal societal attitudes towards masculinity and cleanliness. The podcast further explores how beards were seen as a representation of various attributes such as virility and manliness throughout different historical periods. The introduction of characters like George MacDonald Fraser's Flashman serves as a whimsical bridge to discussing how such characters have shaped the popular perception of facial hair.
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