86. Crushing the Khans: Russia Seizes the Centre of the World
whatshot 13 snips
Oct 5, 2023
The podcast dives deep into Russia's imperial conquests in Central Asia, revealing a largely overlooked chapter of European colonialism. Discussions highlight the cultural and ethnic complexities of the region, including current geopolitical tensions. The hosts examine the strategic significance of the Orenburg Line and the military challenges faced during expansion. Innovative tactics used by commanders like General Chernaev showcase the audacity behind these ambitious campaigns. Additionally, the impact of Russian literature is explored, reflecting on the legacy of imperialism.
46:08
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
insights INSIGHT
Unraveling of Empires
Current events in the Caucasus highlight the legacy of the Russian Empire.
The fall of Nagorno-Karabakh and the displacement of Armenians are examples of this.
insights INSIGHT
Russian Expansion
The Russian conquest of Central Asia added 1.5 million square miles and 6 million people to the empire.
This area remained under Russian rule until the breakup of the USSR.
insights INSIGHT
Challenging Preconceptions
Alexander Morrison's book challenges preconceptions about the Russian conquest of Central Asia.
He utilizes archival research to offer new perspectives on the region.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
James Holland's 'The Savage Storm' provides an unflinching and insightful look at the opening months of the Italian Campaign. The book weaves together letters, diaries, and other documents to recount the battles from the perspectives of Allied, Axis, and civilian participants. It reappraises the reputations of senior commanders and highlights the challenges faced by Allied troops due to limited resources allocated to Italy.
The Silk Roads
A New History of the World
Peter Frankopan
In this book, Peter Frankopan challenges the traditional Western-centric view of history by arguing that the Persian Empire and the Silk Roads were pivotal in shaping global civilization. The book explores the network of trade routes that connected Europe, Asia, and the Far East, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, religions, and cultures. It covers the rise and fall of empires, the spread of Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam, and the modern geopolitical significance of the region, including the impact of China's Belt and Road Initiative. Frankopan emphasizes the interconnectedness of the world and how events in the Silk Roads region have influenced global history from ancient times to the present day.
The Cossacks
Leo Tolstoy
The Cossacks is a novella by Leo Tolstoy, published in 1863, which explores themes of identity, culture, and the search for meaning. The story follows Dmitry Olenin, a disillusioned Russian nobleman who joins the army and finds himself in a Cossack village during the Caucasian War. There, he becomes enamored with the simplicity and beauty of Cossack life, contrasting it with his own sophisticated but empty existence. The novella delves into the complexities of cultural identity and the clash between traditional and modern ways of life.
Lost Enlightenment
Lost Enlightenment
S. Frederick Starr
The Great Gama
null
The Great Gama
The Russian Conquest of Central Asia
The Russian Conquest of Central Asia
Alexander Morrison
Travels Into Bokhara
Sir Alexander Burnes
Alexander Burnes' 'Travels into Bokhara' is a foundational text of British fascination with Central Asia, detailing his journey from India through Cabool, Tartary, and Persia. The narrative provides insights into the cultures, landscapes, and political dynamics of the regions he explored. The book was a bestseller upon its release in 1834 and remains significant for its geopolitical and literary contributions.
As the other European empires were consolidating their holdings in Asia, Russia took 1.5million square miles of territory. Moving south from the Orenburg line, the Russian Empire swallowed up the Khanates of Central Asia with minimal casualties to their own troops. Depicting the citizens of Kokhand, Khiva, and Bokhara as insolent and inferior, this conquest serves as one of classic European colonialism. Listen as William and Anita delve into the story of the conquest of Central Asia.
Empire 
