History 102 with WhatifAltHist's Rudyard Lynch and Austin Padgett

A lively tour of Eastern Europe from the late 1600s to World War I. They map imperial expansion, Austrian and Ottoman governance, and how multiethnic empires managed merchant minorities. Military revolutions, Prussian and Russian transformations, and the clash between imperial identities and rising nationalisms also feature prominently.

A fast-paced tour of Eastern Europe's formation, from Slavic migrations and steppe confederacies to surviving Illyrian and Latin populations. They map Byzantine and Viking influences, the rise of Kievan Rus, and the Catholic–Orthodox divide. Later topics include medieval slavery, Mongol devastation, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, Ottoman and Habsburg rule, and the growth of harsh serfdom.

Dive into the fascinating decline of medieval Islam, exploring the shift from the Abbasid Caliphate's cultural zenith to its eventual collapse. Discuss the strategic tolerance of early Muslim rule and how intellectual currents transformed amidst chaos. Uncover the impact of al-Ghazali's counter-revolution and the rise of mystical Sufism. Learn about the complex dynamics of the Seljuks, the Delhi Sultanate in India, and the diverse tapestry of Al-Andalus. Finally, reflect on Ibn Khaldun's insights into the cyclical nature of dynasties and the devastating forces of the Mongol invasions.

Delve into the tumultuous history of the Soviet Union, from its czarist roots to the chaos of revolution. Discover how Lenin's return influenced the Bolsheviks' rise to power and the brutal realities of Stalin's regime. Explore the terror of mass purges and starvation during the Holodomor. Witness the USSR's role in World War II and the ensuing Cold War. Finally, investigate Gorbachev's reforms that led to the collapse of this powerful state. Each topic reveals the complex dynamics that shaped a nation and its ideologies.

Delve into Britain's fascinating journey from Tudor origins to modern decline. Discover how unification of the British Isles fueled global expansion and naval supremacy. Explore the Protestant Reformation's impact on politics and landholding, along with the dynamics of the English Civil War. Learn how the loss of America reshaped British governance and accelerated liberalization. Finally, reflect on the cultural shifts, economic challenges, and potential remedies for Britain’s modern malaise.

Delve into the epic clash of romanticism and utilitarianism that shaped 19th-century Europe. The hosts explore the Congress of Vienna's conservative victory and France's tumultuous political landscape post-revolution. Examine the paradox of industrial progress alongside social degradation and Britain's pivotal policy choices during this time. Discover how key thinkers like Rousseau, Hegel, and Marx influenced political currents, the romantic ideal of life-as-art, and how rising nationalism and alliances set the stage for World War I.

Ryan Petersen, the visionary founder and CEO of Flexport, dives into the rich history of trade and its monumental impact on societies throughout the ages. He explores how the shipping container revolution drastically reduced transport costs and led to modern globalization. Petersen elaborates on the intricate links of ancient monetary systems and their role in fostering early trade. The discussion also touches on technological breakthroughs driving trade expansion, the rivalry between free trade and protectionism, and the delicate balance of power seen throughout history.

Dive into 18th-century Europe as the hosts unravel the opulent world of L'Ancien Régime. Explore how Louis XIV transformed French nobility and the cultural phenomenon of Baroque life. Delve into the revolution’s roots in bureaucratic power and emerging Enlightenment ideals. Discover the shift from mercenaries to national armies and how elite boarding schools shaped Britain's aristocracy. The dynamics of literacy and religion across Europe reveal stark contrasts, while the impacts of major wars set the stage for monumental change.

Dive into the intriguing transformation brought about by the Enlightenment, where medieval beliefs clash with modern scientific thought. Explore why today's world struggles to grasp the profound shifts this era sparked. Discover the fascinating debates between thinkers like Rousseau and Voltaire, and how European intellectual factions shaped political ideas. The hosts examine the legacy of the Enlightenment, including the good, the bad, and the cultural costs, all while tracing the roots of modern thought through historical contexts.

Explore the Mediterranean's fascinating decline from a crossroads of civilization to its marginalization. The hosts discuss how geography created unique unity and division, while cultural misconceptions about 'Mediterranean food' highlight diversity. Delve into how religious elites impacted civilizational trajectories and the rise of authoritarianism in Spain and the Ottoman Empire. Learn about the British naval dominance that signified weakness in the Mediterranean and how Northwest Europe's innovations favored its ascendancy over time.