History 102 with WhatifAltHist's Rudyard Lynch and Austin Padgett

In this episode of History 102, 'WhatIfAltHist' creator Rudyard Lynch and co-host Austin Padgett explore Mexican history from pre-colonial Mesoamerican civilizations through Spanish conquest to modern times. They examines cultural evolution, governance challenges, and social transformations while highlighting how geographic, racial, and colonial legacies shaped Mexico's development. -- 📰 Be notified early when Turpentine's drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess -- SPONSOR: NETSUITE | SHOPIFY | ORACLE More than 40,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, the #1 cloud financial system bringing accounting, financial management, inventory, HR, into ONE proven platform. If you're looking for an ERP platform, get a one-of-a-kind flexible financing program on NetSuite: https://netsuite.com/zen - Download your free CFO's guide to AI and machine learning. Shopify is the world's leading e-commerce platform, offering a market-leading checkout system Shoppay and exclusive AI apps. Nobody does selling better than Shopify. Get a $1 per month trial at https://shopify.com/momentofzen. Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI): Oracle's next-generation cloud platform delivers blazing-fast AI and ML performance with 50% less for compute and 80% less for outbound networking compared to other cloud providers. OCI powers industry leaders like Vodafone and Thomson Reuters with secure infrastructure and application development capabilities. New U.S. customers can get their cloud bill cut in half by switching to OCI before March 31, 2024 at https://oracle.com/cognitive. -- FOLLOW ON X: @whatifalthist (Rudyard) @LudwigNverMises (Austin) @TurpentineMedia -- KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DISCUSSION Pre-Colonial Mesoamerica Mexico has the longest continuous history in North America, with sites like Monte Alban dating back to at least 500 BCE The Olmec were the first major Mesoamerican civilization (around 1200 BCE) Mesoamerican civilizations developed advanced calendars likely to predict El Niño cycles that affected agriculture Colonial Period The Spanish conquest under Cortés was rapid (less than two years) and devastating Spanish colonial society developed a rigid caste system with peninsulares (Spanish-born) at the top, then criollos (American-born Spaniards), mestizos (mixed), and indios (indigenous) at the bottom The Spanish monarchy, nobility, and church formed the power structure, with natives being infantilized and protected but denied power Mexican Independence and 19th Century Mexico's independence movement wasn't as unified as the American Revolution and resulted in much more bloodshed The country split between conservatives (pro-monarchy, pro-church, pro-capitalism) and liberals (anti-church, anti-monarchy, pro-centralization) The Mexican-American War resulted in Mexico losing about half its territory Modern Mexico (20th-21st Century) Porfirio Díaz's 30-year rule stabilized Mexico and brought industrialization but increased inequality Mexico has strong regional differences: the north is more European/industrialized, the central region was the old Aztec core, and the south is more indigenous Drug cartels have created significant violence and governance challenges US-Mexico Relations Commercial and cultural influence from the US has profoundly changed Mexican society Maquiladoras (border factories) have become economic engines Nearshoring manufacturing from Asia to Mexico is becoming increasingly important Mexico and the US have complementary demographics (younger/older populations) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dive into the complex tapestry of Native American history! Discover surprising genetic links between Native populations and ancient peoples from Polynesia and Europe. Explore the sophisticated political structures of tribes like the Iroquois and Cherokee, and how European contact reshaped their societies. From the resilience against colonial forces to the rich diversity within tribal identities, the podcast challenges myths and reveals the cultural intricacies of Indigenous peoples. It's a must-listen for anyone curious about the true narratives of Native American history!

Dive into the American frontier era, where diverse cultures shaped westward expansion. Hear about personal anecdotes and significant events that transformed lives and landscapes from 1790 to 1890. Discover the complexities of frontier society, including the contributions of Mormons and Scots-Irish settlers. Explore the unique herding traditions linking the Wild West with Central Asia. Unpack how narratives of identity evolved alongside agricultural advancements and conflicts, paving the way for America’s rise as a global power.

Dive into the fascinating evolution of the British Empire, from its early focus on America to its expansive reach into India and beyond. Discover the contradictions of brutal exploitation alongside cultural advancements. The discussion connects historical narratives of Ireland, America, and India to modern geopolitical realities. Explore the complex influences of the Industrial Revolution, colonialism's impact on identity, and the ongoing legacies that shape societies today. It's a compelling journey through history's most significant colonial enterprise!

Victorian Britain emerges as a key era of innovation and societal transformation. The discussion highlights the tension between scientific rationalism and romanticism, showcasing how this small nation influenced global advancements. They explore the shift from a romantic society to a bureaucratic one, unpacking complex views on race and morality. Additionally, the impacts of industrialization and the societal changes it triggered are examined, alongside an appreciation for the pioneering spirit of Victorian gentlemen in various fields.

Dive into the Age of Exploration as two hosts navigate the triumphs and horrors of maritime expansion. Discover how European explorers reshaped the world while highlighting their dual nature of courage and brutality. Explore the contrasting paths of Western Europe and China, and how cultural exchanges sparked profound impacts. Learn about the Portuguese Empire's rise and the economic motivations behind colonial ambitions that devastated indigenous populations. This captivating journey reveals connections between past adventures and modern cultural dynamics.

The podcast dives into the emotional and historical impact of African colonialism, encouraging confrontations with uncomfortable truths. It explores King Leopold II's brutal legacy in the Congo and the complex realities of sleeping sickness on population dynamics. Pre-colonial Africa's rich history and the influence of Islamic civilizations are also discussed. The narrative challenges misconceptions about historical African figures and examines the intricate dynamics of colonialism in South Africa and beyond, reflecting on its lasting legacies and future implications.

Explore the seismic shifts in American society during the 1960s, from cultural revolutions to complex political paradigms. Delve into the tension between freedom and conformity, and how bureaucratization influenced art and individuality. The podcast critiques the lasting impacts of the decade's ideals on modern values, including the struggle against social isolation and community breakdown. Discover the intertwining of technology and material sciences, and the challenges of navigating today's social landscape amidst the echoes of the past.

The podcast dives into the intriguing complexities of the 1950s, debunking the myth of a conservative paradise by revealing its progressive undertones. It examines the era's duality of optimism and conformity emerging from WWII trauma, and the clash between spirituality and materialism. The influence of media, music, and cultural shifts is highlighted, showcasing the seeds of transformation that led into the vibrant movements of the 1960s. Additionally, the discussion touches on civil rights laws and lingering societal issues, presenting a nuanced view of this pivotal decade.

The intriguing evolution of science is dissected, revealing its roots in Christian philosophy and ancient traditions. The hosts challenge modern 'scientism' and the limitations of the scientific method, stressing the need for moral wisdom in complex dilemmas. They explore misconceptions about the origins of science, contrasting ancient and contemporary thought. The influence of Hermeticism is examined alongside the relationship between science and religion. Finally, the critical distinction between valid science and belief-driven scientism is highlighted, especially during crises like the pandemic.