Historical and Political Musings
We're excited to announce that we launched a Patreon! And if you sign up now you'll get access to an exclusive episode on Michael Collins and the Irish War of Independence. Available Tiers We have five tiers you can choose from with awesome rewards such as Lecture Attendee-$1 per month A tip jar level where… Continue reading We have a Patreon!
Hello all! I am very excited to announce that on March 23rd, I’ll be launching a podcast! It is called the Art of Asymmetrical Warfare and it is a history podcast that focuses on asymmetrical warfare (surprise, haha!) I’m very excited. I’ll be posting the episodes on this blog and will also upload them to… Continue reading I’m Launching a Podcast!
In November 1917, the Muslim modernizers of Turkestan came together to create the Kokand Autonomy. But how can people with no governing experience govern a region racked by ethnic violence and famine while their neighbors, the Tashkent Soviet, are planning an all out assault? If you enjoyed this episode, please donate to our Patreon Donate… Continue reading Episode 29-The Kokand Autonomy
Introduction What is a Khanate to do when his Russian supporters are overthrown by a revolution and he must now rely on a traitorous warlord to retain his throne? Read our article to learn about the Khivan Khanate during the Russian Revolution. Support Me on Patreon Support LGBTQ+ Organizations Stop Asian Hate Listen to our… Continue reading The Russian Revolution and the Khivan Khanate
Introduction Famed but often misunderstood guerilla fighters, the Basmachi were an Islamic resistance force that targeted both the Bolsheviks and modernizing Islamic forces of Central Asia. This article provides a basic overview of their creation, organizational hierarchy, and talks about some of their most famous leaders. Support Me on Patreon Black Lives Matters Resources Support… Continue reading The Basmachi
Famine, civil wars, complete breakdown of authority-it only makes sense to join a guerilla movement that promises provisions and safety, right? Learn about the Basmachi, a group of warlords turned guerilla movement that became one of the Soviet's most persistent headaches in Central Asia during the 1920s and 30s. If you enjoyed this episode, please… Continue reading Episode 28-The Basmachi
Introduction Did you ever wonder how the Russian Revolution affected Central Asia? This episode discusses how the various political factions in Central Asia-the Jadids, Alash Orda, the Ulama, and the Russian Settlers-responded to the fall of the Tsar and the rise of the Bolsheviks. Support Me on Patreon Support LGBTQ+ Organizations Stop Asian Hate Listen… Continue reading The Russian Revolution and Central Asia-1917
In this episode we discuss two giants within the Jadid movement in Turkestan: Munavvar qori Abdurashidxon and Mahmudxo’ja Behbudiy. Both men came from religious families, both men were successful merchants, and both men believed that reform was the only way to save Turkestani society. If you enjoyed this episode, please donate to our Patreon References:… Continue reading History in 5ish Minutes: Fathers of the Jadids in Turkestan
Introduction The Russian Revolution provided the Kazakh intellectuals an opportunity to create their own government and redistribute land that had been taken from them by Russian settlers. But what sort of government can you create when you and your fellow indigenous intellectuals can't agree on the best way to rule and the Russian Civil War… Continue reading The Russian Revolution and the Alash Orda-1917
The Russian Revolution provided the Kazakh intellectuals an opportunity to create their own government and redistribute land that had been taken from them by Russian settlers. But what sort of government can you create when you and your fellow indigenous intellectuals can't agree on the best way to rule and the Russian Civil War is… Continue reading Episode 27-the Russian Revolution and the Alash Orda
Today we are discussing how Russia's second protectorate, the Khiva Khanate, reacted to the fall of the Romanov Dynasty. We'll discuss Turkmen Revolts, a desperate Khan clinging to power, and a coup. If you enjoyed this episode, please donate to our Patreon If you want to receive updates on our projects, join our newsletter A… Continue reading Episode 26: The Russian Revolution and the Khiva Khanate
Lost Enlightenment: Central Asia's Golden Age from the Arab Conquest to Tamerlane by S. Frederick Starr, published by Princeton University Press, 2013 Polymaths of Islam: Power and Networks of Knowledge in Central Asia by James Pickett, published by Cornell University Press, 2020 I enjoyed both books and would highly recommend them to anyone interested in… Continue reading Book Review: Lost Enlightenment by S. Frederick Starr and Polymaths of Islam by James Pickett
Did you ever wonder how the Russian Revolution affected Central Asia? This episode discusses how the various political factions in Central Asia-the Jadids, Alash Orda, the Ulama, and the Russian Settlers-responded to the fall of the Tsar and the rise of the Bolsheviks. If you enjoyed this episode, please donate to our Patreon If you… Continue reading Episode 25-The Russian Revolution and Central Asia
Tomorrow is our one year anniversary! To celebrate we posted our first ever Bird's Eye View episode. This format allows us to take a step back and discuss the definitions, theories, and common features of an aspect of asymmetrical warfare. Today we'll discuss what a civil war is and isn't. Be warned, this episode contains… Continue reading Episode 24-Bird’s Eye View: What a Civil War Is and Isn’t
Today we take a deep dive into the tactics the Russians used to suppress the Central Asian Revolt of 1916, discussing the Urkun Exodus, the mass reallocation of Steppe lands, and Kuropatkin's decision to use an scorch earth strategy. Transcript coming If you enjoyed this episode, please donate to our Ko-Fi If you want to… Continue reading History in 5ish Minutes 5 Tactics the Russians Used during the Central Asian Revolt of 1916
During this episode we revisit the Central Asian Revolt of 1916, this time focusing on the tactics used by the indigenous rebels, particularly the Kazakh and Kyrgyz peoples in the Steppe. We'll discuss their use of hit and run tactics, the advantages the Steppe provided, and their targeted assaults on major infrastructure. Transcript coming If… Continue reading History in 5ish Minutes: 5 Tactics the Kazakhs and Kyrgyz Peoples Used during the Central Asian Revolt of 1916
This is a very special episode as we discuss the Jadids with renowned scholar, Dr. Adeeb Khalid. The Jadids were an Islamic modernizing movement within Central Asia that would later find common cause with Bolsheviks and create modern day Uzbekistan. We'll be discussing who the Jadids were, their doctrinal development, and how they fit within… Continue reading Episode 23-Interview with Dr. Adeeb Khalid
5 facts about the Tsarist Administration in Central Asia 1890-1916 In this episode, we briefly discuss the Tsarist Administration in Central Asia, focusing on how the Russian administration created two societies one of the incoming Russian Settlers and one for the indigenous peoples. We also discuss the two biggest problems facing the Russian administration: land… Continue reading History in 5ish Minutes: 5 Facts about the Tsarist Administration in Central Asia 1890-1916
In this episode we discussed the Central Asian Revolt of 1916. Sparked by decades old administrative issues, the Russian settler's "redistribution" of land and resources, and the Tsarist’s decision to conscription indigenous peoples (who up until that point that had been exemption of conscription), the revolution overtook most of Turkestan and lasted into 1917. In… Continue reading Episode 22-the Central Asian Revolt of 1916
History in 5 Minutes: the 1898 Andijan Uprising In this episode, we discuss 5 facts abou the 1898 Andijan Uprising, discussing Madali Ishan's revolt against Russian colonialism in Central Asia and stoking paranoid Islamophobia. Transcript coming If you enjoyed this episode, please donate to our Ko-Fi If you want to receive updates on our projects,… Continue reading History in 5ish Minutes: the 1898 Andijan Uprising
During this episode we will briefly discuss Russian colonialism in Central Asia from 1860-1890, focusing on the how and why. We'll discuss the subsuming of Steppe Lands, the abolishment of the Kokand Khanate, the subjugation of the Bukharan and Khivan khanates, and the attacks on the Turkmen people of the Ferghana Valley. Transcript If you… Continue reading Episode 21-Russian Colonialism in Central Asia 1860-1890
Today we have a very special episode where we spoke to James Nagle about what life was like for an average IRA recruit and a British soldier. If you enjoyed our big picture overview but want to dive deeper into what life was like for an IRA recruit on the run, a civilian having to… Continue reading Episode 20-Interview with James Nagle
It’s season 2 of the Art of Asymmetrical Warfare! This season we’ll be discussing the Central Asian Civil Wars during the Russian Civil War. Today, we’re starting with a BRIEF history of Central Asia. In this episode we’ll explain how this podcast defines Central Asia, give a very brief overview of Central Asia’s ancient and… Continue reading Episode 19-A BRIEF History of Central Asia
We reached 101 followers on Spotify this weekend and so we produced this special episode to celebrate! We discussed the 6 books we used the most when writing our scripts for our episodes on the Irish War of Independence. List of Books mentioned: The Republic: the Fight for Irish Independence by Charles Townshend Vivid Faces… Continue reading Special Episode-6 Books on the Irish War of Independence
Today during History in 5sh Minutes we'll be discussing 5 Facts about Margaret Skinnider Transcript coming If you enjoyed this episode, please donate to our Ko-Fi If you want to receive updates on our projects, join our newsletter Theme Sound: Symphony no. 5 in Cm, Op. 67 – III. Allegro Image designed by @GraphicsHub3 References… Continue reading History in 5ish minutes 5 facts about Margaret Skinnider
History in 5ish minute: 5 Facts About Arthur Griffith Welcome to History in 5ish minutes, a new episode format in which we discuss a historical event or person in roughly 5 minutes. Today we'll be discussing the 5 facts about Arthur griffith If you enjoyed this episode, please donate to our Ko-Fi If you want… Continue reading History in 5ish minutes 5 facts about Arthur Griffith
Welcome to History in 5ish minutes, a new episode format in which we discuss a historical event or person in roughly 5 minutes. Today we'll be discussing the 5 tactics the IRA used to defeat the British during the Irish War of Independence If you enjoyed this episode, please donate to our Ko-Fi If you… Continue reading History in 5ish minutes: 5 tactics the IRA used to defeat the British during the Irish War of Independence
We are excited to talk to Jesse Alexander, host of the YouTube History Documentary the Great War. We discussed how asymmetrical warfare developed during the immediate interwar period, following World War I, as well as his newest project, Rhineland 45, which he is currently crowdfunding. Learn more about Rhineland 45 and support the project here… Continue reading Episode 18-Interview With Jesse Alexander
In today's episode we discuss the 1921 Anglo-Irish Treaty, including the many controversial decisions made by DeValera during the Truce, the struggle Prime Minister David Lloyd George, Michael Collins, and Arthur Griffith faced from internal and external stakeholders during the negotiations, and the tragic fracture that occurred within the Irish people after the Dail approved… Continue reading Episode 17-the 1921 Anglo-Irish Treaty
Today we'll be discussing Cathal Brugha's role during the Irish War of Independence, including his struggles as minister of defense, his difficult relationship with Collins and Mulcahy, and his role in the Treaty debates. Transcript Voting Links: Indivisible IL 09 Twitter Page Indivisible Chicago Twitter Page Indivisible Chicago South Side Twitter Page Virus Free Voting… Continue reading Episode 16-Cathal Brugha and the Irish War of Independence
Episode 15-Cathal Brugha and Easter Rising Today we'll be discussing Cathal Brugha and his role in the Gaelic League, Easter Rising, and the creation of Sinn Fein and the IRA. Transcript Voting Links: Indivisible IL 09 Twitter Page Indivisible Chicago Twitter Page Indivisible Chicago South Side Twitter Page Virus Free Voting Payback Project Protecting Ruth… Continue reading Episode 15-Cathal Brugha and Easter Rising
Episode 14-Northern Ireland and the Irish War for Independence Today we discuss Northern Ireland and the role it played during the Irish War Of Independence, discussing figures such as James Craig, Edward Carson, and David Lloyd George. Transcript Donation Links for California: Direct Relief Wildfire Relief Election links: Illinois Virus Free voting References https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/heritage/james-craig-backbone-of-revolt-the-soul-of-intransigence-1.508452 https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/heritage/ireland-s-first-world-war-veterans-shunned-ostracised-murdered-1.3691036… Continue reading Episode 14-Northern Ireland and the Irish War of Independence
Welcome to History in 5ish minutes, a new episode format in which we discuss a historical event or person in roughly 5 mintues. Today we'll be discussing the 5 ways the 1920s IRA and the Provisional IRA disrupted the British Prison System. Transcript Theme Sound: Symphony no. 5 in Cm, Op. 67 - III. Allegro… Continue reading History in 5ish Minute: 5 Ways the IRA Disrupted the British Prison System
Episode 13-Michael Collins' Intelligence War Today we discuss Michael Collins and his intelligence war including the formation of the Squad, his spies such as Ned Broy, David Neligan, and James MacNamara, and Bloody Sunday Transcript Theme Sound: Symphony no. 5 in Cm, Op. 67 - III. Allegro Image designed by @GraphicsHub3 References: The Republic: the… Continue reading Episode 13 Michael Collins’ Intelligence War
During our podcast episodes on the Irish War for Independence, we focus on the IRA’s tactics and perspective. Today, we’ll be focusing on the British response and the different military and law enforcement groups they employed against the IRA and the Dail. England and the Home Rule Bill Up until 1916, the British government’s approach… Continue reading The RICs, Auxiliaries, and the Black and Tans
In this episode, we discuss the role of hunger strikes during the Irish War of Independence, including the story of Thomas Ashe, the Mountjoy Prison and General Strike of 1918, and Terence MacSwiney. If you enjoyed this episode, please donate to our Ko-Fi If you want to receive updates on our projects, join our… Continue reading Episode 12-Hunger Strikes During the Irish War of Independence
Rating: 5/5 Pros: A comprehensive exploration into the creation of Uzbekistan and its neighboring states A long overdue overview of an often-neglected region of the world Well-researched and detail heavy but still easy to read Cons: Need to know a little about the region before reading Is VERY detail heavy and needs to be reread… Continue reading Book Review for Making Uzbekistan by Adeeb Khalid
We are very excited to interview Dr. Mary McAuliffe about her new biography on Margaret Skinnider and the experience of Irish women during the Irish War for Independence and the Irish Civil War. Buy Dr. McAuliffe's biography on Margaret Skinnider here: http://www.ucdpress.ie/display.asp?isbn=9781910820537& Follow Dr. McAuliffe of Twitter: https://twitter.com/marymcauliffe4 If you enjoyed this episode, please… Continue reading Episode 11-Interview with Dr. Mary McAuliffe
In this episode we discuss Richard Mulcahy's role as Chief of Staff of the IRA during the Irish War of Independence, including his efforts to instill discipline and organization, his difficult relationship with Brugha and DeValera, and his increased radicalization. If you enjoyed this episode, please donate to our Ko-Fi Transcript Theme Sound: Symphony no.… Continue reading Episode 10-Richard Mulcahy and the Irish War of Independence
In this episode we talk about IRA"s chief of Staff, Richard Mulcahy's role in Easter Rising and the efforts to rebuild the IRA up to 1919. Transcript coming Theme Sound: Symphony no. 5 in Cm, Op. 67 – III. Allegro Image designed by @GraphicsHub3 BLM Links Movement for Black Lives SURJ Chicago Chicago Alliance Against… Continue reading Episode 9-Richard Mulcahy and Easter Rising
Before we begin, we want to make it clear that this podcast and website knows Black Lives Matter and support the protesters demanding justice and arguing for the abolition of the police. There are links below on how we can help support the movement and challenge our own prejudices and educate ourselves. This is the… Continue reading Episode 8: Anglo-Irish War Part III 1921
Episode 7-Anglo-Irish War Part II 1920 Before we begin, we want to make it clear that this podcast and website knows Black Lives Matter and support the protesters demanding justice and arguing for the abolition of the police. There are links below on how we can help support the movement and challenge our own prejudices… Continue reading Episode 7-Anglo-Irish War Part II-1920
Episode 6-Anglo-Irish war Part 1 1919 This is the first episode in a three part series, where we will discuss the Anglo-Irish War. Today, we review the major events that occurred in 1919 including rescuing DeValera from prison, sending DeValera to America, and the IRA ambushes at Soloheadbeg and Fermoy. Transcript is coming Theme song:… Continue reading Episode 6 – Anglo Irish War Part 1 1919
In last week's episode (included above), I talked about how the IRA organized itself, the tactics it used, and its relationship with members of the Dail. Since then, I've done some research into the members that made up the General Headquarters Staff. I even made a spreadsheet, capturing basic information about the men: GHQ… Continue reading Overview of the Members of the GHQ Staff
In this episode we talk about the IRA as an organization, how it was formed, the many different command structures it tried, its tactics, it's relationship with civilian ministers, and the relationship between ground troops and General Headquarters Transcript coming Theme Sound: Symphony no. 5 in Cm, Op. 67 - III. Allegro Image designed by… Continue reading Episode 5 IRA: Formation and Organization
Episode 4- The First Dail In this episode we talk about the creation of the first Dail and its relation with the IRA Transcript coming Theme Sound: Symphony no. 5 in Cm, Op. 67 - III. Allegro Image designed by @GraphicsHub3 References: The Republic: the Fight for Irish Independence by Charles Townshend, 2014, Penguin Group… Continue reading Episode 4-The First Dail
In this episode we talk about Ireland between 1917 and 1918, focusing on how Sinn Fein and the Irish Volunteers were able to rebuild themselves after Easter Rising. Transcript Theme Sound: Symphony no. 5 in Cm, Op. 67 - III. Allegro Image designed by @GraphicsHub3 References: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-35876886 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frongoch_internment_camp http://www.easter-rising-frongoch.wales/ https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/dec/27/welsh-village-frongoch-summons-ghosts-irelands-revolutionary-past https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/heritage/the-prison-where-michael-collins-thrived-and-william-halpin-went-mad-1.2908461?mode=sample&auth-failed=1&pw-origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.irishtimes.com%2Fculture%2Fheritage%2Fthe-prison-where-michael-collins-thrived-and-william-halpin-went-mad-1.2908461 https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/diarmaid-ferriter-the-1916-prisoners-released-on-christmas-eve-1.2915580 https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/1916/after-the-rising/frongoch-university-of-the-revolution-34466342.html https://www.theirishstory.com/2017/12/04/interview-tomas-macconmara-on-1917-in-ireland-and-the-death-of-thomas-ashe/#.Xov1vnJOnIU https://www.rte.ie/centuryireland/index.php/articles/carrying-a-cross-for-ireland-thomas-ashe-in-profile… Continue reading Episode 3-Ireland 1917-1918: Resurrecting a Rebellion
I had a lot of fun researching Irish women who took part in Easter Rising for this episode, but I couldn’t cover them all in one sitting, so here is a thread of the other women who contributed to the Rising one or another. #WomensHistoryMonth Margaret Skinnider was a Scottish schoolteacher and suffragist who left… Continue reading Women of Easter Rising Part II
Hunger strikes are a familiar weapon in the war against colonial policies and wrongful imprisonment. Although today it is associated primarily with Gandhi or with the IRA, like Bobby Sands, it is an old tactic practiced all over the world and by all genders, such as revolutionaries in Imperial Russia, suffragettes in Britain and the… Continue reading Irish Women Who went on Hunger Strike
Our first episode will discuss Easter Rising, contextualizing it within Ireland's long fight for self-governance and discussing its long legacy.
This episode will talk about five women who contributed to Easter Rising: Constance Markievicz, Kathleen Clarke, Winifred Carney, Hanna Sheehy-Skeffington, and Molly Osgood.
This episode will introduce the host, Sam Amenn, and discuss the goals of this podcast.
A History of God by Karen Armstrong, Gramercy Books, 2004 Pros: Fair and balanced look into the history of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. Succinct summary of dense information Well-written Cons: Lot of information Can be dense and is a long read Could be organized differently This is a well written and fair book that covers… Continue reading Book Review: A History of God
The Good Friday Agreement by Siobhan Fenton, 2018, Biteback Publishing Pros: Quick and Easy read Provides needed context on women’s and LGBTQ issues in Ireland A great overview of what’s happened in Ireland since the Good Friday Agreement Cons: Lacking in deep analysis on any issues This book is a breezy and easy read of… Continue reading Book Review: The Good Friday Agreement
The Anglo-Irish conflict, like many asymmetrical conflicts, can be confusing because of the vast amount of people and organizations involved. I have often wished there was a simple chart that I could refer to as I am reading about the conflict, so I made my own. The first chart is of the various political and… Continue reading The Organizations Involved in Easter Rising and the Anglo-Irish War
Irish Civil War: Law, Execution, and Atrocity by Sean Enright, Merrion Press, 2019 4/5 A slightly dry, but fascinating read about the executions that took place during the Irish Civil War. Like his prior book on the Easter Rising Trial, Sean spends the first half of the book providing historical and legal context for the… Continue reading Review for the Irish Civil war: Law, Execution, and Atrocity
Fatal Path: British Government and Irish Revolution 1919-1923 by Ronan Fanning, Faber and Faber, 2013 4/5 A light and easy read about the British perspective during the Anglo-Irish War. I greatly enjoyed this book. Since I normally read about the conflict from the side of the IRA/Irish Nationalist’s, this book was enjoyable and provided needed… Continue reading Review for Fatal Path
African Kaiser: General Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck and the Great War in Africa, 1914-1918 by Robert Gaudi, Berkley, 2017 I’ve been meaning to write this blog post for a while. I read African Kaiser by Robert Gaudi last year and, while it was an easy and enjoyable read, there was an element that didn’t sit right… Continue reading Thoughts on African Kaiser and handling colonialism
Book Review of Richard Mulcahy from the Politics of War to the Politics of Peace 1913-1924 by Padraig O Caoimh, Irish Academic Press 2019 Rating: 4.5/5 Pros: A long overdue biography on a vital founder of the Irish Free State and Irish Army Rich analysis that is easy to read Provides needed context on the… Continue reading Book Review of Richard Mulcahy from the Politics of War to the Politics of Peace 1913-1924
A few weeks ago, I went to the Pritzker Military Museum and Library to attend Pamela Toler’s lecture on her new book Women Warriors: An Unexpected History. Toler is a well-known historian who studies the often over looked aspects of history such as women contributions and noncombatants contributions during war. Her book focuses on women… Continue reading Overview of Pamela Toler’s Lecture on Women Warriors
The Woman Who Would be King: Hatshepsut’s Rise to Power in Ancient Egypt by Kara Cooney, 2014, Crown Publishing 4/5 This is a well-written, engaging study of a fascinating woman from Ancient Egypt. It has an easy to read study and, while it sometimes strays a little too far into the theoretical, it… Continue reading Book Review-The Woman Who Would be King
Hatshepsut was one of the most successful pharaohs in Ancient Egypt, a woman who took the name pharaoh after serving as Thutmose III’s regency for seven years. She oversaw the expansion of Ancient Egypt’s trade, a great reign of peace, and oversaw a series of large building projects such as one of the architectural wonders… Continue reading Hatshepsut
Last week, I attended a fantastic given by Michael S. Neiberg at the Pritzker Military Museum and library about his latest book the Treaty of Versailles: a Concise History (which I also read) and I thought I'd write about the experience. Mr. Neiberg modeled the structure of his lecture on the structure of his book,… Continue reading Treaty of Versailles
Ida B. Wells is a giant, not only within the civil rights movement, but in American history. She was an African-American investigative journalist, educator, and an early leader in the Civil Rights Movement. A founder of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and a co-owner of the newspaper Memphis Free Speech… Continue reading Ida B. Wells
Syria: An Outline History by John D. Granger 4/5 This is a well-written book about a large swath of land in what is now known as the Middle East. Even though there is a modern-day equivalent of Syria, it is a small portion of what had been Syria until roughly the 20th century. The borders… Continue reading Book Review: Syria: An Outline History
Review of Religion and Magic in Ancient Egypt by Rosalie David. Published by Penguin in 2002 4/5 This book, while different from what I had been expecting, was a well written and insightful read. It focuses on the development of the Ancient Egyptian belief system chronologically, focusing on the historical events that affected who and… Continue reading Book Review: Religion and Magic in Ancient Egypt
A Peace to End All Peace: the Fall of the Ottoman Empire and the Creation of the Modern Middle East by David Fromkin. Published by Owl Books 2001 4/5 This is one of those books that everyone reads for a foundational knowledge about the Middle Eastern policy during WWI. It is a well-researched and well… Continue reading Book Review: A Peace to End all Peace
The Ottoman Endgame: War, Revolution, and the Making of the Modern Middle East by Sean McMeekin. Published by Penguin Books, 2016 5/5 This is a well written, well researched study of the military situation of the Ottoman Empire before and during the First World War. It provides a refreshing perspective, focusing on the Ottomans themselves,… Continue reading Book Review: The Ottoman Endgame
Saturday was the Women's March and today is MLK Day, making me reflect on the Civil Rights movement and social change in general. MLK represents many different things to so many people and I think everything we project on him can sometimes obscure the man and the many people around him, who fought just as hard and sacrificed just as much. And I think that was MLK's greatest gift and legacy-empowering, not only a nation, but each and every individual who came in contact with him to fight for justice and for what's right. Today, I want to write about two such people, two women who I deeply admire and can't help but be inspired by: Dorothy Height and Fannie Lou Hamer. Hopefully, this way I can pay my respects to the Women's March and MLK's and the Civil Rights Movement's legacy.
Yesterday, I was going to write a blog post about the 100th year anniversary of the WWI armistice and of Poland’s independence, but I couldn’t find the right words. I wanted to celebrate with Poland (lord knows they deserve it), while also properly reflecting on the war that killed 7 million civilians and 10 million… Continue reading Thoughts on World War I
Tuesday 25, April 1916 was a fine, spring day. There had been gentle showers earlier, but the land had dried since then, and the rest of week promised to be warm. After a disastrous start on Easter Sunday, things had gone as smoothly as could be expected for Irish Volunteer, Lieutenant Richard Mulcahy. After reporting… Continue reading The Battle of Ashbourne
Since it is Halloween, I thought it would be fun to write a post about the five notorious historical figures who have either inspired supernatural creatures or were confused for supernatural creatures. 6. Bela Kiss-the Vampire of Cinkola Bela Kiss was a Hungarian soldier who fought during WWI, a serial killer, and-possibly-a vampire. A man… Continue reading 5 Notorious Historical Figures with Supernatural Connections
I’ve been thinking about Balakian’s memoir and two points that stuck out the most to me were: the international community’s culpability/lack of proper response and Turkey’s complaints once the Armenians were murdered. Starting with the Turk’s complaints, it’s so similar to the U.S. right now, it’s terrifying. Balakin writes that the Armenians were the core… Continue reading More notes on Armenian Golgotha
Armenian Golgotha by Grigoris Balakian. Published by Vintage in 2009. This memoir was written by Grigoris Balakian, a bishop of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Balakian was an educated Armenian, having studied in Germany and spoke Armenian, Turkish, and German. He was a survivor of the Armenian Genocide and wrote this memoir to chronicle what he… Continue reading Book Review: Armenian Golgotha
When I’m not reading/researching history topics, I write fiction. My newest project is a Middle Eastern/Central Asian novel about a royal family trying to keep out colonists and a growing terrorist ring wanting to recapture the glories of the past. While writing this book, I need to do a lot of research. This week, I’ve… Continue reading 5 Famous Women of Central Asia
I recently finished Hamid Ismailov’s book the Devils’ Dance, which is about Abdulla Qodiriy’s last days in a Soviet prison and the book he was working on before his arrest. The book mentions several Uzbek writers who I was unfamiliar with, so I decided to do a little research. This was what I was able… Continue reading Qodiriy, Fitrat, and Cho‘lpon
A few months ago, I finished Hamid Ismailov’s the Devils’ Dance, which is a historical novel about the famous Uzbek writer, Abdulla Qodiriy’s last days in a Soviet prison, and the book the real Qodiriy was working on, but never published about an Uzbek princess, Oyxon, and the courts of Kokand and Bukhara. I was… Continue reading Emir Nasrullah, Stoddart, and Connelly
The Anonymous Soldiers by Bruce Hoffman. Published by Random House in 2015 This is a well written and well researched book that is easy to read, and is packed with information. While there is a lot in there, it’s not a ‘dense’ book. It is a definitely a book that needs to be ready multiple… Continue reading Book Review: Anonymous Soldiers
Today is the first week of July, an important week for American Civil War buffs. During this week, a 150 years ago, Lee took a great gamble at Gettysburg and lost, and Vicksburg finally fell to General Grant’s army. While the Battle of Gettysburg is an important battle and has reached mythical proportions in the… Continue reading The Fall of Vicksburg
I decided to combine all my short Easter Rising posts, into a big one. Easter Rising is one of the most momentous Irish rebellions in its long, tortuous and bloody history. It caught the British by surprise (despite the Castle knowing all there was to know about the planned exertion) and lasted for five days… Continue reading Easter Rising
In the Shadow of the Sword by Tom Holland. Published by Anchor in 201 I bought this book because I was blown away by Dan Snow’s interview of Tom Holland about this book, which can be found on HistoryHits. The two observations discussed in the interview that struck me were Holland’s claim that the Quran’s… Continue reading Book Review: In the Shadow of the Sword
The Empire of the Steppes: a History of Central Asia by Rene Grousset. Published in 1970 by Rutgers I picked this book up two years ago because I had a vague interest in the steppes and Central Asia and I’m really glad I did. While it is an old book, originally published in 1939, it… Continue reading Book Review: the Empire of the Steppes
My favorite museum in Chicago, the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, was having a book sale this weekend. I may have bought a few books…haha. I thought it would be fine to review what I bought, since they were bought in a whirl. Samurai I will be honest, I wasn’t expecting there to be so… Continue reading Book Haul 6/9/18
Thursday and Friday were some of the bloodiest days during Easter Rising. Cathal Brugha made a brilliant stand on Thursday, during the famous battle for South Dublin Union and Daly held the British forces at the Four Courts from Wednesday to Friday. Most importantly, Commander-in-chief General Sir John Maxwell arrived in Ireland on Friday. General… Continue reading Easter Rising: Surrender and Legacy
Inside Central Asia by Dilip Hiro. Published in 2009 by Overlook Duckworth This book is a great overview of Central Asia from the rise of the Soviet Union to 2009. This book discusses Turkey, the Central Asian states, and Iran. It picks up where Rashid’s book left off. While Rashid focused mostly on Central Asia… Continue reading Book Review: Inside Central Asia
Despite knowing about the upcoming Rising, the British government in Ireland did little to prepare for it. Monday morning there were a total of 400 British soldiers on hand to respond to the rebellion. Townshend claims that there were 100 for each of the four barracks (Richmond, Marlborough, Royal, and Portobello). The rest of the… Continue reading Easter Rising-Tuesday and Wednesday
As we discussed in our last post, the very secrecy needed to plan the rebellion nearly destroyed it. Despite Casement’s arrested and MacNeill’s counter-orders, Pearse and his comrades were determined to rebel. They sent out another order, telling the Volunteers to gather on Monday, 24 April 1916. A Republic is Pronounced When the Rising began… Continue reading Easter Rising: Monday
Easter Rising is one of the most momentous Irish rebellions in its long, tortuous and bloody history. It caught the British by surprise (despite the Castle knowing all there was to know about the planned exertion) and lasted from April 24th to April 29th, before being defeated by the British Army under General Maxwell. It… Continue reading Easter Rising: Sunday
The Resurgence of Central Asia: Islam or Nationalism by Ahmed Rashid. Published in 2016 by Zed Books I have recently been fascinated by Central Asia and this book is a fantastic review of that region immediately after the fall of the Soviet Union. The book itself is a piece of history and, although I bought… Continue reading Book Review: The Resurgence of Central Asia
Easter Rising is one of the most momentous moments in Irish history, setting the stage for the Anglo-Irish War in the 1920s, and continues to shape Irish society. But what is it and why did it happen? Easter Rising was an Irish protest concentrated mostly in Dublin with a few firefights in the countryside and… Continue reading Easter Rising Part 1: Pre-1916
“I know it is the fashion to say that most of recorded history is lies anyway. I am willing to believe that history is for the most part inaccurate and biased, but what is peculiar to our own age is the abandonment of the idea that history could be truthfully written.”-George Orwell Today is Holocaust… Continue reading The Importance of Remembering
The Year of Liberty: the History of the Great Irish Rebellion of 1798 by Thomas Pakenham. Published in 1993 by Random House, Inc. I have been fascinated by the 1798 rebellion ever since I first discovered the band the Wolfe Tones and realized they were named after an Irish rebel. Needless to say, I… Continue reading Book Review: The Year of Liberty: the History of the Great Irish Rebellion of 1798
I’m writing this a little later than I wanted, but I am finally discussing the second half of de Valera’s life. My post discussing his contribution to the Anglo-Irish war and Irish Civil War can be found here. When the civil war ended, de Valera was in the political wilderness. He realized that he could… Continue reading Eamon de Valera Part II
The Story of the Lafayette Escadrille by George Thenault. Published in 2009 by Bibliolife I’m sure one can imagine my excitement when I saw this memoir in my local military library. George Thenault was the French commander of the Lafayette Escadrille from the very beginning to the moment it was swallowed by the American Expeditionary… Continue reading Book Review: The Story of the Lafayette Escadrille
Portrait of a Revolutionary General Richard Mulcahy and the Founding of the Irish Free State by Maryann Valiulis Published in 1992 by University Press of Kentucky Richard Mulcahy is a criminally underappreciated Irishmen. Born in the 1890s and starting his career as a postal worker, he would eventually study to become an engineer, before taking… Continue reading Book Review: Portrait of a Revolutionary
As a history buff, I was ecstatic when Darkest Hour came out. Gary Oldman’s performance brought life into Winston Churchill again and the cinematography and editing provided the adrenaline and fear needed when dealing with a foe like the Nazis. However, the ending left me wanting it to continue and include the Battle of Britain.… Continue reading Why We Need Another Movie on the Battle of Britain
Easter 1916 the Irish Rebellion by Charles Townshend. Published in 2015 by Penguin I’m going to start this review with a warning: Charles Townshend is one of my favorite historians. I have read few historians who can take complicated messes and break them down into short, easy to understand chapters within a chapter, while also… Continue reading Book Review: Easter 1916 the Irish Rebellion
There are few men who participated in the Anglo-Irish War and the Irish Civil War who have as complicated a legacy as Eamon de Valera. He was a mathematics professor, last man to surrender during Easter Rising, leader of the Dáil and the IRA, instigator of the anti-treaty movement, political outcast, and Taoiseach, and, finally,… Continue reading Eamon de Valera Part I
Eamon de Valera: A Will to Power by Ronan Fanning. Published in 2015 by Faber & Faber Because of his many controversial decisions made during the rebellion, civil war, and his long presidency, it is hard to find an objective biography on Eamon de Valera. However, Fanning’s biography is the fairest and kindest book I’ve… Continue reading Book Review Eamon de Valera: A Will to Power
I have recently finished R. F. Foster’s book Modern Ireland 1600-1972 and it got me thinking about land distribution during and after conflict. In Ireland, Cromwell targeted the land once owned by those who rebelled. This happened to be the elite of Irish society and he redistributed the larger tracts to his followers and Anglo-Irish… Continue reading The Importance of Land
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