Why We Study Art: Introducing Crash Course Art History

Crash Court Art History Preview (2:26): "Over the next 22 episodes, Sarah Urist Green will explore the hidden stories behind artworks. We’ll make connections across time and space, unlock the secrets of the past, and look ahead to the art of the future." Transcript. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6RJUzuVq4w Key texts cited include: Art History Volume 1, 6th edition …

History of Nationalism in France, Greece, the Balkans, and Ottoman Empire, and How It Contributed to WWI

Crash Course Study Hall examines the history of nationalism in several European countries and how it emerged as an international phenomenon in the 1700s. This lecture is not quite 14 minutes. https://youtu.be/U8b-45P0V6k?si=Xqa9MAnikbH940aj

Roman Historian Boethius Explained the Fate of Nations and Empires

The Roman senator, consul, and historian Boethius (c. 480–524 AD) explained the fate of nations, empires, and societies more than a millennium and a half ago in his immortal treatise On the Consolidation of Philosophy. My friend Bruce Johnson explained in an email: The ups and downs of secular cultures are controlled by "the wheel of …

Aux Barricades! France’s Long History of Revolt

The American Revolution of 1776-81 was relatively mild compared to the French Revolution of 1789-92, when the monarchy was ostensibly abolished. A new republic is raised when there is a change of the constitution or a situation where the country restored its monarch (Like the First and Second French Republic). France has had five republics …

Two (Not Three) Cheers for the French Revolution

Persuasion is a Substack community that seeks "to persuade, rather than to mock or troll, those who disagree with us" and believes that "a free society is worth fighting for." It posts a defense of the French Revolution by Cathy Young, a Russian-Jewish-American writer for The Bulwark. "Americans misunderstand France’s important—and complicated—place in the history …

“Après Moi, Le Déluge”

This famous quote from French King Louis XV in 1757 could be repeated today by anyone who feels narcissistically and nihilistically that only he or she matters, only the here and now matter and there's no need to be concerned about the fate of our children, future generations or really anyone other than ourselves. Or …

History Professor Reacts to Napoleon Movie Trailer

Reel History: "Ridley Scott’s much-anticipated Napoleon biopic starring Joaquin Phoenix has the potential to become the next “Gladiator.” But how will the movie align with the historical record?" Trailer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=re1nczaspy4 "History professor Jared Frederick offers some insights on the direction the film may take." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sEFinMiSco

Napoleon: Two Powerful Documentary Series

In 2000, PBS released a four-part documentary on Napoleon, which is still used in classrooms to teach students about the enormous impact Bonaparte had on European history and the world. It is still evocative and fascinating. Outline of the four installments on the PBS mini-site. It was produced as part of the Empires series. Here's …

History of France in 23 Minutes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FpeWSFTFRk WonderWhy: "Attempting to cover the history country of France in just one video! Starting with the tribal Frankish kingdoms, the rivalry with the England and the Habsburgs, the various wars France has fought, the reign of the famous Louis XIV, to the iconic French Revolution and the Napoleon, all the way to the World …

Is Paris Burning? How It ‘Miraculously Escaped Adolf Hitler’s Sentence of Death in August 1944’

"Is Paris Burning?" were famous words in the shrill voice of Adolph Hitler as he smashed his fist on a table. He screamed to his chief of staff. "I demand to know! Yes or no? Is Paris burning now?" This question by the German fuhrer was the title of a best-selling 1965 book by two …