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History is Not Neutral

History is Not Neutral

By: Sam Virden
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 History and books about history not only show us where we've been - they can show us where we are going, and how we as a society can be on the right side of history one day. It brings context to current social and political events, which means history is not neutral. Find us on Instagram @historyisnotneutralSam Virden
Episodes
  • Tyranny on Repeat

    Tyranny on Repeat
    Mar 26 2026
    In his book, On Tyranny, Timothy Snyder gives us 20 lessons from the 20th century about fascism, communism, and authoritarianism, and adapts those lessons to the circumstances surrounding the 2024 election. Historical events mentioned in the show:-1923 Beer Hall Putsch: November 8-9, a targeted act of violent in an attempt to overthrow the German government. There was a march to Berlin and eventually a failed coup. A number of Nazi supporters were killed in the violence by the police. Hitler was arrested and served a jail sentence where he wrote Mein Kampf.-1933 Reischtag Fire: February 27, there as a fire set on the Reischtag building (Germany's parliament building). After the fire, there was a decree made by the President, but at the direction of Hitler, that was an emergency powers act. It consolidated powers against the political enemies of the Nazis, including the communists. -1938 Kristallnacht: Austria, also called the Night of Broken Glass. Nazis targeted Jewish businesses and homes with violence.Other mentions:-Mark Kelly and other members of Congress on military not following unlawful orders, Trump's replies. -Scene from Newsroom (currently on HBO) Place in the historiographyThe Dialectical Imagination: A History of the Frankfurt School and the Institute of Social Research, 1923-1950 by Marin JayA Fascist Century - Essays by Roger GriffinBloodlines: Between Hitler and Stalin by Timothy SnyderMaus by Art SpieglemanOther sources Sign up to be a poll worker or cure ballots in your voting districtSAVE ActRestrictions on medicated abortionsCheck your voter registration statusFind out if ICE facilities are being built in your state by going to/looking at the local city/county/state government meetings in your stateArizona ballot measure for mail-in voting protection*We do not receive commissions for any of the links listed here. Shop small, local bookstores or visit your local libraries if you are able to. Music is Mopeds by JMHBM from Free Music Archive, license CC BY
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    25 mins
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