The History of Modern Politics

You have heard “Timbuktu” as a stand-in for the ends of the earth, but this episode opens with West Africa at the center of wealth, learning and trade. Chris Spangle and Matt Wittlief trace the rise of the Mali Empire, from Sundiata Keita to Mansa Musa, whose famed pilgrimage to Mecca becomes a lens for how gold, scholarship and Islamic trade networks connected the medieval world. Then the timeline snaps back to Europe and the crisis of the late Middle Ages. The conversation follows demographic collapse from the Great Famine through the Black Death, including how plague spread and why it hit with such force. From there, it moves through religious turmoil tied to the Avignon papacy and growing resentment of clerical wealth, plus the long-running battles over heresy that set the stage for later upheaval. Finally, the episode returns to political instability, from uprisings in Flanders and France to the burdens of the Hundred Years’ War, shifting labor laws, Parliament’s pushback, and England’s convulsions from Edward II to Edward III to Richard II. It closes with the Peasants’ Revolt, court politics, a cascade of titles and rivalries, and the fall of Richard II as Henry Bolingbroke takes the crown as Henry IV, with a tease of more turmoil before the Tudors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Episode 2 of Season 2 of The History of Modern Politics, Chris Spangle and Matt Whitlow trace the Edwardian period from Edward I’s legal reforms and Parliament’s growing role through Edward II’s favorites, Queen Isabella’s coup and Edward III’s rise. The episode also connects the Crusades era to shifting powers across Wales and Scotland, the wool-tax finance that fueled war, and the opening phase of the Hundred Years War in 1337. Cold open: the Nizari state, the Order of Assassins, Mongol expansion and the story’s link to Edward I and the late Crusader world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Spangle and Matt Wittlief open Season 2 with essential background for the late 1200s, tracing how the Holy Roman Empire’s electoral system emerged after the Carolingians, how the Great Interregnum unfolded and how the Habsburgs entered European politics. They also outline parallel developments in Wales, Scotland, the Low Countries, international trade, banking and the origins of English common law to set the stage for the reigns of Kings Edward I, II and III. Topics in this episode: Early imperial elections after Otto III and the king of the Romans title The Stauffers and the Welfs, plus the Ghibelline and Guelph factions Frederick II’s deposition in 1245, William of Holland and the Great Interregnum The seven prince electors and the contested 1254 election between Richard of Cornwall and Alfonso II of Castile Rudolf of Habsburg’s election in 1273, later Habsburg influence and Albert’s election in 1298 Wales from Offa’s Dyke to Gruffudd ap Llywelyn, Llywelyn the Great and the Marcher lords Scotland from the Picts and Gaels to Malcolm III, the Dunkeld line and the Treaty of York in 1237 Norway’s role in northern politics, including control of the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland The Low Countries, the county of Flanders, English wool and the trade cities of Bruges and Ghent The Champagne fairs, the growth of Italian merchant banking and the Knights Templar’s financial system The position of Jews in medieval Europe, including moneylending, Aaron of Lincoln, the York massacre and the 1255 Lincoln accusation The rise of universities in Bologna, Paris and Oxford and the development of English common law through writs, precedent and administrative expansion under Edward I Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Spangle and Matt Wittlief reunite to bring back History of Modern Politics after a long hiatus. In this episode, they explain why the show is returning, how seasons two and three are already underway, and what listeners can expect as they continue tracing political thought from the Roman Republic to the American founding. Chris and Matt share behind-the-scenes updates on research, writing, episode structure, and how their work connects ancient history to today’s political shifts. They also discuss season one, the path ahead through the Middle Ages and the Glorious Revolution, and their plans to cover the first American political systems in future seasons. Subscribe to the History of Modern Politics feed - ⁠⁠https://link.chtbl.com/history-of-modern-politics⁠⁠ Join the Substack - ⁠⁠https://www.historyofmodernpolitics.com/⁠⁠ Subscribe on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@historyofmodernpolitics5701⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@historyofmodernpolitics5701⁠⁠ ⁠https://youtu.be/izaO-EZsI0c⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I recently attended a talkshop by historian Dan Miller on five past Presidential elections that could inform the contest in 2024. I sat down with him to discuss parts of this fascinating presentation. Visit Dan's website - https://historicalsolutions.com/ Transcript - https://share.descript.com/view/TlaNaGBl4Jw https://youtu.be/ihug5M9BIKs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From the Chris Spangle Show: Last Columbus Day, I decided to learn more about the history of the man and the day celebrating him. Since then, I've visited historical sites in Santa Domingo in the Dominican Republic and San Juan in Puerto Rico. I read books and watched documentaries to gain a better perspective of who Columbus was. In this episode, I share what I've learned, beginning with the history of the day, who wants to change it (or not) and why, and then share a basic history of Columbus and his voyages. Links: Book by Laurence Bergreen: Columbus: The Four Voyages, 1492-1504 - https://amzn.to/3MlTHDz Columbus in America (Full Documentary) - https://youtu.be/JkFFy5yUdkE Secrets & Mysteries of Christopher Columbus - https://youtu.be/XXU3pEeVI9o 9 reasons Christopher Columbus was a murderer, tyrant, and scoundrel - https://www.vox.com/2014/10/13/6957875/christopher-columbus-murderer-tyrant-scoundrel Columbus Day - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbus_Day Christopher Columbus - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_Columbus Bartolomé de las Casas - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bartolom%c3%a9_de_las_Casas What Columbus Day Really Means - https://theamericanscholar.org/what-columbus-day-really-means/ How Columbus Day Fell Victim to Its Own Success - https://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2012/10/how-columbus-day-fell-victim-to-its-own-success/261922/ How Italians Became ‘White’ (Published 2019) - https://buff.ly/2pbSUyJ What Are We to Make of Columbus Today? - https://www.counterpunch.org/2021/10/11/what-are-we-to-make-of-columbus-today/ Join WAL Plus now for commercial-free shows and our complete archives - JoinWALPlus.com ---- This episode is brought to you by Iconic Insurance. Fifteen percent of Americans are left to find health insurance on their own. You might feel overwhelmed, lost, or frustrated, and if that's you, feel in control of your health with Matt Allen's help. Visit www.iconic-insurance.com/libertarians to get started. --- Chris Spangle and Leaders and Legends, LLC edited and produced this podcast. If you're interested in starting a podcast or taking yours to the next level, please contact us at LeadersAndLegends.net. ---- Looking to start a podcast? Download my podcast Podcasting and Platforms now, and check out my recommendations for buying the right equipment. ---- Q Sleep Spray assists in achieving a more restful sleep so you can wake up refreshed. Q SLEEP contains incredible ingredients, including melatonin, 5-HTP, and L-theanine, as well as a proprietary herbal extract, which synergistically promotes restful sleep and helps your mind and body rejuvenate. Buy Now - https://wearelibertarians.com/sleepspray/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The check and balance on the King's total authority known as Parliament did not happen in one swift action. It was a series of steps over generations. In this episode, we discuss some of those defining moments, as well as the important clauses of the Magna Carta, Simon De Monfort and the Second Barons War. For podcasts released months in advance and commercial-free, video, show notes, and reading lists, join. HMP Plus! - https://www.historyofmodernpolitics.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everyone has heard of the Magna Carta and its importance to liberty and the foundation of America, but what was it? What happened and why is it important? Chris Spangle and Matt Wittlief explain it. For podcasts released months in advance and commercial free, video, show notes and reading lists, join. HMP Plus! - https://www.historyofmodernpolitics.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Around the turn of the millennium, in 1000, the power of the Roman Pope began to grow and it led to major consequences for global history. None was more formative four our politics today than the Crusades. Chris Spangle and Matt Wittlief examine the growth of the position's power and the wars that flowed from it. For podcasts released months in advance and commercial free, video, show notes and reading lists, join. HMP Plus! - https://www.historyofmodernpolitics.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

William the Conqueror has taken the throne of England, and the consequences for the English are severe. Once he passes away, things deteriorate until Henry I takes the throne and unites Anglo-Norman and Anglo-Saxon England. Without an heir, the country descends into "the anarchy" upon his death, and we look forward to the House of Plantagenet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The year is 1066. The King of England, known in history as Edward the Confessor, has died with no heir and no defined succession plan. History knows this year as the transition from the Anglo-Saxons to the Normans, but, as many of you may know, there were several competing claims to the throne. Chris Spangle and Matt Wittlief set the stage for the Battle of Hastings and one of the most pivotal years in British history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What are some common misconceptions about the Vikings? In this episode, Chris Spangle and Matt Wittlief detail how interconnected the men of the north were in the politics of "civilized" European politics in the age of the Anglo-Saxons. They also detail the importance of King Alfred in establishing our modern politics. For podcasts released months in advance and commercial-free, video, show notes, and reading lists, join. HMP Plus! - https://www.historyofmodernpolitics.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Spangle and Matt Wittlief look across the channel to the development of France, soon the be England's greatest challenger. Many names like Clovis, Charles Martel, and Charlemagne made a big impact on the political development of Europe, but are little talked about. They also dive into the development of the Catholic Church. For podcasts released months in advance and commercial-free, video, show notes, and reading lists, join. HMP Plus! - https://www.historyofmodernpolitics.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Spangle and Matt Wittlief share the story of the invasion of the Anglo-Saxons in the vacuum of power left by the collapsing Roman Empire as well as the establishment of the Christian church in the British Isles. For podcasts released months in advance and commercial-free, video, show notes, and reading lists, join. HMP Plus! - https://www.historyofmodernpolitics.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Spangle and Matt Wittlief share the story of Cincinnatus, the Crisis of the Third Century, and the splintering of the Roman Empire under Diocletian. For podcasts released months in advance and commercial-free, video, show notes, and reading lists, join. HMP Plus! - https://www.historyofmodernpolitics.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julius Caesar may be the second most famous man in history after Jesus. Why is that? How did he change the Roman government and the course of history? Chris Spangle and Matt Wittlief discuss the shape of Rome and Britain in the Imperial era. For podcasts released months in advance and commercial-free, video, show notes, and reading lists, join. HMP Plus! - https://www.historyofmodernpolitics.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A Northumbrian monk in the 700s creates the British identity and shows us an example of how we ought to think of history. Chris and Matt explain the default state of human organization: the clan and then explain the impact made in our world by the Roman Empire. For podcasts released months in advance and commercial-free, video, show notes, and reading lists, join. HMP Plus! - https://www.historyofmodernpolitics.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bruce Carlson of My History Can Beat Up Your Politics joins Harry Price, Rhinehold, and me on the Chris Spangle Show to discuss the comparison's between Gerald Ford's evacuation efforts in Saigon after Vietnam and Biden's exit in Afghanistan. My History Can Beat Up Your Politics - https://myhistorycanbeatupyourpolitics.wordpress.com/ Saigon Comparisons: The Events of April 29th and 30th, 1975 and Today. - https://myhistorycanbeatupyourpolitics.wordpress.com/2021/08/19/saigon-comparisons-the-events-of-april-29th-and-30th-1975-and-today/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Spangle and Matt Wittlief discuss their new show "The History of Modern Politics." Visit HistoryofModernPolitics.com or JoinWALPlus.com to begin getting episodes in May. Free podcast subscribers will have to wait until 2022! How to listen to the show: https://www.historyofmodernpolitics.com/p/how-to-listen-to-the-show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Spangle and Matt Wittlief discuss the origins of anarchy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices