History Archives

President Lincoln and the Civil War (And There Was Light)

How did Abraham Lincoln’s faith inform his view of the Civil War? How did the Emancipation Proclamation contribute to the Union’s war effort? The American Civil War dominated Abraham Lincoln’s presidency. Historian and biographer Jon Meacham discusses Lincoln’s motivations and actions during the war, covering in particular the Emancipation Proclamation, the Gettysburg Address, and the war’s beginning and end. Keep reading to learn about President Lincoln and the Civil War.

Oppression Rebranded: Marxism in Today’s Society

What’s cultural Marxism? How is it different from traditional Marxism? Is it an actual threat to society? Douglas Murray believes that a new ideology of wokeism, intersectionality, and identity politics has gained a foothold in mainstream society and that it’s causing great harm. One of the culprits he points to is the influence of leftist academic ideas such as Marxism. Keep reading to learn Murray’s perspective on Marxism in today’s society.

Why Did FTX Collapse? 3 Precipitating Events on One Day

Why did FTX collapse? What happened on Twitter that got the ball rolling? How did Caroline Ellison make matters worse? Although Sam Bankman-Fried’s cryptocurrency empire skyrocketed in just a few years, its demise was far more sudden and dramatic. Michael Lewis provides an account of the downfall of FTX in his book Going Infinite. Read more to learn how three events on November 6, 2022, led to FTX’s collapse within days.

The Mysterious Case of FTX’s Missing Money (Michael Lewis)

How much money went missing from FTX? Has the mystery been solved? In Going Infinite, financial journalist Michael Lewis provides a rare glimpse into the inner workings of Sam Bankman-Fried’s astounding rise and fall. Lewis shares what’s known about billions of dollars that went missing, including what Bankman-Fried told him about it. Read more to learn about the mysterious case of FTX’s missing money.

The US-China Rivalry: A Battle for Technology

What is the US-China rivalry about? How do the US and China compete with each other? The US-China rivalry is driven by many economic factors, and the development of semiconductor chip technology has been at the center of the conflict. Understanding the basis for this competition offers great insight into the world economy and the evolution of technology. Learn more about the rivalry between the US and China through the lens of technological development and economic history.

The Debate Over Repatriating Artifacts: The 2 Views

Should museum artifacts be repatriated? Who actually owns the artifacts? Are there any legal obligations to return artifacts? A theft scandal at the British Museum has fueled the debate over repatriating artifacts. Those in favor of repatriation say that many objects were stolen or taken unethically. Opponents say museums are the safest places for them and it’s often unclear who they belong to. Below we’ll take a look at both sides of this complex argument.

2 Reasons to Question Sam Bankman-Fried’s Fraud Charges

Updated March 28, 2024 Did Sam Bankman-Fried commit fraud? Did his customers’ money truly end up in someone else’s pockets? Sam Bankman-Fried’s financial empire crumbled in November 2022 when FTX lost nearly $10 billion of its clients’ money. Although he’s charged with various counts of fraud, financial journalist Michael Lewis suggests that the case against Bankman-Fried is less damning than outsiders believe. Keep reading to learn two reasons why Lewis questions Sam Bankman-Fried’s fraud charges.

A History of the Semiconductor Industry in China

When did the semiconductor industry in China take off? How has the industry developed over time? The semiconductor industry in China started with a heavy emphasis on production, and it grew to include design and engineering as well. Understanding the underpinnings of the Chinese semiconductor industry grants insight into the position of China in the international economy. Learn what makes China’s semiconductor industry successful and how it has grown over time.

American Work Culture: How Work Came to Dominate Life

Is your job a big priority in your life? Do you feel pressured to work more and more? In his book The Pathless Path, Paul Millerd discusses the traditional approach to work in America. He points to the historical events that made it popular to prioritize work ahead of everything else. And, he outlines the negative consequences of prioritizing work. Read more to learn how the American work culture came about and the ways it causes harm.

Origins of Woke Ideology: Douglas Murray on 4 Social Shifts

How did wokeism become a major ideology in the West? Does it fill a particular vacuum? How has social media made a difference? In The Madness of Crowds, Douglas Murray explains how woke ideology has gained a foothold in mainstream Western society. He identifies four major societal shifts that he believes influenced these ideological changes. Read more to learn about the origins of woke ideology.