History Archives

Linking Natural Resources and Wealth: For Richer or Poorer

Do natural resources make a country wealthy? What if natural resources are the primary driver of a nation’s economy? A key factor of geography theory is access to natural resources—everything from farmable land to oil to fresh water. These resources can determine whether a nation becomes rich or poor. But, it’s not necessarily a straightforward proposition. Continue reading to learn about the complex link between natural resources and wealth.

Geographic Inequality: How Resources & Topography Impact Wealth

When are natural resources a detriment rather than a benefit to a nation? How can the presence of a coastline make a country richer? The geography theory of international inequality argues that differences in the physical locations of countries determine—or at least strongly influence—their economic success. Proponents of this theory point to two main geographical factors: natural resources and topography. Read more to learn about these factors that can lead to geographic inequality among nations.

Linking Culture and Economy: 3 Values That Affect Wealth

Why do Protestant nations generally have more wealth? Why did the American South develop more slowly than the North? It’s no secret that some countries and regions have more wealth than others, but it’s not always obvious why that is. Proponents of cultural theories of inequality argue that three cultural values contribute to whether a nation is rich or poor. These are work ethic, openness to new ideas, and public trust. Read more to learn about the intriguing connection between culture and economy.

Why Are Some Countries Poor and Others Rich?

Why are some countries poor and others rich? Is it the result of factors and circumstances determined long ago—or of contemporary political and economic decisions? Historians, economists, and others have pondered these questions for centuries. We’ll outline the four causes of the global wealth gap that several of these analysts propose: geographical differences, cultural differences, political differences, and exploitation. Read more to learn why some countries have more wealth than others.

Elon Musk’s Early Career: How He Made His First Fortune

What did Elon Musk study in college? Why didn’t he get an advanced degree? How did he become a millionaire? From the start, Elon Musk intuited a path that would align his skills and interests with his later successes in life. He used a solid educational grounding to create not one, but two successful software companies that propelled him to millionaire status. Read more to learn about Elon Musk’s early career.

Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson: Book Overview & Takeaways

What was Elon Musk’s childhood like? How did he start his career? What’s his management style? Walter Isaacson followed Elon Musk around for two years, gaining intimate access to his thoughts and activities. He interviewed those closest to him, including people now cut off from Musk’s circle. Musk exerted no editorial control, letting Isaacson draw his own conclusions. Continue reading for an overview of Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson.

Twitter Under Elon Musk: The Rocky Road From “Twitter” to “X”

How has Twitter changed since Elon Musk purchased it? Why have many advertisers left the platform? Is it at risk of collapsing? By taking over Twitter, Elon Musk triggered a seismic shift in the social media landscape. The culture at Twitter and Musk’s leadership style were diametrically opposed in almost every way, resulting in a clash of ideals that upended the character of the social media platform. Keep reading to learn about Twitter under Elon Musk, according to biographer Walter Isaacson.

Elon Musk’s Early Life: From South Africa to North America

What kind of abuse did Elon Musk experience in his childhood? How did he first make money? Why did he move to North America? The insightful yet combative nature that would come to define Elon Musk later in life had its roots in his upbringing. His childhood was shaped by early trauma, compounded by the difficulties caused by his neurodivergence. Read more to learn about Elon Musk’s early life, from South Africa to North America.

Ron Chernow’s Grant: Book Overview of the 18th US President

What’s Ron Chernow’s book Grant about? Why is Ulysses S. Grant’s life as president of the United States and general during the Civil War so fascinating? In Grant, Ron Chernow assesses Grant’s role in the Civil War, his accomplishments as president, and his struggles with alcohol use. His aim is to restore Grant’s reputation, which was demolished due to corruption and scandals. Read below for a brief Grant book overview.

How the Sons of Temperance Impacted Ulysses S. Grant

Who were the Sons of Temperance? How did the Sons of Temperance help Ulysses S. Grant with his alcohol problem? Ulysses S. Grant dealt with unhealthy alcohol use throughout his life. He eventually joined the Sons of Temperance, a national brotherhood that took a vow of sobriety. Check out how joining the Sons of Temperance affected Grant.