Storytime with the Historists

In this episode Jen leads Matt through the complex tapestry of Latin American history and the military coups that played a significant role in shaping the political landscape for decades. Why should you care about these events? In this episode, we’ll unpack the dynamics of military coups, focusing on Guatemala and Chile, to reveal what these historical events mean for contemporary society and governance. With insights drawn from personal experiences and academic research, you'll gain a deeper understanding of this critical aspect of history.

Show Notes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1V6k7kmgP-J5RJFNYBrLp2P3YjdtmNANa30Ov790487o/edit?usp=sharing

This is a bit of a special episode as we have decided to add an episode to our strategy of tension series based on events that have occurred at the start of 2026. The U.S. is engaging in military incursions and diplomatic interventions  in Venezuela and Cuba respectively. These actions have been justified under what has been called, as of this recording, either the Trump Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine, or the Trump Doctrine. So, let’s get into the history of the Monroe Doctrine.

Show Notes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gyWQ66dhRAUQoaCu9_LX8HmqHqWI_33_4fIQijpu79Y/edit?usp=sharing

Last week we started our investigation of the strategy of tension in Italy by exploring the overt ways in which far-right groups and NATO secret military forces tried to overtly undermine the center-left governments in Italy in the post World War 2 era. This week Jen and Matt pick back up with the P2 Masonic Lodge, bloody bombings campaigns, the kidnapping and assassination of Aldo Moro, and a conspiracy ripped straight from a screen play.

Show Notes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/168-eWVZhsfj3cGqr-C5iMpCbT2ls8kV9qW_0Zh9gKZA/edit?usp=sharing

Works Cited: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wWBlJYbXXbuqbUq6CXZAjXoaYxi7jGT2w3gPrBHsAxk/edit?usp=sharing

Years of Lead Timeline: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wrDp5g5NJnDN-aoCFjV3A6Xx8cll9vKcJsa8_8wrptg/edit?usp=sharing

This episode is for the European history heads! Matt and Jen continue their exploration of the strategy of tension, this time by analyzing the Italian Years of Lead. This event is a true implementation of the strategy of tension, a phrase coined to describe the bloody attacks during Italy's "long 1970s".  Join us as we delve into the complex history of the Italian Years of Lead, exploring the intertwining of conspiracy theories, political violence, and the role of NATO and Gladio in shaping Italy's tumultuous past, the Peteano bombing as a pivotal event that exemplifies the manipulation of political narratives, and the use of violence to suppress leftist movements. This episode highlights the historical context of these events, emphasizing the need for thorough research and fact-checking in understanding the past. If you thought the Weathermen were forgotten, wait until you see what we have dug up for you!

Show Notes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ydU3IyeBhOIhLPtg-t-aT1Hk96SlPeDiCKmATbvfRPs/edit?usp=sharing

Works Cited: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wWBlJYbXXbuqbUq6CXZAjXoaYxi7jGT2w3gPrBHsAxk/edit?usp=sharing

Years of Lead Timeline: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wrDp5g5NJnDN-aoCFjV3A6Xx8cll9vKcJsa8_8wrptg/edit?usp=sharing

In this episode, Matt and Jen delve into the Weather Underground's radicalization and violent actions during the 1970s, explore their motivations, analyze the internal dynamics of the group, and the consequences of their actions, including the tragic Greenwich Village explosion. The discussion also touches on the role of COINTELPRO in monitoring and infiltrating radical groups, and the broader implications of political violence in social movements.

Show Notes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/12jBXBHhFaBswSmfXU7pSN398xvNtNY9mO0jrYEfS8xI/edit?usp=sharing

Works Cited: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UjqOv6_ht-XBrh1vaVncmUjvCwhE0FskMUrFm5ApxbQ/edit?usp=sharing

Abington Ridge Collective: https://soundcloud.com/abingtonridge