The Spanish Empire

In this episode of History 102, Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg delve into critical historical moments and patterns, focusing on the Spanish Empire's unique and often overlooked role in shaping the modern world. This episode challenges common historical narratives by examining Spain's extractive policies, and the consequences of its colonization efforts, including the impact on indigenous populations and the development of an extractive culture that contrasts with other Western societies' developmental paths.

SPONSOR: NETSUITE | SHOPIFY | ORACLE

More than 40,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, the #1 cloud financial system bringing accounting, financial management, inventory, HR, into ONE proven platform. If you're looking for an ERP platform, get a one-of-a-kind flexible financing program on NetSuite: https://netsuite.com/zen - Download your free CFO's guide to AI and machine learning.

Shopify is the world's leading e-commerce platform, offering a market-leading checkout system Shoppay and exclusive AI apps. Nobody does selling better than Shopify. Get a $1 per month trial at https://shopify.com/momentofzen

Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI): Oracle's next-generation cloud platform delivers blazing-fast AI and ML performance with 50% less for compute and 80% less for outbound networking compared to other cloud providers. OCI powers industry leaders like Vodafone and Thomson Reuters with secure infrastructure and application development capabilities. New U.S. customers can get their cloud bill cut in half by switching to OCI before March 31, 2024 at https://oracle.com/cognitive

–

Recommended Podcast: Company Breakdowns

Each episode of Company Breakdowns dives into S-1s and series B-and-beyond companies, interviewing founders and investors to break down the companies. First episode is on Rubrik - which just IPO'd. Coming up this season: Databricks, Reddit + more,

Spotify

Apple

–

This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at [email protected].

–

FOLLOW ON X:

@whatifalthist (Rudyard)

@eriktorenberg (Erik)

@TurpentineMedia

–

HIGHLIGHTS:

Exploring the Roots of Global Inequality

The Formation of the Spanish Empire: From Medieval Europe to Columbus

Columbus' Dark Legacy and the Consequences of Conquest

The Spanish Inquisition: Reality vs. Myth

Extractive Systems and Their Impact

The Conquest of the Aztecs

The Aztec Empire: Conquest and Sacrifice

Cortes and the Fall of the Aztecs

Population Collapse and Cultural Impact

The Inca Empire: Swift Expansion and Spanish Conquest

Exploring the Spanish Empire: Governance and Social Structure

The Decline of the Spanish Empire: Economic Mismanagement and Independence Movements

Recommended Books:

• Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies by Jared Diamond
• Empires of the Atlantic World: Britain and Spain in America 1492-1830 by John H. Elliott
• The Story of the Americas by Leland DeWitt Baldwin
• A History of Latin America by Hurbert Herring
• Forgotten Continent: A History of the New Latin America by Michael Reid