Odd Bits
What Do You Get When You Cross a Boy Scout with a Hippie?
In the 1890s, a grass-roots movement of young men came into existence in Germany. A cross between Boy Scouts and hippies,* they called themselves the Wandervögel, literally the “wandering birds.”** They rejected the strict class system, materialism, and urban life of Germany under the Kaiser and embraced a romanticized ideal of a simpler time when…
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Jonathan Spence and My Introduction to Chinese History
I just learned that eminent Chinese historian (or more accurately, historian of China) Jonathan Spence died on December 25. My world feels a little smaller. I should make it clear that I never took a class with Dr. Spence and never met him personally. Nonetheless, he played a role in my introduction to Chinese history…
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Same Song, New Verse–Another Year of History Nerdery
It’s become a tradition. I devote my first post of the year to writing about the historical topics that I expect will occupy my time in the coming year. It’s a way to put my thoughts in order about the projects ahead. You all are kind to indulge me. This year I could simply…
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