Young History

The most populous nation in the world, the home of Hinduism and Buddhism and the place literally called the subcontinent. This massive nation is home to many of the world's most well known religions, and dozens of cultures. The history of this nation stretches back at least 5000 years. One of the world's first advanced civilization's is the name sake for this country. There are over 2 dozen states, and 1.4 billion people in this nations; whatever I say about this nation will never be enough but today I try to tell its story. This is the last episode in this series. This is India.

In part 2 we explore the era of Mao and how he shaped created some of the most influential (for better or worse) policies in the nation. The story of the CCP system, modern problems and the rise of Xi Jinping. The most notable yet hidden event of the era is the Tiananmen Square Massacre, which I do mot shy away from. In the final part of this history learn all about the modern nation. This is China.

In the ancient land of east Asia is a nation that embodies history to its very core. Every architectural, cultural, militaristic and social marvel of this nation has a strong connection to its unique history. The story of how this nation went from the ancient empire to the CCP is perhaps the most interesting history in the world. There is no nation that has a longer and consistent connection to its roots. This is the 2nd most populous nation on the planet, and the home to so much more. This is China.

In the Western Hemisphere lies a nation of absolute magnitude. This nation has the largest population on its side of the globe. It has the best military and economy in the world. This nation is also home to at least one enclave of every other nation's population in the world. The story of this nation is a long and tumultuous one but it is without a doubt the most important nation in the modern world. This is The United States of America.

Just below the land continent of Asia is an archipelago that spans the length of Spain to Moscow. This nation is the largest geographic and most populous muslim nation on Earth. This nation has a long history of great empires, ethnic formation and the rise of different people groups. This nation is currently going through many changes in its rhetoric as it hopes to be one of the most successful nations in Asia. This nation is also one of the fastest growing economies in that continent and may end up as the largest. This is Indonesia. 

Massive mountain ranges, devotion to faith and one of the earliest human civilizations call this land home. The nation we study today is one of the largest muslim nations in the world. This nation's history is rich with ancient empires, nomadic people groups and faith bringingers. This nation is heavily scrutinized because of its position against the western world but that's only half of the story. Today this nation has a story of perseverance and pride in the face of homogenization. This is Pakistan.

If there is a nation in Africa that can be used as the gateway to African culture and history it is this one. This nation had some of the world's earliest and most advanced civilizations within its borders. Dozens of massive and unique people groups call this land home. Today, those people groups share their histories and compete for representation in this amalgamation of cultures. This nation faces deep corruption in a place where so many kinds of people need to be represented. This nation is growing rapidly and will have to adapt to all the changes that come with the growth. This is Nigeria.

The largest and most influential nation in South America is our focus of today. The only nation in South America swept up in the Portuguese realm has a history that is very different from its neighbors. This nation broke away from colonial rule in the least bloody independence war in all of Latin America. Today this nation has not only the largest but also the most diverse population in South America. There is a long list of problems across this nation but the citizens will not stand by without a solution. This is Brazil. 

East of the massive subcontinent that is India lies a nation with similar history but through a different lens. This nation is about the size of Florida but has 170 million people in it. This nation is muslim to the core as it the religion intersects almost every aspect of the culture and it is the reason this is an independent nation. This nation has become one of the global leaders in manufacturing which has changed it from the 2nd poorest nation on earth to the fastest growing economy in less than 80 years. This is Bangladesh. 

The Motherland, the land of the Rus, The Largest Country in the World. This nation is an arctic tundra that has been one of the most influential nations across all of Eurasia. This nation has seen the invaluable influence of the Mongols, the vikings, and has influenced dozens of people groups. This nation was the heart of the Soviet Union and today holds dozens of republics within its massive borders. This is Russia.

In the southern hearth of North America is a massive nation with history just as expansive. This nation saw some of the earliest colonial influence from nations like Spain, France and the US. Before that some of the most sophisticated civilizations in the pre industrial world called this nation home. This nations is a beacon of independence, great cuisine, deep rooted culture and so much more. This is Mexico.

Samurai, Shogun, Feudal Lords and Cultural Globalization define this nation. This is one of the most famous nations in the world for its history. This nation has a storied culture that is expressed through unique art, music, sports and comics. This nation has the story of recovery and expansion after it was isolated for a century and then one of the strongest countries within that century. This is the land of the rising sun, this is Japan. 

In Asia Pacific lies an Archipelago with a long history of different people groups, nations and resilient moments. This nation has seen influences from Europe and the US which have made it a home to boxing, catholicism, and a plethora of other cultural features that are unique in this area. This nation has 3 of the top 5 most densely populated cities in the world. This nation has a massive population and it is not declining anytime soon. This is the Philippines.  

The beacon of African independence, the first Christian kingdom, and the home of coptic Christianity, is our focus for today. This nation is a very historical country that has seen millennia of changes and influences to weather. In the fact of colonialism and internal conflict this nation has maintained its culture. This is Ethiopia.

The term history may have been created to describe this nation. The most famous landmarks, structures, leaders and events all happened here. Since all of us were little kids we have studied this nation but today I hope to go deeper than ever before. This is the land of pyramids, pharaohs and the sphinx. This is Egypt

The final boss of Southeast Asia is our nation of today. This country has a culture with roots connected to the religions of India and the governance of China. Resistance, rebellion and grit have all defined this nation for centuries because of how much oppression the citizens have seen. This nation fought one of the longest and bloodiest wars of the 20th century against the US, and somehow came out on top. Since then this nation has evolved into a manufacturing giant and economic leader. This is Vietnam.

In the very heart of Central Africa is a nation of jungles, materials and a massive river. this nation has truly seen some of the worst moments in human history. This nation also had the largest open conflict since WW2. Today one of the worst humanitarian crisis lies within these borders all because of cobalt. This is The Democratic Republic of the Congo

Home to over one hundred million people is a massive peninsula that has connected thousands of people groups across history. From the legendary stories of Persia to the modern politics of this nation, there has not been a dull moment. Oh, this nation was also the home of the Ottoman empire. This nation has many names Anatolia, Asia Minor, and the one we know it as today, This is Turkey.

Innovation, Romanticism, and Mastery can all be used to describe this nation. here is one of the most important forefathers of Europe. This nation has led in every measurable stat across this continent. Horrendous acts of terror and disgust have been committed by this nation. Simultaneously, this nation had the greatest comeback into a main stage of Europe. This is Germany

Persia, the land of great empires and cross continental influence. However that is not the nation of today. In present, this nation is an islamic republic with a big reputation for the way it starts and ends regional conflicts. This nation is Shia in nature which means it has a lot of conflict with the Sunni muslim nations and pretty much the entire western world. Nonetheless, this nation is a bulwarks of culture that has withstood multiple millennia of change. This is Iran.

In the heart of Western Europe is a nation that can be called the yolk of modern Europe. This nation had the first major ruler of post-Roman Europe, Charlemagne. When thinking of the word culture, this nation comes to mind. Not only did this nation birth the Creole, Cajun, Acadian,  and Quebecian cultures of North America but also birthed the culture of modern Europe in many ways. This nation also set the revolutionary tone in Europe when it became the first one to overthrow an absolute monarchy in the late 1700s. Since then this nation has become famous for its resilience, resistance, culture, cuisine and tourism. This is France.

In a special set of isles just north of Europe is a united nation of 4 different states. This small group of islands has effected more nations than any other one in history. This nation is a bulwark of history, empire building, and global influence. From glorious triumphs to horrendous terrors this nation had led in both. This is the United Kingdom.

Stretching into Malay is a nation of great influence in Southeast Asia. This nation has a deep rooted culture that has maintained a balance between hindu and buddhist influences for generations. This nation is famous because it is the only southeast asian country to completely avoid European colonialism through diplomacy and war. This nation continued that same system for generations which made it a politically diverse and strong nation. Today, this nation is a hub of culture, cuisine and people that gets millions of visitors a year. This is Thailand.

On the southern tip of the African continent lies a nation with some of the most divisive histories in the world. This nation is called the rainbow nation for its diversity but has the worst history of oppression in all of Africa. This nation has the largest, most diverse and most advanced economy in all of Africa. Some of Africa's most important figures emerged from this nation. History has been very unkind to the people of this nation but that history is the backbone of this nation today. Today this nation is dubbed with the very unfortunate name of: The most unequal country in the world. This is South Africa. 

On the mighty Swahili Coast is a nation of great influence and great history. This nation is the origin point for the language Swahili or Kishwal because of the Omani-Bantu interactions that happened here. Since then this nation has seen a lot of interaction, trade and attacks from the outside world. There have also been some of the largest resistance movements in Africa within this land. Hundreds of different people groups have lived in this land and left behind a lasting culture. This is Tanzania.

Perhaps the most well known history in the world lies within this nation. Since its early days as a peninsula filled with small towns to one of the most visited nations in the world, this country has had a lot of history. This nation produced one of the world's greatest empires that dominated for an elapsed 2000 years and set the tone for the rest of European history. Great food, art, goods and a beautiful language call this place home. This is Italy. 

Dr. Steven Noll is a history professor at the University of Florida, go gators, and teaches a variety of subjects from Florida and US history to the history of Diversity and disability. He has a PHD in American history, a Master of Arts and Master of Education. He is an author of Feeble-Minded in our Midst: Institutions for the Mentally Retarded in the South, as well as two author titles. He has worked closely with the mentally challenged community in Florida and hopes to educate people on how that can be done.

In the mountains region of Southeast Asia, lies a nation of many cultures and names. This nation has been influenced by buddhism, hinduism and many different ethnic groups. This nation saw some of the most successful dynasties of the region rule a large area. There were also many eras of invasion and colonization that affected this history in many ways. The people of this nation also launched a lot of resistance movements to gain proper representation throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. This is Myanmar.

In the mountainous northern region of the Andes lies a nation that has been at the forefront of major changes in South America. This nation was one of the first in South America to break away from Spaniard domination. This nation then had decades of major wars, political deliberation and cultural development. This nation has produced global superstars in music, sport and more. Despite that the most famous drug lord in the world dominated this nation in the 80s and 90s. This is Colombia.

On the coast of East Africa is a nation that acts as the beating heart of the region. This nation is famous for its people groups, history and culture. This nation's capital is today called the Silicon Valley of Africa. This nation has a lot of geographic landmarks and other great things to explore but nothing is as unique as the many people groups that shape the nation. This is Kenya. 

In the far east lies a peninsula that has recorded some of the most unique stories of all time. There are two nations on this peninsula that have developed into completely different countries. In the south is a storied democracy that has been formed through great military leadership, unique business practice and resistance at any time it was needed throughout history. This nation has become a massive global exporter of culture. From music and food to movies and cosmetics. This is South Korea. 

This is simply one of the most influential nations in history. This nation started The Reconquista, The Crusades and The Age of Discovery. This nation has felt unique influence as an Umayyad territory, and left great influence as the Kingdom of Castile. This nation has been recording history for 3 millenia and has always been very interesting. From the earliest peoples, to powerful dictators, and to modern beauty, this nation has seen it all. This is Spain. 

Our nation of today is one of the most unique in all of Latin America. The population, languages, history and culture in this southern nation heavily juxtapose the story of most other latin nations. This nation was at the forefront of the independence movement in the 1800s, and has led in many other areas since. Industrialization, cultural homogenization and other controversial steps were taken first in Argentina. There are a lot of very high claims and successes of this nation but there have also been major blights especially regarding racial mistreatment and misconduct during WW2. This is Argentina.

One of the most famous and influential east African nations is this one that borders Lake Victoria. This nation spent many periods under different powerful rulers from the influence of Ancient Egypt all the way to the British Empire. This is a hearth of African music and dance. This nation does presently face democratic corruption which has gripped the nation for a long time. This is Uganda. 

This nation is the largest country in Africa by total geographical area. This nation has housed many of history's greatest influencers such as the Roman empire, Christian missionaries, many islamic caliphates and the French Empire. This nation possesses a lot of culture from its time as a french colony, roman colony and ottoman one. Today this massive nation leads North Africa in its influence with regional affairs. This is Algeria. 

Quite literally the oldest nation in the world. This nation once housed Mesopotamia, the oldest grand civilization in the world. Since then this nation has been many things: A home for islamic knowledge, the hearth of many empires and a victim of American Politics. This nation has fallen into a place of deeply rooted issues that have been exploited or implanted by foreign powers. Nonetheless, the history and culture of this nation have continued to persevere through any great tragedy. This is Iraq. 

Formerly the largest country in Africa, this nation has had millennia of history. For centuries this land was inhabited by the Nubians, a great ancient people that worked with and rivaled the pharaohs of Egypt. Since then this nation has evolved with religions like christianity and Islam. This nation has represented a swathe of colonial influences that have happened in north central Africa for thousands of years. This is Sudan.

The Great White North is the famous (and accurate) nickname of this country. Dozens of indigenous people groups formed the backbone of the culture in this frozen heartland. Hundreds of years of cultural formation went into this country becoming the one it is today. This nation has seen both World Wars, rapid development and the creation of a unique dual identity in just one century. With tonnes of maple syrup, moose and land this nation is very unique. This is Canada. 

Lying in the slavic east of Europe is possibly the most resilient nation in history. For thousands of years this land has been inhabited by different peoples who have left their cultural influence world wide. This nation has been the home of great victories; this land once had the largest state in Europe, the strongest heavy cavalry and one of the first constitutional monarchies. This nation suffered millions more casualties than every other nation during the holocaust and WW2. Despite a history of struggle and conflict this nation is eastern Europe's best success story. This is Poland. 

In the northwestern corner of Africa is a nation that has been a cornerstone of North African culture for millennia. Only a stone's throw away from Spain and the Strait of Gibraltar, this nation has had a lot of European influence over the last 1000 years. Islam, France, Spain and many other great influences shaped this land and its culture. This country is truly stunning in every way and its history is just as detailed. This is Morocco. 

Two years ago I covered the entire history of this nation from its origins to the invasion from Russia in 2022. This nation has since faced off against one of the latest powers in the world in a war backed by the rest of the world. This nation is filled with strong willed citizens who have refused to back down in the face of death. Once again, this is Ukraine. 

This nation is the beating heart of Central Asia. The people who call this nation home have shaped and influenced the history of central asia for almost 3000 years. This nation has cities like Smarkand and Bukhara which marked the connecting point between the east and west on the silk road. Beyond that, this country has a unique culture that shows shades of Mongolian, nomadic, Turkic and Persian influence. This is Uzbekistan.

Bordering great powers like Pakistan and China is a nation once dubbed the graveyard of empires. This nation produced the Bactrians, Pashtuns, and many other great people groups that influenced hundreds of years of central asian history. This nation battled great empires like the Soviet Union, The British Empire and many ancient powers. This nation has persevered through many years of war in the 21st century and has held tightly onto its storied culture. This is Afghanistan. 

This nation lies across the two sides of the South China Sea. On both sides of this nation there has been thousands of years of human history that shaped the nation into what it is today. This nation was influenced by great maritime empires like the Srivijaya and global ones like the British. In the time since this country gained independence it has become one of the most well developed in the world. No matter the internal and external battles this nation has fought it has continued to grow for the last 60 years. This is Malaysia. 

Perhaps the single most unique borders belong to this nation. With over 4000 KM of in length this nation is longer than the US is wide. This is a latin nation that has felt massive influence from Spain, the US, and many of its neighbors. Despite a lot of this influence this land has had a unique culture defined by the indigenous Mapuche people and the modern residents. This nation has held a prideful warrior culture, a powerful mercantile system and a period of rapid development. This is truly one of my favorite nations in the world, this is Chile. 

On the southwestern coast of Africa is a lusophone nation with a unique history. This nation was conquered by both Portugal and the Netherlands but never lost who it truly was. This nation embodies resistance and nobody in the nation did more than Queen Nzinga. Since then this nation fought a brutal war for independence, a lengthy civil war and faced decades dominated by the same leader. Today, this nation is deeply ridden with inequality but there seems to be a brewing effort towards change. 

On the powerful coast of East Africa is a nation that has influenced the world around it for a millennia. The coast of this nation was home to generation defining trade and the development of the unique Swahili language. This is a lusophone that is defined by its deep connection to Portuguese culture. Over the last 6 decades this nation has fought in civil wars and revolutionary ones to change the trajectory of its future. This is Mozambique.

In the heart of the Middle East is a peninsula that birthed a prophet who has influenced bllions since he lived. The history of this nation dates back at least 12,000 years; in that time the greatest ancient, medieval and modern civilizations have interacted with this nation. In the modern age, a family emerged in the desert that is now the most powerful on the planet. The modern nation is influential, rich, deeply dynastic and incredibly diverse. This nation stands at the foreground of the future, for better or for worse. This is Saudi Arabia. 

In the southern point of the Arabian peninsula is a nation named for that same location. This nation has seen millennia of history that dates back to ancient times and ancient civilizations. The culture, food, coffee and nature in this country are all unique to this space alone. However, beneath this beauty is a nation of deep division, struggle and abuse. For nearly a decade this nation has been divided between civil war lines that reflect a tumultuous history of different peoples. This is Yemen. 

On the coast of West Africa is a nation that represents the very heart of the region. This area has been inhabited for millennia by hundreds of different people groups. The Fon, Fante and the mighty Asante have all made this land their home. The Asante formed the great Ashanti confederation and then made an empire that is still spoken of to this day. This nation pushed through European colonialism and emerged as the first African nation to break into independence. This nation has seen the highest parts of freedom and struggles with external abuse. This nation is strong, storied and unique. This is Ghana.

Lying on the west coast of the great African continent, is a nation that holds cornerstones of African history. This nation is famed for its coastal riches and people that have lived there. This nation has seen the great empires of Africa like the Mali and Songhai as well as the colonial powers of Europe. Throughout hundreds of years of change the culture and people of this nation have remained strong. This is Cote D'ivoire