Epic History Newsletter #20 (Patreon)
Content
Dear Patrons,
Welcome to Epic History newsletter number 20! Here's your latest roundup of news and production updates - and one request for help.
3D Poll Results
Last week we held a poll to choose our next 3D video topic. We received nearly 400 votes! And the runaway winner with 60% of the vote was military topography.
So we're going to be looking at one historic battle/campaign in 3D, to explore the decisive effect that terrain can have on military engagements - and there's going to be another vote to decide which one! Currently on the shortlist we have Thermopylae 480 BC, and Monte Cassino 1944. We've also been mulling Omaha Beach, Gallipoli, Quebec and WW1 trench warfare. But we want to hear your suggestions in the comments...
Chinese Pronunciation Expert Sought - UPDATE: position filled!
Are you a native or fluent Mandarin speaker who would like to help us with pronunciation in our upcoming Rise of China series? If yes - please send us a message! We would love to hear from you.
Production Updates
Battle of Trafalgar
I am pleased to say that the climactic episode of Nelson's Battles in 3D is on the way! David is hard at work on the battle's 3D sequences, and we will have this one out in January. Here are a few behind-the-scenes screenshots... (anyone spot the deliberate vexillological error?)
Rise of China
Episode 1 is nearing the finish line. We are just putting final touches on the animation before beginning audio work. Speaking as a relative newcomer to Chinese history, I find this topic completely fascinating, and hope you will too. Episode 1 covers a lot of the context and backstory, the 1911 Revolution, and China's first... and last... democratic elections.
American Revolution
All reading and writing so far, but we expect to have some sneak previews to share soon. In the meantime, we share the stirring words of Patrick Henry of Virginia:
"If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come.
"... I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!"
World War 2
More reading and writing and tweaking of maps. But we will be getting stuck into Episode 1 animation soon. The first video covers 1931 - 1934, and is full of ominous signs. Contrary to the popular impression, there were plenty of people who saw what was coming, but were powerless to stop it. Here's the writer Joseph Roth in 1933, reacting to Hitler's appointment as Chancellor of Germany:
“We are headed for a new war. Do not deceive yourself. Hell reigns.”
One Cool History Thing
In case you missed our post on social media this week, check out this amazing map by Paul Heersink. It shows the locations of nearly 15,000 ships sunk during World War Two (about 75% of the total). This interactive version sorts by nationality, and includes ships’ names, how they were sunk and number of casualties.
That's all for this week, but we'll be back with more updates soon! Thank you for your fantastic support.
Toby