Monthly Programs

Map published by Paolo Forlani, 1565

Most months a member will give a presentation, discussing a current work in progress, the research and writing process, or an area of personal interest and expertise. A collegial Q&A ensues, and the speaker can, if they wish, ask for suggestions for improvement in case they will be giving the talk at other venues. These programs are usually held at 2:00 PM on the third Sunday of the month, except for December; exceptions can be made as necessary. A digital projector and screen are available. Another member volunteers to take notes and write a report for the newsletter, or the speaker may provide a synopsis instead.

We try to have a speaker each month, though this is not always possible. Ideally, we schedule the programs as far in advance as possible. Members who are interested in giving a talk or other program (such as a film or exhibit tour) should email president@tihs.org.

Videos of some presentations can be viewed on our YouTube Channel.

Next Monthly Program

Saturday, February 21, 10:00 am, Monthly Program via Zoom.
What Triggered World War One?
A presentation by Dan Kohanski

Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie in Sarajevo shortly before their assassination
Sarajevoinsider.com

It has been over a century since World War One radically altered human destiny, and to this day we still argue over what happened to trigger it. In this presentation, Dan Kohanski suggests that among the causes of the war were the personalities of the leaders of the European great powers and the rise of ethno-nationalism. He examines three specific events: the conversion of the Austrian Empire into the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1867; the Bosnian annexation crisis of 1908-09; and the July crisis of 1914 that ultimately led to war. Dan will conclude by asking us to consider whether and to what degree the world is facing a similar situation today.

Trench warfare in World War One
wall.alphacoders.com

Dan Kohanski is a longtime member of the Institute, and for the past few years has served on the board. Apocryphal Press published his book A God of Our Invention: How Religion Shaped the Western World  in 2023. He recently became interested in the questions of how World War One started and whether something like it could happen again for similar reasons, and since then has been researching the histories and the sources.  
You are welcome to invite friends and colleagues to attend.
The presentation will be recorded, and posted on YouTube. If you don’t want to be on the recording, just make sure your video is off. And please remember to mute your microphone!
You are welcome to invite friends and colleagues to attend.
The presentation will be recorded, and posted on YouTube. If you don’t want to be on the recording, just make sure your video is off. And please remember to mute your microphone!
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