History Matters

Thoughts, opinions and commentary on all things historical.

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How Broken Windows Broke Policing

Rudy Giuliani’s ‘zero tolerance’ attitude to community policing was rooted not in right-wing talking points, but in the liberal politics of the Civil Rights era.

Fallen Idols

In the ancient world, statues were not symbols of virtue and could take revenge on those who attacked them.

Obituary: Justin Champion

Justin Champion, Professor of the History of Ideas at Royal Holloway University of London, died peacefully on 10 June, aged 59.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer: A Modern Martyr

Dietrich Bonhoeffer was one of the earliest establishment figures to denounce the Nazi regime. In April 1945, his quiet resistance led him to the scaffold.

Breathing Easily

The ancient world found ingenious solutions for protective equipment in the workplace – but did its workers benefit?