Aaron Mahnke's Cabinet of Curiosities

Episode: Dead Drunk
Release Date: November 28, 2024
Hosted by: iHeartPodcasts and Grim & Mild

Introduction

In the "Dead Drunk" episode of Aaron Mahnke's Cabinet of Curiosities, host Aaron Mahnke delves into two intriguing historical narratives that intertwine the extraordinary with the bizarre. This episode, produced by iHeartRadio and Grim & Mild, encapsulates the essence of the show’s mission: uncovering the unbelievable, the unsettling, and the bizarre stories hidden within history’s vast tapestry. Skipping over the advertisements and promotional segments, the episode primarily focuses on the lesser-known influence of Catherine the Great of Russia on the American Revolution and the catastrophic Great Whiskey Fire of 1875 in Dublin.

First Tale: Catherine the Great and the American Revolution

Timestamp: [00:41] – [05:37]

Aaron Mahnke opens the episode by shedding light on Catherine the Great, a formidable yet underappreciated figure in Russian and global history. Contrary to common American knowledge—or the lack thereof—Catherine was a pivotal force in Russian modernization and had a clandestine impact on the American Revolution.

Key Points:

1. Catherine’s Background and Rule:

   • Originally Sophie from Prussia, Catherine the Great ascended to the Russian throne through marriage.
   • She transformed Russia from a feudal society into a burgeoning imperial power, leveraging Enlightenment ideals to guide her policies.

2. Catherine’s Involvement in the American Revolution:

   • In 1775, during the American Revolution, British Ambassador Sir Robert Gunning approached Catherine seeking military aid for the British against the American colonists.
   • Catherine’s advisor, Nikita Panini, initially gave the impression that Russia might support Britain, fostering a semblance of cooperation between the two monarchies.

3. Catherine’s Rejection and Strategic Move:

   • Contrary to expectations, Catherine dismissed the request, viewing the American Revolution as an embarrassing rebellion.
   • She authored a scathing letter to King George III, declaring, “the American Revolution was... a rebellion which no foreign power supports” ([02:15]).

4. Formation of the League of Armed Neutrality:

   • In 1780, Catherine established a coalition including Denmark, Sweden, Portugal, and the Ottoman Empire, collectively known as the League of Armed Neutrality.
   • This alliance aimed to protect each nation's shipping interests and abstain from taking sides in the war, effectively isolating Britain.

5. Implications of Catherine’s Actions:

   • By denying support to Britain, Catherine indirectly favored the American cause, contributing to Britain's eventual defeat.
   • The formation of the League of Armed Neutrality demonstrated Catherine’s influence in European politics and her strategic acumen.

Notable Quotes:

• Aaron Mahnke reflects on the irony of Catherine’s obscure recognition in America:

  “Perhaps she would have behaved differently if she had known how the future would unfold as centuries later, the United States is Russia's greatest international rival.” ([04:50])

• Catherine’s diplomatic stance is encapsulated in her letter:

  “The American Revolution was... a rebellion which no foreign power supports.” ([02:15])

Insights: Mahnke highlights Catherine the Great’s enlightened leadership and strategic foresight, illustrating how her diplomatic decisions inadvertently supported the American quest for independence. This narrative underscores the interconnectedness of global politics and how individual actions can have far-reaching consequences.

Second Tale: The Great Whiskey Fire of 1875

Timestamp: [07:36] – [End]

Aaron Mahnke transitions to the second tale, recounting the dramatic and tragic Great Whiskey Fire that engulfed Dublin in 1875. This event stands as a testament to how human error and negligence can culminate in widespread disaster, compounded by societal behaviors.

Key Points:

1. Origins of the Fire:

   • The fire ignited at Malone's bonded storehouse in the Liberties, a Dublin neighborhood renowned for its pubs and distilleries.
   • The building housed approximately 5,000 casks of undiluted whiskey and spirits, creating a highly flammable environment.

2. The Blaze Unfolds:

   • Smoke was first observed around 8 PM, leading to a catastrophic chain reaction of exploding casks.
   • The ensuing inferno consumed the building rapidly, unleashing a torrent of flaming liquor into the streets.

3. Chaos in the Streets:

   • The fire disrupted the Liberties, home to tenement houses and livestock pens, resulting in pandemonium as animals and residents fled.
   • A mix of fear and revelry gripped the crowd; some saw the burning whiskey as a bizarre opportunity for revelry, while others attempted rescue efforts.

4. Firefighting Efforts:

   • Captain James Ingram of the Dublin Fire Brigade faced significant challenges, as water was ineffective against the spreading fire fueled by alcohol.
   • In a moment of ingenuity, Ingram's team used manure to smother the flames, a resourceful solution that ultimately contained the blaze.

5. Aftermath and Tragedy:

   • The fire resulted in substantial economic loss, with whiskey valued at approximately 6 million euros (adjusted for inflation) destroyed.
   • Tragically, 13 individuals perished, not from burns or smoke inhalation, but from alcohol poisoning due to consuming the undiluted whiskey.

Notable Quotes:

• Mahnke captures the gravity of the event with a poignant observation:

  “History is full of tragic tales, none deserving of a joke. So let's remember the Great Whiskey Fire of 1875 for what it really was.” ([07:55])

• Describing Captain Ingram’s realization and quick thinking:

  “At that point, Ingram realized he needed something thicker… they dumped onto the street to block the burning liquor.” ([09:10])

Insights: This narrative serves as a cautionary tale about industrial negligence and societal irresponsibility. The Great Whiskey Fire illustrates how a combination of hazardous storage practices and public indifference or opportunism can lead to disastrous outcomes. Mahnke emphasizes the importance of remembering such events not as mere curiosities but as lessons from history.

Conclusion

In the "Dead Drunk" episode, Aaron Mahnke masterfully intertwines two distinct historical events, drawing connections between leadership decisions and societal behaviors. From Catherine the Great’s strategic diplomacy influencing the outcome of the American Revolution to the catastrophic consequences of the Great Whiskey Fire, the episode underscores the intricate and often unforeseen ripple effects of actions taken by individuals and societies. Through engaging storytelling and meticulous research, Mahnke invites listeners to stay curious and delve deeper into the curious corners of history.

Final Thoughts: Mahnke wraps up the episode with a reflective note:

“Oh, how curious history can be.” ([05:37])

This encapsulates the episode’s theme, encouraging listeners to appreciate the depth and complexity of historical narratives that shape our present and future.

Additional Resources

For those intrigued by the stories shared in this episode, the official Cabinet of Curiosities book is available for purchase here. To explore more episodes, subscribe for free on Apple Podcasts or visit curiositiespodcast.com.

Stay curious, and until next time, keep exploring the fascinating and often bizarre tales that history has to offer.