Papal Elections and Historical Insights

In the wake of Pope Francis’s passing on Easter Monday at the age of 88, the History Extra podcast delves into the intricate process of papal elections and their historical significance. Hannah Skoda, a fellow and tutor in medieval history at St John's College, Oxford, provides an in-depth analysis of the evolution of papal conclaves. She explains that since 1059, the College of Cardinals has been the primary body responsible for electing new popes, a system designed to minimize political interference (09:04). Skoda highlights the dramatic papal election of 1378 as a pivotal moment leading to the Great Schism, where two rival popes emerged, causing immense division within Christendom (09:56). She emphasizes the importance of the 15th-century conciliarism movement, which debated whether authority resided solely with the pope or with church councils, foreshadowing modern discussions about centralized versus collective decision-making.

When Matt Elton inquires about the likelihood of a modern papal schism, Skoda reassures listeners that such an outcome is improbable today. However, she anticipates a vibrant and contentious debate within the current conclave, reflecting the broader spectrum of progressive and conservative viewpoints among potential popes (29:04). This historical perspective underscores the enduring complexities and political maneuverings inherent in the selection of a new pope, mirroring the tumultuous elections of the past but within a more regulated and less fractious framework.

Tariff Troubles: Historical Lessons on Modern Trade Wars

The episode intricately explores the resurgence of global tariffs, particularly focusing on recent high tariffs imposed by the United States on international goods. Frank Trentmann, a professor of history at Birkbeck University of London, draws parallels between contemporary trade policies and historical precedents. He references Joseph Chamberlain’s tariff policies in pre-World War I Britain, noting that Chamberlain’s attempt to implement scientific tariffs ultimately proved ineffective as economic weaponry (03:12). Trentmann points out that modern debates around tariffs are deeply political, viewing economic strength as intertwined with national power rather than purely economic terms (04:00).

Hannah Skoda expands on the historical context by recounting the 1379 murder of Genoese merchant Janus Imperial in London, which was fundamentally a clash between consumer interests favoring freer trade and producer interests intent on maintaining restrictive tariffs through the Calais staple system (06:06). She illustrates how such tensions between consumer and producer power have long shaped trade policies and societal structures.

Rana Mitter, an expert on Modern Chinese history, adds another layer by discussing China's historical engagement with tariffs, highlighting the role of the Imperial Maritime Customs Service established by the British (18:29). She explains how tariff autonomy became a symbol of national sovereignty and resistance against foreign domination, drawing a line to current nationalist uses of tariffs as expressions of national identity.

Trentmann synthesizes these perspectives by asserting that history shows tariffs often fail to sustain themselves as effective economic tools and tend to resurface when hegemonic powers are challenged. He suggests that the current global trade environment, with shifting hegemonies and rising powers like China, is reminiscent of the late 19th and early 20th centuries when Britain’s economic dominance waned (26:53).

First All-Female Space Crew: Celebrating Progress and Reflecting on History

The podcast also celebrates a significant milestone in space exploration: the launch of an all-female crew aboard Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin rocket, marking the first such achievement since Valentina Tereshkova's solo mission in 1963. Rana Mitter reflects on the historical importance of Tereshkova’s flight, noting that despite the progress made, she remains the only woman to have flown solo into space (35:45). Mitter underscores the broader context of the Cold War space race, where Tereshkova became a Soviet icon and a symbol of female capability in a male-dominated field.

Hannah Skoda intriguingly offers a medieval parallel by referencing the apocryphal tales of Alexander the Great ascending to the heavens in a basket powered by birds, as depicted in numerous medieval manuscripts (41:53). She draws a moral lesson from these stories about the perils of excessive ambition and pride, subtly contrasting them with the modern pursuit of space exploration driven by scientific progress and human curiosity.

Mitter humorously comments on Katy Perry’s choice of song during the spaceflight, appreciating her tasteful selection of Louis Armstrong’s “Wonderful World” over her own hit “Firework” (35:45). This anecdote serves to humanize the historic event, blending contemporary culture with the grandeur of space achievement.

Concluding Reflections

Throughout the episode, Matt Elton skillfully navigates through diverse historical topics, weaving together discussions on trade tariffs, papal elections, and space exploration. By integrating expert insights and historical anecdotes, the podcast not only informs but also engages listeners in understanding the complexities of past and present events. Trentmann’s assertion that “historians can tell us more than economists” (26:53) encapsulates the episode’s overarching theme: history provides invaluable lessons and perspectives that transcend immediate economic analyses, offering deeper insights into the socio-political dynamics that shape our world.

Notable Quotes

• Frank Trentmann (03:12): “You can't easily make a tariff work as an economic weapon.”

• Frank Trentmann (04:00): “Economic strength is seen as part of political strength, great power strength.”

• Hannah Skoda (06:06): “Janus Imperial was trying to establish a Genoese trading post in Southampton to bypass the Calais staple.”

• Frank Trentmann (26:53): “Historians can tell us more than economists, because if you believe most economists, tariffs are counterproductive and costly in almost all situations.”

• Hannah Skoda (29:04): “These elections have the potential to be extremely interesting debates in the papal conclave, but hopefully without the results of the 1378 schism.”

• Hannah Skoda (41:53): “Medieval manuscripts telling us that Alexander sailing up into the heavens is the epitome of excessive human pride.”

Conclusion

The episode of the History Extra podcast masterfully intertwines historical analysis with contemporary issues, offering listeners a rich tapestry of insights into how past events and debates continue to influence and inform today's headlines. Whether exploring the enduring complexities of papal elections, the cyclical nature of trade tariffs, or the symbolic achievements in space exploration, the podcast provides a comprehensive and engaging summary that caters both to history enthusiasts and those seeking to understand the roots of current affairs.