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Remembering the Sorsa Era: A Golden Period for Social Democracy in Finland? — History is Now Magazine, Podcasts, Blog and Books | Modern International and American history
This September is a significant milestone in the history of Finnish democratic socialism; marking the 50th anniversary of the end of the first socialist-led coalition of Kalevi Sorsa. A journalist who went on to work for UNESCO and the Finnish foreign ministry on multiple occasions, while al
The 19th Century Odyssey of Japan’s Nakahama Manjirō — History is Now Magazine, Podcasts, Blog and Books | Modern International and American history
The Tokugawa period of Japan limited foreign trade beginning in the 17th century. For example, Chinese traders were restricted to the port of Nagasaki or through indirect routes like the Ryūkū Islands. Dutch traders also became the only Europeans allowed to enter Japan. Similarly, Japanese people we
The English Longbow: A Weapon that Changed the Course of History — History is Now Magazine, Podcasts, Blog and Books | Modern International and American history
The English longbow, a weapon of understated simplicity and devastating effectiveness, is synonymous with medieval warfare and English military dominance from the 13th to 15th centuries. Crafted from a single piece of yew, over six feet long, the longbow earned legendary status on bloody battlefield
Lessons Learned the Hard Way: The Penobscot Fiasco during the American Revolutionary War — History is Now Magazine, Podcasts, Blog and Books | Modern International and American history
The magnitude of the Patriot disaster at Penobscot Bay was fully realized when the bedraggled survivors staggered back into Boston. An armada of 44 ships carrying Massachusetts militiamen had embarked from Boston on July 19, 1779, to eliminate a small British detachment located 2
Key Weapons in History: The Rise and Fall of the Trebuchet — History is Now Magazine, Podcasts, Blog and Books | Modern International and American history
In the long arc of military history, few siege engines have captured the imagination like the trebuchet. Towering over medieval battlefields with a grace that belied its destructive power, this marvel of pre-modern engineering hurled massive projectiles across moats, over walls, and into the hearts
The Peninsula Campaign and The Seven Days Battles: Part 1 — History is Now Magazine, Podcasts, Blog and Books | Modern International and American history
The American Civil War had a number of critical junctures in 1862. Here, Lloyd W. Klein considers the 1862 Peninsula Campaign and The Seven Days Battles. In part 1 of a 2-part series, he looks at the Peninsula Campaign, including the Battle of Fair Oaks/ Seven Pines.
A Defense of Duels — History is Now Magazine, Podcasts, Blog and Books | Modern International and American history
Duels in the Middle Ages occurred on many occasions. While authorities did not usually like them, they took place for a number of reasons. Here. Jeb Smith offers an explanation on why they occurred – and what they avoided.
Vlad the Impaler: Tyrant, Defender, or Monster? — History is Now Magazine, Podcasts, Blog and Books | Modern International and American history
Vlad III: The Impaler Prince of Wallachia – Tyrant, Defender, or Monster? Vlad III, more infamously known as Vlad the Impaler or Vlad Țepeș, was one of the most feared rulers in Eastern Europe during the 15th century. Born between 1428/1431 in Transylvania into the noble House of Drăculești, a b
How a Stolen Diamond Necklace Helped Destroy the French Monarchy — History is Now Magazine, Podcasts, Blog and Books | Modern International and American history
Forged letters, stolen jewels, a gullible cardinal, a cunning conwoman and an innocent queen left with a shattered reputation … the affair of the diamond necklace had it all. In fact, after Marie Antoinette’s guillotining, Napoleon pinned her downfall on the scandal declaring “perhaps the death of t
To What Extent had a Personality Cult Developed Prior to Lenin's Death in 1924? — History is Now Magazine, Podcasts, Blog and Books | Modern International and American history
Lenin became the most influential person in what was o become the Soviet Union, following the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution. But, to what extent had his cult of personality been developed prior to his death in 1924? Edward Long considers this question.
King Canute: The Medieval King who Ruled Many European Lands — History is Now Magazine, Podcasts, Blog and Books | Modern International and American history
King Cnut (Canute) was a monarch who ruled over one of the most expansive empires in early medieval Europe. A Danish prince who seized the throne of England in the early 11th century, Cnut eventually ruled over England, Denmark, Norway, and parts of what is now Sweden. His story is of military ambit
When A Historical Collision Becomes A Tragedy — History is Now Magazine, Podcasts, Blog and Books | Modern International and American history
The recent collision of the Mexican Training Ship Cuauhtemoc into the Brooklyn Bridge was a tragedy – but it was also a historical collision. Michael Leibrandt explains.
Jesters Throughout History: Humor, Power, and the Politics of Performance — History is Now Magazine, Podcasts, Blog and Books | Modern International and American history
If we look back to the era of kings and queens, there is a common figure lurking in the courtrooms. You’ll find them in taverns, traveling from town to town, or even as far back as Ancient Egypt. These motley characters go by many names, a buffoon, a fool, a jongleur, and most commonly, a jester
King Alfred the Great: Warrior, Scholar, and Father of the English Nation — History is Now Magazine, Podcasts, Blog and Books | Modern International and American history
King of the West Saxons, 871 to 886 CE and King of the Anglo-Saxons from 886 CE until he died in 899 CE. Few rulers in English history have been so richly remembered and widely revered as King Alfred the Great, the 9th-century monarch of Wessex. Crowned during a time of dire crisis, Alfred fought
How a Fake British Military Leader Fooled the Germans During World War 2 — History is Now Magazine, Podcasts, Blog and Books | Modern International and American history
Deception has always been a part of military tactics, from the ancient Trojan Horse to the Gulf War, when Saddam Hussein positioned his troops along the Iraq-Kuwait border, claiming they were on a training mission as a cover-up for his true intentions of invading Kuwait. It was no different during t
Challenging Camelot & King Arthur — History is Now Magazine, Podcasts, Blog and Books | Modern International and American history
There are many old tales that are still spoken of today. And one such tale in British history is Camelot and King Arthur. Here, Sam Davey considers the tale with a modern twist. Sam’s new book, The Chosen Queen! is here: Amazon US | Amazon UK
Dagobert I: The Politically Ambitious 7th Century King of the Franks — History is Now Magazine, Podcasts, Blog and Books | Modern International and American history
Dagobert I ( 603/605-639 CE), a prominent figure in the Merovingian dynasty, ruled as the King of Austrasia (623–634) and eventually as the King of all the Franks (629–639). His reign marked a period of relative unity and administrative consolidation, though it was often marred by political intrigue
The Roman Illyrici Rulers: Strong Soldiers to Stronger Emperors — History is Now Magazine, Podcasts, Blog and Books | Modern International and American history
When asked to picture Roman emperors, many may think of men dressed in glistening togas, perhaps those famous figures to which we owe the months July and August. Others may think of tyrannical figures like the emperor Nero, or the Stoic Marcus Aurelius. What these emperors have in common is the time
Phalaris of Acragas: Tyrant, Innovator, and the Legend of the Brazen Bull — History is Now Magazine, Podcasts, Blog and Books | Modern International and American history
In the sun-scorched landscape of ancient Sicily, where Greek city-states flourished along the coastlines, one ruler's name echoed through time with a mix of awe and horror: Phalaris of Acragas (c. 570–554 BCE). Remembered by posterity as a brutal tyrant and the alleged sponsor of the inventor of one
The Wartime SAS Legend in the Postwar Period: David Stirling — History is Now Magazine, Podcasts, Blog and Books | Modern International and American history
The story of David Stirling is well known. He was one of the founders of the SAS, and he owned a wartime reputation as the Phantom Major which has been written about at length. To this day this legendary status persists although some writers now doubt the authenticity of some of those wartime claims
Major General James Wilson – An Indispensable Man in the U.S. Civil War — History is Now Magazine, Podcasts, Blog and Books | Modern International and American history
Major General James Harrison Wilson served as a Union officer whose impact was felt in various capacities, particularly as an engineer, staff officer, and later as a skilled cavalry leader during the latter stages of the Civil War. His contributions often go unnoticed, despite his involvement in sev
Polycrates of Samos: The Tyrant who Courted Fortune and Tempted Fate — History is Now Magazine, Podcasts, Blog and Books | Modern International and American history
In the swirling mists of early 6th century BCE Greek history, few figures shine brightly and fall as dramatically as Polycrates of Samos. His life reads like a tragic play, a meteoric rise to power, an era of unprecedented maritime dominance, cultural patronage that rivalled Athens, and ultimately,
It’s Not the Flag that Matters. Betsy Ross However, Does — History is Now Magazine, Podcasts, Blog and Books | Modern International and American history
Michael Leibrandt has studied Philadelphia history nearly all of my life. Like many historians — some of the most intriguing storylines to research are the ones that we know the least about. When it comes to the very beginnings of America - much of that history is lost to us now and replaced only
The Last Days of King Louis XVI and the French Revolution — History is Now Magazine, Podcasts, Blog and Books | Modern International and American history
The sun had barely risen over Paris on August 10, 1792, when the bells of revolution tolled once again. The Tuileries Palace, once a regal symbol of monarchical presence, was transformed into a battleground. Armed revolutionaries from the National Guard and radical fédérés stormed the palace, driven
The Battle of the Allia and the Sacking of Rome — History is Now Magazine, Podcasts, Blog and Books | Modern International and American history
The Battle of the Allia and the subsequent sacking of Rome in 390 BCE (or 387 BCE, according to some sources) remain among the most traumatic events in early Roman history. Rome's humiliating defeat at the hands of the Gallic Senones, led by Brennus, exposed its military weaknesses and left a lastin
The Anti-Comintern Pact of 1936 – Was it a Disappointment for Japan? — History is Now Magazine, Podcasts, Blog and Books | Modern International and American history
In 1936, Germany and Japan created the Anti-Comintern Pact agreement. This was an alliance that promised that the two countries would commit themselves to contain the threat of communist expansion presented by the USSR, a country perceived by dictatorships and democracies alike as a major threat. Th
The Modern Greek State: 1975–1996 – Three Elephants, Two Tigers and a Lioness — History is Now Magazine, Podcasts, Blog and Books | Modern International and American history
On March 25, 2021, the Modern Greek State celebrated the 200th anniversary of the War of Independence, which ultimately led to its establishment. It is thus an excellent opportunity to reconsider some of the main events of Greek history over these 200 years and how they shaped the character of moder
Seven Wonders of the Ancient World — History is Now Magazine, Podcasts, Blog and Books | Modern International and American history
The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World are often cloaked in the haze of legend and antiquity, but a strong argument can be made that these structures were indeed real and not mere myths. Terry Bailey explains.
The First Great Battle of the U.S. Civil War’s Western Theater: Shiloh Part 2 — History is Now Magazine, Podcasts, Blog and Books | Modern International and American history
The Battle of Shiloh (April 6–7, 1862) almost ended Generals Grant and Sherman's careers. Instead, it is considered their first great victory, a testament to their tenacity and determination. During the chaotic first day, several Union generals played critical roles in holding defensive positions
The First Qin Emperor Unifies China — History is Now Magazine, Podcasts, Blog and Books | Modern International and American history
In 221 BCE, Qin Shi Huang, the ruler of the state of Qin, completed a monumental achievement in Chinese history: the unification of China. His conquest marked the end of the Warring States period, a chaotic era of fragmentation and incessant warfare between rival states. Through military conquest, p
The First Great Battle of the Us Civil War’s Western Theater: Shiloh Part 1 — History is Now Magazine, Podcasts, Blog and Books | Modern International and American history
The Battle of Shiloh (April 6–7, 1862) almost ended Generals Grant and Sherman's careers. Instead, it is considered their first great victory, a testament to their tenacity and determination. General PGT Beauregard planned a surprise advance and attack at Pittsburg Landing, on the west bank of th
Vikings in the East: From Vladimir the Great to Vladimir Putin — History is Now Magazine, Podcasts, Blog and Books | Modern International and American history
The Origins of a Contested Legacy in Russia and Ukraine In Western Europe, we typically associate Vikings with the storm-tossed waters of the North Sea and the North Atlantic, the deep Scandinavian fjords and the attacks on the monasteries and settlements of northwestern Europe. This popular imag
Bronze Age Collapse - Part 3: After the Storm – The World Reforged — History is Now Magazine, Podcasts, Blog and Books | Modern International and American history
The fall of the Late Bronze Age civilizations stands as one of the most significant and mysterious upheavals in ancient history. Once-thriving societies, known for their vast trade networks, monumental architecture, and bureaucratic governance, experienced a dramatic decline, leading to what is ofte
The Small Town in the American Northeast with an Unfortunate Past — History is Now Magazine, Podcasts, Blog and Books | Modern International and American history
Here, Michael Leibrandt argues that the northeast area of the United States is quite old – and has some fascinating stories. He looks at the story of Centralia, Pennsylvania.
Chicago’s Prohibition Era North Side Wives — History is Now Magazine, Podcasts, Blog and Books | Modern International and American history
Being the wife of a wanted criminal in the 1920s was equal parts alluring and terrifying. You were constantly in danger, or at least your spouse was in danger of being shot on the street or “taken for a ride.” If you chose this life you were probably one of three kinds of woman. Someone who really h
Bronze Age Collapse - Part 2: The Great Upheaval and Cause of the Collapse — History is Now Magazine, Podcasts, Blog and Books | Modern International and American history
The world of the Late Bronze Age was a dazzling network of powerful civilizations, bound together by trade, diplomacy, and shared technologies. As discussed in Part 1, the Hittites, Egyptians, Mycenaeans, and other major powers created an interconnected web of prosperity. Yet, by the end of the 12th
Bronze Age Collapse - Part 1: The World Before the Collapse – A Flourishing Civilization — History is Now Magazine, Podcasts, Blog and Books | Modern International and American history
The Bronze Age, 3000 - 1200 BCE, marked a period of remarkable human progress. Across the Mediterranean and Near East, great civilizations flourished, building empires, advancing technology, and creating extensive trade networks. This era was defined by the widespread use of bronze, an alloy of copp
American Isolationism is Back Again - A Historical View — History is Now Magazine, Podcasts, Blog and Books | Modern International and American history
David Hamilton’s forthcoming book The Enigmatic Aviator: Charles Lindbergh Revisited finds earlier parallels with current events and looks at the ever-changing verdict on Lindbergh. Here, the author considers American isolationism in the context of his new book.
Audrey Hepburn in World War Two — History is Now Magazine, Podcasts, Blog and Books | Modern International and American history
One of the most devastating conflicts in history, the Second World War, touched the lives of millions, its impact also played a huge role in the life of Oscar winning actress, and beloved style icon, Audrey Hepburn. Audrey’s early life was spent in Holland in the midst of the Nazi Occupation where s