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Battle of Cowpens: A Turning Point in the Revolutionary War — History is Now Magazine, Podcasts, Blog and Books | Modern International and American history
TThe Battle of Cowpens has been called by many as "The perfect tactical battle.” It is also known as the battle that saved the South for the colonial army and the turning point of the United States' War for Independence. And perhaps it's fair to use all of these monikers to describe it. Howe
What's in a Town Name? British Town Names — History is Now Magazine, Podcasts, Blog and Books | Modern International and American history
Every town name tells a story, hidden in plain sight, the suffixes of place names—those last few letters we often overlook are time capsules that reveal the identities of ancient settlers, conquerors, and religious institutions that once shaped the land. Nowhere is this more evident than in Great Br
The USS Panay: The Ship Before Pearl Harbor — History is Now Magazine, Podcasts, Blog and Books | Modern International and American history
The USS Panay Incident played a crucial role in the timeline of the United States' involvement in international affairs in the late 1930s as the world prepared for the Second World War. Yet today, most Americans have never heard of the incident. It is cited as both the first time American Naval ship
How Did Polish Jews Resist the Nazis Prior to the 1943 Warsaw Ghetto Uprising? — History is Now Magazine, Podcasts, Blog and Books | Modern International and American history
When the Nazis invaded Poland in 1939, they had to determine how the increasing numbers of Jews would be controlled. Their temporary solution was to section the Jews off into ghettos, and Jewish methods of resistance must be seen in the context of that environment. Heather Voight explains.
The History of the Crossbow: The Rise, Reign and Resilience of the Crossbow — History is Now Magazine, Podcasts, Blog and Books | Modern International and American history
In the dense stillness of the jungle, a modern soldier crouches beneath the canopy, his weapon of choice silent but deadly. It's not a suppressed firearm or high-tech drone, but a crossbow. Though often considered a relic of medieval warfare, this weapon, which once helped shape the course of empire
The Weight of Liberty: Washington’s Legacy and His Post-Presidency Worries — History is Now Magazine, Podcasts, Blog and Books | Modern International and American history
George Washington is often remembered as the figurehead of the American Revolution. The first President of the United States and Commander and Chief. His leadership was absolutely instrumental in our nation’s founding, his Presidency has continued to be seen as a guiding light among many leaders tod
From Palisades to Castles: The History and Evolution of Fortifications — History is Now Magazine, Podcasts, Blog and Books | Modern International and American history
Throughout history, fortifications have served as physical manifestations of a society's desire for security, power, and territorial control. From the earliest wooden palisades of the Neolithic era to the massive stone castles of the medieval period, defensive architecture has evolved in response to
Sleeping with the Bomb: The Unsettled Legacy of the SS Richard Montgomery — History is Now Magazine, Podcasts, Blog and Books | Modern International and American history
It lies just beneath the surface—literally and figuratively. A rusting American Liberty ship, broken-backed and quietly corroding off the coast of Kent and Essex, barely three miles from Sheerness. To many in the southeast of England, the name Richard Montgomery is familiar, even faintly iconic. Its
Britain’s Unwitting Entanglement in the 1961 US-Backed Invasion of Cuba — History is Now Magazine, Podcasts, Blog and Books | Modern International and American history
The Bay of Pigs Invasion was a failed US-supported landing on Cuba against Fidel Castro’s Communist Cuba in 1961. Here, J.J. Valdes considers Britain’s involvement in the affair.
The Peninsula Campaign and The Seven Days Battles: Part 2 — 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. Here, he considers the final part of the campaign, including the Seven Days Battles.
The History and Development of the Ballista — History is Now Magazine, Podcasts, Blog and Books | Modern International and American history
Throughout ancient military history, the ingenuity of engineers often turned the tide of empires. Among the most fearsome weapons conceived by the minds of Hellenistic and Roman engineers was the ballista, a mechanical marvel that hurled death with frightening accuracy across ancient battlefields an
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