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What would a society without women look like? Any conjecture is fanciful and contrived, but there has been a period in American history where an analogous situation prevailed for a sufficient period to provide thoughtful grist – the settlement of the American West. Fewer than one in twenty pioneers
Coca-Cola is undoubtedly the most famous soft-drink beverage in the world, and we are all intimately familiar with the iconic red, white, and black color combination. But did you know that Coca-Cola at one point shed its iconic color scheme to sneak its way into the Soviet Union? It is honestly d
Few figures in history have reshaped the world map as profoundly as Genghis Khan, (Chinggis Khan), the legendary founder of the Mongol Empire. Born as Temüjin in 1162 near the Onon River in modern-day Mongolia, Genghis Khan forged a legacy through unyielding ambition, military genius, and unparallel
Today, where quiet streets line a suburban Florida neighborhood, a small, bustling town of sorts once stood. When the Everglades were drained in the early 1900s, it created dry land that eventually became host to several Florida cities that were formed in the mid-twentieth century. For many of those
George Armstrong Custer is well-known to every American as a Native American fighter following the U.S. Civil War, particularly highlighted by the events of the Last Stand at the Little Bighorn River, which has become a significant part of American folklore. The leadership he exhibited while command
Peter I of Russia, more famously known as Peter the Great (1672–1725), stands as one of history's most influential monarchs. A towering figure, both literally and figuratively, Peter reshaped Russia into a modern empire, expanding its territorial reach, and left an indelible legacy that transcends b
There are many things that can be learned from studying the history of other parts of the world, but just what can the American city of Philadelphia learn from Medieval France and Paris’ Notre Dame Cathedral? Michael Leibrandt considers this question.
War is full of unlikely stories, isn't it? But what happened at Castle Itter in May 1945 almost defies belief. Imagine this: American soldiers, disillusioned German troops, and French political prisoners standing shoulder to shoulder to fend off a Waffen-SS attack. It sounds like something out of a
Julius Caesar, born in 100 BCE, remains one of history's most celebrated and controversial figures. A military genius, a shrewd politician, and a man of undeniable ambition, Caesar reshaped the Roman Republic and laid the foundation for the Roman Empire. His life, filled with dramatic conquests and
The Battle of Gettysburg during the U.S. Civil War is usually considered a victory for the North; however, alternative arguments can be made. Here, Jeb Smith considers whether Gettysburg was really a major defeat for the Confederacy.
In February 1910, a group of six friends played a prank on the British Navy. Newspapers proclaimed it the Dreadnought hoax after the battleship that they targeted. Among the group was Virginia Stephen. She later became known as Virginia Woolf; author of such classics as Mrs. Dalloway (1925), To the
Themistocles (524–459 BCE), (Θεμιστοκλῆς (Themistoklēs)), is a name that resonates through history as one of the most influential political and military figures of Ancient Greece. Known for his astute political acumen and strategic brilliance, Themistocles helped shape the course of Greek and Wester
The Salvation Army (the Army) is predominantly known as an international charitable organization. For over a million people worldwide, it is an Evangelical church with its own distinctive polity and practice, owing its heritage to British Methodism and American Revivalism. Less well-known is that be
During the U.S. Civil War, the North and South treated minority groups in different ways – and some of these may be surprising to readers. Here, Jeb Smith looks at how the North and South treated Catholics, Jews, and Native Americans during the Civil War period.
The Battle of Aspern-Essling, fought on May 21nd and 22st, 1809 marked one of the most significant land engagements of the Napoleonic Wars and the first major setback for Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte on the battlefield. Terry Bailey explains.
Thousands of political science books and magazines discuss the idea of democratic transformation. For example: how can a country once under authoritarian rule, transform from that to individual and democratic rule? And what do we truly know about dictatorships? Can a democratic country transform i
The headgear worn by soldiers during the Civil War presents a fascinating topic. Before the adoption of metal helmets for cranial protection, hats played a significant role in denoting rank, indicating branch of service, and serving as a means of personal expression, as exemplified by the distinctiv
The Normans were one of the most dynamic forces of the Middle Ages. Famous for the conquest of England and throughout the Mediterranean, these Viking descendants of Northern France proved a dynamic force to be reckoned with from the borders of Scotland to the Holy Land. But while the Normans maintai
The Battle of the Nile, fought from the 1st of August to the 3rd of August, 1798, stands as one of the most decisive naval engagements in European history. It marked a turning point in the French Napoleonic expansion, showcasing the strategic brilliance of Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount N
The female power suit is more than just a fashion statement; it is a symbol of women's evolving role in society and the workforce. From its origins in the early 20th century to its status as an iconic representation of female empowerment today, the power suit has undergone significant transformation
Charles Darwin’s contribution to science stands virtually without peer. He was a colossus in the field of evolutionary biology. He was also a gentleman, a husband, and an invalid. Lyn Squire, author of Fatally Inferior (Level Best Books 2024 –
The Medieval period, also known as the Middle Ages, began with the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 CE. This marked a significant shift in European history as centralized Roman authority collapsed, leading to a fragmentation of power among various kingdoms and tribes. A number of events wo
The Civil War was fought by the opposing forces of the Union and the Confederacy, often referred to by their respective colors, the Blue and the Gray. Following the Battle of First Manassas, it became evident to both factions that the ability to distinguish between allies and adversaries was essenti
In spite of the Confederacy’s desire to preserve slavery, a number of African Americans actually supported the Confederates during the U.S. Civil War. Here, Jeb Smith looks at a wide range of ways that African Americans supported the Confederacy from financial support to the military.
The Battle of Bairén, fought in the late 11th century, was a significant encounter between the forces of Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, famously known as El Cid, and coalition armies on both sides. Set against the backdrop of the Reconquista, this battle unfolded near the coastal region of Bairén (near pres
On January 13, 1396, the House of Plantagenet was spiraling. A controversial marriage had just taken place in Lincoln Cathedral. John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster defied all reason and reputation to marry his long-time mistress, Katherine Swynford. Though most mistresses throughout English history di
Thousands of political science books and magazines discuss the idea of democratic transformation. For example: how can a country once under authoritarian rule, transform from that to individual and democratic rule? And what do we truly know about dictatorships? Can a democratic country transform i
The Battle of Gaugamela (Γαυγάμηλα), or Battle of Arbela (Ἄρβηλα), fought on the October 1, 331 BCE, was a turning point in ancient history, marking Alexander the Great's decisive victory over the Persian Empire and solidifying his place as one of history's greatest military tacticians and strategis
The Industrial Revolution marked a huge change in history. It turned slow handwork into fast machine production and changed economies, cities, and societies in many places. For those who want to know how this time shapes our world today, Industrial Revolution books offer rich insights. They provide
Louis Wigfall serves as a compelling character within the context of political leadership. Often, we associate the origins of our political figures with their achievements in finance and business, which are perceived as essential for a successful political trajectory. However, Louis Trezevant Wigfal
During the Franco-Prussian War, Paris was under siege, cut off from communication, and facing dwindling supplies. In a daring move, Parisians took to the skies with gas-filled balloons to carry mail, people, and news across enemy lines. These flights, though dangerous and often unpredictable, became
The Battle of Carrhae, fought in 53 BCE between the Roman Republic and the Parthian Empire, unfolded on the plains near the town of Carrhae (modern-day Harran in Turkey) with catastrophic results for Rome. Terry Bailey explains.
By late 1975, in the quiet hill station of Shillong, many high ranking officials from the Indian government gathered to sign a document that was meant to end one of the longest-running insurgencies in Asia. This Accord, however, simply meant as a ceasefire agreement between the Government of India a
Ever since watching Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, starring Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman, the author loved the tales surrounding Robin Hood. While exaggerated, stories like these derive from historical events revealing a great deal about the people who wrote and enjoyed them. It tells us their h
Reginald Victor Jones, known as R.V. Jones, was one of Britain's most brilliant scientific minds during the Second World War. His unparalleled contributions to intelligence, particularly in countering the Luftwaffe's technological advancements, earned him a prominent place in the history of science
It seems accepted that today’s political atmosphere is more divisive, caustic, and contentious than any since the Civil War. But from research for the author’s book, Manny Shwab and the George Dickel Company ( Amazon US | Amazon UK ), at least in Tennessee, the late 1880s through
His body rests at Cypress Lawn Cemetery near San Francisco where he died in 1860. His head sits at the Warren Anatomical Museum in Boston. Here, Terry Hamburg tells us about a man who suffered a brain injury and the changes it caused – Phineas Gage.
Sir Barnes Neville Wallis, CBE, FRS, RDI, FRAeS, born on Septembe, 26, 1887 in Ripley, Derbyshire, is often remembered for his role in the development of the famous "bouncing bomb" during the Second World War. However, his contributions to science, engineering, and aeronautics extend far b
Britain possesses over sixty hill figures of varying size and design that are carved into her hillsides. They invite both admiration and curiosity. Most are laid out on hillsides that have underlying chalk foundations. These figures are so huge that that they can be viewed from miles around and are
Candidate Donald Trump thrust immigration issues at the Southern border into the forefront of American politics in the early weeks of the 2016 presidential campaign. But even then, the issue was not new. Joseph Bauer, author of Sailing for Grace (Running Wild Press 2024), expl