An interesting historical story.
On July 11, 1864, Jubal Early’s Confederate army made a stab at Washington, D.C. It was the closest any Rebel army came to the capital in the Civil War. It was the only Civil War battle fought within the boundary of Washington. The city was very well-defended and had Read more
In 1807, tensions were high between Great Britain and the US. One of the causes was impressment. Impressment was the kidnapping of sailors on American ships to force them into the Royal Navy. Some of the impressed seamen were deserters, but others were not. The issue came to bloodshed Read more
Many Americans believe that Ben Franklin performed a kite experiment to discover electricity. Some even think he invented electricity. (Electricity is actually a natural force that can not be “invented.”) According the story, the 42-year-old Philadelphian went in a field during a thunderstorm with his 22-year-old son William. The Read more
Four days after D-Day (June 10, 1944), one of the worst atrocities of WWII occurred in the village of Oradour-sur-Glane in France. It occurred the day after German soldiers had executed 99 French civilians in Tulle. The men were hanged on balconies and lampposts. Read more
Drug use in warfare goes back to the ancient world. Throughout history drugs (which includes alcohol) have been used for various reasons by soldiers. Most commonly, to enhance performance or to keep you awake and alert. They can also be used to reduce appetite and pain. Drugs can help Read more
New Orleans (the biggest city in the Confederacy) fell without a fight in April, 1862. The next goal of the Union army in Louisiana was to participate in the campaign to control the Mississippi River. As Grant advanced on Vicksburg, Gen. Nathaniel Banks decided to campaign through the Bayou Read more
James Andrews had a bright idea. Andrews was known to the Union Army of the Ohio as a purveyor of intelligence about Confederate movements. Intelligence is what Brigadier General Ormsby Mitchel expected when Andrews asked to see him. Andrews had an insane idea, he and some volunteers would hijack Read more
Jesse and Frank James were guerrilla warriors during the Civil War as teenagers. They took part in killing civilians who were supporters of the Union. After the war ended, they naturally turned to a life of crime. They robbed their first bank in Liberty, Missouri on Feb. 13, 1866. They Read more
The popular perception of the Middle Ages is of knights and castles. The knights followed a code of conduct known as chivalry. Knights were to fight fairly (unless they were facing foot soldiers). The code encouraged courage, honor, courtesy, justice, and a readiness to help the weak (if they were Read more
The Triangle Shirtwaist Company occupied the 8th, 9th, and 10th floors of a building in New York City. The company was a sweatshop producing women’s blouses (shirtwaists). 500 women were employed by Max Blanck and Isaac Harris. Most of the women were Italian and Jewish immigrants. They ranged in age Read more