Category: Odd Facts
The Bremen Six – How a Gang of New York Troublemakers Struck America’s First Blow Against Hitler
“The global struggle against Nazi Germany began on the deck of a German luxury liner docked at Pier 86 on the Hudson River waterfront.” By Peter Duffy LATE IN THE evening of July 26, 1935,…
Smack Down – How the ‘Patton Slapping Incident’ Nearly Cost America One of its Greatest Generals
“Firm and drastic measures are at times necessary… but this does not excuse brutality, abuse of the sick, nor exhibition of uncontrollable temper in front of subordinates.” — Gen….
The Fenian Raids — How an Army of Irish-American Civil War Vets Took On the British Empire
“These former foes marched side-by-side to undertake one of the most fantastical missions in military history—to hold the Britain’s Canadian colonies hostage.” By Christopher Klein THIRTEEN MONTHS AFTER Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox Court…
This Is My Fight Song – Seven National Anthems Inspired by Bloodshed, Battles and War
“America isn’t the only country with an official song that sprung from the pages of military history. Consider these.” FRANCIS SCOTT KEY wasn’t much of a songwriter. In fact, friends of the Baltimore-based barrister remembered…
The War Over Walls – Five Famous Battles Involving Fortifications, Bulwarks and Barriers
“Some of history’s greatest conquerors spent the better part of their careers going about the unromantic work of reducing city walls, one after another.” DO WALLS WORK? It’s a question torn right from today’s headlines,…
The Huns – 10 Fascinating Facts About the Ancient World’s Most Infamous Barbarians
“Whether revered as fearless warriors or reviled as murderous savages, the original Huns came riding out of the Eurasian Steppe during the Late Antiquity like a whirlwind.” IT WAS JULY 27, 1900. A German expeditionary…
