Category: Odd Facts
The Shot That Set the World on Fire — How George Washington Started History’s First “World War”
“While serving as a lieutenant colonel in the Virginia Regiment, the 22-year-old future U.S. president touched off a global conflict that would ultimately herald the rise of the British Empire.” By George Yagi Jr. GEORGE WASHINGTON…
Dover in the Crosshairs – Hitler’s Four-Year Artillery Bombardment of Southern England
“The Dover Strait became the scene of one of World War Two’s longest-running battles.” THE NARROW SPAN OF WATER separating Dover, England from the Pas-de-Calais, France has long been one of the most strategically important…
Junior Generalissimos — Nine of History’s Youngest Military Commanders
“While a 30-something three-star is certainly a rarity in the annals of military history, a number of other legendary leaders assumed the mantle of command at far younger ages. Consider these.” IT’S BEEN SAID that…
The 1823 Invasion of Spain — Just Eight Years After Waterloo, France’s Armies Were Marching Again
“Turmoil in Spain posed a threat to all of Europe, and especially to France.” By Shannon Selin MY NOVEL NAPOLEON IN AMERICA takes place, in part, against the backdrop of a French invasion of Spain….
Smoke Screen – See the Wartime Film Uncle Sam Hoped We’d All Forget
“To help boost output, Washington launched a PR blitz aimed at getting farmers in the American heartland to make room in their fields for hemp.” IN 1942, America’s factories geared up for the fight to…
Mean Streets – The Clash of Technology and Terrain in Urban Warfare
“In urban environments, the playing field is levelled between the conventional armies and insurgents.” By Dr. Alec Wahlman BE IT ALEPPO or Damascus, Mosul or Ramadi, or even Eastern Ukraine, combatants in today’s conflicts are…
