History | War History

Why Did the US Army Attack the Lakota Sioux at Wounded Knee?

Painting of the Massacre at Wounded Knee

On December 29, 1890, soldiers with the US Army opened fire on hundreds of Lakota Sioux. The group of Native Americans was largely unarmed and…

The Last Stand of the Swiss Guard: A Deadly Fight to Defend Rome from Mercenaries

Todd Neikirk
Painting of the Sack of Rome

History is full of stories about outnumbered armies making brave stands against scores of foes. While the Swiss Guard often look ceremonial with their halberds…

Jimmy Carter Once Saved Canada From Nuclear Disaster

Todd Neikirk
Jimmy Carter at a press conference

Jimmy Carter was a one-term president, but he has long been lauded for his character and empathy. The 39th president of the United States, he…

Did the Term ‘Grunt’ Originate in Vietnam or During WWII?

Todd Neikirk
Infantrymen walking through a creek

For decades, infantry soldiers in the US Army and Marine Corps have been called “grunts,” wearing the moniker like a badge of honor. Grunts are…

Smedley Butler Had an Incredible Career in the US Marine Corps

Todd Neikirk
Smedley Butler sitting in a chair

Smedley Butler was born into privilege, but decided to fight for his country when he was just a teen. He became one of America’s most…

Things People Get Wrong About the Boston Tea Party

Todd Neikirk
Artist's depiction of the Boston Tea Party

The Boston Tea Party is one of the most famous events in American history. However, it has become difficult to separate mythology from fact, like…

Racial Tensions and the Zoot Suit Riots of 1943

American sailors and Marines armed with sticks during the Zoot Suit Riots

California is one of America’s largest states and also one of the most unique. During the 1940s, it had a culture all its own and…

John F. Kennedy’s First Casket Was Buried At Sea

Clare Fitzgerald
John F. Kennedy smiling + Honor Guards watching over John F. Kennedy's flag-draped coffin

The assassination of John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, is one of the most discussed events in the history of American…

The 5 Most Unusual Military Units in History

A Gurkha soldier brandishes a Kukri Knife

On the battlefield, any sort of edge can determine who wins and loses. Over time, countries and their militaries have attempted to throw off opponents…

This Greek Priest Saved 27,000 Greek Jews from Deportation

Archbishop Damaskinos Papandreou

Damaskinos Papandreou was the Archbishop of Athens from 1941 to 1949. This position made him the highest-ranking priest in Greece, which was under German occupation…

The Sinking of the MV Wilhelm Gustloff Is The Single Largest Maritime Disaster In History

MV Wilhelm Gustloff

In January 1945 a German transport ship carrying thousands of civilian refugees from northern Europe was sunk in the Baltic Sea. She was torpedoed by…

We Have the US Army to Thank for the McDonald’s Drive-Through

Exterior of a McDonald's restaurant + US Army soldiers in fatigues

It’s hard to imagine a time when we couldn’t drive up to our favorite fast food restaurant and order from the comfort of our cars.…