American Civil War | War History

What Happened to the ‘Lost’ Confederate Gold?

Portrait of Jefferson Davis + Pile of gold bars

Going to war can be incredibly expensive. As such, the Confederate States of America solicited donations from wealthy citizens. A lot of that gold –…

Five Myths About the American Civil War That Need to Be Addressed

Artist's depiction of the Battle of Shiloh

One of the most – if not the most – prominent topics in US history is the American Civil War. While the majority of what’s…

From the Scythians to Russia: The Use of Scorched Earth Tactics in War

US Air Force helicopter spraying Agent Orange over the jungle

Scorched earth tactics have been used nearly as long as armies have conducted military campaigns. While the practice is less common in modern times, it…

The Spencer Repeating Rifle Saved ‘A Thousand Lives’ During the Battle of Hoover’s Gap

Spencer Repeating Rifle + John T. Wilder

When the Spencer Repeating Rifle was first recommended to the US Department of War, it was turned away due to the notion it would be…

The Success of George H. Thomas’ Union Soldiers During the American Civil War

Military portrait of George H. Thomas

The two most famous Union generals of the American Civil War are William Tecumseh Sherman and Ulysses S. Grant. One other name that should be…

The Sinking of the USS Housatonic was a Turning Point in Naval Warfare

A print showing the sinking of the USS Housatonic

The US Navy has existed longer than the country itself. The branch was established in August 1775 and re-established in 1794 during the French Revolution.…

Naming Commission Releases Nominees for Renaming of US Military Installations

Clare Fitzgerald
Entrance to Fort Bragg

The government commission tasked with recommending possible candidates for the renaming of America’s military installations has narrowed down its list of nominees to 87 people,…

John Clem: The Youngest Noncommissioned Officer in US Army History

John Clem as a child + John Clem as an adult

When the American Civil War broke out in April 1861, it was an all-hands-on-deck situation for the Union and Confederate armies. All men of fighting…

Mary Edwards Walker: The Only Woman to Receive the Medal of Honor

Mary Edwards Walker wearing a top hat

Today, about a third of all American doctors are female, and women make up 14 percent of all active-duty US military members. This represents a…

The Interesting History of Wartime Counterfeiting

Forged £10 banknote

There has never been a time in history when war wasn’t costly. Of course, it’s costly in terms of death and destruction, but it’s also…

The Evolution of Sea Mines and Their Impact on War

Three German soldiers sitting atop a pile of sea mines

Sea mines are some of the most terrifying and destructive weapons at a navy’s disposal. Capable of wreaking havoc on fleets, they’re a staple of…

Four US Presidents Who Were Battle-Hardened Generals

Andrew Jackson + Ulysses S. Grant + Zachary Taylor + Theodore Roosevelt

Considering the President of the United States is the Commander-in-Chief, it’s surprising military experience is not a requirement for the job. Despite this, many former…