MILITARY

The mushroom cloud forms seconds after the Trinity atomic bomb test on July 16, 1945.

10 Explosive Facts About the Trinity Nuclear Test

Eighty years after the first atomic bomb was detonated in New Mexico, we’re still feeling the political and scientific shockwaves.

8 Forgotten Figures From the American Revolution

While their images might not be immortalized on dollar bills or their stories ingrained into every high school syllabus, these lesser-known figures nonetheless played critical roles in the shaping of the American Revolution.

The 25 Most Patriotic States in the U.S

These are the most patriotic states in America based on military service and civic involvement.

United States Army Chief of Staff General Collins studying a map of the front line during the battle for Korea, with Lieutenant General Walker, Brigadier General Farrell, and Korean Brigadier General Paik.

10 Facts About the Korean War

What you need to know about this so-called “Forgotten War” on its 75th anniversary.

Arnold Schwarzenegger at the 2023 premiere of 'FUBAR,' season 1.

What Does ‘Fubar’ Mean?

The Arnold Schwarzenegger–starring Netflix series takes its title from World War II military slang. Here’s what 'fubar' means.

The holiday is always a three-day weekend for a reason.

Why Is Memorial Day Always on a Monday?

Discover the real reason why Memorial Day always happens on a Monday, plus how the holiday actually does differ from Veterans Day, and more.

A U.S. Marine charges forward through Japanese machine gun fire during the Battle of Okinawa.

11 Things You Might Not Know About the Marine Corps

From their birthplace in a tavern to the origins of that famous ‘Leatherneck’ nickname, learn more about the history of the U.S. Marine Corps.

Flags displayed a Boston Common for Memorial Day.

What’s the Difference Between Memorial Day and Veterans Day?

Both Memorial Day and Veterans Day are meant to celebrate military veterans, but there's one important distinction you should remember.

Why Is It Called a “Swiss Army Knife”?

The earliest Swiss Army knives weren't from Switzerland at all.

The Scandalous History of Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington is some of the most hallowed ground in the United States. But despite its great importance, the cemetery has had more than its share of scandals.

The African American Civil War Memorial.

11 Lesser-Known War Memorials

These tributes to fallen soldiers may not be as instantly recognizable as the Vietnam Memorial and others, but their stories are no less fascinating—including one that doubles as a mausoleum right in Manhattan.

Add more heft to your TBR pile with these gripping fiction and nonfiction books.

14 of the Best Books on the Vietnam War

The best Vietnam War books from Tim O’Brien, Viet Thanh Nguyen, and others offer new insights and perspectives into the conflict that you probably never got from history class.

The Quest to Break America’s Most Mysterious Code—And Find $60 Million in Buried Treasure

For the past century, the quest to break the Beale Ciphers has attracted the military, computer scientists, and conspiracy theorists. All have failed.

Two Vietnam War veterans at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

11 Ways to Support Vietnam War Veterans

The number of living Vietnam Veterans is quickly dwindling. Now’s the time to show them you care.

One of many protests against the Vietnam War in the late 1960s.

10 Significant Vietnam War Protests

The deeply unpopular war led to the biggest and most consequential protest movement in U.S. history. Here are the key events and reactions.

Jane Fonda (left) and Nguyễn Thị Bình (right).

7 Women Who Played Key Roles in the Vietnam War

From Vietcong diplomats to American anti-war activists, these women made their mark on one of the 20th century’s most controversial conflicts.

An American Huey helicopter sprays Agent Orange over Vietnam.

Agent Orange: Its Toxic History in the Vietnam War

In a mission code-named Operation Ranch Hand, the U.S. military unleashed millions of gallons of the toxic defoliant during the Vietnam War—and some descendants of Vietnam veterans say they’re still paying the price.

Helicopters on a resupply mission during the Vietnam War.

6 Ways Aircraft Changed the Course of the Vietnam War

Aviation played a huge role in how the Vietnam War rolled out—after all, there’s a reason the conflict is also known as “The Helicopter War.”

U.S. Marines preparing to evacuate American and Vietnamese civilians during the fall of Saigon.

9 Key Moments From the Vietnam War

From the Gulf of Tonkin Incident to the Tet Offensive to the Fall of Saigon, we go over some of the most significant battles of the Vietnam War.

8 Gripping Facts About the Vietnam War Draft

Dive into the history of the draft during the Vietnam War, including its origins, how long it lasted, and how some young Boomers successfully managed to dodge it.

15 Memorable Slang Terms From the Vietnam War

Military slang grew by leaps and bounds during the Vietnam War. Here are some terms worth knowing.

10 Questions About the Vietnam War, Answered

The Vietnam War was a highly controversial conflict. We break down some of the most common questions about the war, from why the U.S. entered the conflict to who ultimately won.

The Nintendo 64 defined many people’s childhoods.

12 Surprising Facts About 1990s Video Games

For some people, video games were a pleasant way to pass the time in the 1990s. For others, they were a cultural crisis.

The 10 States Most Likely to Survive an Alien Invasion

Did your state make the list of state most likely to endure an extraterrestrial encounter?