WAR

6 of History’s Silliest Wars

Sometimes, wars end when someone’s kettle gets broken.

Abbie Hoffman was a controversial and influential figure.

10 Revolutionary Facts About Abbie Hoffman

Abbot “Abbie” Howard Hoffman was a bombastic and theatrical figure who often used absurd media stunts to get his points across.

7 Historical Figures You Probably Didn’t Know Were Spies

What do Julia Child, Paul Revere, and Harriet Tubman all have in common? Each played a crucial role in the clandestine world of espionage and intelligence.

‘Greatest Escapes With Arturo Castro’ Episode 6: The Plüschow Maneuver

Billy Magnussen (Game Night, The Franchise) takes some time for a leisurely trip with Arturo to the early 1900's, where they discover the story of Gunther Plüschow, one of the most infamous escapees from World War I.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial honors those who lost their lives in the Vietnam war.

Written in Stone: 14 Facts About the Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The towering granite tribute to fallen soldiers of a controversial war was the result of a design contest won by a 21-year-old college student.

Bruce Springsteen, Joni Mitchell, and Marvin Gaye all wrote songs about the Vietnam War.

17 Songs About the Vietnam War

From a now-regretted counter-counterculture anthem to an oft-misunderstood ’80s hit to the song that allegedly got its singer followed by the CIA.

Sergeant Marshall/Department of Defense, NARA // Public Domain

Would You Be Able to Pass a World War I Military Literacy Test?

Potential recruits had to answer questions like ‘Is genuine happiness a priceless treasure?,’ ‘Are avenues usually paved with oxygen?,’ and ‘Do you cordially recommend forgery?’

Where Did the Expression ‘Gung Ho’ Come From?

We get this byword for enthusiasm from an officer in the Marines named Evans Fordyce Carlson.

Forged in the Heat of Battle: The Origin of the Boy Scouts

Those iconic khaki uniforms are usually associated with childhood adventure, but scouting was actually forged in the heat of battle by a desperate British military officer.

The Berlin Wall was a symbol of the Cold War from 1961 to 1989.

11 Chilling Facts About the Cold War

The U.S. and USSR employed spies, quelled internal dissent, made allies abroad, and stockpiled nuclear weapons in this proxy war.

The Dame of Sark, Sibyl Hathaway, in March 1953.

How the World’s Only Feudal Lord Outclassed the Nazis to Save Her People

Dame Sibyl Hathaway protected her people with the unlikeliest of weapons: Feudal etiquette, old-world manners, and a dollop of classic snobbery.

The names of all three of these folks have gotten the adjective treatment.

11 People Whose Names Became Adjectives

From David Lynch to Queen Elizabeth I, these folks achieved a type of lexical immortality when their names became adjectives.

Eugene Bullard, the World’s First Black Fighter Pilot

Eugene Bullard survived some of the deadliest battles in history and became the world’s first Black fighter pilot—all before the age of 30.

Why Do We Call the Country “the Boonies”?

We have the military to thank.

The National Archives Is Looking for Volunteers With a “Superpower”: Reading Cursive

The agency needs help deciphering the flowing penmanship of the past.

Earth has played host to an untold number of human-made borders over the years.

Explore the History of Any Place on Earth With This Interactive Map

What was going on around the globe in 4000 BCE? This map shows you.

A gold coin depicting Mithradates VI Eupator.

10 Facts About Mithradates VI, the “Poison King” of Ancient Pontus

The 1st century BCE king of Pontus, a kingdom on the Black Sea coast, earned his nickname by creating poisons and antidotes—and testing them on himself.

The USS ‘Cobia’ is a living memorial—and an Airbnb attraction.

You Can Book a Night on a World War II Submarine Through Airbnb

Wisconsin's USS ‘Cobia’ offers guests a living history lesson via Airbnb.

Are the flags flying for Memorial Day or Veterans Day? Sometimes, it's tough to say.

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.

35 Celebrities Who Served in the Military

You probably didn’t know about a few of these celebrity veterans who served the red, white, and blue.

9 Famous Figures Who Have Been Awarded Purple Hearts

Kurt Vonnegut and Oliver Stone have something in common: They both earned Purple Hearts. Discover other famous veterans have earned this venerated medal.

You can save this one for the next time someone makes you mad (though it might not do you any favors, either).

Where Does the Phrase ‘May You Live In Interesting Times’ Actually Come From?

This common phrase is often used during times of political uncertainty, and has even been described as an ancient Chinese curse. History says otherwise, though.

DNA Identifies Medieval Man Thrown Down a Well, Confirming a Norse Saga’s Tale

According to a medieval saga, the Norwegian “Well Man” might have been used as a biological weapon.

The National World War I Museum and Memorial is set to unveil its century-old time capsule.

The National WWI Museum Is About to Open Its 100-Year-Old Time Capsule

Reportedly, it doesn’t contain 1920s fashions or jazz records.