Conflict: Civil War
Historians may dispute whether Stonewall Jackson’s Great Train Raid of 1861 ever really happened, but there’s no denying that, true or not, it makes a good tale. The story goes that in April 1861, Jackson and his Virginia State Militia … Continue reading
Conflict: World War I
During World War I, the U.S. government sold Liberty Bonds to help pay for the war effort. The money the public paid for the war bonds would go to the government, and then people could redeem the bonds in the future for … Continue reading
Conflict: Civil War
In May 1862, Union general Benjamin Butler was appointed military commander of New Orleans. The city’s citizens resented the Yankee occupation and began acting out against the Northern soldiers. Even the women joined in; they “cursed the soldiers, spat on their … Continue reading
Conflict: World War I
When British forces captured the Oosttaverne Wood from the Germans during the Battle of Messines in June 1917, they were surprised to find that one of the trees wasn’t a tree at all—it was a steel-and-iron imitation. This camouflaged “tree” had … Continue reading
Conflict: World War II
Somewhere in the photo above is the Dutch minesweeper HRMS Abraham Crijnssen. Can you find it? This is what it looks like close up. Why is the ship covered in branches and foliage? Because it’s disguised as a tropical island. … Continue reading