Military History Articles

There’s no way around it; history has been shaped by the outcome of innumerable wars and battles fought over everything from religion to territorial disputes to outright revenge over a perceived injustice. Learning about these conflicts is vital to understanding the world we live in today.

Our military coverage spans the ancient world through the Cold War. Discover epic medieval clashes, or fierce battles that caused entire ancient civilizations to crumble. Examine the political intricacies of sprawling conflicts like the Seven Years’ War or the War of Spanish Succession. Explore the devastation of the World Wars, or the fresh conflicts they left in their wake.

There’s also the fascinating evolution of weapons from the Stone Age through the nuclear arms race, as well as the changing military theories and strategies (or lack thereof) powering key decisions. Or you can discover a unique study of how contagious diseases have impacted the outcome of every war in America’s history, from skirmishes with Native Americans to 20th-century biological warfare. 

True stories about the people who fought these conflicts put a human face to the cost of war. You can learn about the Soviet Union’s Night Witches (an all-female regiment of fighter pilots), discover the Mapuche people’s centuries-long military resistance against the Spanish conquistadors, or read war books written by those who were actually there. Whatever draws you into military history, we’re exploring every angle of the conflicts that caused empires to rise and fall, reshaping our world in the process.

1f5ec6bb3d7e-thearchive-tag-feature.png

Before the BFG: Roald Dahl, Air Menace To Axis Forces

The children's author's macabre sense of humor and appreciation of darkness were likely sharpened by his combat history.

The Larger of Two Evils: Colonized Asia’s Encounter with the Japanese in World War Two

Much of mainland Asia in the 1930s faced an unappealing choice: Western imperialism or Japanese imperialism.

Genghis Khan's Tomb, Lost to This Day, is Protected by an Ancient Tribe of Nomads

Though even they don't know the tomb's precise location, the Darkhad continue to keep their leader's final resting place a treasured secret.

The Extraordinary Life of Eugene Bullard, the First African American Military Pilot

After facing racism in America, Bullard made a home in France, where he became the first African American military pilot during World War I.

This Moving Book Deserves a Spot on Every Military Buff's Bookshelf

If You're Reading This... offers a deeply personal look into the last written words of soldiers thinking of home.

33 Unbelievable Photos from the Battle of Okinawa

Operation Iceberg was a hugely costly battle for America during WWII. Explore the scene through these historical photos.

6 Illuminating Books About the Reconstruction Era

Explore how the most violent conflict in American history led to a defining period for the country, and its influence on our current era.

Meet the Japanese Diplomat Who Saved 6,000 Jewish People from the Holocaust

Chiune Sugihara is believed to have saved five times as many lives as his more famous counterpart, Oskar Schindler.

Harriet Tubman was the First Woman to Lead a U.S. Military Operation

Tubman led 150 men in a military operation that freed 750 enslaved people and wreaked havoc on Confederate troops.

The Battle of Aqaba—and T.E. Lawrence—Shaped the Future of the Middle East

Neil Faulkner explores how a historian's insight impacted the development of the Middle East, in Lawrence of Arabia's War.

This Once-Enslaved Woman Disguised Herself as a Man to Enlist in the U.S. Army

Cathay Williams was inspired to join the U.S. Army during her time pressed into service in the Civil War.

Life Aboard WWII Submarines Was Brutal

The size of the submarines, a lack of ventilation, and the novelty of submarine warfare led to some uncomfortable situations.