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.
Cathay Williams was inspired to join the U.S. Army during her time pressed into service in the Civil War.
During the early Battle of Long Island, a British victory left American forces dejected.
By Orrin Grey
The size of the submarines, a lack of ventilation, and the novelty of submarine warfare led to some uncomfortable situations.
We sat down for a special Father's Day-themed interview with the author of 40 Thieves on Saipan.
These glimpses into the past will help you cope with the present.
A seminal cartoon presaged the American entrance into the Pacific Theater.
The US Marines’ greatest stand came in the final months of World War I.
These infrequently shared photos re-contextualize the global conflict.
Despite widespread adulation of Germanicus, many mysteries about the capable leader remain.
By John Tuttle
Ronald Ridgeway survived long years in a Vietnamese prisoner of war camp.
The acclaimed director's next film will drop on Netflix on June 12.
Turn to these wise words to guide you through hard times.
The Confederate deserter and the victorious Union general shared their reminisces with each other and the country.
By John Tuttle
Continents continued to shift and war went on even as people around the world celebrated.
Rediscover the forgotten battles of America's most defining war.
Meet Rick Rescorla, a US and UK vet whose quick action saved countless souls in 2001.
We sat down for an interview with the author of The History of the Third Reich in 100 Objects.
Meet the many men who proved the Nazis wrong and learn about the fascinating ways in which they pulled off the impossible.
By Orrin Grey
In January of 1943, Warsaw Ghetto inmates began defying their German enemies—and sparked a widespread hunger for resistance.
By Olivia Mason
Remember the sacrifices service members made—both during and after World War I.