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.

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The Inspirational Tale of a Vietnam Vet Who Saved Thousands of Lives on 9/11

Meet Rick Rescorla, a US and UK vet whose quick action saved countless souls in 2001.

Roger Moorhouse Reveals Secrets of Everyday Objects in Nazi Germany

We sat down for an interview with the author of The History of the Third Reich in 100 Objects.

Colditz Castle: The World War II POW Camp the Nazis Considered Inescapable

Meet the many men who proved the Nazis wrong and learn about the fascinating ways in which they pulled off the impossible.

The Courageous Acts of Resistance That Led to the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising

In January of 1943, Warsaw Ghetto inmates began defying their German enemies—and sparked a widespread hunger for resistance.

Our Forgotten Heroes: Why Don’t We Talk About World War I?

Remember the sacrifices service members made—both during and after World War I.

22 Eye-Opening War Movies to Stream Tonight

The shores of Dunkirk and the Korean countryside await...

The Slave Who Stole A Confederate Ship And Sailed His Way to Freedom

Robert Smalls commandeered a ship, freed dozens of other slaves, and convinced President Lincoln to allow black men to serve in the Union Army.

10 Essential Historical Nonfiction Books

Take your mind off the current world with riveting true accounts of history's most poignant moments.

Can A Pandemic Turn The Tide Of War?

History has proven the power of unchecked disease many times before.

Iwo Jima: The True Details of an Iconic Photograph in the Midst of Battle

Discover the essential account of the men who raised the flags during the Battle of Iwo Jima.

Fact or Fantasy: All About Female Samurai Warrior Tomoe Gozen

Can you tell the difference between historical Japanese legend and creative fantasy fiction?

TRAILER: The Next Great WWII Movie is Coming

Greyhound, written by and starring Tom Hanks, is coming this June.

10 War Books That Enlighten, Move, and Educate Their Readers

These books examine the burdens of battle, from the Revolutionary War to modern day Iraq.

4 Union Generals That Were Better Than the Famous Ones

These hardworking generals outperformed the showboats at every turn.

This Former Slave Became The First African American West Point Grad

Henry Flipper, born a slave, beat astonishing odds and overcame classmates' racism to become the first black graduate in 1877.

How the 3rd 395th Battalion's Last Stand Helped Win the Battle of the Bulge

Although outnumbered five-to-one, this battalion held their ground and killed more than 4,000 opposing German soldiers.

How Western Union Helped The U.S. Enter World War I

An intercepted telegram provided a reason for President Wilson to join the effort.