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

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.

A Single Viking's Berserker Rage Changed World History Forever

His combative stance was the final stand of the Viking Age—and allowed the Norman invasion its foothold.

This Is Why Washington Wasn't Relentlessly Attacked By The Confederates

Natural barricades, manmade obstacles, and heavy reinforcements kept the capital safe.

Day of Infamy: Inside the Destruction of the Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor

Historian Walter Lord recounts the bombing of major U.S. battleships and the heroics of the men on board.