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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Punk Rock and Politics Collide in 1970s East Germany

Punks destroyed their jeans, their shirts...and the power structures that surrounded them.

How The Allies Used Math To Save Bomber Crews During WWII

One Austrian Jew saved untold planes and crew members with his survivorship bias theory.

WWII's Siege of Leningrad Was One of History's Most Destructive

The 872-day siege by German forces failed to capture Leningrad, but left immense devastation in its wake.

25 World History Books That Will Give You a New Perspective

Expand your horizons with books that explore the places, people, and objects that shaped human history.

Watch An Interview With The Last Surviving Witness To The Lincoln Assassination

In 1956, one man reminisced about his experience in the Ford's Theater at age five.

9 Essential War of 1812 Books

Engage with the oft-forgotten Second War of Independence.

An Awful Car Killed More Nazi Generals Than World War II

The car of the future was also the downfall of many a high-ranking Nazi.

10 Revolutionary War Facts Even American History Buffs Don't Know

Conspiracy plots, soldiers in disguise, and Broadway excursions filled the days of Revolutionary troops.

Chesty Puller: The Life and Quotes of a Beloved Marine Legend

From the hilarious to heartfelt, take a look at eight quotes from the accomplished Marine.

The Union Saved An Ironclad By Deploying $9 Trash Decoy

The USS Indianola was pressed into service before her completion, yet she managed to serve with honor–and be the subject of a thrilling rescue mission.

The Ghost Army: How One WWII Unit Fooled the Entire German Army

A misinformation campaign was vital to the Allied forces' efforts.

Apollo 11, 50 Years Later: The Space Race That Defined a Decade

Alight on the lunar surface alongside Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.

This Is The Biggest Victory Natives Scored Against The Colonials

Westward expansion wasn't a simple matter of packing your bags and moving out.

This First-Hand Account Brings You Inside the Hotel Rwanda

According to the hit film, Hôtel des Mille Collines was a refuge during the Rwandan Genocide. One of its residents claims otherwise in this memoir.

10 Epic Medieval Battles That Shaped History and the World's Borders

Medieval battle was a bloody, vicious business. These battles changed the course of history.

10 World War II Propaganda Posters: From Patriotic to Peculiar

Uncover iconic illustrations that helped fuel national opinion during World War II.

How War Pigeons Changed the Course of Battle–and History

The much-maligned birds were some of the most important combatants in World War I and II.

World War II Dive Bombers Whistled Only To Scare Civilians

That iconic, terrifying sound wasn't necessary to the functioning of an airplane.

8 Powerful Korean War Books that Capture the Conflict

These dynamic critiques, vivid memoirs, and clearsighted military histories illuminate the Forgotten War.