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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This Was the Unluckiest U-Boat of World War II

Not only could the U-505 not sink other boats, its crew couldn't even sink the submarine themselves.

A Veteran Soldier Perfected The Ultimate Bank Robbery

Turns out discipline and intense planning lend themselves equally well to army life and grand larceny.

The Loach Was One of the Riskiest Helicopter Assignments in Vietnam

This tiny scout helicopter, made of plexiglass and metal, was part of a key "hunter-killer" team.

6 Revolutionary War Veterans Survived Long Enough To Be Photographed

These six soldiers were part of an 1863 project to speak to remaining Revolutionary War veterans.

5 Differences Between Army and Marine Corps Infantry

Rediscover the specialities of the Army and the Marine Corps.

This Infantryman Posthumously Received the Medal of Honor

Army Staff Sgt. Travis W. Atkins made the ultimate sacrifice to save his fellow troops. 

How General Patton's Granddaughter Is Honoring His Legacy

More than 70 years after his death, the great general's legacy lives on.

8 Thought-Provoking Iraq War Books

Change your perspective with these books about the Second Persian Gulf War. 

Scientific Analysis Reveals the 10 Best Generals of All Time

What happens when you apply baseball's sabermetrics to history's greatest generals? Read this list to find out. 

The Man Who Took 42 Nazis Captive With A Longsword

He didn't get the nickname "Mad Jack" Churchill for nothing. 

John Basilone: The Marine Hero of Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima

Basilone's contributions to two of World War II's major battles left a larger-than-life legacy.

The True Glory of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment

An African American volunteer infantry regiment from Massachusetts gave their courage and their lives to protect the Union.