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.
Meet the man behind the legend.
The American doctor was a beacon of hope for the soldiers he treated during his tour of duty.
By Allison Wild
In 1852, at age 103, Revolutionary War veteran Conrad Heyer sat down to have his picture taken.
As the Battle of Baltimore drew to a close, an American flag was raised—and the national anthem was born.
By Allison Wild
Explore the world’s greatest history lessons from your smartphone.
Private Sommers may have been the final American killed on Armistice Day.
A book published by the Anne Frank House profiles the Secret Annex—the Frank family's two-year hideout—and the famous diarist's life inside.
By Olivia Mason
The mysterious historical figure remains an enigma, even in death.
By Dave Adams
They called it the "Battle of L.A." There was just one problem—the City of Angels wasn't under attack.
His crew tied a rope around his chest and he made his way onto the wing to extinguish the blaze.
In Ahead of Time, Gruber reflects on the early years of her career, including the assignment that took her back to 1930s Germany.
By Olivia Mason
The life of a Civil War regimental band member wasn't all treble clefs and drumsticks.
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The past echoes through the present...
One resourceful soldier had a brilliant plan to escape approaching forces...
North and South Korea's recent agreement has us looking back at the past.
By Abbey White
The world watched with bated breath. Could this be the spark that set off WWIII?
The sixteen-year-old raced through the night to warn fellow colonists of approaching British forces.
They needed an escape plan, and Arnold possessed one.