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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365 Days: Ronald Glasser’s Moving Account of the Vietnam War

The American doctor was a beacon of hope for the soldiers he treated during his tour of duty.

The Earliest-Born American to Be Photographed Is Also a Veteran

In 1852, at age 103, Revolutionary War veteran Conrad Heyer sat down to have his picture taken. 

The Dawn's Early Light: Francis Scott Key and the Birth of “The Star-Spangled Banner”

As the Battle of Baltimore drew to a close, an American flag was raised—and the national anthem was born.

Beyond the Podcast: 10 Great Courses for Every History Buff

Explore the world’s greatest history lessons from your smartphone.

Dying on Armistice Day: Private Joseph Sommers's Final Words

Private Sommers may have been the final American killed on Armistice Day.

Anne Frank and Her Life in the Secret Annex

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.

8 Surprising Facts About Grigori Rasputin, Russia's "Mad Monk"

The mysterious historical figure remains an enigma, even in death.

That Time Los Angeles Fought off an Imaginary Japanese Bombing Raid

They called it the "Battle of L.A." There was just one problem—the City of Angels wasn't under attack.

That Time a WWII Bomber Pilot Climbed Onto the Wing Mid-Flight to Save His Crew

His crew tied a rope around his chest and he made his way onto the wing to extinguish the blaze.

Ruth Gruber: The Making of a Trailblazing Female Correspondent

In Ahead of Time, Gruber reflects on the early years of her career, including the assignment that took her back to 1930s Germany.

When Civil War Musicians Served as Battlefield Medics

The life of a Civil War regimental band member wasn't all treble clefs and drumsticks.

The Korean War Serves as a Cautious Reminder for the Future

North and South Korea's recent agreement has us looking back at the past.

The Midnight Ride of Sybil Ludington

The sixteen-year-old raced through the night to warn fellow colonists of approaching British forces.