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.
We're taking a look at this series of influential English civil wars.
By Lee D'Amato
He led the bloodiest civil war in world history.
By Lee D'Amato
The CSS Shenandoah wasn't ready to surrender.
They're impossible to forget.
By Robert Walsh
This Jewish refugee took a different approach to armoring planes.
The 1680 rebellion drove the Spaniards out of the province for 12 years.
By Lee D'Amato
Sudden and illegal seizures of power have the capacity to change world history.
As it turns out, it's a bit of both.
By Lee D'Amato
Like many armies, they played tricks on their enemies.
This wind instrument was designed to intimidate opponents.
By Lee D'Amato
This major uprising against British rule was ultimately suppressed.
Historian Paul Kennedy chronicles the emergence of a new world order.
The humble bicycle had a suprisingly important role in both world wars.
Now a major motion picture starring Colin Firth, Operation Mincemeat involved a corpse, a fake fiancée, and the successful invasion of Sicily.
By Robert Walsh
An infamous massacre followed a Native American religious revival.
By Grace Felder
The Japanese won the battle, but their advances into the Pacific were halted.
By Grace Felder
These deeply held beliefs changed history.
From the 19th century to the Cold War.
By Team Mighty
The accomplished war correspondent was determined to see the action.
By Team Mighty
When peace talks failed, this federal property tipped our divided nation into its bloodiest conflict.