Pescadores: Japan’s Conquest of Taiwan
Part of Japan’s imperial efforts during the First Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1895 included the conquest of Taiwan. Having tried to take the island once before,…
Securing Korea: The Battle for Pyongyang
The First Sino-Japanese War was a culmination of Japan’s modernization. Having updated its military and industry, it faced cultural and political divisions that many in…
War Eagle! – Civil War Regiment’s Eagle Mascot Charged into Battle and History
Since the times of Ancient Rome, the eagle has served as a symbol of majestic power. When Rome fell, the nations which eventually replaced it…
Red Cloud’s War and The Wagon Box Fight
The Bozeman Trail served as a gateway to the northern gold mines and forests of Montana allowing wagon-loads of settlers to traverse the heart of…
American Filibusters for Canadian Independence – The Rise of the Hunters’ Lodges
In 1837, the Canadian provinces of Upper and Lower Canada experienced several armed rebellions. Aided by American filibusters, one of these groups of agitators proved…
An Outraged Lion: The Beginning of the Second Opium War
Following the First Opium War, the British Empire and Qing Dynasty of China entered an uneasy peace. Commerce continued, including the controversial opium trade, and…
Lone Star Bear: An Independent California
Far removed from Mexico City, the territory of California lived in near autonomy from its nominal government leadership, be that of the Governor of New…
The Halls of Montezuma: Marines at Chapultepec
In 1846, the United States of America went to war with the United Mexican States. Political maneuvering by President James K. Polk and a vested…
For Profit and Glory: The Start of the First Opium War
The Opium Wars extended the might of the British Empire to the remote Chinese Empire, expanding its trade and national prestige. In exchange, China would…
A Rising Sun: Japan’s Army Modernization
The Empire of Japan cut a bloody swath through the Pacific, committing horrendous atrocities in its desperate bid for resources, prestige, and racial superiority. The…
Franc-Tireurs: French Partisans Were a Thorn in Germany’s Side
During the Franco-Prussian War, French irregulars known as Franc-tireurs meaning “free shooters” terrorized German regular formations. The legacy of these partisans would continue to be…
Decline of an Empire: The Fourth Crusade’s Sacking of Constantinople
The Byzantine Empire, heir to the Roman Empire, the Republic before them, and the Hellenic Kingdoms before them, fell for good in 1453. In 1204,…