Early Modern | War History

The Slave Who Stole A Confederate Ship, Met President Lincoln & Bought His Master’s House

In 1862, Robert Smalls stole a Confederate ship, gave it to the Union Army, freed slaves, and met President Abraham Lincoln. After the war, he…

The Many Types Of Ships Used In The Napoleonic Wars

It is a common misconception that the Navies of the Napoleonic Wars used only massive ships, crewed by hundreds of men, which would slowly close and…

The Pressing of American Seamen And The War of 1812

Imagine yourself as an American sailor; the year is 1804. You are 30 years old, born in 1774, and have spent most of your adult…

Medieval Warhorses – Incredible Power On The Battlefield, Incredible Value Off The Battlefield

The warhorse was a vital part of the European medieval military machine. Cavalry charges by heavily armored knights made horseback attacks a terrifying part of…

Seven Of The Most Famous Knights of the Middle Ages – Warriors, Scholars, Great Leaders Of Men

Medieval knights were among the celebrities of their day – warriors, leaders, and scholars. They became figures of romance and inspiration, giving them a special…

These Six Civil Wars Shaped The Bloody And Warlike History Of Medieval England

Medieval England was a warlike place – so much so that the cliché of an Englishmen abroad was that of a violent thug. Though their…

The Battle Of Agincourt – A Massive Victory For The English When All The Odds Were Against Them

The Battle of Agincourt is an iconic moment in English military history. On 25 October 1415, an army of English raiders under Henry V faced…

These Three Conflicts Paved The Way For The ‘War To End All Wars’ – WWI

The First World War was devastating in its scope and utterly unlike what national leaders expected. As such, it was seen by many as an…

These Twelve Battles Were Defining Moments In The History Of The Crusades

The Crusades, Christian Europe’s attempt to drive back other nations and religions, were among the most ambitious and badly thought out campaigns in military history.…

The Rules Of Chivalry Were So Important In Medieval Society, But Breaking The Rules Was Almost As Important

In the Middle Ages, chivalry was more than just a name for polite behavior. It was a set of rules meant to limit the actions…

The Drafts – Building The Armies Of The American Civil War

In America, the draft is a controversial subject. Many people support it, as they feel it is necessary for a country at war, while many…

Ironclad Warships Battle it Out – The Battle of Hampton Roads In The Civil War

The Battle of Hampton Roads was an American Civil War battle fought at the meeting point of three rivers very close to Chesapeake Bay. A showdown…