Rainbows and Unicorns – The Planning Flaws of Operation Market Garden
In the summer of 1944, after weeks of slogging it out with the Germans in the Bocage country of Normandy, the Allies finally broke out…
War in California – The Battle of San Pasqual
In the days of the Mexican-American war, U.S. forces marched 2000 miles, from New Mexico to California—the longest march in the history of the U.S.…
Sohei: The Warrior Monks of Medieval Japan
The modern view of Buddhism is one of a peaceful, highly spiritual faith, where the devotee sets out upon the path to enlightenment through meditation…
Birth of the Black Plague: The Mongol Siege on Caffa
In 1345, the city of Caffa was razed by a vicious pandemic, in what would, centuries later, be recognized as the first use of biological…
10 Heroes of the Horrifying Fighting for the Hurtgen Forest
Over the winter of 1944-5, the American army fought against German forces holding a defensive line in the Hurtgen Forest. It was one of the…
The Last Great Viking Invasion: Battles of Fulford and Stamford Bridge
1066 is the most famous year in English history. Led by Duke William, the Normans conquered the country, forever changing its laws and culture. But…
Carrying the Stars and Stripes: James Longstreet in Mexico
Of all the notable Rebel general’s serving the rebellious south during the American Civil War, James Longstreet is one of the more overlooked. One of…
From Vikings to Armadas – Evolution of the Royal Navy
Great Britain, the island England shares with Scotland and Wales, is only 88,792 square miles in area — just barely larger than the state of…
A Rising Star: The Daring and Ingenious McClellan Before the Civil War
Many generals of the American Civil War sharpened their teeth in Mexico, even the ones whose performance left President Lincoln bemoaning their posting. In Mexico,…
Last Stand at Fort #1 – German Counter-Attack at Grodno 1944
On June 23, 1944, the major offensive of Operation “Bagration” began. On July 15, Soviet troops from the north began to liberate the city of…
Clash of the 3 Viking Kingdoms – The Battle of Helgea
With the conquest of England in 1016, and his recognition as the king of Denmark in 1018, Cnute the Great had, with his hand of…
Determined Fighting for a Terrible Cause – Germany’s Desperate Defense of Normandy
On the 6th of June 1944, the Allies invaded Normandy. For the German troops defending this region of occupied France, it was the beginning of…