MSN Slideshow | War History

The US Military Used Tourist Maps to Prepare for the Invasion of Grenada

Samantha Franco
US Marines sitting on a captured Soviet-made BRDM-2 amphibious armored scout car

When the US military invaded Grenada in 1983, troops were grossly unprepared. Knowing little about the country, officials had to get inventive in order to…

‘Devotion’ Presents the Korean War-Era Story of Jesse L. Brown and Thomas Hudner

Jonathan Majors as Jesse L. Brown in 'Devotion'

The incredible true story of Jesse L. Brown, the first African-American aviator to complete the US Navy’s basic flight training program, and the camaraderie between…

The Germans Had High Hopes for the Goliath Tracked Mine

US Navy sailors standing around captured Goliath tracked mines

It’s common today for bombings to be done via drone. This is an effective strategy for a number of reasons. The aerial vehicles don’t need…

The True Story Behind the Events of ‘Charlie Wilson’s War’

Todd Neikirk
Julia Roberts and Tom Hanks as Joanne Herring and Charlie Wilson in 'Charlie Wilson's War' + Charlie Wilson smiling

Charlie Wilson’s War premiered in 2007. The film boasted such A-list talent as Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts, and was a critical success, earning five…

Five of the Most Realistic Representations of War in Hollywood

Todd Neikirk
Willem Dafoe as Sgt. Elias in 'Platoon' + James D'Arcy and Kenneth Branagh as Col. Winnant and Cmdr. Bolton in 'Dunkirk'

War films have always seen a high degree of popularity, even while undergoing dramatic changes over the decades. In the early days of cinema –…

Historic Deception and Camouflage Techniques Used By Militaries

Dummy tank on display

Deception and military subterfuge have been used throughout history. The aim is to give armies the upper hand by tricking the enemy. The practice dates…

The Titanic’s Sister Ship Took Out a German U-boat in World War I

The RMS Olympic in dazzle camouflage

When the RMS Olympic was launched in October 1910, she was the largest man-made moving object in the world. At 882 feet long, Olympic set…

Six Things War Movies Get Wrong About Grenades

Elisabeth Edwards
Soldier preparing to throw a hand grenade

When it comes to explosive weapons, nothing is more recognizable (and misunderstood) than the hand grenade. Movies and video games usually depict someone pulling the…

What Happened to the ‘Lost’ Confederate Gold?

Portrait of Jefferson Davis + Pile of gold bars

Going to war can be incredibly expensive. As such, the Confederate States of America solicited donations from wealthy citizens. A lot of that gold –…

T-72: The Soviet-Era Tank That Continues to Serve the Russian Armed Forces

Russian soldier standing in the turret of a T-72 tank

Written by Lis Edwards and Clare Fitzgerald. During the height of the Cold War, the Soviet Union was looking to develop a better tank, as…

The Titanium Used to Construct the SR-71 Blackbird Came from the Soviet Union

SR-71 Blackbird in flight

Aviation technology rapidly advanced during the 20th century, but as the aircraft advanced, so too did the machines and technology designed to detect them. In…

The Mark 14 Torpedo Scandal of 1941-43

Mark 14 torpedo on display + Military portrait of Rear Admiral Charles A. Lockwood Jr.

The Mark 14 Torpedo Scandal occurred during the period of 1941-43, with problems related to the weapon dating back almost 25 years. It was among…