In 1807, Napoleon sent an army into Spain. Supposedly, the French army was allied with the Spanish army in a campaign to conquer Portugal. But soon it became apparent that the French were also there to conquer Spain. Napoleon’s brother Joseph was put on the throne. England sent an Read more…
Some historians believe Mardi Gras can be traced back to two Roman celebrations. Lupercalia was a wild day where nude young men ran around and struck women with thongs. Saturnalia also had a party atmosphere. Masters served their slave banquets. Gifts were given, mostly gag gifts. Beans were baked Read more…
On Dec. 16, 1944, Hitler launched his massive offensive in the Ardennes Forest. He committed his best remaining ground forces in the west to the attack. It took the Americans by surprise and created a bulge in the line that gave the battle its name. The tanks and infantry Read more…
1861 – first documented game (similar to rugby) played in Toronto, Canada 1869 – first college football game – Princeton defeats Rutgers 6-4 / the field is 120 yards long / 25 players on each side 1875 – ball is an oval rugby ball / field length is reduced to Read more…
It was common for colonists and Native Americans to have feasts for giving thanks. Sometimes they came together for the meal. There was one near Jamestown in 1619. In the case of the first Thanksgiving, it was common for the Pilgrims to give thanks, but in a religious manner. Read more…
Operation Galvanic was the invasion of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll. Tarawa was in the Gilbert Islands. It is 2,500 miles southwest of Hawaii. Adm. Chester Nimitz felt the island, with its airfield, needed to be taken before attacking the Marshall Islands. Tarawa would be the start of the island-hopping Read more…
On Oct. 5, 1877, a gallant trek ended with the bad guys winning. The Nez Perce had inhabited the Wallowa Valley in Oregon (and more) for generations. They had remained peaceful despite white provocations that went unpunished by white authorities. For example, a friend of Joseph named Wilhautyah was murdered. Read more…
When Ho Chi Minh declared independence, he borrowed from the Declaration of Independence. “All men are created equal. The Creator has given us certain individual rights, the right to life, the right to be free, and the right to achieve happiness.” When the new and supposedly improved M-16 machine Read more…
July 28 is National Buffalo Soldier Day. July 28 was chosen because on that day in 1866, Congress passed the Army Organization Act. Four black (colored was the term used at the time) regiments – the 9th and 10th Cavalries and the 24th and 25th Infantries. Although all the Read more…
One of the most famous battles in American History occurred during the centennial year on June 25, 1876. For a long time it was called “Custer’s Last Stand”, but today it is correctly titled the Battle of Little Bighorn. Here are some interesting facts about the battle. In 1868, at Read more…