Published in The History Inquiry·Jan 18Member-onlyWhat were the First and Second Reichs?Hitler called his empire the Third Reich. But what were the first two? — If you have studied World War II, you are familiar with the Third Reich. The term reich comes from the idea of the German nation-state, and over the centuries, there have been several periods of history. …German History5 min readGerman History5 min read
Jan 9Member-onlyIllustrated Caliban: Art, Stage, and Screen RepresentationsCaliban is one of William Shakespeare’s most popular characters. Over the centuries, the character has been depicted in various ways and often reflects the times of the production. — In 1611 the Court of King James I of England was treated to a production of William Shakespeare’s The Tempest. The play mixed the real world with the otherworldly. …Film22 min readFilm22 min read
Published in The History Inquiry·Dec 28, 2022Member-onlyThe Frenchman Who Was Always HungryTarrare had an insatiable appetite. And this may have included cannibalism. — There is an odd disease that affects some people’s eating ability. Known as polyphagia, this disorder can cause people to overeat and eat things such as chalk, tobacco, and even household items. Not only will they eat large amounts of food, but they will also often eat non-food objects. One…Tarrare6 min readTarrare6 min read
Dec 24, 2022Member-onlyMy Favorite Christmas MoviesThese movies are always in rotation in my house. — It’s that time of year when Christmas movies are on heavy rotation on TV and streaming services. Many households will be watching their favorite Christmas movies this weekend (especially if you are in the United States and experiencing some record snowfall and temperatures). Several Christmas movies are always on rotation…Christmas Movies9 min readChristmas Movies9 min read
Dec 21, 2022Member-onlyThe Most Controversial Professional Wrestlers TodayWhile some professional wrestlers make a living being disliked, these people are not acting. — The world of professional wrestlers has two main categories regarding their character. You are either a babyface (a good guy) or a heel (a bad guy). And some of the more popular wrestlers live in the grey area of a “tweener” (think Attitude Era “Stone Cold” Steve Austin). In reality…Wrestling14 min readWrestling14 min read
Published in The History Inquiry·Dec 11, 2022Member-onlyWhat Started the French & Indian War?The first major North American war was part of a much bigger conflict. — The French & Indian War (1754–1763) was a part of a much larger conflict known as the Seven Years’ War. The conflict pitted the British (along with their American colonists) against the French and Indian allies. The North American conflict was fought over the Northwest Territory. …French And Indian War5 min readFrench And Indian War5 min read
Published in The History Inquiry·Nov 29, 2022Member-onlyLiver-Eating JohnsonOne of the most famous mountain men with a thirst for vengeance, a hunger for, well… — John Jerimiah Garrison Johnston is a legend of the Old West. He was born John Garrison in New Jersey on July 1, 1824. He served on a ship during the Mexican-American War but deserted after striking an officer. He then changed his name to John Johnston and fled to the…Old West3 min readOld West3 min read
Nov 21, 2022Member-onlyWhy is Soccer Not as Popular in the United States?The world’s favorite sport keeps struggling to gain traction in the United States. — The 2022 World Cup began this week in Qatar. While this year’s event is surrounded by controversy over the choice of the host country, many sports fans in the United States are barely aware of the event. Much like the Summer Olympics, the World Cup is the only time many…World Cup3 min readWorld Cup3 min read
Nov 10, 2022Member-onlyThe Belle of LouisvilleThe world’s oldest operating riverboat is still going strong. — The Belle of Louisville is one of the most recognizable steamboats in the world. The Belle is considered the oldest riverboat in operation and is an integral part of the Kentucky Derby Festival. …Belle Of Louisville2 min readBelle Of Louisville2 min read
Published in The History Inquiry·Nov 8, 2022Member-onlyWhat Were The Barbary Wars?War on the Mediterranean Sea influenced how the United States dealt with hostile nations. — The Barbary Wars were two conflicts in which the United States joined Sweden and the Kingdom of Sicily in war with the three Barbary States. The First Barbary War lasted from 1801–1805, while the Second Barbary War was a three-day conflict in 1815. While not as well-known as some of…American History5 min readAmerican History5 min read