Civil wars are fought within a nation between different factions, religious groups or powers. They can be destructive and last for decades, with reasons ranging from religious beliefs to conflicts over resources. Many nations around the world have struggled with civil wars, and some have resulted in genocide. A civil war is a war fought […]
The American Civil War resulted in the deaths of 620,000 Americans, equivalent to 6 million people today. It lasted from 1861 to 1865 and ended slavery, but at the cost of 2% of the American population. It had the highest death toll of any American war and was triggered by the Confederate Army’s attack on […]
The Anglo-Zanzibar War, the shortest recorded war in history, lasted only 38 minutes on August 27, 1896 due to a succession dispute. The shortest war in recorded history occurred on August 27, 1896. Known as the Anglo-Zanzibar War, the reason behind the conflict was the death of Sultan Hamad bin Thuwaini two days earlier. Contrary […]
During the American Civil War, Richmond, Virginia was the capital of the Confederacy. In 1863, a Union blockade caused food shortages, leading to the Richmond Women’s Bread Riot. Led by Mary Jackson and Minerva Meredith, women raided government warehouses and businesses for food. During the American Civil War, Richmond, Virginia served as the capital of […]
Disease and accidents caused most war-related deaths historically, until World War II when battle deaths surpassed them. During the Civil War, twice as many soldiers died of diseases as those who died in battle. The decrease in disease-related deaths is attributed to improved knowledge of disease and sanitation. Historically, most war-related deaths were actually caused […]
Over half of US presidents have military experience, but only 24 served in combat. 12 have no military experience. Some presidents, like George W. Bush, were in the military but saw no action. Andrew Jackson served in multiple wars, while George Washington was Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. Over half of all US presidents have […]
Russia and Japan have never signed a peace treaty to officially end WWII due to a dispute over the Kuril Islands. Both nations claim rights to the islands, and talks have not resulted in a resolution. Although WWII effectively ended in 1945, it is technically still ongoing as two participants, Russia and Japan, have never […]
The American Civil War saw more casualties than WWI, WWII, Korea, and Vietnam combined. Generals were 50% more likely to die than privates. Disease was a major killer. About 625,000 men died in the US Civil War – more American casualties than in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam […]
The War of 1812 was caused by tensions between America and Great Britain, including conflicts over trade and American expansion in the Northwest Territory. British impressment of American sailors and support for Indian raids also contributed to the war. President James Madison declared war after Congress acted on grievances against Britain. The cause of the […]
The War of 1812 was fought between the US and England for various reasons, including British support for Native American tribes and US desire for more territory. Major battles included Queenston Heights, Lake Erie, Thames, Horseshoe Bend, and New Orleans, with the British retaining control of eastern Canada and the US eventually defeating the British […]
The Spanish Civil War was fought between the left-wing Popular Front and the right-wing National Front. It began in 1931 when the King of Spain fled into exile after democratic elections showed the people wanted a republic. In 1936, the Popular Front won the general election and took over the government, but an economic crisis […]
At least 400 women disguised themselves as men to fight in the American Civil War, with some fighting for a cause and some for a paycheck. Ill-fitting clothes and smooth faces helped them blend in, and some, like Albert Cashier, were buried with full military honors despite being biologically female. Researchers at the National Archives […]
The Pacific War began with Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. The Allies, including the US, Great Britain, Russia, and France, fought against Japanese forces in the Pacific. After initial Japanese success, the tide turned in favor of the Allies, with key victories at Midway and Guadalcanal. The war ended when atomic bombs were […]
The Civil War amendments (13th, 14th, and 15th) to the US Constitution were ratified after the Civil War and addressed issues raised by the conflict. The 13th amendment outlawed slavery, the 14th amendment sought to protect the rights of freed slaves, and the 15th amendment sought to protect former slaves’ ability to vote. These amendments […]
The Thirty Years’ War was a religious and political conflict that devastated most of Europe from 1618-1648. The war destabilized the Holy Roman Empire and was caused by treaty failures, imperialist projects, and religious conflicts. The conflict began with disputes between Catholic and Lutheran followers, leading to renewed religious conflict in the early 17th century. […]
War criminals are those who violate international treaties and rules of engagement during times of war. They are prosecuted by third-party courts or through tribunals and conventions. War crimes are serious violations of agreements such as the Geneva Convention. The International Criminal Court is involved in the prosecution of war criminals. Investigations can take months […]
The War on Terror is a multinational military effort to eliminate terrorist activities and funding. It primarily focuses on the Middle East and was declared by President George W. Bush after 9/11. The term is often used non-specifically and has different connotations. The main efforts are to find and eliminate terrorist groups, cease funding, and […]
The American Civil War began in 1861 when the South Carolina state militia attacked Fort Sumter. The conflict was caused by the issue of slavery, which divided the northern and southern regions of the United States. Southern states seceded from the Union to form the Confederate States of America, and the war ended in 1865 […]
Total warfare is a type of warfare that involves the use of any resource to ensure victory and does not distinguish between soldiers and civilians. It has been practiced for centuries and evolved with the sophistication of weapons and technology. Examples include the Peloponnesian War and World War I and II. Nuclear weapons have brought […]
The Second Sino-Japanese War was the largest war in Asia in the 20th century, with roots in the First Sino-Japanese War. Japan’s imperialist rule and conflicting national policies put them at odds with China. The war began in earnest in 1937 and ended in 1945 as part of Japan’s surrender at the end of World […]
