In Ireland, the Irish Famine is known simply as “THE HUNGER.” It began in 1845 when a potato blight spread through every farm in Ireland. and destroyed crops for the next 7 years.
Author Archives: andrewspaulw
The Deadliest Circus Train Wreck in History
One of the worst train wrecks in U.S. history happened with, of all things, a Circus Train. It was carrying over 400 performers when another train rear-ended it in the dead the night; and they burst into flames. The horrific tragedy happened to the famous Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus at Dutchman’s Curve near Hammond, Indiana on 22 June 1918. The circus train was stopped on the tracks for repairs. The circus train wreck killed 89 performers and roustabouts, and injured over 150 more. How could such a terrible disaster have occurred during the Golden Age of railroads?
Senator Joe McCarthy and The Red Scare
Senator Joe McCarthy was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1947 as a Wisconsin Republican. During his tenure, the bombastic McCarthy played upon America’s fears of “communist traitors” everywhere to gain unheard of political power. He abused his oversight authority by accusing thousands of government staff members and ordinary citizens of secretly being communists, spies, or left-leaning sympathizers. He skillfully used the press amplify lies and feed the people’s frenzy of fear and suspicion.
Chile’s Ruthless Dictator, Augusto Pinochet
How did Chile turn from Democracy to Dictatorship in a matter of weeks? Augusto Pinochet led a 1973 coup and took authoritarian control which lasted 7 years.
Before They Were Famous – 6 Inventors, Leaders and Humanitarians
What makes certain people seemingly fated to be famous? Is it their wealth, charisma, stamina … or ruthlessness? Could it perhaps be something in their childhood or up-bringing? It is some Secret Sauce that others can replicate? Below are 6 famous people from recent history, Thomas Edison, Theodore Roosevelt, Golda Mier, Winston Churchill, Mother Teresa and Adolf Hitler.
Shays Rebellion of 1786, the 1st American Insurrection
Shays Rebellion of 1786 was a series of violent attacks by rural landowners on county courthouses and armories in Massachusetts. It led to a full-blown military confrontation with the state militia in the winter of 1787.
The Pacific Clipper WWII Around-the-World Flight
In late 1941, the crew of the Pan American “Pacific Clipper” (Boeing 314 flying boat) made a historic, emergency flight around the world just to get home.
Napoleon’s Failed Invasion of Russia
French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte was without a doubt one of the most brilliant leaders in history. Nevertheless, his Invasion of Russia in 1812 was one of the worst military disasters ever undertaken.
Israel vs. Middle East -the Birth Pains of a new Nation
Israel as a nation has only existed since 1948, less than a hundred years. It was created by the United Nations in the turbulent aftermath of World War II.
Podcast: Benito Mussolini and the Rise of Fascism
We hear a great deal from politicians these days about the growing dangers of Fascism, or even just Socialism. Political leaders throw the terms about as if the two were the same. Democratic Socialism is practiced successfully today by nearly every European Union country. But what about Fascism? It got its start a decade BEFORE Adolf Hitler and the Nazis, under Italian dictator Benito Mussolini.