“Those who fail to learn from history, are doomed to repeat it.” – Philosopher George Santayana, Reason in Common Sense, 1905. Arguably, no truer words were ever written. For we humans have a terrible habit of not learning from our own mistakes, or those of others, for that matter. The past lessons of history areContinue reading “Six Times History Repeated Itself”
Category Archives: Forgotten History
6 Forgotten Secrets of Michelangelo’s David
How much do you think you know about Michelangelo’s David? You’ve no doubt seen countless pictures of the famous naked statue on the internet, television or in books.
Casimir Pulaski, Polish Hero of the American Revolution
Polish nobleman Casimir Pulaski made a historic impact on the American Revolution. He became a brigadier general in the U.S. Continental Army’s first cavalry. Pulaski brought with him experience, organization and proper training, becoming “Father of the American Cavalry” and a “Soldier of Liberty.” While fighting for the patriots in the Battle of Savannah in 1779,Continue reading “Casimir Pulaski, Polish Hero of the American Revolution”
Mad King Ludwig and Neuschwanstein Castle
‘Mad’ King Ludwig II of Bavaria was responsible for building some of the most impressive castles and palaces in all of Europe. Known as the “Fairytale King”, his Herrenchiemsee, Linderhof, and especially Neuschwanstein attract millions of visitors a year. His castles represent an operatic fantasy world built to escape from reality, which was ultimately hisContinue reading “Mad King Ludwig and Neuschwanstein Castle”
Milton Hershey and his Chocolate Factory
Before Willie Wonka there was Milton Hershey. He created one of America’s most beloved chocolate and candy brands. He made milk chocolate a treat Americans and those around the world could afford. In the process, he created a fortune. Hershey used his vast wealth for philanthropy rather than personal gain. He built an extraordinary orphanage thatContinue reading “Milton Hershey and his Chocolate Factory”
How Saint Paul spread Christianity in the Roman Empire
Saint Paul is one of the most central figures in the religious history of the western world. Following his conversion from Judaism to Christianity, he travelled tens of thousands of miles around the Mediterranean Sea. During four, long missionary journeys, he spread the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. It was Saint Paul who planted theContinue reading “How Saint Paul spread Christianity in the Roman Empire”
Smallpox and the American Revolution
During the 1700’s, smallpox epidemics raged throughout the American colonies. They would severely impact the new Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. The first signs came during the early battles of the American Revolution in 1775-1776 – at the siege of Boston, the siege of Quebec, and Britain’s Virginia regiments. These deadly outbreaks pushed WashingtonContinue reading “Smallpox and the American Revolution”
Devil’s Island, the French Guiana Penal Colony
Long before Alcatraz Prison there was Devil’s Island. It was a living hell, not just a violent, tropical prison, but also rampant with malaria, cholera and yellow fever. From 1852 to 1953, Devil’s Island operated as part of the Îles du Salut Penal Colony in French Guiana. Up to 90% of prisoners perished there dueContinue reading “Devil’s Island, the French Guiana Penal Colony”
The Real Musketeer d’Artagnan, Fact vs Fiction
The Three Musketeers is a classic novel full of intrigue, friendships, adventure and love. The central character is the brave, young hero d’Artagnan. Les Trois Mousquetaires was published in 1844 by French novelist Alexandre Dumas. But d’Artagnan and the Musketeers were real 17th century characters and NOT fiction. Dumas did however take some liberties withContinue reading “The Real Musketeer d’Artagnan, Fact vs Fiction”
The Red Summer Race Riots of 1919
A wave of deadly, anti-black violence swept across the United States in the summer of 1919. The name Red Summer was coined to recognize the amount blood that was shed. During that spring to fall season, at least 26 major riots and white mob actions broke out across the country. Hundreds of blacks were killed,Continue reading “The Red Summer Race Riots of 1919”