French Uniforms The list runs long, but I am going to do a brief series of posts on pre-war decisions by each of the major states in the First World War that turned out to be complete blunders, causing disaster and mass casualties for their respective countrymen. First, I will discuss the French and their … Continue reading Blundering into Oblivion: Countries of the First World War
I think it is human nature to believe you are living in truly unprecedented times. However, I would posit this is rarely true. History is long and sprawling. Attitudes, ideas, and wealth dynamics have not changed so much in our modern time that nothing, outside of technology which has progressed at breakneck speed following the … Continue reading A Society In Decline?
The idea of a military arms race will often conjure thoughts about the Cold War between the Soviet Union and the United States. One argument that is used for pursuing such an arms race is deterrence. Certainly, fear of an enemy’s capabilities may persuade both sides to seek peace rather than a “hot” war, but … Continue reading When an Arms Race Goes South
When about weeks ago, when Russia invaded Ukraine, most of the world condemned the Russians. However, despite the widespread consternation at this invasion, leading to many American civilians publicly decrying the Russian attack and flooding Ukraine with millions dollars, the issue of actual military intervention in the conflict becomes far more divided. According to a … Continue reading To Participate or Not? The Eternal War Gaming Dilemma
There were a number of factors that led to what would become known as the First Crusade, but in my opinion the number one reason thousands of people were stirred into a frenzy was due to a sermon given by Pope Urban II at the Council of Clermont. Here, I will attempt to break down … Continue reading Oratory Masterclass: Pope Urban II at the Council of Clermont
The Great Fire of Rome in 64CE is most famous for the quotes about Nero fiddling while Rome burned. What he did or didn’t do while the fire raged is open for some debate, however, what he did in the aftermath is more concrete and should be discussed more. Rome was devastated by the fire. … Continue reading The Aftermath of the Great Fire of Rome
In 19th century Europe, the cavalry was the aristocratic branch of most militaries. Immortalized in poetry like the Charge of Light Brigade, charging into battle on horseback captured the imagination of the nobility. France was one such country, with an aristocratic cavalry which was set in its ways, leading to regressive tactics against the upstart … Continue reading Prussia in 1870: A Modernized Cavalry
After finishing his second term as President of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant gave in to his wanderlust and traveled the globe for two and a half years, from Europe, to the Far East, and throughout the United States. Along the way he met with all types of people; rich and powerful, poor and … Continue reading Grant and Bismarck: What If
Recently, there were elections across the United States, with the Virginia Gubernatorial election being the most nationally watched by the pundits in the media. A state that was a 10 point Biden win just last year, many were stunned to watch Glenn Youngkin of the Republican Party win by 2 points. It’s hard to pinpoint … Continue reading What Is the Plan For the Future?
The American Civil War, on both sides, was replete with generals trained and educated at West Point. At that time, the most in vogue tactics were those of Napoleon due to his legendary campaigns throughout Europe and beyond in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. However, throughout history the greatness of others on the … Continue reading Failing to Learn from History
Seven Hills History 