HistoryWow

Welcome to HistoryWow

Why ‘Wow’? Because history has a ‘Wow’ factor. History is rich in fascinating and inspiratonal incidents and events. Stories of heroism, self-sacrifice, humor, arrogance, foolishness, victory against the odds, the cruel hand of fate, irony and nobility.

History’s got the lot. Since 2012, HistoryWow’s aim has been to bring you some of these fascinating and inspirational incidents and events, in a short, sharp format. A little bit of history every day. But not enough to overload your busy lifestyles. We hope you enjoy HistoryWow!

History Question of the Day

During the 1860s Joseon, modern-day Korea, was incredibly suspicious of western nations and their desire to trade. What did Joseon leader Heungseon Daewongun (1820-1898) decide to do to ensure Joseon subjects were aware of this?

The answer tomorrow.

Yesterday's question and answer:

In 1863 which American military figure became the youngest general in the history of the U.S. Army, despite having graduated last in his class at West Point?

Answer: George Armstrong Custer (1839-1876). George B. McClellan promoted him to the temporary rank of brigadier general.

Source: Piercing the Fog of War by Brian L. Steed

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The History Wow Search Engine. "Ask HistoryWow"

History Question of the Week

According to British historian Eric Hobsbawm, who through their actions invented the concept of “the politician as a saint”?

The answer on Thursday.

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The first correct answer to each week's question will receive a US$30 voucher to buy a history book of their choice.

Last week's question and answer:

Which Chinese dynasty, through the so called ‘Oracle Bones’, offer us the first written records of China?

Answer: The Shang Dynasty (1556-1046 BCE).

Source: History of Chinese Philosophy by Bo Mou

HistoryWow’s Golden List of Great History Books

There are many great history books, on a range of interesting topics. These are some of the ones we at HistoryWow think are especially good.

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The HistoryWow Forum

CALLING ALL HISTORY BUFFS!

The fascinating thing about history is that there are a variety of different opinions and views on historical questions. Here is your chance to tell us what you think about a particular history question.

THIS WEEK'S HISTORYWOW FORUM TOPIC IS:

While the Mughal Empire achieved more territory than ever before under Emperor Aurangzeb (1618-1707), his autocratic tendencies and abandonment of the religious pluralism favoured by his predecessors ultimately led to the decline of the Mughals. What do you think?

Comment

What Business Can Learn from the Lessons of History

A unique business conference and corporate presentation.

Tell us Your Favorite History Anecdote

History lovers have their own special history stories, incidents and episodes. Stories of heroism, self-sacrifice, victory against the odds, arrogance, the cruel hand of fate, irony and nobility. Tell us here what your favorite anecdote is.

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The HistoryWow App

The HistoryWow App. Seventy fascinating and inspirational incidents and events from history - in a short, sharp format. Each great story is different and each one is a terrific read. A nice-sized, compact, mini history book of around 15,000 words, complete with pictures. And it's free.

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On This Day

1820 – The Missouri Compromise is signed into law by President James Monroe. This allows Missouri to enter the Union as a slave state, brings Maine into the Union as a free state, and makes the rest of the northern part of the Louisiana Purchase territory slavery-free.

HistoryWow on Omny Personal Radio

Short, sharp hits of history in audio format.

Got a History Question?

Have you an intriguing, fascinating or inspirational history question and answer? Then, we'd love to hear from you. The best ones, ideally with the source provided, will be posted on either the History Question of the Day or History Question of the Week.

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HistoryWow on Facebook

More short, sharp hits of history on HistoryWow's Facebook page

HistoryWow’s Quick Shot Videos

A short, sharp hit of history in video format. Erskine Childers’ incredible bravery in the face of death. The source for this HistoryWow vignette is: The Modern World Encyclopaedia; The New Penguin Book of Modern Quotations by Robert Andrews; General Historical Texts.

More Quick Shot Videos on HistoryWow's YouTube Channel:

Who Am I?

I was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1803.
I studied at Harvard and become a teacher before becoming in 1829 a pastor of a Unitarian Church in Boston, but my unorthodox views forced my resignation.
In 1833 I travelled to Europe and visited Thomas Carlyle, thereafter corresponding with him for 38 years.
In 1834 I moved to Concorde, Massachusetts, where I wrote my prose rhapsody ‘Nature’ in 1836, and many poems and essays, notably ‘The Conduct of Life’ in 1860.
I was a bold advocate of spiritual individualism.

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Last week’s answer: Confucius (551-479 BCE)

Today’s Historical Quotation

“An archeologist is the best husband a woman can have. The older she gets, the more interested he is in her.”

Agatha Christie, British author, who was married to archeologist Max Mallowan, and whose books have sold around two billion copies

Source: The Quotable Intellectual by Peter Archer; General Historical Texts

HistoryWow’s Featured Historical Figure of Note

Petrus Peregrinus (13th century)

French scientist and soldier. He was a prominent crusader, his Latin name meaning ‘Pilgrim’. He also made a string of scientific discoveries; he invented a compass with a graduated scale and was the first to mark the ends of a round natural magnet and call them poles.