Welcome to HistoryWow
Why ‘Wow’? Because history has a ‘Wow’ factor. History is rich in fascinating and inspirational 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 Since 2012, HistoryWow’s aim, using only the finest historical reference material, has been to bring you some of these fascinating and inspirational incidents and events, in a short, sharp format.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
In the 1940s and early 1950s high ranking Soviet politician Anastas Mikoyan was compelled to take a spare suit to state dinners. Why was this?
The answer tomorrow.
Yesterday's question and answer:
Over 15 million of Henry Ford’s famous Model T automobile – The ‘Tin Lizzy’ – were sold. Making motoring affordable for countless people around the world, the car’s price actually dropped over its 19 year production run. Famously, it was available in any colour, so long as it was, what?
Answer: Black.
Source: General Historical Texts
More at: History
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The History Wow Search Engine. "Ask HistoryWow"
History Question of the Week
Despite his enormous wealth and power, France’s King Louis XVI (1754-1793), who was famously overthrown in the French Revolution, was a distinctly unhappy man. What did he later recall were the only two happy moments of his life?
The answer on Thursday.Submit Answer
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:
The carrot, of course, is widely acknowledged to be an orange vegetable, but prior to the seventeenth century purple, red and white variants were equally common. What do some claim to be the reason for this?
Answer: Some say Dutch farmers cultivated carrots to be primarily orange in tribute to William of Orange, who led the struggle for Dutch independence. Such was the strength of this feeling that in the late 18th century, Dutch patriots who revolted against the House of Orange saw carrots as an offensive tribute to the monarchy.Source: Patriots and Liberators by Simon Schama
More at: History
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.
These excellent books are available at: History
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:
Renowned British historian A.J.P. Taylor argued that that it is ‘human blunders that have done more to determine the course of history than clear human wickedness’. What do you think?
More at: History
