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 Since 2012, HistoryWow’s aim, using only the finest historical reference material, has been to bring you some of these fascinating and inspirational incidents and events, in a short, sharp format.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!

World War One caused by English Medical Incompetence

Tens of millions died as a result of the cataclysm that was the First World War.

With the 100th anniversary of the end of the war recently commemorated, the attached groundbreaking new research argues that English medical incompetence was the cause of the horrific events of 1914 to 1918.

Audio Summary

Media Release  

Research Paper

History Question of the Day

The opening of the revolutionary Liverpool to Manchester railway in 1830 was marred by a tragic event. What was it?

The answer tomorrow.

Yesterday's question and answer:

Why did being well-dressed cost Spanish General José Sanjurjo (1872-1936) not only the chance to rule Spain, but also his life?

Answer: In 1936, Sanjurjo led a coup to overthrow the Spanish government. He prepared to fly back from exile in a small bi-plane when the pilot queried the amount of baggage he was bringing. Sanjurjo replied, “I need to wear proper clothes as the new caudillo (leader) of Spain!” The heavy luggage was a contributing factor to the plane crashing, killing Sanjurjo.

Source: The Luck of Politics by Andrew Leigh

More at: History

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The HistoryWow Research Team

The HistoryWow research team is led by principal researcher Benjamin S V Bray, who has a first class honours degree in history from Edinburgh University and a masters degree in philosophy majoring in history from Cambridge University.

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The History Wow Search Engine. "Ask HistoryWow"

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History Question of the Week

Which town was the seat of Welsh leader Owain Glyndwr’s (1359-1415) Parliament in 1394 and is considered by some the ancient capital of Wales?

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 Allied invasion of French North Africa (1942) during the Second World War (1939-1945) was called what?

Answer: Operation Torch.

Source: Beetle - The Life of General Walter Bedell Smith by Daniel K. R. Crosswell
 
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

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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:

The failure of the Spanish Armada in 1588 – aimed at the invasion of Protestant England by Catholic Spain – does not deserve the attention it receives, as ultimately it changed nothing. What do you think?

More at: History

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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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HistoryWow’s Featured Historical Figure of Note

Paul Cuffee (1759-1817)

American merchant. His father was Ashanti while his mother was Aquinnah Wampanoag. He was active in the Massachusetts campaign for civil rights for both African Americans and Native Americans, while he also pioneered the attempts to settle free slaves in West Africa.

More at: History