TODAY’S QUESTION:
French Marshall Ferdinand Foch said of the 1919 Treaty of Versailles that it was not peace, but … what?
Answer: An armistice for 20 years (He got it wrong by just 65 days)
Source: The First World War by Huw Strachan
On This Day
378 – General Siyaj K’ak’ conquers Tikal, enlarging the domain of King Spearthrower Owl of Teotihuacán.
1492 – The first book on the rules of Spanish grammar (Gramática de la lengua castellana) is presented to Queen Isabella.
1707 – The Scottish Parliament ratifies the Act of Union, paving the way for the creation of Great Britain.
More at: History
HistoryWow’s Quick Shot Videos
A short, sharp hit of history in video format. Acclaimed Irish playwright and novelist Oscar Wilde was the toast of London society in the 1890s until things came decidedly unstuck through an association with a young British aristocrat, Lord Alfred Douglas, known as ‘Bosie’.
The source for this HistoryWow video is: Oscar and Bosie - A Fatal Passion by Trevor Fisher; General Historical Texts.
More Quick Shot Videos on HistoryWow's YouTube Channel: 
Who Am I?
- I was one of the most accomplished generals in Byzantine history.
- I was especially adept as a commander of heavy cavalry, well ahead of my time.
- I saved the Emperor Justinian’s life and throne in 532 by putting down an uprising in Constantinople.
- Among my conquests include the Vandal state in North Africa and the re-conquest of Italy from the Ostrogoths.
- I later successfully defended Constantinople against a sudden attack by the Huns.
Last week’s answer:
French chef August Escoffier (1847-1935)
More at: History
HistoryWow’s Highlighted Historical Quotation
‘With a heart full of love and gratitude, I now take leave of you. I most devoutly wish that your later days may be as prosperous and happy as your former ones have been glorious and honorable.’
General George Washington bidding farewell to his officers, December 4, 1783, at Fraunces Tavern in New York City.Source: A History of America by Paul Johnson; General Historical Texts
More at: History
HistoryWow’s Featured Historical Figure of Note
St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226)Italian mystic who founded the religious order, the Franciscans. Renowned for his love, simplicity and practice of poverty, he is one of history’s most famous and venerated religious figures.
More at: History
