/r/AskHistorians

Year:

Only show posts with narrations

Let's educate ourselves on the history of Israel/Palestine

6329 upvotes • ExtraCortex

Mark as read: Add to a list

There's a meme going around alleging that "There was a 22-year window in which a samurai could have sent a fax to Abraham Lincoln." I have multiple questions.

6313 upvotes • LincolnMagnus

Mark as read: Add to a list

Why do English language speakers (Americans like myself) frequently use German to describe Germany during WWII?

6300 upvotes • jstieps

Mark as read: Add to a list

Currently in the U.S., poor whites predominantly live in rural areas and poor blacks and poor Latinos predominantly live in inner cities. What historical factors and events led to this being the case? Has it always been this way?

6259 upvotes • [deleted]

Mark as read: Add to a list

When Lee surrendered his army to Grant at Appomattox, Grant allowed Lee's army of about 28,000 to disband and go home. How did 28,000 men from different towns leave a single area and where did they go?

6230 upvotes • DetroitNate

Mark as read: Add to a list

Italians were considered non-whites until 1945, did the KKK harass them ? If yes, did the Mafia ever fight back the KKK ?

6205 upvotes • RutilantBoss

Mark as read: Add to a list

Why are the surnames "West" and "North" very common in english speaking countries, but "East" and "South" are considerably less common?

6186 upvotes • Joe_Kickass

Mark as read: Add to a list

We have heard the term “Russian oligarchs” so often in the news lately for obvious reasons. Apparently this means a wealthy and politically connected person which carries specific connotations in post-USSR Russia. Why isn’t this term used in western countries?

6184 upvotes • brick_layer

Mark as read: Add to a list

Switzerland had an impressive military history up until the early 16th century, at which point they adopted their famous neutrality. What caused them to adopt this stance, and how have they been able to maintain it through 500 years of European wars?

6171 upvotes • td4999

Mark as read: Add to a list

Why is it that Muslims are opposed to the depiction of Muhammad but many name their children Muhammad, whereas many Christians are opposed to naming their children Jesus but like depictions of Jesus?

6153 upvotes • peteroh9

Mark as read: Add to a list

Title	Upvotes	Author	Mark as read	Favorited	Rating	Add to a list
Let's educate ourselves on the history of Israel/Palestine	6329	ExtraCortex
There's a meme going around alleging that "There was a 22-year window in which a samurai could have sent a fax to Abraham Lincoln." I have multiple questions.	6313	LincolnMagnus
Why do English language speakers (Americans like myself) frequently use German to describe Germany during WWII?	6300	jstieps
Currently in the U.S., poor whites predominantly live in rural areas and poor blacks and poor Latinos predominantly live in inner cities. What historical factors and events led to this being the case? Has it always been this way?	6259	[deleted]
When Lee surrendered his army to Grant at Appomattox, Grant allowed Lee's army of about 28,000 to disband and go home. How did 28,000 men from different towns leave a single area and where did they go?	6230	DetroitNate
Italians were considered non-whites until 1945, did the KKK harass them ? If yes, did the Mafia ever fight back the KKK ?	6205	RutilantBoss
Why are the surnames "West" and "North" very common in english speaking countries, but "East" and "South" are considerably less common?	6186	Joe_Kickass
We have heard the term “Russian oligarchs” so often in the news lately for obvious reasons. Apparently this means a wealthy and politically connected person which carries specific connotations in post-USSR Russia. Why isn’t this term used in western countries?	6184	brick_layer
Switzerland had an impressive military history up until the early 16th century, at which point they adopted their famous neutrality. What caused them to adopt this stance, and how have they been able to maintain it through 500 years of European wars?	6171	td4999
Why is it that Muslims are opposed to the depiction of Muhammad but many name their children Muhammad, whereas many Christians are opposed to naming their children Jesus but like depictions of Jesus?	6153	peteroh9