/r/askhistorians

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My father was denied admission to the US Army during the Vietnam War era because he had 'too many children' (Four). They called it a 'grave risk' to too many people. Anyone know the background of such policies?

2075 upvotes • WagTheKat

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After WW2 ended, were high schools full of returning GI's who left before they graduated? Was the class of '46 largely composed of Veterans in their 20's finishing their diplomas?

2075 upvotes • XipingVonHozzendorf

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Indiana Jones and Captain America films involve Nazis searching for magical relics in order to get an upper-hand against the allies. Did anything like that actually happen during the Nazi Regime?

2074 upvotes • arthurblakey

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Why did the Romani leave India and travel to Europe? Was it a slow or quick process? If it was a slow process, why didn't they leave Romani groups behind in Iran, Iraq, Syria, Turkey, etc?

2074 upvotes • The_Manchurian

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Only 0.57% of modern day Italians have red hair, but they are much more represented in Italian paintings from the 15th and 16th century, and also in descriptions of people like emperor Nero. Where have all the redheads gone? Or were there never that much in the first place?

2074 upvotes • BobbyBoljaar

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An old family photo reveals my great great grandfather in a fez. As a Greek Orthodox man living in Cairo, what is the significance of wearing a fez in such a photo? How did the British/Ottoman occupations of Egypt affect the dress of the time?

2073 upvotes • dtewfik

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In 19th century English literature, a child (even 4-5) is often referred to as "it." At what age did children normally take "human" pronouns? When did this convention die out?

2073 upvotes • spacemanaut

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If I took 50 lbs. of pure unmarked silver coins (roughly $16K in today's USD) back in time to London in 1300, how wealthy would I be and how long could it last?

2073 upvotes • Colt459

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I'm a 18 year old male in Britain in 1916. I know conscription is coming in next week. Can I avoid trench warfare by rushing to the recruitment offices and seeking a 'safe' job.

2071 upvotes • [deleted]

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When did the US Army stop using the white star roundel on it's vehicles and why?

2071 upvotes • coyoteslinger

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Title	Upvotes	Author	Mark as read	Favorited	Rating	Add to a list
My father was denied admission to the US Army during the Vietnam War era because he had 'too many children' (Four). They called it a 'grave risk' to too many people. Anyone know the background of such policies?	2075	WagTheKat
After WW2 ended, were high schools full of returning GI's who left before they graduated? Was the class of '46 largely composed of Veterans in their 20's finishing their diplomas?	2075	XipingVonHozzendorf
Indiana Jones and Captain America films involve Nazis searching for magical relics in order to get an upper-hand against the allies. Did anything like that actually happen during the Nazi Regime?	2074	arthurblakey
Why did the Romani leave India and travel to Europe? Was it a slow or quick process? If it was a slow process, why didn't they leave Romani groups behind in Iran, Iraq, Syria, Turkey, etc?	2074	The_Manchurian
Only 0.57% of modern day Italians have red hair, but they are much more represented in Italian paintings from the 15th and 16th century, and also in descriptions of people like emperor Nero. Where have all the redheads gone? Or were there never that much in the first place?	2074	BobbyBoljaar
An old family photo reveals my great great grandfather in a fez. As a Greek Orthodox man living in Cairo, what is the significance of wearing a fez in such a photo? How did the British/Ottoman occupations of Egypt affect the dress of the time?	2073	dtewfik
In 19th century English literature, a child (even 4-5) is often referred to as "it." At what age did children normally take "human" pronouns? When did this convention die out?	2073	spacemanaut
If I took 50 lbs. of pure unmarked silver coins (roughly $16K in today's USD) back in time to London in 1300, how wealthy would I be and how long could it last?	2073	Colt459
I'm a 18 year old male in Britain in 1916. I know conscription is coming in next week. Can I avoid trench warfare by rushing to the recruitment offices and seeking a 'safe' job.	2071	[deleted]
When did the US Army stop using the white star roundel on it's vehicles and why?	2071	coyoteslinger