AskHistorians

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Coal mining employment in the US peaked at almost 900K miners in 1923, producing 600 million tons. 20 years ago, less than 100K miners were producing over 1 billion tons. What technological advances enabled this increase in productivity?	14
Many 19th century independence movements had strong monarchist factions. Yet in the American Revolution, if you were in favor of independence, you also wanted a republic. Why? Presumably, in 1763, the future revolutionaries were in favor of constitutional monarchy.	14
How far up the Nile did the Ancient Egyptians (through the Roman period) have contact? Did they know about the Great Lakes region? Did they have regular commerce?	12
Both sides of the American Revolution claimed to have tried to compromise and got rejected. What did each side offer in these proposals?	12
In It's a Wonderful Life, a character says, "It's against the law to commit suicide around here." What did anti-suicide laws look like in the '40s in the U.S.? Jail people who attempt suicide?	12
What's the history behind politicians taking the oath of office on Bibles in the U.S.? Did the founding generation do it-even the Deists and Quakers? Are there notable exceptions up to the 20 year rule?	12
How did the founding fathers become so committed to a republic by 1776? Wouldn't most of them have favored a constitutional monarchy only a few years earlier?	12
This painting has meme-ified into a joke about growing up with siblings. But what was its original context? I can't find a source anywhere.	12
In a 1954 episode of You Bet Your Life, a contestant named claimed to be the son of a president of El Salvador who was removed in a revolution in 1929. Was he doing a bit? Or exaggerating?	11
Did the Norse have peaceful (perhaps mercantile?) contact with Britain and France before Viking raids began? If not, how did the Vikings know where to raid?	11

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