AskHistorians

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anarcho capitalists cite medieval Iceland and Cospaia as examples of ancap societies in action, & generally speak of these societies as paradises. Could Medieval Iceland & Cospaia be called “ancap”, what was the quality of life there; was the quality of life any better than other places at the time?	12
In 19th century America, politicians, Henry Clay for example, served sporadic & incomplete terms in the United Senate, sometimes serving as a representative between senate terms. Today, the US senate is seen as more prestigious than the House. How did the Senate come to be seen as more prestigious?	11
Why were so many lighthouses built in the US during the first half of the 19th century built to poor standards?	10
Why did the socialist party achieve so much electoral success in Milwaukee, Wisconsin during the first half of the 20th century?	10
When Aaron Burr attempted to create an independent country in 1806, he had effigies of his likeness burned across the country. Why then were future filibuster attempts such as the Lopez expedition & William Walker so supported by the American populace?	10
In Henry Fuseli’s 1794 painting, “Milton Dictating to His Daughter”, 17th century English poet John Milton is depicted as having a discolored face, & sickly. How physically ill was Milton when he was dictating “Paradise Lost”?	9
Were there any novels published in the North American colonies? What were the most popular works of fiction In colonial America?	9
I’ve seen numerous comments, mostly on r/presidents, proposing that the children of Sally Hemmings & Thomas Jefferson were actually fathered by Randolph Jefferson, his brother. Are these claims taken seriously by scholars, & is there evidence specifically pointing to Thomas Jefferson as the father?	8
Were the motivations of the founding fathers more economical, as historians such as Charles A. Beard have argued, or ideological/philosophical?	8
Many 19th century novels, such as “The Last of The Mohicans” & “Jane Eyre”, where initially published in multiple volumes. Why were novels from this time period published in multiple volumes, & what caused them to be published in a single volume?	8

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