askhistorians

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Every book I read jumps to Erich Ludendorff “de facto dictator”of Germany in 1917 without ever explaining how he obtained such power.I realize he was a prodigy general,and rose through the military ranks,but what were the events that led him to both absolute political and military dictatorial power?	2663
World War 1 forts, such as at Liege or Verdun, were vast underground structures, but above ground they look to be just a dome with one to two guns therein. Why were these structures with seemingly limited firepower considered “impassable” against the enormity of passing armies?	1694
In 1974 the CIA spent considerable time, money, and effort in a secretive mission in trying to raise the sunken Soviet sub K-129 in order to obtain her nuclear warheads. Why did they go through such a struggle when the US already had hundreds of nuclear warheads by that time?	779
How was the southern end of the Western Front in WW1 handled at Switzerland? Was it a respect for a neutral border and the front just ended?	291
How much of the available World War 1 combat footage is authentic vs. staged?	197
Why is Julius Caesar historically far more famous than Augustus, when is was Augustus who brought peace, established the empire, and was beloved by his people for decades?	85
There is now 3/4 additional kilometers of land to the east of Thermopolye, making you imagine the narrow pass where the battle took place. I realize this is more of a science question, but how and why did this additional land come about?	52
Stonewall Jackson’s performance at The Seven Days was downright horrible, bordering on dereliction of duty.For example, he took a nap when he was supposed to attack. This completely goes against his reputation as an aggressive fighter. Why did Old Bluelight behave this way on this particular battle?	32
How was Alexander the Great portrayed in Roman Culture and history?	26
In the movie Flags of our Fathers, a man falls overboard when the convoy of hundreds of ships are en route to Iwo Jima.A fellow crew mate then states that no ship will stop for him,and he is seemingly left to drown.Was this Naval policy in the Pacific,and if so are there occurrences of it happening?	21

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