askhistorians

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The Spanish Flu of 1918 didn't have a vaccine and spread throughout the population, and ultimately about 28% of Americans were infected, but epidemiologists say we need about 70% infected for herd immunity. So why did the flu stop spreading?	10479
The Republic of Turkey sent 15,000 men to fight in the Korean War, making up the third largest United Nation force after the US and UK. Why did Turkey send so many troops to such a distant war?	1984
Nowadays it is very expensive to live in global cities like New York, London, and Tokyo. Would it have been significantly more expensive to live in a major ancient city such as Rome, Alexandria, or Antioch versus living somewhere smaller?	1831
A recent viral tweet claimed that 2021 was the most profitable year for American corporations since 1950. What circumstances caused corporations have such a profitable year in 1950?	408
In 1994, the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act became law, which criminalized blocking access to an abortion clinic. The bill had near unanimous support from Democrats, but why did 11 Republican senators including Mitch McConnell also vote in favor of this bill?	227
After declining for centuries, in the 1300s the share of land in France covered by forest nearly doubled from 23% to 40%. What drove this massive increase?	105
When and why did American real estate pivot to favor function over form?Tenements from 1890-1920 feature intricate stonework, gargoyles, etc even in buildings designed to house poor immigrants. Why didn't the builders at the time construct something much simpler to save money?	81
In August and September 1941, the Soviet Union sent three armies and 1,000 tanks to invade Iran. How did they have so many resources to spare as the Germans were rapidly approaching Moscow?	55
In the 1950s, the highest federal tax rate in the US was 91%. After adding state and local taxes, was it possible for a rich person to have a marginal tax rate exceeding 100%?	53
Was there ever an effort during the Crusades to try and conquer Mecca and Medina?	34

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