askhistorians

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In "Diplomacy" by Kissinger, he mentions that 19th century Russia had both Asian and European focused foreign offices. With the European directive being dominated by "Baltic Germans". Who were these Baltic Germans and how important of a role did they have in Tsarist Russia?	5
By the time of the Napoleonic wars and after, Spain seems to drop off the map as a considerable power. What caused this drop in status?	5
There is a common assertion that a failed evacuation at Dunkirk would have spelt the virtual end for the British army. How many men were in Dunkirk/France? Weren't there also substantial British forces in SE Asia and North Africa at the time?	5
Bismarck was a noted diplomat who saw and planned years and decades ahead of his contemporaries, but his successors undermined his legacy tactlessly. Did Bismark ever make a serious attempt to groom a serious successor?	5
Why did almost none of the former British territories/colonies adopt "pound" as a name for their currencies?	5
I am an aspiring young Royal Navy officer in 1900. Does my background affect the trajectory of my career? What kind of service life can I expect?	4
I am a craftsman of some sort in 13th or 14th century England. I am suspected and accused of a crime like theft. How likely am I to be tortured? Who would have the authority to apprehend me and do this to me? What sort of torture could I expect?	4
Prior to the Emancipation Proclamation there was, at least hypothetically, the possibility of British or French intervention in the American Civil War. Was there any point that European involvement in the war seemed imminent to either the Union or Confederate leaders?	4
What attempts, if any, were made by the axis and/or allies to involve Turkey in WWII?	4
Thomas Jefferson once spoke in favour of the creation of an independent republic on the west coast. What would be the rationale of the creation of such a state? Was he ever in any real position to take initiate such an undertaking?	4

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