askhistorians

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My Indian relatives told me that India was richer than Britain until the British conquered it and forcibly de-industrialized the subcontinent, leaving behind a poor and economically ravaged society. Is this true?	55
When and how was the worldwide postal system developed? What was the earliest date that an average person would be able to send a letter to a different country reliably and affordably?	43
William conquered England in 1066, introducing Norman rule. Only 69 years later, Henry I died without a clear successor and the country fell into anarchy and civil war. Was any thought given to throwing off the Normans completely? If not, why not? How did the Normans become so dominant so quickly?	35
15 years on, what does Lawrence Wright's 2006 book 'The Looming Tower' get right and wrong about al-Qaeda and 9/11?	31
After George H.W. Bush lost his re-election campaign in 1992, was there any serious consideration given to him running again in 1996?	28
After George H.W. Bush lost his re-election campaign in 1992, was there any serious consideration given to him running again in 1996?	22
After not awarding prizes from 1940-42 due to WWII, the Royal Swedish Academy gave the Nobel Prizes in Physics from 1943-45 to three European-born Jewish scientists working in the United States. Did this cause them any issues with Nazi Germany, or lead to political ramifications in general?	21
How soon after the American Revolution did British immigration to the United States resume? Were new British immigrants treated with suspicion? What happened to them during the War of 1812?	20
When and how was the global postal system developed? What is the earliest day that an average person would be able to affordably send a letter to a different country?	19
To what extent did British policies contribute to famines in India during the Raj?	18

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