AskHistorians

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Can we assess how fairly were works of Soviet culture (such as "Roadside Picnic) treated by the western critics at the time of their publication in the west? Was there a notable cultural dimension to the Cold War, perhaps skewing the view of the works due to worry about hidden propaganda?	9
Konrad von Megenberg, 14th century Bavarian scholar, mentions that water with black amber, could be used as a virginity oracle, in a rather unspecified manner. How frequent were virginity tests before marriage (betrothal,engagement) at the time and on what understanding of virginity were they based?	9
In his draft of The Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson chastised King George for basically forcing the colonies to engage in slave trade. Was this merely a propaganda or did he have a basis for such accusation and belief?	9
Dr. Karl Köller (credited with discovering anesthetic effects of cocaine), was challenged to a duel after having to suffer through an anti-semitic attack on his person, in 1885, Vienna. Were Jewish men of the time at higher risk for ending up in a duel, thanks to anti-semitic moods in the society?	8
What is the story behind the story of an apple helping Sir Isaac Newton in understanding the basics of gravity? When did it start being told as if the apple fell on his head? Did Newton spread this story (any version) himself and how quick did it catch on?	8
With Cicero's account of the Catiline conspiracy being the dominant one and painting Catiline as a pure villain, when do we first see some sort of attempt at revision of that image? And is there any evidence for the supposed involvement of Crassus and Caesar?	8
Was a part of the training of RAF pilots during WWII, in regards to knowing formations and manouevres, team excercise on bicycles?	8
How did the various 60s experimental bands in Germany react to the rather unflattering term "krautrock"?	8
Is there anything to the theory that lead poisoning was widespread in ancient Rome?	8
What were the main differences (and their consequences) in the view of women's rights between Lenin and Stalin? For example, Stalin banned abortion (legal since 1920) in 1936 - was this more ideological or practical (not wanting the population to decline)?	8

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