AskHistorians

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Germany clearly went from a democracy in 1932 to a fascist dictatorship in 1933. But when did Japan go from an absolute monarchy in the Meiji period to a liberal democracy and then to a totalitarian dictatorship in WW2?	1698
Shinto is a collection of Japanese folklore traditions and beliefs, that vary wildly depending on their geographical origin. Imperial Japan during WW2 taught children a particular way of Shinto sanctioned by the state, known as "State Shinto". What did this new, uniform belief system look like?	1613
Why is/was Napoleon I not called "The Great", despite his overwhelming military success in conquering much of Europe and introducing modern legal systems to various states?	1434
After German Reunification, what happened to the East German Army, Navy and Airforce? How much of its equipment was in use in the Bundeswehr, what happened to its soldiers and were the Generals and Admirals allowed similar posts in the Bundeswehr?	1214
Why did no English or British king ever style themselves as King Arthur, despite many kings having had Arthur as one of their names? Why was King John not named King John I, and why has there not been a king named John ever since?	989
Why is Ankara the capital of modern turkey and not Istanbul?	742
The ducal and royal house of Saxe Coburg and Gotha ruled an insignificant little duchy in 19th century Germany. Yet somehow they managed to install their line on the thrones of Portugal, Belgium, Bulgaria, and the United Kingdom. How?	651
There are a lot of countries using a currency called "Dollar". Why is that name so widespread? And why do Canada and Australia, two former British colonies, use a "Dollar" currency as well, and not some kind of Canadian or Australian "Pound"?	561
Did the 2001 film "Enemy at the Gates" popularize common misconceptions about the Red Army during World War II, such as the supposedly widespread use of "human wave" tactics and "no step back" orders?	478
Why did the Soviet Navy after Stalin's death stop pursuing the construction of aircraft carriers and large surface combat ships to challenge the British and American sea superiority?	416

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