AskHistorians

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The USSR tried to join NATO in 1954, which was like trying to join an alliance formed to oppose them. Why did they want in, and were they surprised to be rejected?	692
Nearly every park with a decent mountain has a "castle" on it in the Northeastern US. I assumed this was normal until I started moving around the country and found the castle-building bug apparently never caught on. Why were so many recreational castles built in the Northeast?	688
James Polk is one of the most "successful" US presidents of all time, massively expanding US Territory, averting war with Britain and settling the Canadian/Oregon border dispute, and reestablishing an independent Treasury Department. How did he get so much done, and why isn't he well known?	687
Were black African slaves in the United States one step away from starvation, or well-fed because they were big investments?	683
The Gilgamesh epic mentions multiple assemblies ruling over Uruk. There were some for younger men, older men, and women. How did the division of power between these assemblies work? How much power did they have? Was there any sort of "executive figure" reigning over them all?	678
Was the Roman province of Britain a net drain on the treasury due to its heavy garrison needs and lack of resources? Was it abandoned in the 5th century because it didn't make financial sense to keep holding it? How robust was the economy of Roman Britain?	673
George Washington's death lead the Royal Navy to lower their colours to half mast, and The London Morning Chronicle wrote, "The whole range of history does not present to our view a character upon which we can dwell with such entire and unmixed admiration" - Why, when Washington had defeated them?	662
Countries receiving IMF loans seem perpetually on the brink of financial insolvency. Historically, have many countries receiving IMF loans become economically successful and independent?	662
Mongolia asked to join the Warsaw Pact in 1963, but was blocked by Hungary. Why did Mongolia want into a USSR-dominated alliance that so many eastern European countries wanted to escape? Why did Hungary want to keep Mongolia out of the pact?	638
Tiny Greek city states with 10-20k in population managed to build grand temples, bath houses, walls, and other monumental-scale buildings. Was this level of architectural achievement at low population levels common in the ancient world?	619

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