askhistorians

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How did NYC become popularly referred to as "The Big Apple"?	3
The US and western European countries frequently dressed formally or with an eye toward fashion until the 1960s. After this, America got considerably more casual while European fashion changed but remained very appearance/fashion-focused. Is there a reason for this divergence?	3
Corsica was a part of the Roman Empire, but was incorporated into France decades before Italy unified. Did the island desire a union with Italy? Did the people ever have a strong Italian culture, or were they culturally French by the time of Italy's unification?	3
Virginia was among the staunchest confederate states, but West Virginia seceded and joined the Union. Why the difference?	3
In "The Finding of the Sword Excalibur," By Sir Thomas Malory, Merlin counsels Arthur to "speak ye fair to (the lady of the lake) that she will give you the sword." Is he suggesting he speak wisely? Sweet talk the lady? What exactly would "speaking fair" cover?	3
Why did later Roman emperors divest themselves of leadership of the state religion (pontifex maximus). Seems like a lot of power to give up. Byzantine emperors kept clashing with their patriarchs.	3
Rice paddies introduced a malaria epidemic to the southern US by giving mosquitoes a place to breed. Was Asia just as affected? If not, how did they prevent malaria from spreading in the paddies?	3
Were there enough of the famous ancient Roman public toilets for everyone? Or were they a rare public amenity, with most people crapping in chamber pots and dumping them in the street?	3
Did the Bering Land Bridge have a hospitable climate when the original colonizers of the New World utilized it to cross to America? Would people have wanted to stay on it, or just move through it as fast as possible?	3
Why did Christians adopt the Jewish Tanakh as the "backstory" of Jesus and God?	3

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