askhistorians

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Unlike the Bhagavad Gita, the Dao De Jing, or the Bible, The Book of Mormon was not created by an established religion. Rather Mormonism is a religion created by a book. Is this a unique inversion in the history of religions?	10
Did George Washington and his estate take a large financial hit when he freed his slaves? Was he trying to start a trend? Did many people follow his lead?	10
Following the Battle of Bunker Hill and the death of General Warren, did the Massachusetts militia balk at The Continental Congress's appointment of George Washington, a Virginian, to lead them?	10
Stalin famously forced Russia to modernize/industrialize very quickly in the 20s and 30s, taking it from an agrarian economy of serfs to an industrial powerhouse in just a few years. How instrumental was this forced — and painful — modernization in allowing the country to withstand WWII?	10
Theodore Roosevelt preached the doctrine of the "strenuous life" to his fellow Americans. How successful was he at getting everyone else on board with his ideas?	10
Coffee was considered an old person's drink in the 70s and 80s before seeing a resurgence in the 90s. What changed things?	10
The Romans were early risers - Did they usually get up with the dawn regardless of when that was as the seasons varied, or would they be awake in the predawn darkness during winter?	10
Americans once earnestly believed that by studying the words of Dante or Plutarch or by examining the history of Rome or 16th century England, one could learn important truths about human nature and human civilization. Every leader needed to know history & literature. When and why did this end?	10
Does New York City owe its position as a global economic and cultural powerhouse and the US's largest city to the Hudson River? What role did access to the Hudson have in its development?	9
Martin Luther King is seen as a hero by almost everyone, but how popular was he during his major campaigns and at the end of his life?	9

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