askhistorians

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When Hitler and his entourage visited Paris in 1940 they drove around in open top cars, Hitler sat in the front seat, they didn’t block off the streets, and there was only a small group bodyguards. We’re they not worried about security, sabotage, or even a Franz Ferdinand type situation?	4420
In the original Star Wars: A New Hope, Obi-Wan Kenobi instructs R2-D2 to connect to the Imperial network to gain access to the whole system. Did the concept of an interconnected vast computer network exist in 1977? What were the largest government and corporate computer systems used for in 1977?	3826
Who actually constructed the castles in medieval Europe? Were they constructed by the peasants who actually lived in the region where the castles were built? Were professional engineers and construction workers brought to remote locations to build castles?	1717
What was the proper etiquette when attending a silent movie theater? Were you supposed to be quiet? Did people talk or make commentary? Did they bring/purchase food or alcohol? Who would you go with; Your parents, friends, a date, your wife? Were theaters considered a place for children?	262
The US Civil War seems oddly simplistic. Is this unusual in the historical context, or were pre-modern civil wars less complicated?	149
Was all currency in Ancient societies in physical form only? Before building a mega project, did an ancient person first need to amass a hoard of physical currency and pay up front, or could things constructed on speculation or credit?	122
How were 40oz bottles of Malt Liquor developed and introduced to the market, who were they advertised to, and what was the social impact of introducing a malt liquor equivalent to 4-5 alcoholic beverages in one bottle?	113
In the 1980s Scandinavian countries had the highest per capita use of mobile phones. Why were mobile phones initially most popular in Scandinavia, and did mobile phones make earlier changes to life in Scandinavia than other places?	87
The Book of Mormon is a lengthy document; Over 250,000 words. Were there any other 19th century religious leaders like Joseph Smith writing lengthy religious documents purported to be a revelation from God or an Angel? If so, where are those books now?	80
The French revolution toppled the King but then was proceeded by 4 kings/emperors from 1799-1871. How did 19th century Frenchman view the revolution? Did they see the revolution as a failure?	74

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