askhistorians

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In U.S. television situation comedies (sitcoms) from the 50s, 60s, and early 70s, there is a common trope of a male office worker inviting his boss to a homecooked dinner with the ultimate goal of asking for a raise or currying favor for a promotion. Did this really happen? If so, how common was it?	3314
A popular myth states that the English word for "Korea" was changed by Japan during the colonial era from "Corea" to appear alphabetically after "Japan." I know this is false, but why did "Korea" change from "Corea"?	37
In the United States in the 1920s, there was a “trend” of dancing on flagpoles. How did it start, and why did it die out?	29
Some contemporary Christian leaders argue that long ago average people in Europe had deep knowledge of theological debates of the day, eagerly waited for news of them, and were much more knowledgable about Christianity than people today. What evidence, if any, is there to substantiate this?	13
I am an average adult in the 1950s. I hear someone say the word "computer." What would I know about computers?	8
The population of the Soviet Union was less than 51% Russian. Did this ethnic diversity lead to diverse diets for most Soviet citizens?	5
Contemporary Korean “trot music” bears little relation to the “foxtrot” music of the 1930s in the United States. Was there ever a connection between the two? If not, why is it called “trot”?	5
It is commonly believed that people in the U.S. prefer coffee to tea due to the Townshend Acts. Is this true? If so, when specifically did this shift occur? If not, why have people in the U.S. historically preferred coffee?	4
I am the average person in the United States in the 1950s. I turn on the radio. What’s the political coverage like?	0

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