AskHistorians

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The smallpox vaccine predates germ theory by 150 years; how did it come to be adopted and how did they think it worked?	53
The legend of Robin Hood dates from the 13th century; do most historians believe the legend was based on a real person/composite of real people? At the time, mainstream culture seemed mainly concerned with the aristocracy; were there precursors for the archetype of 'heroic outlaw'?	52
In ancient times, Herodotus was known as "the father of lies". What does modern scholarship have to say about him?	52
The scars of slavery are deeply felt in America 150 years after its abolition. How has Britain been affected by the end of the slave trade and colonialism, from the end of the second world war onward?	52
Who do historians think the man in the iron mask was? Is it known whether he was a political prisoner or something else, or why he was subjected to this punishment?	51
In the late 19th century, vast, unprecedented fortunes were created by several 'robber barons'. What led to that, then? Was there synergism at work in all those fortunes being created in a short time? Was this an American phenomenon, or was the same thing happening worldwide at the time?	51
FDR founded the March of Dimes in 1938, and within 17 years a vaccine was developed (actually two were). Was public funding to target a specific disease an original idea at the time? Are there other cases of similar programs with similar success?	51
How close did England come to abolishing the monarchy and feudalism, and adopting some form of proto-socialism during the 14th century peasant's revolt? Were the rebels' goals realistically attainable?	50
The idea that children should be a protected class is relatively modern;the notion that 'children should be seen and not heard' was common even a hundred years ago, at least British cultural depictions;how did the idea that childhood is a special time that should be cherished develop? What drove it?	49
Is it true that Milan was relatively unscathed by the Black Death? How, as a major center of trade, were they able to manage this? Did they take any pro-active steps to spare the city?	49

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