/u/xiaorobear's posts in /r/askhistorians

Year:

Only show posts with narrations

In the 1943 cartoon "Daffy the Commando," where Daffy Duck infiltrates Nazi Germany, there is a moment where he pulls down a window blind labelled "Asbestos" out of nowhere. Why was Asbestos an important part of this visual gag? Would that text have made this scene funnier at the time?

2934 upvotes

Mark as read: Add to a list

Were Chinese "Tigers of War," infantrymen dressed in stripes and cat ears, a real part of the armies of the Qing? How long were they around for, and what can you tell me about them?

90 upvotes

Mark as read: Add to a list

In Copley's 1783 painting "The Death of Major Peirson," half of the British officers' swords are black, with inlaid golden symbols (that almost look like Chinese characters?). What are these symbols?

12 upvotes

Mark as read: Add to a list

I have come across some 18th and 19th century western sources depicting Chinese "Tigers of War," Qing infantrymen dressed in stripes and cat ears. Were these actual soldiers, or something ceremonial? What can you tell me about them?

9 upvotes

Mark as read: Add to a list

Could Roman soldiers swim? Could they swim wearing armor?

8 upvotes

Mark as read: Add to a list

Asked this once before with no responses— "Tigers of War" during the Qing dynasty. Do any non-Western sources depict them? What was their role in the military?

2 upvotes

Mark as read: Add to a list

Title	Upvotes	Mark as read	Favorited	Rating	Add to a list
In the 1943 cartoon "Daffy the Commando," where Daffy Duck infiltrates Nazi Germany, there is a moment where he pulls down a window blind labelled "Asbestos" out of nowhere. Why was Asbestos an important part of this visual gag? Would that text have made this scene funnier at the time?	2934
Were Chinese "Tigers of War," infantrymen dressed in stripes and cat ears, a real part of the armies of the Qing? How long were they around for, and what can you tell me about them?	90
In Copley's 1783 painting "The Death of Major Peirson," half of the British officers' swords are black, with inlaid golden symbols (that almost look like Chinese characters?). What are these symbols?	12
I have come across some 18th and 19th century western sources depicting Chinese "Tigers of War," Qing infantrymen dressed in stripes and cat ears. Were these actual soldiers, or something ceremonial? What can you tell me about them?	9
Could Roman soldiers swim? Could they swim wearing armor?	8
Asked this once before with no responses— "Tigers of War" during the Qing dynasty. Do any non-Western sources depict them? What was their role in the military?	2