I don't know much about it, just that there were a series of trials about widespread child abuse related to satanic rituals, that there were accusations of conspiracy at high levels of government, and that it is largely thought that the entire ordeal was largely fabricated by flawed techniques of interrogating the victims. Would anyone mind writing up a more detailed description of the scandal, or point me to some books or articles for the uneducated?

I am wondering if anyone knows how they were able to provide enough fresh water for everyone on board while sailing in oceans for extended periods. What kind of food would they typically eat while at sea?

inspired by GOT's recent Ramsey "20 good men" scene. could you really disrupt a major siege with such tactics and/or where there any interesting policies put in place by the attackers or defenders to respond to or exploit this?

Originally, the U.S. was not intended to have a standing Army; rather an Army would be raised as necessary to fight a war and then disbanded when the war ended.

Obviously, the U.S. Army has been in continuous existence for a good long time now -- certainly since WWII. But I believe the original design was more or less adhered to early on. For example, the first U.S. declaration of war was in the War of 1812. This ended in 1814. Shortly thereafter was the Second Barbary War in 1815, although I'm not sure the Army was involved in that. Regardless, I doubt the U.S. had an army in 1816.

So, my question: what was the most recent point at which there was no U.S. Army?

After the 1849 discovery of gold in California kick-started the westward expansion, I would imagine the resulting need for frontier outposts resulted in a continuously existing army that has yet to be disbanded. So my guess is that the most recent time when there was no U.S. Army would have been in the 1840s -- perhaps in early 1846, just before the declaration of war against Mexico. But that is only a guess.

I know that there were a variety of causes relating to the Napoleonic Wars and unresolved business from the War of Independence, although without consulting Wikipedia I can't remember any other than impressment of US sailors. I also remember hearing that some people in the US wanted to conquer Canada, but I'm not clear whether that was a widely accepted goal on the US.

So, what did cause the War of 1812? What was it about? Why did disagreements with Britain (which I'm sure were around for a while) result in war when they did? I'm sure this is something that people have written whole books about, but I'd appreciate an executive summary from someone knowledgeable.

If anyone's interested, the context of this question was someone bringing up James Madison as a "worst president" candidate because he let the White House get burned down. I pointed out that that might not be "failure", depending on what the war goals of the US were, but then I realized that I didn't really know what they were.

There is probably no single figure in American history more revered, beloved, and idolized than George Washington (even Lincoln still has a vocal minority of Southern detractors). More than a man, the idea of Washington is held up like the stars and stripes or the bald eagle - in some ways he is more of a symbol of America than a historical figure.

Many history buffs know a thing or two about General Washington. The months of skirmishing during the Saratoga campaign, the iconic crossing of the Delaware on Christmas night, the decisive victory at Yorktown, and resigning his military commission before assuming the presidency.

However, it seems like the average American knows considerably less about what George Washington did during his time as president, when he defined the office and helped build our first government. Other than his decision to avoid political parties (arguably his first act in office) and his farewell speech (his last), I'm having a hard time thinking of notable instances from the eight years Washington spent as President of the United States (oh, and the fact that he lived at Mount Vernon because the President's House wasn't built yet).

American historians: What should we know about President Washington?

I keep hearing about the battle and how it was important for Christianity against the pagans at that time, but i'm still not convinced of how important it was.

Can you please explain me in great detail of why it was so important/unimportant?

As the title states I am looking for books about battles, tactics and any general things about battles in the 1200's in Western and the Baltic area of Europe.

Thank you in advance.

Let's pretend I am a 35 year old man with a family in London during the height of World War II when Germany was actively bombing England. How often were these bombing runs made over London? Were they mainly at night or during the day or both? How would rationing have affected me and my family? What are some lesser known things that civilians of London had to deal with during this time period?

Basically, I'm looking for a day in the life of someone who lived in London during that time and all the various things that were experienced. How common was television then? Did families gather around radios each evening to hear the latest news concerning Germany?

Al Saud family became the royal family in 1932, but I'm trying to determine what led to their rise? Were they supported by Britain? If so, why?

Was the rest of the Austrian force in a bleak situation at that time? Would it be difficult to bring reinforcements in?

Seems like if they could have held it longer it would have been a fantastic bargaining chip for a beneficial peace treaty

I read in a tourist guide about Tanzania that Phoenicians explored the coast and traded with locals at the Rhapta port, near modern Pangani. Is this true?

Hello everyone! Today I come before you to ask for help on a little project: the AskHistorians Showcase!

What is the Showcase you ask? Well I'm so glad you asked! The showcase will be a page of some of Askhistorians greatest answers presented under 10 general categories. The purpose of this showcase is to show our readers, other historians, and interested people what exactly it is that we do here! Furthermore we will be linking it to a greater community page for interested parties to learn even more!

In order to do this however, we need your help in selecting and nominating some of your saved, favorite, or top quality answers from this subreddit!

How will we proceed? Well, I will make 10 separate nomination threads over the coming weeks for you to nominate your favorite answers in the ten categories below. Today's thread is for Military History!

So please give us your favorite military history answers past and present!

Future Categories: Asia, Africa, Europe, Middle and South America, North America, Ancient World, Medieval World, Middle East, Cultural History

edit: and don't be afraid to submit your own answers if you have em!