Short Answers to Simple Questions | February 12, 2020

by AutoModerator

Previous weeks!

Please Be Aware: We expect everyone to read the rules and guidelines of this thread. Mods will remove questions which we deem to be too involved for the theme in place here. We will remove answers which don't include a source. These removals will be without notice. Please follow the rules.

Some questions people have just don't require depth. This thread is a recurring feature intended to provide a space for those simple, straight forward questions that are otherwise unsuited for the format of the subreddit.

Here are the ground rules:

  • Top Level Posts should be questions in their own right.

  • Questions should be clear and specific in the information that they are asking for.

  • Questions which ask about broader concepts may be removed at the discretion of the Mod Team and redirected to post as a standalone question.

  • We realize that in some cases, users may pose questions that they don't realize are more complicated than they think. In these cases, we will suggest reposting as a stand-alone question.

  • Answers MUST be properly sourced to respectable literature. Unlike regular questions in the sub where sources are only required upon request, the lack of a source will result in removal of the answer.

  • Academic secondary sources are prefered. Tertiary sources are acceptable if they are of academic rigor (such as a book from the 'Oxford Companion' series, or a reference work from an academic press).

  • The only rule being relaxed here is with regard to depth, insofar as the anticipated questions are ones which do not require it. All other rules of the subreddit are in force.

RandomnessInc

Who was the last leader of a legitimate nation* that led their own troops into battle?

*Not leaders of rebellions during said rebellion.

Himantolophus

I know that Great Britain skipped 11 days in 1752, and other countries adjusted their calendars at different times, and I've always wondered how this calendrical realignment has affected our retelling of historical events. For example, Julius Caesar crossed the Rubicon on 10 January, 49 BCE, but was that 10 January according to his calendar or ours? Have historical dates been recalculated to fit the Gregorian calendar or are they the dates they occurred relative to the calendars active at the time?

Cschumock37

Why were the Native Americans so devastated by the European diseases, but the European settlers weren't effected to the same extent. There had to have been diseases native to the America's that the European settlers had no exposure to previously. Seems like this should have at least "evened the playing field" in regards to the impact of exposure to new diseases.

an_ironic_username

Since Nazi Germany referred to itself as the 'Third Reich' in a sort of continued legacy, did the German Empire ever refer to itself as a 'Second Reich'?

CaptainVesta

Queen Victoria often speaks about playing a game called “tactics” with Albert in her diaries, what exactly was this game?

AH_LA_questioner

Were any previously-uncharted islands discovered by any of the warring parties in the Pacific Theater of WWII?

Sammodile

Please help me recall the story of an emperor (Charlemagne?) who insisted that the coronation ceremony be performed outdoors, instead of inside the church, due to belief that the building bestowed powers of mind influence to the pope/bishop who placed the crown on emperor's head.

FlyingCorpse

Is it OK to ask for book recommendations? I'm looking for books on Khmelnytsky uprising either in English or Polish

Grandma_puncher

If I was the second son of an Earl or Viscount in 18th century England, and sat in Parliament, would it be in the House of Commons or Lords?

corruptrevolutionary

When Wagner wrote his Ring Cycle opera, it would have been understandable to his native German audience; Were foreign audiences expected to be educated enough to understand German as a second language or was understanding dialogue not an important part of opera?

Were there English or French translations for the dialogue?

just_the_mann

Hi, sorry I’m late, but why do older English documents use ‘f’ instead of ‘s’?

Tatem1961

In 1213, England and Ireland under King John became papal fiefs. Was this ever officially revoked at some point, or is it just one of those long forgotten things that's technically still in effect but no one has bothered to deal with it?

SHYMNEC

Was there any leader that was famous for brutally defeating a nation famed for roe farming

chronoception

I've heard a few times on this sub that Teach for America is a bad option for history graduates who want to get into teaching history. Is that true?

ObdurateSloth

Is it possible in any way to find out how many copies of a certain early 20th century newspaper were produced if such information is not found on the newspaper itself?

hairthrowaway10oct17

How did the people in the Indian Subcontinent escape the same fate that nearly killed-off native populations in North American/Oceania through diseases, post-European contact? Did the Europeans not bring over blankets or is there a deeper story?

hakuna17

Was there such thing as kissing the first person you see on Valentine’s Day ? I have a vague memory of listening to lecture where a queen avoided coming out of her bed early so she doesn’t have to kiss a maid or something.

acc_for_incidentals

Hello, I need to find the historical office address of Pan American Airlines in Amsterdam circa 1966. Could anyone help me find this information?

BlackfishBlues

Reposting from this comment as per mod suggestion: do we know what proportion of men and women who served in the Red Army of 1941 survived through to still be in the Red Army by the end of the war in 1945?

julius_teaser

What language would the Mamertines have spoken c.264BC?

hicveithus

Any recommendations for books about pirates? Just facts, no story would be preferred. Doesn't matter if it's about pirates in 18. Century, BC, Asian, Europe, Africa. I just want to learn more about the thematic and my university doesn't offer any lectures about it.

CIARRAPUNGI

Was WWII Italy tactically obliged to ally with Germany to not get invaded?

zacharypamela

What are good resources for learning about childcare through the ages? For example, how babies were fed in Ancient Egypt?

lazerbem

I recall a quote referring to the combat ability of the groups in the Indian wars in the eyes of the Sioux-Cheyenne alliance but I can't seem to find it. I'd much appreciate it if someone could find it or share other historical sources on the matter.

I recall it was something to the lines of US Soldiers being poor in hand to hand and Shoshone running away while Crow fought(or the other way around)?

WeAllSuk

How, when & why did the USA & England go from enemies / adversaries?

The-Motherfucker

were roman legionnaries had their weapons and other equipment supplied by the Roman Army or did they have to purchase it themselves?

banban01

I am looking to read up on pop culture history, is there any must-read works from the Asian region? I want to avoid the western narrative.

Skiinz19

If I want to learn about every american president, what resources should I pursue? I have gotten into shows and biographies, but these take time + effort. That isn't to say I don't want to put either in, just maybe not for every single president. Are there wesbites (wikipedia) that are surprisingly comprehensive, or books/shows? Thank you!

elmonoenano

I'm looking for an English version of Thomas Mann's Appeal to Reason. Is there a book that collects that and some of his other speeches/letters/essays about the 3rd Reich, like Brother Hitler?

A website would be great too. I looked around but only found the original German version.

UnderwaterDialect

I’m looking for an entertaining but also well researched book on ancient history.

Zalbu

Does anybody have any recommendations for books on women/feminism during the French revolution?

isthistakenmate

What are some of the shortcomings of Churchill as a historian? What are the criticisms of his value as someone who recorded events faithfully?

Bortasz

Anybody know how much wheat WindMills were grinding in to flour?

jburgers127

Why is every comment on every damn post on this sub removed?