WW2 - History Defined

How the Soviet Union Managed to Spy on the U.S. Ambassador: The Great Seal Bug

In the shadowy world of international espionage, few incidents have captured the public imagination quite like the Compromise of the Great Seal. What ensued was a high-stakes spying scandal featuring covert operations, international diplomacy, and technological innovation. The “Thing” has captivated those who have learned about it ever since. The Soviet Union’s brazen planting of […]

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The 5 Most Unbelievable Spy Stories of World War II

World War II was a period of intense espionage and covert operations. Both the Allied and Axis powers employed thousands of spies to gather critical information, sabotage enemy efforts, and gain an advantage. The world of intelligence has always been shrouded in mystery and intrigue, and the stories of World War II spies are no

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11 Cases of Psychological Warfare Throughout History

When people talk about war, they immediately relate it to the use of guns and other available weapons at the time. While this is not necessarily incorrect, war is not limited to one type of physical violence. Guns and ammunition are just one element of war. It also involves complex political strategies and intricate tactical

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Life as a Ball Turret Gunner in World War Two

Serving on a bomber in World War Two was almost a guaranteed death sentence. Depending on the unit and time of the war, US bomber crews could experience anywhere from 50% to just over 70% of their personnel becoming killed, missing, or taken prisoner. With such appalling casualty counts, it is no wonder why those

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Why Did the Berlin Wall Fall? A Closer Look

The year 1989 was a revolutionary year for Europe. Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev was making radical changes in the United Socialist Soviet Republic (U.S.S.R.) The Soviet Union at that time included Russia and 14 other countries that were part of the Communist Bloc. His policies, Perestroika (reconstruction), and Glasnost (openness), were affecting Eastern Europe and

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Amon Göth: The Most Sadistic Concentration Camp Commandant

When people first think of historical films about the Holocaust, arguably the most well-known one that would come to mind is Schindler’s List. This critically-acclaimed masterpiece is the most iconic film on the Holocaust ever produced. Part of the reason why this film has gained such notoriety is undoubtedly because of the bestial nature of the

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Understanding the Iron Curtain: A Historical Overview

The Iron Curtain was an impenetrable ideological barrier. It divided Europe into capitalist and communist groups. It emerged at the end of World War II in 1945 and continued to exist until the Cold War, around 1989-1990. The term symbolizes the intention and efforts of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) to block itself

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Major Richard Winters: The iconic hero from Band of Brothers

It was early; so early that the sun hadn’t even risen, when Richard “Dick” Winters made his jump. The air was frosty, and the sky dark, so it was no surprise that he lost his weapon on the way down. Being a paratrooper came with hundreds of risks, so his gun being gone was preferable

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Exploring the Enduring Legacy of “Kilroy Was Here”

In times of war, the movement of soldiers often leaves trails of death and destruction in its wake. But rarely, they happen to leave behind small acts of humor and mischief. “Kilroy Was Here” was one such mark. A simple phrase accompanied by a cartoonish drawing of a man peering over a wall. This graffiti

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The Deadly Side of Nuclear Science: The Demon Core

The modern history of science is rife with nuclear accidents. Amidst the tumultuous landscape of the mid-20th century – a pivotal time when great powers vied for supremacy, driven by clandestine nuclear discovery – these accidents were far too common. It was during this extraordinary, dangerous epoch that an infamous entity emerged – the demon

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