Docendo Discimus
The Disputation of Paris, which began on June 12, 1240, was a significant theological debate between Christian and Jewish scholars. It was instigated by King Louis IX of France, also known as Saint Louis. This event was a part of a series of medieval disputations aimed at proving the superiority of Christianity over Judaism and... Continue Reading →
John Hale was born on June 3, 1636, in Charlestown, Massachusetts Bay Colony. He grew up in a Puritan family during a time when the Massachusetts Bay Colony was still in its early years, struggling to establish a society based on their religious ideals. His early life was steeped in the Puritan tradition, with a... Continue Reading →
Cresap's War, also known as the Conojocular War, remains a lesser-known yet pivotal episode in the colonial history of America. This border conflict between Pennsylvania and Maryland was rooted deeply in territorial disputes exacerbated by personal vendettas and political ambitions. It spanned several years in the early 18th century and concluded with a treaty on... Continue Reading →
In the annals of volcanic history, few events rival the cataclysmic eruption of Krakatoa in 1883. This devastating natural phenomenon not only shook the immediate vicinity but reverberated across the globe, leaving an indelible mark on both the landscape and the collective memory of humanity. Nestled in the Sunda Strait between the Indonesian islands of... Continue Reading →
I put this together back in May of 2015 for my regular show. I had been looking for some good audio to intro the VE Day show, and by the time I was done looking, I had this. Before I released it, I sat back in my chair and closed my eyes and just let... Continue Reading →
On May 7, 1992, the original 2nd Amendment to the US Constitution was finally ratified, now as the 27th Amendment. Getting there wasn't as simple...
On April 24, 1183bce (as determined by Eratosthenes the Beta), the City of Troy fell to the Greeks after nine years of devastating siege and bloody war. Few people today realize how many of our cultural values have been inculcated into us by the events of that day. The defeated Trojans would wander west and finally resettle... Continue Reading →
Many people say that they “hate” Daylight Savings Time. Is that actually the case? Or is what they actually hate the twice a year fiddling with digital clocks in their cars? So it was that on March 19, 1918, the United States enacted the Standard Time Act, much of which remains on our law books... Continue Reading →
This is a presentation that I made this weekend at the Bremerton Base of United States Submarine Veterans to celebrate the success of John P. Holland and his innovative submarine, the Holland VI, which put on a demonstration for the ages on March 17, 1898... On March 17, 1898, Holland surprised the nation's media and... Continue Reading →
The Battle of Tukaroi, fought on March 3, 1575, marked a pivotal moment in the extensive and complex history of the Indian subcontinent, particularly in the ongoing struggle for supremacy between the Mughal Empire and the Sultanate of Bengal. This confrontation stemmed from the Mughal Emperor Akbar's ambition to expand his dominion eastward into Bengal,... Continue Reading →
In the annals of American Revolutionary history, few figures are as pivotal yet somewhat overlooked as Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben, better known as Baron von Steuben. His contributions not only revolutionized the training and discipline of the Continental Army but also played a crucial role in securing American independence. From his arrival in America to... Continue Reading →
Georgia's decision to ratify the U.S. Constitution was influenced by several factors unique to its circumstances. As a smaller and less populous state, Georgia saw the Constitution as a means to gain equal representation in the Senate, thus balancing the power of larger states. Additionally, security was a significant concern for Georgia, which faced threats... Continue Reading →
The USS Carolina, a revered name among the naval vessels of early American history, met her fate on December 27, 1814, in the swirling mists of the War of 1812. This ship, though not as famed as her larger counterparts, played a critical role in the skirmishes and battles that marked the second war for... Continue Reading →
Boxing Day, observed on December 26th, is a holiday with origins that trace back to the United Kingdom and has since spread to various other nations, particularly those within the Commonwealth, including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The day after Christmas, it is a time when employers would traditionally give their staff and the less... Continue Reading →
Christmas, a holiday marked by millions worldwide, not only represents a religious day significant to Christianity but also encompasses a wide array of cultural traditions. The evolution of Christmas from a modest religious feast to a global phenomenon reflects the complex interplay of religion, culture, and history. The selection of December 25th as the date... Continue Reading →
As we delve into the annals of early United States naval history, few figures stand as prominently as Stephen Decatur, particularly during his tenure as commanding officer of the USS Enterprise. Decatur's service epitomizes the naval spirit of the early 19th century—a time of boldness, innovation, and expanding horizons. His capture of the Turkish slave... Continue Reading →
The Nullification Crisis, a significant event in American history, was sparked on December 19, 1828, with Vice President John C. Calhoun playing a pivotal role. The Nullification Crisis of the early 1830s was rooted in the conflict between states' rights and federal authority. This tension was exacerbated by the Tariff of 1828, dubbed the "Tariff... Continue Reading →
General Ulysses S. Grant's General Order No. 11, issued on December 17, 1862 (the second day of Hanukkah), during the American Civil War, remains a notable and controversial directive in American history. This order commanded the expulsion of all Jews from Grant's military district, encompassing areas of Tennessee, Mississippi, and Kentucky. The context for General... Continue Reading →
Despite being surrounded by a crowd of officers in the Dallas Police Department headquarters, Lee Harvey Oswald, the accused assassin of John F. Kennedy, was shot and mortally wounded by nightclub owner Jack Ruby. Because his imminent transfer from the police department to the Dallas County jail was being covered on live television by all... Continue Reading →
Dave Does History 