Matt Whittaker
@matt-whittaker
Matt Whittaker is an avid history reader, fascinated by the why, how and when. With a B.A. in History and Asian Studies from University of Massachusetts, he does deep dives into medieval, Asian and military history. Matt’s other passion besides family is the long-distance Zen-like runs.
How Railroads Turned America into a Superpower
The American Civil War ended in 1865. With that divisive conflict over, America experienced a railroad boom that helped push America to world power status.
The White Russians Lost the War But Their Legacy Haunted the USSR
Militarily defeated, the White Russians found new ways to fight the Soviet Union. Explore their surprising cultural and political victories from abroad.
A Timeline of the Apache Wars (1580–1886)
Few Native American tribes matched the Apache fighting skills and toughness. These were honed by continual clashes with the Spanish, Mexican, and Americans.
The American Defeat at Taejon That Saved South Korea
How did a lost battle save a nation? Explore why the 1950 American defeat at Taejon was a strategic masterstroke that halted the North Korean advance.
How Weather Forecasters Decided the Fate of the North Atlantic in WWII
In the high-stakes Battle of the Atlantic, accurate weather forecasting meant control of the unpredictable North Atlantic theater.
Why Thousands of Foreigners Risked Everything for the Spanish Republic
The Spanish Civil War started in 1936, a grim struggle of ideological differences. Into this fight, foreigners came to fight and, if necessary, die.
Why Did Every Major Civilization Suddenly Collapse in 1177 BC?
Before the sudden collapse, the Bronze Age had been a period of great prosperity and regional interconnectedness.
What Was Operation Ichi-Go? Japan’s Final WWII Offensive in China
Operation Ichi-Go was Japan’s largest offensive against China during World War II. An attempt to combat US advances, despite victories, it was ultimately unsuccessful.
Why Was the Danube Frontier So Important During the Roman Empire?
To Rome, the 1,800-mile-long Danube River mattered more than a frontier. Europe's second-longest river represented a strategic, economic, and cultural value.
4 Ships That Shaped the Outcome of World War II
Like the Great War, World War II produced great ships, both Axis and Allied. These individual ships, which took part in actions, triumphs, or even losses, helped change the war.
The Vessels That Changed the History of Naval Warfare
Naval warfare is a race of one-upmanship, or who can build a better warship. And innovation breeds creativity, resulting in revolutionary ships. These are those vessels.
How Did the Famous Liberty Ship Class Beat German U-boats?
At the start of the Battle of the Atlantic, German U-boats seemed to be winning. Hundreds of vessels wend down. The Allies replied with the ingenious Liberty Ship.