About Ryan Watson
Ryan is a husband, father, and occasional writer interested in Christian theology, history, and religion in general.
Education
MA History
Louisiana Tech University, 2004
BA History
Louisiana Tech University, 2001
Areas of Expertise
About Ryan Watson
Ryan is a husband, father, and occasional writer interested in Christian theology, history, and religion in general.
Education
MA History
Louisiana Tech University, 2004
BA History
Louisiana Tech University, 2001
Areas of Expertise
The Philosophy of Justin Martyr and the Origin of Christian Apologetics
In the early days, Christianity had to defend against intellectual and political enemies from a pagan culture. Among its early defenders was the philosopher Justin Martyr.
How Did a Pinkerton Spy Infiltrate – and Take Down – the Molly Maguires?
Poor working conditions and fatal incidents led to a conflict between mine owners and a clandestine organization, brought down by a secret agent.
Medical Horrors and Peasant Panics Behind the Original Vampire Myth
In 18th-century Eastern Europe, rampant tuberculosis and misunderstood postmortem decay triggered peasant panics and mass exhumations, birthing the Vampire myth.
How Allan Pinkerton Built America’s Most Feared Detective Agency, and Saved Lincoln
Helping to fight crime in the 19th century, Allan Pinkerton built a detective agency that took on high-profile cases and even prevented a presidential assassination.
King John and the Magna Carta That Redefined Royal Power
King John signed the monumental Magna Carta under pressure, redefined royal power and inspired the Robin Hood legend.
Which Golden Age Pirates Captured the Most Ships in History?
With a tally of taking over four hundred ships, one pirate left all his rivals far behind…
How Did Thirty Seconds at the OK Corral Turn Into Wild West Legend?
Probably the most well-known incident of the American Old West is the Gunfight at the OK Corral on October 26, 1881, in Tombstone, Arizona.
How Kate Warne, America’s First Female Detective, Shaped Modern Investigation
An undercover agent, a spy, and the first woman gumshoe, Kate Warne helped bust crime and save the Union.
How the White Ship Disaster Brought King Stephen to the English Throne
Despite not being in line for the throne, Stephen of Blois became King of England in 1135.
Why Did Democratic Finland Fight alongside Nazi Germany in World War II?
In the 1930s, the Northern European country of Finland found itself in an unappealing geographic and political situation – between Soviet Russia and Nazi Germany.
Why the Soviets Stopped the Largest Nuclear Bomb in History From Being Twice as Big
The Soviet Union built a nuclear weapon thousands of times more powerful than Hiroshima, yet this monstrous “Tsar Bomba” helped usher in an era of peace.
What Are the Oldest Known Pieces of Furniture in Human History?
We might take much of the furniture we use today for granted, but it has a long and rich history tied to the development of human civilization.