Tag Archives: american history

Trivia’s Facts and More (11/11)

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This informative post will be published on Saturday in place of my regular one.  You are invited to participate with the opening question.

Brain Teaser Question

What can travel all around the world without leaving its corner?

(answer found at the end of this post)

Featured Facts

In the United States, November 11 is set aside to observe Veterans Day.  This time encourages Americans to pause and reflect in honoring all men and women who have served in the armed forces, past and present..

This day was originally designated as Armistice Day, which recognized the end of World War I in 1918.  On the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, war ended between the Allied Powers and the Central Powers.  Sometimes labeled as the Great War, this conflict was the first world-wide war with battlegrounds in Europe, the Middle East, and the Pacific and Asian regions.

The catalyst for the war was seeded in the balance of power in Europe as witnessed by various alliances and nationalistic feelings.  When Archduke Francis Ferdinand and his wife were assassinated in Sarajevo on June 28, 1914, the spark for war was ignited.  The Archduke was heir to the throne of the Austria-Hungary Empire, and the assassin was Serbian.

Immediately, military alliances began mobilizing.  Serbia was aligned with Russia, and Russia was backed by the Allied Powers of France, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, and later the United States.  As the Central Powers, Austria-Hungary was closely tied to Germany, the Ottoman Empire, and later Bulgaria.  Other nations throughout Europe and around the world united with one side or the other.

After more than four years of total warfare and its unprecedented destruction of property and loss of life, peace finally arrived with ratification of the Treaty of Versailles.  The so-called “war to end all wars” would fail in its expectations in about twenty years.

In 1954, Armistice Day was renamed as Veterans Day.  The reason for this change was founded in that the United States had fought in other major wars since the conclusion of World War I–World War II and Korea. 

It should be noted that there is a difference between the purposes behind Veterans Day and Memorial Day.  While Veterans Day honors the sacrifice and service of all veterans, Memorial Day commemorates those who served and gave their lives for a grateful nation.

top left:  world war declared in 1914 (the u.s. would not enter until 1917.  top right: the great war ends in 1918. remaining photos:  various COMMEMORATIONs of veterans for their service.   (photographs courtesy of pinterest.)

 

Answer to Brain Teaser Question

A stamp

Douglas MacArthur Quotes

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The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.

Duty, honor, country.  Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be.

Douglas MacArthur (1880-1964) served in the United States Army in a variety of roles and assignments.  As commanding general, he oversaw the operations in the Pacific theater during World War II.  Later, he served as leader of the United Nations Command during the Korean War.

Democracy’s Daylight

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America’s observation of Veterans Day lies ahead on November 11.  As a nation gathers to honor anyone, past or present, who has served in uniform, may we remember and embrace our nation’s past.

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Gathering for common good

Willing to make each sacrifice

Citizens answer country’s needs

Giving of themselves, any price

 

Putting aside differences

Deflating emotion’s sandbag

Spirit of Founding Fathers calls

Rallying around nation’s flag

 

Responding with efforts as one

Replenishing each empty soul

Tattered Old Glory proudly waves

Serving abroad, endless patrols

 

Overcoming every challenge

Witnessing each morning sunrise

Fears replaced with collective faith

Rising freedom fills daily skies

 

Bridging Lexington to Yorktown

Stepping up at Gettysburg’s fight

Battles from Marne to Normandy

Leading democracy’s daylight

 

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Trivia’s Facts and More (10/28)

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This informative post will be published on Saturday in place of my regular one.  You are invited to participate with the opening question.

Brain Teaser Question

When typed in ALL CAPS, what 5-letter word can be read the same upside down?

(answer found at the end of this post)

Featured Facts

Nicknamed “Old Dominion,” the state of Virginia offers a rich history and fascinating attractions.  

Here are a few quick facts about Virginia:

  • Capital:  Richmond
  • State Bird:  Cardinal
  • State Flower:  American dogwood
  • State Motto:  Sic Semper Tyrannis (Thus Always to Tyrants)

As one of the original thirteen English colonies settled by England, Virginia was named after Queen Elizabeth I, who was called the Virgin Queen.  In 1607, Jamestown became the first permanent English settlement in America.  As a royal colony under English governance, the colonial governor was chosen by the crown.

Virginia is the birthplace of eight American Presidents:  George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, Zachary Taylor, and Woodrow Wilson.  The state is sometimes referred to as the “Mother of Presidents.”

One of Virginia’s most historic areas to visit includes the College of William and Mary, which was founded in 1693.  It is the second oldest institution of higher learning in the United States.  Only Harvard University is older.

The home of America’s first President is found in northern Virginia along the Potomac River.  George Washington’s estate of Mount Vernon is found in Fairfax County. 

Many people plan a visit to Arlington National Cemetery, which is a military cemetery maintained by the U.S. Army.  It was founded in 1864, and approximately 400,000 people are interned on its 639 acres.

top left:  mount vernon.  right: college of william and mary and american dogwood flower.  bottom left:  arlington national CEMETERY.  bottom right:  antarctica explorer Richard e. byrd (born in westchester, virginia).  (photographs courtesy of pinterest.)

 

Answer to Brain Teaser Question

SWIMS

Trivia’s Facts and More (9/30)

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This informative post will be published on Saturday in place of my regular one.  You are invited to participate with the opening question.

Brain Teaser Question

What is the name of the world’s largest island?

(answer found at the end of this post)

Featured Facts

Admitted to the American Union on June 21, 1778, New Hampshire became its 9th state.

Here are a few quick facts about New Hampshire:

  • Capital City:  Concord
  • State Bird:  Purple finch
  • State Motto:  Live Free or Die

New Hampshire traces its history back to the original 13 English colonies.  Its namesake comes from the English county of Hampshire.

The state’s nickname is “Granite State.”  This relates to the numerous granite quarries in the state.  In 1776 at the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the New Hampshire delegates were the first to sign below the signature of the Congress’ President John Hancock.

New Hampshire is home to over 1,400 acres of apple orchards.  It is no wonder that apple cider is the official beverage of the state.

The state’s geography features a most distinctive landscape.  Frequently called the White Mountain State, nearly one quarter of the state contains forested mountain ranges.  Because of its mountainous scenery, New Hampshire is often referred to as the Switzerland of America.

left:  purple finch.  right:  fall foliage from the white mountains.  (photographs courtesy of pinterest.)

 

Answer to Brain Teaser Question

Greenland (if you answered Australia, remember that it is considered a continent)

Trivia’s Facts and More (7/8)

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This informative post will be posted on Saturday along with my usual writing.  You are invited to participate with the opening question.

Brain Teaser Question

A cowboy rides into town on Friday.  He stays five days, then rides out of town on Friday.  How can this be?

(answer found at the end of this post)

Featured Facts

Minnesota offers a interesting diversity in its natural landscape of prairies, forests, and lakes.

Here are some interesting facts about America’s 32nd state:

  • Statehood:  May 11, 1958
  • State Bird:  Common Loon (also called Great Northern Diver)
  • Motto:  L”Etoile du Nord (The Star of the North)

Minnesota is home to the headwaters of the Mississippi River.  The river divides the largest urban area in the state.  Often referred to as the Twin Cities, Minneapolis is the most populated city, and St. Paul is the state capital.

Bloomington is a neighboring community just south of the Twin Cities.  The former site of Metropolitan Stadium (home of baseball’s Twins and football’s Vikings) now is the address of the Mall of America, which opened in 1992.  It remains the largest mall in the United States.

Often promoted as the  “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” Minnesota’s nickname celebrates the over 90,000 miles of shoreline found in the state.  This is more miles than California, Florida, and Hawaii combined.  Anyone who is a NBA basketball fan has heard of the Los Angeles Lakers, which is one of its more successful franchises.  Interestingly, few lakes are found around Los Angeles, but it makes sense because the Lakers’ original home was in Minneapolis.

left:  common loon, state bird.  right:  state capitol building in st. paul.  (courtesy of pinterest)

 

Answer to Brain Teaser Question

His horse named Friday.

Trivia’s Facts and More (6/3)

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This informative post will be posted on Saturday along with my usual writing.  You are invited to participate with the opening question.

Brain Teaser Question

You see a boat filled with people.  You look away and then look back, and the boat is still afloat.  However, you don’t see a single person on the boat?  Why?

(answer found at the end of this post)

Featured Facts

Totally located within the Appalachian Mountains, the American state of West Virginia is famous for its rolling hills and mountains.  

Here are some quick facts about West Virginia: 

  • Capital City:  Charleston (most populated city with 51,400)
  • State Flower:  Rhododendron
  • Nickname:  Mountain State
  • Motto:  Montani Semper Liberi (Mountaineers Are Always Free)

During the American Civil War, the state of West Virginia was carved out of the Confederate state of Virginia.  It was admitted to the Union on June 20, 1863 (just days before the famous battle at Gettysburg).  

In 1905, the Golden Delicious Apple originated in Clay County.  The oldest five and dime store in the United States is Berdine’s Five and Dime in Harrisville.  It opened its doors in 1908.

Visitors to the community of Moundsville have enjoyed the Grave Creek Mound.  It has remained the largest conical-type of prehistoric burial mound in the country.

top left:  grave creek mound site.  bottom left:  Berdine’s five and dime.  right:  Traditional rhododendron flowers.  (courtesy of pinterest)

 

Answer to Brain Teaser Question

All the people on board are married.

Trivia’s Facts and More (4/22)

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This informative post will be posted on Saturday along with my usual writing.  You are invited to participate with the opening question.

Brain Teaser Question

If I have 3 dimes, 3 nickels, and 3 quarters, how many ways can I make change for $1.00?

(answer found at the end of this post)

Featured Facts

Martin Van Buren served as America’s 8th President from 1837-1841.  Nicknamed “The Little Magician,” his political savvy was legendary.

Here are some interesting facts about Martin Van Buren:

  • Life Span:  Born December 5, 1782, died July 24, 1862
  • Occupation:  Lawyer
  • Home State:  New York
  • Political Party:  Democratic (played a significant role in its founding)

Before ascending to the highest political office in the land, Van Buren’s career was filled with numerous posts:  U.S. Senator, Governor, Secretary of State, and Vice President.  He was the first President born in the independent United States, and the only one to have learned English as a second language (he grew up speaking Dutch).

Downturn in the American economy spelled doom for Van Buren.  The Panic of 1837 was the first significant depression of the young republic.  It would become a major reason for his failure to secure a second term in the election of 1840, which was won by Whig candidate William Henry Harrison.

Portrait of President van buren and interior photo of his lindenwald mansion in new york state.

 

Answer to Brain Teaser Question

Only 2 ways:

3 quarters, 2 dimes, 1 nickel

3 quarters, 1 dime, 3 nickels

Undaunted Spirit

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Born to serve freedom

America lives

Liberty’s fabric

Lasting spirit gives

 

Nation remembers

Forefather’s boldness

Valley Forge unites

Despite war’s coldness

 

New country now born

Republic takes shape

Independence sings

Brave sovereign’s landscape

 

Young democracy

Learns from stumbling steps

Imperfect Union

Overcomes missteps

 

Legacy passed down

Each generation

Diverse history

Building one nation

 

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From the Preamble of the U.S. Constitution:  “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union . . . .”

Shocking Secrets of American History (Book Review)

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IMG_20181026_113830080

Educator and historian, Bill Coate, presents surprising and sometimes funny short stories about American history.  In writing Shocking Secrets of American History, he unlocks precious gems as he brings history to the reader in a simple, fascinating way.

Published in 2006, the organization of the book is easy to follow.  There are 115 brilliantly written short accounts that are each two pages in length.  Each selection stands on its own so the reader can put the book down and easily pick it back up for the next topic.

The selections begin with American patriot John Adams’ defense of the British redcoats following the Boston Massacre in 1770.  The final story presents the heroic exploits and leadership on Utah Beach during the Normandy invasion on D-Day (June 6, 1944), as General Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. leads his men into battle.

The book is organized into five sections:  Early America, the Civil War, the White House, the West, and the Twentieth Century.  As Coate writes, he reminds one of listening to radio broadcaster, Paul Harvey, with his “The Rest of the Story.”  The reader has an opportunity to enjoy humorous, amazing little-known tidbits of American history.  Each story is short, but loaded with in-depth knowledge and facts, written in a lively and exciting manner.

Bill Coate is a past Disney Teacher of the Year, and he continues to write about history from his home in Madera, California.

To read more of Bill Coate’s writings, visit Muck Rack.