History Dispatches

On July 3, 1940, British forces attacked French ships at the naval base at Mers-el-Kébir on the coast of Algeria. The attack was part of a British plan to neutralize French ships to prevent them from falling into German hands after the Allied defeat in the Battle of France. The British attack killed nearly 1,300 French servicemen, and sank and damaged numerous vessels. It also seriously jeopardized French and English relations throughout the world. This is the story of the Battle of Mers-el-Kébir. Sources https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attack_on_Mers-el-Kébir https://www.usni.org/magazines/naval-history-magazine/2022/august/force-h-mers-el-kebir Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Croiseur_de_bataille_Strasbourg_03-07-1940.jpg History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Beautiful Jim Key was no ordinary horse. This remarkable creature could preform tricks, do basic math, recognize written words, and even write names. And he did this with the help of his trainer and friend - Doctor William Key - a former slave, self-taught veterinarian, and animal rights activist. This is the story of Beautiful Jim Key, the world's smartest horse. Sources "Beautiful Jim Key: The lost history of a horse and a man who changed the world" by Mim Eichler Rivas Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jim_Key,_the_spelling_horse_standing_by_his_numbers_and_letters._(attraction_on_the_Pike_at_the_1904_World%27s_Fair).jpg History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Grace Hopper was a trailblazer. An American mathematician, she would go on to be known for her contributions to computer programming, software development, and the design and implementation of programming languages. She enjoyed a long and influential career in the computer industry - as well as the United States navy - rising to the rank of rear admiral. This is the story of computer programming innovator Grace Hopper. Sources https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grace_Hopper https://www.amphilsoc.org/blog/grace-brewster-murray-hopper-mathematician-computer-science-pioneer https://president.yale.edu/biography-grace-murray-hopper Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Grace_Murray_Hopper,_in_her_office_in_Washington_DC,_1978,_©Lynn_Gilbert.jpg History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the summer of 1917 two girls would photograph the remarkable. Proof of fairies, dancing in the beautiful Cottingley Beck in England. The photos were so convincing that they became a national sensation, convincing the millions that they were indeed proof of the magical. And it took half a century for the truth to come out. This is the story of the Cottingley Fairies. Sources https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-leeds-55187973 https://www.historic-uk.com/CultureUK/The-Fairies-of-Cottingley/ https://hoaxes.org/photo_database/image/the_cottingley_fairies Image: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Cottingley_Fairies_1.jpg History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On August 6, 1855, in Louisville, Kentucky, a bitter rivalry between the Democrats and the Nativist Know-Nothing Party erupted in a series of riots. Protestant mobs attacked Irish and German Catholic neighborhoods - leaving 22 people dead, dozens injured, and more than 100 homes and businesses torched and looted. This is the story of Bloody Monday. Sources https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloody_Monday https://www.louisvilleirish.com/bloody-monday-memorial/ Image: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Krakatoa_eruption_lithograph.jpghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bloody_Monday_Election_Riots.jpg History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Three tales of historic explosions including the Tunguska Incident, the 1883 Eruption of Krakatoa, and the Halifax Explosion. Have a blast checking these out. Enjoy this compilation of Season 1 episodes while we get ready for the new season of History Dispatches. Image: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Krakatoa_eruption_lithograph.jpg History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Three stories of humanity's attempts to reign in animals. This includes the Great Emu War, the Alberta Rat Campaign, and Project Isabela. Enjoy this compilation of Season 1 episodes while we get ready for the new season of History Dispatches. Image: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-rat-on-green-grass-12964769/ History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Three stories from Ancient Egypt, including the Library of Alexandria, the Lost Army of Cambyses, and the Rosetta Stone. Enjoy this compilation of Season 1 episodes while we get ready for the new season of History Dispatches. History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Three tales from the twilight of the Athenian Golden Age, including Alcibiades, the Sicilian Expedition, and Thrasybulus. Enjoy this compilation of Season 1 episodes while we get ready for the new season of History Dispatches. Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Akropolis_by_Leo_von_Klenze.jpg History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Three episodes featuring audacious robberies. This includes the Great Maple Syrup Heists, the Theft of the Mona Lisa, and the Heist of the Irish Crown Jewels. Enjoy this compilation of Season 1 episodes while we get ready for the new season of History Dispatches. History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The largest, deadliest conflict in human history is World War II. Claiming tens of millions of lives it is a story unlike any other. Listen as we delve into the overview of this most awesome conflict, and journey through the European theater of the war. Sources https://wwiifoundation.org/timeline-of-wwii/ https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/world-war-ii-key-dates https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/specialfeatures/world-war-ii-major-events-timeline/ Image: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Approaching_Omaha.jpg History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On October 18, 1968, at the summer Olympics in Mexico City, American long jumper Bob Beamon leaped into history - literally. On his first attempt, Beamon would not only set a world record in the long jump - he would obliterate it - in one of the most astounding moments in sports history. This is the story of Bob Beamon and his record setting long jump. Sources https://www.espn.com/sportscentury/features/00014092.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Beamon Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bob_Beamon_1968.jpg History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the second half of the fifth century BC, the Athenian general and statesmen, Alcibiades, would lead an absolutely incredible life. He acted as a key advisor for Athens, their rival Sparta, and both cities exiled him. All while kicking up scandals, and loving every second of it. This is the story of Alcibiades. Sources "The Life of Alcibiades" by Jacqueline de Romilly File:Alcibades_being_taught_by_Socrates,_Fran%C3%A7ois-Andr%C3%A9_Vincent.jpg History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From 1764-1767 a monster terrorized the province of Gévaudan in south central France. It’s believed that 113 people were killed - many with their throats ripped out - by the mysterious creature. It is a mystery that still haunts the region to this day. This is the story of the Beast of Gévaudan. Sources https://www.geriwalton.com/the-beast-of-gevaudan/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beast_of_G%C3%A9vaudan Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gevaudanwolf.jpg History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For decades the roadsides of America were dotted with curious red signs. Always appearing in a sequence of four or five, and usually with a witty or clever saying, they became synonymous with American motoring culture, and an icon of mid-century American highways. This is the story of the Burma-Shave signs. Sources https://www.backwoodshome.com/feeling-nostalgic-now-youll-rave-heres-the-story-of-burma-shave/ https://minneapolisparkhistory.com/2016/10/03/burma-shave-clinton-odell-and-minneapolis-parks/ "Verse by the Side of the Road: The Story of the Burma-Shave Signs and Jingles" by Frank Rowsome, Jr. Image: https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2018663314/ History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While the American Civil War would answer the question of slavery once and for all, its bloody overture would take place five years earlier, when the territory of Kansas would go to war with itself to determine if it should be a free or slave state. It was a brutal guerrilla conflict that would claim dozens of lives. This is the story of Bleeding Kansas. Sources "Bleeding Kansas" by Nicole Etcheson Image: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bleeding_Kansas#/media/File:The_Tragic_Prelude_John_Brown.jpg History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Great Sphinx of Giza is one of the most famous monuments of antiquity - and nearly every person has heard about it - and seen it. But what is the history of the Sphinx? When was it built? And why? This is the story of the Great Sphinx of Giza. Sources https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Sphinx_of_Giza https://www.history.com/articles/the-sphinx Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sphinx-and-the-Pyramids-of-Ghiza-by-Facchinelli,-BNF-Gallica.png History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For more than a decade, the energy company Enron was at the top of the food chain. Named Forbes most innovative company six years in a row, it had a stock price of nearly a hundred dollars a share. The company was raking in hundreds of millions of dollars in profit. Or so everyone thought. Then, in late 2001, the entire house of cards came crashing down - destroying a company and the savings of thousands of people. This is the story of the Enron Scandal. Sources "The Smartest Guys in the Room" by Bethany McLean and Peter Elkind Images: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jeffrey_Skilling_mug_shot.jpg https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ken_Lay.jpg History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

53 Africans - taken illegally from their homes - revolted on a ship - the Amistad - bound for a slave plantation in Cuba. But taking control of the ship did not mean they were free. They ended up on the shores Long Island, and what followed were legal proceedings that would determine the life - or death - of these men. This is the story of the Trial of the Amistad Sources "Mutiny on the Amistad" by Howard Jones https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_v._The_Amistad History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1839, 53 captives, mostly taken from modern day Sierra Leone, were being transported to a plantation in Cuba aboard the Amistad. Lead by Sengbe Pieh, the African revolted, and took command of the ship. They tried to bring the ship back to Africa, but would instead end up off the coast of Long Island - setting the stage for a dramatic trial that would mean life or death. This is the story of the revolt on the Amistad. Sources "Mutiny on the Amistad" by Howard Jones https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Amistad Image: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Amistad#/media/File:Amistad_revolt.jpg History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over 2,000 years ago, through dense woods, fog and swamp, 20,000 Roman soldiers marched through Teutoburg Forest, Germania, on routine assignment. What followed was not only disaster for them, but marked a turn in the entire Roman empire. Through cunning and deception, the German leader, Arminius, led an ambush that slaughtered three entire legions, cementing freedom for the Germanic tribes and permanently shifting foreign policy in the Roman empire. This is the story of the massacre of Teutoburg Forest. Sources The Battle That Stopped Rome: Emperor Augustus, Arminius, and the Slaughter of the Legions in the Teutoburg Forest", by Peter S. Wells Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Akvy_Secstievy_Battle.jpgg History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the most valuable - and most fought over - items in history - has been spices such as cloves, nutmeg, and mace. And no place has caused as much greed and desire as five small islands in the Far East. This is the story of the Spice Islands. Sources https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maluku_Islands https://lombokdiaries.substack.com/p/the-spice-islands Image: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/da/Willem_Blaeu00.jpg History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From 1974 through 1978, on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, in Tanzania, two small tribes engaged in ambush, beatings, murder, and cannibalism. By the end, every male in one tribe was dead, and the other tribe conquered their territory. It is a story that doesn't sound that unusual, except for the fact that the participants in this war were chimpanzees. This is the story of the Gombe Chimpanzee war. Sources "Through a Window" by Jane Goodall Image: https://www.pexels.com/photo/chimpanzee-on-green-grass-4179455/ History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In November of 1918, American educator Moina Michael was inspired by the battlefront-theme poem "In Flanders Fields" by Canadian John McCrae. The lines "In Flanders fields the poppies blow / Between the crosses row on row," moved her - and Michael vowed to wear a red poppy as a symbol of remembrance for those who served in the war. And that would begin a tradition that endures to this day - with people from all over the world wearing poppies to commemorate those who have lost so much. Sources https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moina_Michael http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/6133312.stm Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Poppy-Memorial-1948.jpg History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1989, the Soviet Union, under President Mikhail Gorbachev, wanted to ensure the soft drink Pepsi kept flowing to the empire. Unfortunately, the USSR lacked the money or goods to realistically trade with PepsiCo, so instead they swapped 17 submarines and three warships in exchange for the syrup. This, according to legend, made Pepsi the commander of the world's 6th largest navy. Sources https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/11/27/pepsi-navy-soviet-ussr/ History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Europeans first came to North America, it is estimated that anywhere from 30-60 million bison roamed throughout he continent. And the great beast was the lifeblood of many of the Native American tribes. Yet within a few hundred years, the bison numbered barely 1000 - and the species was on the brink of extinction. This is the story of the near destruction - and comeback - of the North American Bison. Sources https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conservation_of_American_bison https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_bison Image: by Matt Breen History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In February of 1797, 1400 French troops landed in Pembrokeshire, Wales, as part of the War of the First Coalition. What was meant to stir up rebellion on the British Isles ended in complete disaster, with one Welsh woman single-handedly arresting a dozen of the Frenchmen. The invasion would last a total of three days, and mark the last the time Britain was invaded. Sources https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofWales/The-Last-Invasion-of-Britain/ https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/battle-fishguard---one-wales-1834451 Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Goodwick_sands.jpeg History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1869, workers digging a well at a farm in Cardiff, New York, uncovered what appeared to be the body of an ancient, 10-foot-tall petrified man. The discovery was a world-wide sensation. However, within the year, the Cardiff Giant - as it was called - would be revealed as one of the greatest archeological hoaxes in history. Sources https://www.history.com/articles/7-historical-hoaxes https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardiff_Giant Image: https://www.stalbansraid.com/wp-content/gallery/illustrated-raid-events/illustrated-raid-6.jpg History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In October of 1864, the northernmost land battle of the American Civil War took place. Not in Pennsylvania, or New York, but in Vermont, just 18 miles from the Canadian border. 20 Confederate soldiers slipped south and proceeded to rob three banks in the small town of St. Albans, Vermont, before escaping back to the Great White North. Sources https://www.stalbansraid.com/ https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/st-albans-raid Image: https://www.stalbansraid.com/wp-content/gallery/illustrated-raid-events/illustrated-raid-6.jpg History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Northwest Wyoming a vertical stone tower sprouts up a thousand feet out of the landscape. The site is so unique and so stunning - it is held as sacred by many Native American tribes, and would become the very first national monument in the United States. This is the story of Devils Tower. Sources https://www.nps.gov/deto/index.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devils_Tower Image: @ Matt Breen History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For 335 years the Netherlands - maybe - fought a long, protracted war against the Isles of Scilly, in the English Channel. It would drag on and on, costing a grand total of zero lives, and only ended when someone bothered to figure out if they were actually still at war. The is the story of the 335 Year War. Sources https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofEngland/The-335-Year-War-the-Longest-War-in-History/ ; Scilly at War by R. L. Bowley Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Abraham_Willaerts,_First_Dutch_War.jpeg History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At the age of 18, Peter I of Russia - aka - Peter the Great - formed a social club to celebrate the fun things in life - especially drinking. This group would last until Peter’s death - 34 years later. However, the club would become more than just a drinking gang. It became a way to thumb one's nose at convention, the church and the establishment. This is the story of the All-Joking, All-Drunken Synod of Fools and Jesters. Sources https://spiritedla.com/drunk-role-models-peter-the-great-edition/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_All-Joking,_All-Drunken_Synod_of_Fools_and_Jesters Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Peter_I_by_Kneller.jpg History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the summer of 1928 one of the happiest accidents in history occurred. Scottish Professor of Bacteriology Alexander Fleming returned from holiday to find bacteria samples had been left out, and one of them grew mold killing the bacteria. The mold was Penicillium Notatum, and it would save millions of lives. This is the story of the discovery of Penicillin. Sources https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5403050/#sec6 https://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/education/whatischemistry/landmarks/flemingpenicillin/the-discovery-and-development-of-penicillin-commemorative-booklet.pdf Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sample_of_penicillin_mould_presented_by_Alexander_Fleming_to_Douglas_Macleod,_1935_(9672239344).jpg History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In April of 1862, Union forces began the siege of Fort Pulaski - which guarded the port of Savannah. The fort was seen as impregnable - with walls more than 10 feet thick. But the Union had some new weapons to deploy - rifled cannons. 30 hours after opening fire - entire sections of Fort Pulaski were reduced to rubble - forcing the Confederate defenders to surrender. This is the story of the Siege of Fort Pulaski. Sources https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Pulaski_National_Monument https://www.nps.gov/fopu/index.htm Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:FTPulaski1862a01.jpg History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the mid 1850s the United State Army embarked on an unusual experiment - use camels to move troops and supplies throughout the southwestern deserts. Several dozen camels were purchased and they were led by some Greek pioneers, the leader of which was named Hadji Ali, or Hi Jolly. And though the US Camel Corps would be a failure, its story would never die, with Hi Jolly becoming a legend. This is the story of Hi Jolly and the United States Camel Corps. Sources https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/Military-Review/Directors-Select-Articles/The-United-States-Army-Camel-Corps-1856-66/ https://helleniccomserve.com/philiptedro.html History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Jan. 8, 1815, 8,000 British regulars began an assault on the city of New Orleans. When the smoke cleared - literally - more than 2,000 British troops were dead or injured. American casualties were less and 100. It was the most devastating defeat for England in the War of 1812. This is the story of the Battle of New Orleans. Sources https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_New_Orleans https://www.battlefields.org/learn/war-1812/battles/new-orleans Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Battle_of_New_Orleans.jpg History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1985 the Coca-Cola Company embarked on one of the worst product launches in history. They cast aside their iconic brand and taste in favor of chasing trends, and in the process disillusioned their most loyal customers. This is the story of New Coke. Sources https://www.coca-colacompany.com/about-us/history/new-coke-the-most-memorable-marketing-blunder-ever https://www.thebrandingjournal.com/2025/02/new-coke/ Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:New_Coke_can.jpg History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

World War II gave us many unique characters. One of the most eccentric was British army officer Jack Churchill. What made him so interesting? Perhaps it was his penchant for carrying a bow and arrow while on patrol. Or maybe it was the Scottish broadsword he carried on commando raids. Or perhaps it was the bagpipes he played to rally his men. This is the story of Fighting Jack Churchill. Sources https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofBritain/Fighting-Jack_Churchill/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Churchill https://warfarehistorynetwork.com/article/mad-jack-churchill-a-rare-breed-of-warrior/ Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lt_Col_Jack_Churchill.tif?page=1 History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1945 an ordinary chicken in Fruita, Colorado, was about to have an extraordinary day. His head was chopped off, but instead of dying, like most things do when decapitated, he survived for an astounding 18 months. He would go on a tour of the United States - generating thousands of dollars for his owners. This is the story of Mike the Headless Chicken. Sources https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-34198390 https://modernfarmer.com/2014/08/heres-chicken-can-live-without-head/ https://www.life.com/animals/life-with-mike-the-headless-chicken-photos-of-a-famously-tough-fowl/ Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chicken_without_a_head.png History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Newport, Rhode Island, a round stone tower sits atop a hill overlooking the city and waterfront. To many people, the intricately built tower has been as long as they can remember. And that leads us to the question of when exactly was the tower built. Was it by the early colonists? Or does it predate Europeans arriving in these waters? This is the mystery of the Newport Tower. Sources https://www.wpri.com/dont-miss/mysterious-newport-tower-shines-bright-on-winter-solstice/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newport_Tower_(Rhode_Island) Image: By Ajay Suresh - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Newport_Tower_-_Newport,_RI_(51488606239).jpg History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One game that has stood the test of time more than most is Chess. On an 8x8 grid, and 32 figurines, the game has enraptured the minds of kings and peasants, generals and poets, for over a millennia. This is the story of the game of chess. Sources "The Immortal Game: A History of Chess" By David Shenk Image: By Alan Light - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:ChessSet.jpg History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On August 19, 1951, 26 year old Eddie Gaedel stepped up to plate during a major league baseball game. He would promptly take a walk on four straight pitches - then be replaced at first base by another player. Eddie Gaedel never played another game. The reason - he was only 3’7” tall. This is the story of Eddie Gaedel - the smallest person to ever play Major League Baseball. Sources https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/Eddie-Gaedel/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddie_Gaedel History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After the death of Emperor Nero and a century of stability, the Roman Empire was plunged into chaos. In the space of a single year four different men would hold the imperial throne, and tens of thousands of people would lose their lives. This is the story of the Year of the Four Emperors. Sources "The Year of the Four Emperors" by Kenneth Wellesley Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Year_of_the_Four_Emperors.jpg History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Jan. 25, 1898, the American armored Cruiser the USS Maine sailed into Havana harbor. Three weeks later, an explosion ripped through the vessel - killing more than 250 sailors and marines. Although the cause of the explosion was unknown, it would be the catalyst for America’s intervention in Cuba - and war with Spain - leading to the battle cry, “Remember the Maine”. Sources https://www.history.navy.mil/our-collections/photography/wars-and-events/spanish-american-war/sinking-of-uss-maine.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Maine_(1890) Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:USS_Maine_(ACR-1)_starboard_bow_view,_1898_(26510673494).jpg History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In April of 1978 over one hundred disability rights advocates occupied a federal building in San Francisco. Their goal was to force the Carter administration to fulfill a campaign promise. What followed turned into the longest occupation of a federal building in United States history. This is the story of the 504 Protest. Sources https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/504-protest-disability-community-and-civil-rights.htm https://dredf.org/short-history-of-the-504-sit-in/ https://longmoreinstitute.sfsu.edu/patient-no-more/virtual-tour Image: By Kenneth E. Stein - https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/object/nmah_557112 History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In southern Africa - in the nation of Zimbabwe - an unlikely sight appears in the south-eastern hills near Masvingo. It is the ruins of what was once a great city - including the largest stone structure in precolonial Southern Africa. When Europeans first saw the sprawling site - they speculated who built it. Was it the Phoenicians? Arabs? King Solomon? It didn’t occur to them that the local people had done so - yet that is exactly what had happened. This is the story of the Great Zimbabwe. Sources https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Zimbabwe https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/364/ Image: By Jan Derk - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Great-Zimbabwe.jpg History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On August 25, 1934, the Governor of Arizona, Benjamin Moeur, declared martial law, dispatching over 100 national guard troops to the site of an invasion. Not by a foreign power, but by California construction workers. It was a battle that made its way to the supreme court, and gave Arizona its own navy. This is the story of the battle over the Parker Dam. Sources https://www.nps.gov/articles/california-parker-dam.htm https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/parker-dam https://www.phoenixmag.com/2014/08/01/whoa-nellie/ Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Arizona_-_Parker_-_NARA_-_23933751.jpg History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On April 8, 1820, on the Greek island of Milos, a farmer, Theodoros Kendrotas, uncovered the upper part of a marble statue while working in his field. A visiting French naval officer paid the farmer and his son to uncover the rest of the statue - and when they were done, they would behold one of the greatest works of art in history. This is the story of the discovery of the Venus de Milo. Sources https://artjourneyparis.com/blog/story-venus-de-milo.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venus_de_Milo Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Vénus_de_Milo_-_Musée_du_Louvre_AGER_LL_299_;_N_527_;_Ma_399.jpg History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pad Thai is one of the tastiest most iconic dishes of Thailand. And yet, it has a history that is less than a century old, and it involves floods, a military dictator, and the nation's attempt to spread their culture all over the world. This is the story of Pad Thai. Sources https://www.vice.com/en/article/the-surprising-reason-that-there-are-so-many-thai-restaurants-in-america/ https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/who-invented-pad-thai https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/the-surprising-history-of-pad-thai-180984625/ Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Phat_Thai_kung_Chang_Khien_street_stall.jpg History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On March 1, 1896, near the town of Adwa, Ethiopia, the forces of the Kingdom of Italy - attempting to expand its colonial empire in the Horn of Africa - clashed with the Ethiopian army in the climatic battle of the First Italian-Ethiopian War. The result was one of the most stunning defeats of a European power in Africa - and left Ethiopia as one of the few independent nations remaining on the continent. This is the story of the Battle of Adwa. Sources https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Adwa https://ethiopiancrown.org/the-battle-of-adwa/ Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Adoua_1.jpg History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices