History in 5 Minutes or less

Wild West

Brushy Bill Roberts: The Man Who Would Be Kid

Published by

Aaron Rodney

on

May 15, 2025

In 1948, Ollie “Brushy Bill” Roberts claimed to be Billy the Kid, stoking controversy in Hico, Texas. Despite being reported dead in 1881, Roberts detailed his past and sought a pardon promised by Governor Lew Wallace. His story sparked debates over his identity, preserving the legendary allure of Billy the…
Continue reading →: Brushy Bill Roberts: The Man Who Would Be Kid
US Presidents, World War II

The Day the World Shifted: April 12, 1945 — The Death of FDR

Published by

Aaron Rodney

on

May 12, 2025

In April 1945, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, a symbol of American resilience, succumbed to a massive cerebral hemorrhage at Warm Springs. His death prompted nationwide mourning, as he had led the U.S. through the Great Depression and WWII. Harry Truman succeeded him, facing immense challenges while continuing FDR’s legacy of leadership…
Continue reading →: The Day the World Shifted: April 12, 1945 — The Death of FDR
Early 20th Century, US Presidents

The Bulletproof Bull Moose: The Day Theodore Roosevelt Was Shot and Still Gave His Speech

Published by

Aaron Rodney

on

May 8, 2025

In the fall of 1912, Theodore Roosevelt launched a third-party campaign for the Progressive Party. During an event in Milwaukee, he survived an assassination attempt, with a bullet striking his chest but not fatally injuring him. Roosevelt delivered a 90-minute speech, affirming his resolve and embodying American courage and defiance.
Continue reading →: The Bulletproof Bull Moose: The Day Theodore Roosevelt Was Shot and Still Gave His Speech
America Frontier, Wild West

Wild Bill Hickok and the Dead Man’s Hand: Death at the Saloon

Published by

Aaron Rodney

on

May 5, 2025

James Butler Hickok, known as “Wild Bill,” was a famed gunslinger and gambler whose life ended abruptly in 1876 when he was shot in the back during a poker game in Deadwood. His legendary status, intertwined with tales of the “Dead Man’s Hand,” left a significant mark on American folklore…
Continue reading →: Wild Bill Hickok and the Dead Man’s Hand: Death at the Saloon
American Revolutiuon, founding fathers

Benjamin Franklin and His Estranged Son: A Founding Father Divided

Published by

Aaron Rodney

on

May 1, 2025

The relationship between Benjamin Franklin and his son, William, deteriorated due to their opposing loyalties during the American Revolution. While Benjamin embraced rebellion, William remained a Loyalist, leading to estrangement. Their story highlights the personal conflicts caused by ideological divides, mirroring the nation’s struggles. Ultimately, they became symbols of divergent…
Continue reading →: Benjamin Franklin and His Estranged Son: A Founding Father Divided
American Revolutiuon

Traitors in Correspondence: Benedict Arnold, John André, and the Road to Treason

Published by

Aaron Rodney

on

April 28, 2025

Benedict Arnold, a prominent general turned traitor during the American Revolution, conspired with British Major John André to surrender West Point for £20,000. Their plot unraveled when André was captured, leading to his execution. Arnold fled, living shamefully in Britain before dying in obscurity, his name synonymous with treachery.
Continue reading →: Traitors in Correspondence: Benedict Arnold, John André, and the Road to Treason
America Frontier, US Presidents

A Lion and a Bear: The Feud Between Andrew Jackson and Davy Crockett

Published by

Aaron Rodney

on

April 24, 2025

The political rivalry between Tennessee icons Andrew Jackson and Davy Crockett epitomized early 19th-century American tensions. Jackson, a staunch proponent of the Indian Removal Act, and Crockett, who opposed it, clashed dramatically. Their feud symbolized broader national conflicts, showcasing differing visions for America’s future as Crockett ultimately chose independence over…
Continue reading →: A Lion and a Bear: The Feud Between Andrew Jackson and Davy Crockett
Vietnam War

The Ia Drang Battle: Lessons from Vietnam’s First Major Conflict

Published by

Aaron Rodney

on

April 21, 2025

By the early 1960s, Vietnam evolved into a key Cold War conflict. U.S. involvement escalated following the Gulf of Tonkin incident, leading to significant battles like Ia Drang, where outnumbered American troops faced fierce North Vietnamese assaults. This conflict foreshadowed the brutal and drawn-out Vietnam War, emphasizing the misinterpretation of…
Continue reading →: The Ia Drang Battle: Lessons from Vietnam’s First Major Conflict
Korean War, US Presidents

When the President Fired the General: Truman vs. MacArthur

Published by

Aaron Rodney

on

April 17, 2025

In the aftermath of World War II, President Harry Truman and General Douglas MacArthur clashed over strategies during the Korean War. MacArthur’s aggressive approach conflicted with Truman’s desire for a limited war. This conflict culminated in Truman firing MacArthur in 1951, asserting civilian control over the military and shaping the…
Continue reading →: When the President Fired the General: Truman vs. MacArthur
The Gilded Age, US Presidents

Teddy Roosevelt vs. The Trusts: How a Rough Rider Took on America’s Corporate Giants

Published by

Aaron Rodney

on

April 14, 2025

When Theodore Roosevelt became president in 1901, he brought with him a unique mix of cowboy swagger, progressive ideals, and an unshakable belief that government should serve the people—not the powerful. At a time when monopolies ruled much of the American economy, Roosevelt took the fight directly to the captains…
Continue reading →: Teddy Roosevelt vs. The Trusts: How a Rough Rider Took on America’s Corporate Giants