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.
Terror from the Sea: Why Germany Shelled British Coastal Towns in WWI
On December 16, 1914, German naval shells rained down on three British towns. The attack had a primary goal: to provoke the Royal Navy into a premature, uneven battle.
How America’s Consumer Industry Won World War II
By 1939, the United States possessed massive industrial might. Few predicted how quickly this consumer-based industry would transform into a war-winning weapon.
Why 1942 Was the Most Pivotal Year in the Battle for the Mediterranean
As 1941 ended, 1942 started with the Axis holding the initiative in the Mediterranean. Yet an unmistakable and permanent strategic pivot would occur.
Why the French Military Tried to Assassinate Their Own President
On August 22, 1962, assassins ambushed President Charles De Gaulle but failed. These Algerian War veterans sought revenge for De Gaulle's perceived betrayal of their cause.
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.