History
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Russia pulled out of World War I because the communists wanted to focus on internal rather than external problems after they seized power in the February Revolution of 1917. Growing battlefield losses and defeats had exacerbated the discontent of the Russian populace that led to the revolution, and the Bolsheviks wanted to consolidate their power rather than continue to oppose the Central Powers with their weakened military.
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Q: What was the religion of the Han dynasty?
A: The main religion of the Han dynasty was Taoism. The Han dynasty also embraced the philosophical ideas of Confucianism. Buddhism was brought to China during the Han dynasty. -
Q: What do "BC" and "AD" mean in a timeline?
A: "B.C." stands for "before Christ," while "A.D." stand for "anno domini," meaning "in the year of our Lord," according to How Stuff Works. This way of delineating the calendar was established in the 5th century. -
Q: Who was the first person to invent music?
A: Music predates recorded history, so it is impossible to say where and when it was first performed. However, there are archaeological records that indicate virtually all prehistoric societies developed musical instruments and had some capacity to play music. -
Q: What is the cradle of civilization?
A: Scholars traditionally regard Mesopotamia, an ancient area surrounding the Tigris and Euphrates rivers that is now parts of modern day Iraq, Syria, Turkey and Kuwait, as the cradle of civilization. The area is also know as the Fertile Crescent. -
Q: Why was the wheel so important to Mesopotamia?
A: The wheel allowed Mesopotamians to create a number of novel transportation methods. It was also used in a variety of mechanical devices. Creating wheels may have also spawned new methods of making items that need precision. -
Q: What weapons did the Babylonians use?
A: The ancient Babylonians used sharpened weapons such as sickle swords, socketed axes, spears, and the Egyptian-derived bladed mace, as well as clubs and staffs, and projectiles flung from war slings. The Babylonians were a Bronze Age people, so the bladed weapons they used were made of a softer metal than later civilization's iron and steel. This made them less effective in battle than iron and iron-alloy based weapons, as iron is harder and harder blades can take a sharper point. - See More Ancient History Questions
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Q: Who invented checkers?
A: It is not known who invented checkers. The Encyclopedia Britannica states that checkers is one of the oldest games in the world. The modern form of checkers emerged by the 16th century. -
Q: When was the Polaroid camera invented?
A: The polaroid camera was first invented by Edwin H. Land in 1943. He got the idea when his young daughter wanted to know why she couldn't instantly see the picture he had just taken of her. -
Q: Who invented matches?
A: The first friction matches were invented by John Walker in 1827. These first matches were 3 inches long and would ignite with a series of explosions similar to firecrackers when pulled through a piece of sandpaper. -
Q: Who invented the first drum?
A: While the inventor of the first drum is unknown, drums were first played around 6,000 B.C. in Mesopotamia by the ancient Babylonians and Sumerians. Drums may have been used prior to this by pre-civilized humans, but there is no direct evidence. -
Q: Who invented the pacifier?
A: People have been using objects to soothe babies for centuries, but Christian W. Meinecke is credited with inventing the pacifier. In 1901 he filed a patent for "a new and original Design for a Baby Comforter." -
Q: Who invented the first aeroplane?
A: The Wright brothers invented the first successful airplane in 1903. By 1902, Wilbur and Orville Wright had invented the first successful glider and were focused with designing and building the first airplane that could gain sustained flight. - See More Inventions Questions
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Q: Why is Galileo famous?
A: Galileo is famous for many things but is probably best known for discovering Jupiter's four moons. The moons around Jupiter are called "Gallilean moons." -
Q: What years were the Middle Ages?
A: The Middle Ages began in the year 476 A.D. and ended around 1300 with the beginning of the Renaissance. The Middle Ages, also called the Medieval Period, began just after the fall of Rome and it dominated the European continent through the early 14th century. The Middle Ages filled a time period between the ending of a great reign and the beginning of a new era characterized by revitalization and cultural growth. -
Q: What was the longest ruling Chinese dynasty?
A: The Zhou Dynasty, also spelled "Chou," was the longest dynasty in the history of China. Though exact dates are unknown, scholars and archaeologists place the Zhou Dynasty reign from about 1046 B.C. to 256 B.C. -
Q: What did the Vikings invent?
A: The Vikings invented the longboat during the Vikings Age from 800 to 1100 A.D. This type of ship helped them travel the oceans to reach France, England, Scotland, Greenland, Iceland, Ireland, Vinland and the Middle East. Thus, they became a dominant force in European medieval trade, politics and warfare. -
Q: Why was the Middle Ages also called the Dark Ages?
A: The term known as the Middle Ages is synonymous with the Dark Ages for several reasons as the period between 500-1500 A.D. included political turmoil, social unrest and the spread of disease. The Middle Ages brought great change to Europe in many respects, including social mobility, politics and the way of life. Some changes proved beneficial, but the time period experienced negative effects from the change too. -
Q: What are facts about Mansa Musa?
A: Mansa Musa assumed the position of ruler of Mali during the 14th century, and later embarked on a journey to Mecca, becoming the first African ruler to do so. Mansa Musa was born in 1280 A.D., and died in 1337. His life achievements included promoting the Muslim religion, and supporting unprecedented growth of the arts and education. - See More Middle Ages Questions
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Q: Who was the first plastic surgeon?
A: The father of modern plastic surgery is Dr. Harold Gillies, but his career started far from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. He pioneered his techniques in 1917 while serving in the First World War. Tasked with repairing soldiers' wartime injuries, Dr. Gillies's operations helped to counteract the gruesome injuries of shrapnel and trench warfare. -
Q: Who were the original members of the Rat Pack?
A: Many people know the Rat Pack as Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., Dean Martin, Peter Lawford and Joey Bishop. However, the origins of the Rat Pack go back to actor Humphrey Bogart, and Bogart’s wife, the actress Lauren Bacall, and a few of their Hollywood friends. -
Q: Why did the United States become involved in the Vietnam War?
A: The United States got involved in the Vietnam conflict to keep communism from spreading throughout Southeast Asia. At first the United States only aided France with military aid and advisors, but after the French suffered a major defeat at Dien Bien Phu in the north-western hills, the French pulled out and the United States took over the burden of the war. -
Q: How many people were on the Titanic when it sank?
A: Official reports vary, but the consensus is that there were between 2,200 and 2,340 passengers and crew members on board the Titanic when it sank. Of that number, 885 were crew members. -
Q: How did the Cold War influence the development and early goals of NASA?
A: The Cold War helped drive the space race from both sides seeking political and technological advantage over the other. Neither country wanted to be seen as coming in second place in scientific exploration, and both sides were keenly aware of the potential intelligence and strategic advantages space dominance could provide. -
Q: When did South Africa become independent?
A: South Africa became independent from Great Britain on December 11, 1931, but the British monarch remained head of state. On May 31, 1961, the country became a republic, severing all formal ties with Great Britain. - See More Modern History Questions
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