History


Refine Search

What does "USSR" stand for?

The Soviet Union made up a total land area of 8,649,500 square miles, making it comparable to the size of North America and the world's largest state during its existence. It had a border spanning 37,000 miles, and its highest peak, Communism Peak (now known as Ismoil Somoni Peak), measured 24,590 feet.

Did Anna Baldwin invent the milking machine?

In 1878, a New Jersey woman named Anna Baldwin developed a suction milking machine that made it possible for dairy farmers to extract milk from their cows with a method more efficient than hand milking. Baldwin patented her machine, but most of the glory in this area goes to Carl Gustav de Leval, a Swedish inventor who developed the first milking machine to gain wide commercial success, paving the way for contemporary industrialized dairy farming. Baldwin's fame is largely related to the trailblazing nature of her invention rather than its success, though her accomplishment is nonetheless..

How did President Jackson view the Second National Bank?

On Sept. 10, 1833, Jackson announced that the government was no longer using the Second National Bank and withdrew all federal funds, effectively ending what had come to be known as the Bank War. He had come to believe that the bank represented how a few privileged businessmen could oppress the common people, and he repeatedly challenged the constitutionality of the Bank. Although Congress largely agreed that the Bank was constitutional, Jackson in turn vetoed Congress' attempts to create a new charter for the Bank.\nThe Second National Bank was largely blamed for the Panic of 1819. South..

Who invented the fire hydrant?

Prior to the invention of the hydrant, municipal fire readiness involved underground water cisterns and bucket brigades. Early pressurized citywide water systems comprised underground pipes made of wood. When a blaze broke out, fire department personnel dug down to break through the wooden water main. Once the fire was quenched, the hole in the water main was then filled with a “fire plug.”

What were the Blackfoot Indians' houses like?

The thickness of the buffalo skins protected the inhabitants of the tepees against strong winds, the extreme cold of winter and the heat of the summer. The buffalo was an integral part of Blackfoot Indian existence, and every other part of the animal was utilized as well. The meat was roasted and also dried for jerky. Skins were sewn into clothing and moccasins. Tendons became thread. Bones were fashioned into tools, sewing needles and utensils. Stomachs were cleaned and used for storage of liquids. Even buffalo dung was dried out and used as fuel.\nUntil the Blackfoot Indians acquired horses,..

Who invented the steam engine?

While it is often thought that de Ayanz built and patented the first steam engine, credit is actually given to English engineer and inventor Thomas Savery. In 1698, he patented his idea for a machine that would efficiently drain water from mines by utilizing steam pressure.\nHe developed his idea for his steam machine based on French inventor Denis Papin's plans for the world's first pressure cooker. The invention of the steam engine led to further improvements that were eventually utilized on trains and boats and in industrial settings.

How did the Industrial Revolution change Britain?

The Industrial Revolution breathed new life into the economy and spirit of Britain. British citizens, encouraged by economic opportunities and prosperity, took new pride in the label of British citizens. The Revolution improved upon existing economic activities like agriculture, and introduced new sectors, such as the metal industry. During the 18th century, the Industrial Revolution transformed agriculture from sustaining families and communities to an economic endeavor. New tools emerged to increase and facilitate crop production. Farmers grew a larger variety of crops, and more of them. Sur..

What were the terms of the Townshend Act?

The British also hoped to curtail the "clandestine running of goods" into the colonies and plantations by implementing the Townshend Acts. In other words, the British Crown hoped that the Townshend Acts would allow them to effectively enforce trade regulations that Britain had imposed on the colonies. With this intention, the text of the Townshend Acts established the exact amount of tax to be collected per unit of measurement for the above-mentioned items imported into the colonies. For example, the terms of the Acts established a tax of three pence for every pound of tea as the official duty..

What is the history of funeral parlors?

Historians think that Kirk & Nice Funeral Home unofficially opened in Philadelphia in 1761. The mortuary, which continues to be open for business as of 2015, started as a cabinet shop that produced furniture and coffins. Following the many deaths during the 1777 Battle of Germantown, the shop began producing caskets in high volume and helping prepare the dead for burial. The funeral home, along with others that sprang up in the 1800s, began embalming corpses the bodies of Civil War soldiers whose bodies were being shipped long distances for burial at home.\nFuneral parlors caught on throughout..

What was the purpose of the Truman Doctrine?

While the Soviet Union wasn't mentioned specifically in the speech establishing the Truman Doctrine, the doctrine was meant to serve as a warning to the USSR. After World War II, Stalin told Roosevelt and Churchill that free elections would take place in eastern European countries liberated from the Nazis by the Soviets during the war.\nWestern leaders believed this meant elections exactly like those in the West. Stalin, however, wanted communist, Soviet-friendly governments in nearby countries. He never intended to have fair elections, and many countries were taken over by leaders loyal ..

Showing 5441 to 5450 of 8554 (856 Pages)