How Capitalism Works

The essence of capitalism is economic freedom and the belief that widespread personal wealth will lead to societal well-being. But does anyone even practice true capitalism these days?

How Dictators Work

Hitler, Kim Jong-Il, Saddam Hussein: Dictators come hand-in-hand with violence and controversy. But what makes a dictator different from any other leader?

How did the East India Company change the world?

The East India Company didn't just cause the Boston Tea Party -- it forged new nations and established drug trade. So why is it the basis for modern corporations?

How Fascism Works

In fascism, the state is all that matters, and constant conquest is necessary to glorify that state. But how do you convince people to support a philosophy that denies their personal value? Is fascism really still alive today?

How Socialism Works

Socialism is more than just agrarian communes: It's a principle, lifestyle and economic system that aims toward cooperative, ideal societies. But does it work?

How the Great Train Robbery Worked

In 1963, criminals pulled off the largest train robbery in Britain's history. How did 15 men stop a train, and why did it take a Monopoly board to catch them?

How the Spanish Inquisition Worked

Did anyone expect the Spanish Inquisition? It began with religious intolerance and ended with torture, with false accusations and unfair trials in between. How did this period of cruelty come to be?

Renaissance

Renaissance, in a broad sense, the culturally fruitful period of transition from the medieval era into the beginning of modern civilization in Europe.

10 Items that Went Down with the Titanic

The Titanic has long been a source of fascination, partly because of the many stories associated with its sinking, but also because of the huge wealth that went down with the ship and remains on the ocean floor to this day.

Austria-Hungary

Austria-Hungary, or Austro-Hungarian Empire, a country in central Europe from 1867 until 1918, At its greatest extent its area included what are now Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and portions of adjoining countries.

Balance of Power

Balance of Power, a relatively equal distribution of economic and military strength among rival countries or groups of countries.

Barebones Parliament

Barebones Parliament, the governing body in England from July 4 to about December 11, 1653.

Barrow

Barrow, or Tumulus, an ancient burial mound of earth or stone. Stone barrows are called cairns.

Bastille

Bastille, during the Middle Ages, a gate tower, fortress, or citadel. The bastille in Paris was used as a state prison, especially during the reigns of Louis XIV, XV, and XVI, and became a symbol of oppression.

Bayeux Tapestry

Bayeux Tapestry, an embroidered work depicting the events leading up to and including the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 by William the Conqueror.