Historical Figures

From Musketeers to Nazis, Archimedes to Harriet Tubman, these famous historical figures changed the course of history -- for better or worse.

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How John McCain Worked

Sen. John McCain was a retired Navy veteran, a supporter of the war in Iraq and the Republican Party's 2008 nominee for president. How did he earn a reputation for being a maverick?

By Josh Clark & Kathryn Whitbourne History / Historical Figures

How Barack Obama Works

If there's one message President Barack Obama wanted to get across during his campaign, it was that he represents change. Does his background match his message?

By Josh Clark History / Historical Figures

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?

By Shanna Freeman History / Historical Figures

How Knights Work

What were knights really like? Did they slay dragons, sleep in their armor and rescue damsels in distress?

By Craig Freudenrich, Ph.D. History / Historical Figures

How Royalty Works

Royalty calls to mind impossible wealth, power and privilege -- and maybe a breath of scandal. Do kings and queens simply sit on their thrones with ermine robes and scepters?

By Ed Grabianowski History / Historical Figures

How McCarthyism Worked

Senator Joseph McCarthy whipped up anti-Communist hysteria in the early 1950s -- using controversial tactics and ruining hundreds of careers, including his own.

By Alia Hoyt History / Historical Figures

10 Famous Native Americans

America's history begins with the Native Americans and the English settlers they encountered. Read our list of Native American leaders and heroes, including Sequoyah, Geronimo, and Crazy Horse.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd. History / Historical Figures

12 Renowned Women of the Wild West

A number of women made names for themselves during the Wild West. Read our list of 12 of the most famous heroines from this time period, including Annie Oakley, Belle Starr, and Calamity Jane.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd. History / Historical Figures

Amelia Earhart Was Way More Than a Famous Aviator Who Disappeared

Amelia Earhart's reaction to seeing her first flight as a kid was one big yawn. But that attitude changed with her first plane ride, paving the way for a life of dare-devilry, one that ultimately cost her life.

By Nathan Chandler History / Historical Figures

Charles Lindbergh's Transatlantic Flight

Charles Lindbergh made the first transatlantic flight, from New York to Paris. Learn more about Charles Lindbergh's flight and his plane, the Spirit of St. Louis.

By Marshall Brain History / Historical Figures

Who are the Duke of York, Duke of Kent, etc., and how did they get their titles?

When I hear about the Duke of York, the Duke of Kent, etc., who are they and how did they get their titles? What is a "Duke"? Are they related to the queen, or are they normal people?

History / Historical Figures