The question of whether telegraph, and then telephone lines, should be private or government-controlled has been discussed in Congress since the 1840s. In 1918, the United States entry into the Great War provided Postmaster General A.S. Burleson the opportunity to nationalize the nation’s electric communications. The History Guy recalls the little remembered American dalliance with government-run telecommunications.
Author: thehistoryguy10
The Strange Path of the Trelawny Maroons
Almost from the moment African slaves were taken to Jamaica, they started escaping into the mountains of the island’s interior. The Jamaican Maroons held off the British, but the Maroons of Trelawny Town would be given a unique path. The History Guy recalls the story of escaped slaves and warriors whose unique culture and history still affects societies on both sides of the Atlantic.
Lew Wallace: Author, Politician, General
Lew Wallace was once of the most famous people in America. A general who saved the union by losing a battle, he met with Billy the Kid and authored one of the most influential novels of all time. The History Guy tells the forgotten story of possibly the most interesting person you’ve likely never heard of.
Dynasties, Religions, Freemasons, and Pugs
In the late seventeenth century, Europe was in the throes of the Age of Enlightenment. The new ideas of rationalism contributed to the overthrow of an English King, the creation of modern Freemasonry, and a Papal Bull that all represented a massive shift in the thinking of early-modern Europe. The History Guy recalls the forgotten history of the Order of the Pug.
Assault Helicopter Companies of the Vietnam War
Vietnam was not the first conflict to include helicopters, but much of the doctrine of their use was developed there. A coin sent by a viewer helps The History Guy to recall the forgotten story of the Assault Helicopter Companies of the War in Vietnam.
The Forgotten History of Sewing Machines
While sewing needles have been around for tens of thousands of years, a machine to mechanically reproduce their work is relatively new. The History Guy recalls the forgotten history of an invention that transformed economies, industries, and culture.
Nortraship: The Norwegian Fleet and WWII
Germany invaded Norway in April 1940, and defeated the Nordic nation in a 62-day campaign. But Norwegians continued to serve the Allied cause throughout the war. One of the least remembered, most important, and most unique roles was not about strength of arms, but about gross tonnage. The History Guy remembers the critical role played by “the largest shipping company in the world.”
U.S. Automotive History and the Chevy Vega
Facing increasing competition from economy cars from Japan and Europe, General Motors roared into the subcompact market with an innovative design based on cutting edge technology. The Chevrolet Vega was the 1971 Motor Trend Car of the Year, but problems were soon to follow. The History Guy recalls the forgotten history of the dawn of “subcompact” cars and “the car that nearly destroyed G.M.”
Merlin’s Stones: The History of the History of Stonehenge
Stonehenge is an iconic image of the British Isles. The monument is so ancient that the study of its history is ancient history. The History Guy reveals the surprisingly long history of the search for the meaning of perhaps the world’s most famous neolithic monument.
The Campaign Hat & Forgotten History
In another video in the series about his hat collection, the History Guy recalls the history of the broad-brimmed felt or straw hat, with a high crown, pinched symmetrically at the four corners.