Today in history . . .

[Umaril Has Returned]

A shout out to you Indy:

Thanks for your support of my liking for history.  As a man who comes from direct Old World stock, the times of WW1 and WW2 have always fascinated me.  As well,having relatives who were caught up in those times makes it even more interesting to me.

The time leading up to WW1 was a very interesting blend of past events (Franco-Prussian War) with an even finer blend of subtle behind-the-scenes political maneuvering as well as outright open dislikes among the world powers.  I feel it especially necessary to study this time period being that it led to the first major war of the 20th century, and the things that happened afterward.  In any case, gotta' run for now but thanks for the great talk.

Now where did I put my Dragon Priest staff of flames???       

[ER]

Well, this isn't the issue of The Onion I was looking for, that one had the Archduke emerge from hiding in late 1918 alive and well right after WWI, but this one about Ferdinand, supposedly from 1913, is still funny in a macabre sort of way:

http://o.onionstatic.com/images/8/8666/original/700.jpg

[LilCerberus]

Bit o trivia
Everyone who owned the car was killed in it, except for the final owner, who donated it to a museum.
The car & the museum were destroyed by allied bombers in ww2.

[Umaril Has Returned]

Another person of that time in Germany's history that had a very important role in Old World German politics was Otto von Bismarck.   Bismarck was the glue that held together the German Ststes through 3 wars that helped unify Germany as a country. He was a political titan from the early 1860's to 1890.  He was a staunchly conservative man. He was a political giant and worthy of great note. he did so much for Germany that we would have to have 9 lives in order to list it all here!

[indianasmith]

Interestingly enough, one of Kaiser Wilhelm's first actions as Emperor was to put Bismarck out to pasture.
The Iron Chancellor was loudly opposed to the Kaiser's building a huge naval fleet.

BTW, a great book on this subject is R.K. Massey's CASTLES OF STEEL.

[Umaril Has Returned]

Interestingly enough, one of Kaiser Wilhelm's first actions as Emperor was to put Bismarck out to pasture.
The Iron Chancellor was loudly opposed to the Kaiser's building a huge naval fleet.

BTW, a great book on this subject is R.K. Massey's CASTLES OF STEEL.

Cool! A guy that held together thru 3 wars is indeed an interesting one at that.

[grols]

today, 27 - 28 august 2014 , Russia invaded Ukraine

[Rev. Powell]

today, 27 - 28 august 2014 , Russia invaded Ukraine

Putin is much scarier than ISIS to me.

[indianasmith]

Putin is a thug, no doubt, but he is also a realist who is flexing his muscles right now because he knows he can.
ISIS, on the other hand, has no brakes and no control - only wild, fanatical hatred for everyone who doesn't share their
interpretation of Islam.  Their goal is nothing less than the destruction of all other faiths and creeds.  Right now their
abilities don't match their intent, but if they get their hands on some serious firepower, everyone who doesn't bow the
knee is SCREWED.

[Flangepart]

Well said, Dr. Jones.
And people wonder why I'm a pessimist...

[Rev. Powell]

This is why I find Putin scarier than ISIS. ISIS is crazy, they draw everyone's hate and opposition. Sure, if they had real power they would be dangerous, but precisely because of the rabid, attention-hungry way they operate they will never have real power. The West bombs ISIS at will because they have no real power. They appease Putin because he does have real power; they're afraid of him. Putin is cunning, he lets others grab the headlines. Meanwhile, he invades a sovereign nation with no more punishment than having a few oligarch's visas revoked. The West won't even use the word "invasion" because they're scared of hurting Russia's feelings.

I mean, ISIS is so dumb. Executing an American civilian is the perfect way to ensure maximum retaliation while doing minimum harm to your enemy.