History, in our experience, is rarely ever dull. It’s full of epic moments, witty remarks, and devastatingly dangerous individuals—heroes, villains, and a mix of both. And it seems like many people have a handful of favorite events that they like to bring up at dinner parties and on the internet.
In a viral thread, the amateur historians of the r/AskReddit community shared what they think are some of the most dramatic and powerful moments in history. You’ll find our collection of the best of the best below. Scroll down and upvote your favorite ones. But don’t blame us if this ignites a new passion for doing research and learning history!
Bored Panda reached out to Christopher J. Ferguson, Ph.D., a professor of psychology at Stetson University, a published author, and the host of the Checkpoints blog on Psychology Today. He shed some light on why some historical events are dramatized and how someone can tell that things might have happened differently than claimed. You'll find his insights as you read on.
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#21
[operation Paul Bunyan](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_axe_murder_incident)
Basically the United States tried to trim a tree in the NK/SK DMZ that was supposedly planted by the supreme leader or something. While trimming the tree NK reacted and killed two soldiers. 3 days later a joint operation launched where South Korea and the US shows up with extreme force while the North Koreans get to watch the sacred tree nearly entirely cut down.
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94points
As for historians themselves, the University of Oxford suggests that they sharpen their skills by reading lots of books and journal articles about the topics they’re passionate about.
“Work out what you think about what you read. For instance, ask yourself: what is the author’s argument? Is it convincing? Why (or why not)? What evidence does the author use to make their argument? What is missing from their approach to the past? What else do historians need to find out? What primary sources would enable historians to understand this topic better?” the university sets out some guidelines.
#22
I personally like Colonel John Sedgwick, a Unionist Colonel who was shot and killed by a sniper. His famous last words were "They couldn't hit an elephant at this distance."
90points
#23
On his Deathbed Voltaire was asked to renounce Satan to save his soul. His response, "Now, now my good man, this is no time to be making enemies." One last shot at stupidity.
Edit: for those misunderstanding, I'm saying V "took a shot at" stupidity, in that on his death bed he pointed out the ridiculousness of such a stupid belief (deathbed conversion + afterlife) put in practice
83points
#24
I forgot the name of the place, but at obe point during Alexander the Great campaign in Persia, right by the coast, there was a fortress on a Island. So he just filled the gap, turned it into a peninsula and beseiged it.
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80points
Historians shouldn’t just spend their time in the library among gorgeous dusty books, however. They should also engage with the news, visit museums and historical sites, listen to podcasts, and take part in their academic community’s events.
For some more dramatic moments in history, take a peek at Bored Panda's previous post.
#25
TL:DR Arlington natl cemetery was Robert E Lee’s front yard.
During the American Civil War, when it became difficult to bury Union dead in appropriate cemetery’s, the quartermaster directed them to be buried in Robert E. Lee’s front yard, so that for the rest of his life, he would be reminded of the damage he caused the country ever day simply by coming and going from his home. And that boys and girls, is THE reason Arlington Cemetery became what it is. In an added twist, Arlington house and plantation were owned and built by George Washington’s adopted son, George Washington Custis, who’s daughter Mary, married Robert E. Lee (at the time a US Army office). Their son George Washington Custis Lee served in the Confederate Army. The Lee’s sued the Feds for illegally seizing their property, and years later, after Robert and Mary’s deaths, they won the suit in the US Supreme Court. Their heir, Robert E Lee Jr, knowing the impossibility of moving the thousands buried there. Offered to sell it to the US Federal Govt. who agreed to purchase it. Setting the stage for a remarkable occasion, where then Secretary of War, Robert Todd Lincoln (yes Abe and Mary’s boy) handed Robert E Lee Jr a check for approx $150k and purchased the plantation.
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65points
#26
The reply of the Zaporozhian Cossacks. They defeat the Ottoman sultan's army, but he sends them a message demanding their surrender, using a long and ridiculous title. They send back a reply mocking his titles, and telling him, literally, "f**k your mother" and "kiss our a*s."
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reply_of_the_Zaporozhian_Cossacks]
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64points
#27
This exchange between General Heinrich Freiherr von Lüttwitz and General Anthony Clement McAuliffe:
>To the U.S.A. Commander of the encircled town of Bastogne.
The fortune of war is changing. This time the U.S.A. forces in and near Bastogne have been encircled by strong German armored units. More German armored units have crossed the river Our near Ortheuville, have taken Marche and reached St. Hubert by passing through Hompre-Sibret-Tillet. Libramont is in German hands.
There is only one possibility to save the encircled U.S.A. troops from total annihilation: that is the honorable surrender of the encircled town. In order to think it over a term of two hours will be granted beginning with the presentation of this note.
If this proposal should be rejected one German Artillery Corps and six heavy A. A. Battalions are ready to annihilate the U.S.A. troops in and near Bastogne. The order for firing will be given immediately after this two hours term. All the serious civilian losses caused by this artillery fire would not correspond with the well-known American humanity.
The German Commander.
The fortune of war is changing. This time the U.S.A. forces in and near Bastogne have been encircled by strong German armored units. More German armored units have crossed the river Our near Ortheuville, have taken Marche and reached St. Hubert by passing through Hompre-Sibret-Tillet. Libramont is in German hands.
There is only one possibility to save the encircled U.S.A. troops from total annihilation: that is the honorable surrender of the encircled town. In order to think it over a term of two hours will be granted beginning with the presentation of this note.
If this proposal should be rejected one German Artillery Corps and six heavy A. A. Battalions are ready to annihilate the U.S.A. troops in and near Bastogne. The order for firing will be given immediately after this two hours term. All the serious civilian losses caused by this artillery fire would not correspond with the well-known American humanity.
The German Commander.
>To the German Commander.
*NUTS!*
The American Commander.
*NUTS!*
The American Commander.
(The artillery fire never happened (though there were assaults, including by *glider infantry*, and bombings), and General McAuliffe's forces (the 101^st Airborne) held off the Wehrmacht until reinforcements (the 4^th Armored Division) arrived.)
64points
#28
Don't remember who it was, but there was a conqueror who sent a messenger to another country and the promptly killed said messenger, so the conqueror redirected a river to completely wipe out said country.
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52points
#29
Caesar. He was caught by pirates who sent a ransom note and asked for lot of silver (a few tonnes but can't remember the exact number). When the silver was delivered, Cesar said that he'll "raise an army and kill the lot of you." To which the pirate's laughed. Once Cesar sent word to Rome, he took a few Legions to the pirate's home base and literally wiped out the entire base and got the ransom back.
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46points
#30
The Scuttling at Scapa Flow. In 1919, the Germany High Seas fleet scuttled itself 1 day before the deadline of what the Allies were to agree about doing with it. All whilst under the British watch only able to save a small portion of the ships scuttled while the rest were to be taken care of over the course of 20 years. Although it’s debatable if this really counts as a “f**k you” moment as it was more in the sake of honor either way this really screwed with the delegation.
[Here’s a video on it and it’s quite interesting.](https://youtu.be/o1Vn2lkX2yA)
25points
