Lone Star Bear: An Independent California
Far removed from Mexico City, the territory of California lived in near autonomy from its nominal government leadership, be that of the Governor of New…
Author: Christopher Hoitash
Articles by Christopher Hoitash:
The Halls of Montezuma: Marines at Chapultepec
In 1846, the United States of America went to war with the United Mexican States. Political maneuvering by President James K. Polk and a vested…
For Profit and Glory: The Start of the First Opium War
The Opium Wars extended the might of the British Empire to the remote Chinese Empire, expanding its trade and national prestige. In exchange, China would…
A Rising Sun: Japan’s Army Modernization
The Empire of Japan cut a bloody swath through the Pacific, committing horrendous atrocities in its desperate bid for resources, prestige, and racial superiority. The…
Franc-Tireurs: French Partisans Were a Thorn in Germany’s Side
During the Franco-Prussian War, French irregulars known as Franc-tireurs meaning “free shooters” terrorized German regular formations. The legacy of these partisans would continue to be…
Decline of an Empire: The Fourth Crusade’s Sacking of Constantinople
The Byzantine Empire, heir to the Roman Empire, the Republic before them, and the Hellenic Kingdoms before them, fell for good in 1453. In 1204,…
Magnificent, but Not War: George B. McClellan in Crimea
The Crimean War holds a strange place in history. Remembered for a failed cavalry charge and a woman of mercy, the war paved the way…