History Memes

Context: During Australia’s early colonial period the colony ran on a barter system with rum as the main commodity traded. Governor William Bligh (of Bounty fame) was sent to the colony with instructions to clamp down on the rum trade. This along with other issues led to Australia’s only military coup - against the governor by the New South Wales Corps who were becoming rich off the trade.

Context: In the early 18 hundreds the Napoleonic was on going. Denmark was at the time a naval force to be reckoned with. Although not exactly a threat to the British fleet, the British were worried that Denmark would be occupied by the French, which could potentially boost the size of the French fleet. This would in turn give the French a fleet that would allow them to take the British fleet head on. As a preemptive measure the British asked Denmark to hand over the majority of they vessels. However Denmark wanted to remain neutral in the war, and giving a large chunk of ships to one side would definitely have made the French upset. Thus they denied the British request. Following this the British decided to destroy the potential threat. This ended with the 1807 bombardment of Copenhagen. The Danish fought back, but in the end handed over a bunch of ships, after they had also lost a handful.

Context: In 1938 Nazi Germany, Pervitin was developed a methamphetamine drug for civilian usage. Nazi military doctor Otto Friedrich Ranke tested the drug on 90 university students to study its effects, which led him to conclude that Pervitin could help Nazi Germany win the war.

Context: A classic tactic, the Parthian Shot involves feigning a retreat and firing at those foolish enough to break ranks and follow your forces. Famously used by the Parthians and Mongols. This became a staple for many steppe nomads.

Context: During the Siege of Caffa, Jani Beg of the Golden Horde allegedly catapulted the corpses of troops who had died from the siege over the walls of the Genoese held city of Caffa.