Cracked Archive - History

That Time Germans Waged War (Against Potato Beetles)
In 1950, the potato beetle population surged in East Germany. The government responded with an insane propaganda campaign.
- Authors
- By Ethan Tyrrell
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2
Rejected Idea: Social Security Dog Tags
Definitely more durable than flimsy newsprint.
- Authors
- By Ryan Menezes
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6
Before The 'Cola Wars,' Coca-Cola Was On The Frontlines Of WWII
Throughout WWII, more than 5 billion bottles of Coke were sent to servicemen.
- Authors
- By Ethan Tyrrell
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0
The Crazy Coincidence(s) That Made King Tut Famous
King Tut is the most famous Egyptian pharaoh of all time, but it’s through no doing of his own.
- Authors
- By Ivan Farkas
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5
The Very First US Coin Told You To 'Mind Your Business'
It also informed you that time flies.
- Authors
- By Ryan Menezes
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4
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Why Some Colors Are Rarer than Others
Blue being amongst them…
- Authors
- By Oona O'Brien
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11
New Year's Resolutions' Weird History
Featuring sacrifices and peacocks.
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- By Amanda Mannen
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4
13 Historic Art Pieces That Show Humans Have Always Been Freaky Weirdos
People in the 16th century also had a sense of humor
- Authors
- By Shea
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9
The British Soldier Who Pantsed A Lawyer To (Successfully) Win A Case
He said he was willing to go to prison because he was in the right.
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- By Ryan Menezes
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5
Bounty Jumpers Scammed Both Sides During the Civil War
Men could get a bonus called a bounty for enlisting in the Civil War. Some found a way to profit from this system.
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- By Ethan Tyrrell
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0
One Of History's Most Prolific Monsters Might Be Innocent
Elizabeth Bathory of Transylvania is often considered one of the main inspirations for modern vampires, but there is a good chance was the victim of a deadly lie.
- Authors
- By Ethan Tyrrell
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15
The Christmas Season Is Just Beginning
So says the Pope, and that guy's infallible.
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- By Ryan Menezes
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0
A Plane Crashed On Rikers, And Prisoners Saved Passengers From The Wreckage
Thanks to their heroics, 80 survived.
- Authors
- By Ryan Menezes
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4
An Injured Teen Sneaked Back Into WW1 By Cross-Dressing As A Nurse At A Dance
It's unclear why attending this dance helped his plan.
- Authors
- By Ryan Menezes
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5
Mall Santas - How St. Nick Went From Shunned To Shopping Fixture
In light of the Santa shortage around the world, let’s look at where the trend of kids sitting on some stranger’s lap and asking him for stuff comes from.
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- By Zanandi Botes
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5