The quirky side of history you've never heard of
History is often presented as a series of significant events and serious figures making grave decisions. But behind the solemn facade lie bizarre, amusing, and downright odd stories that seldom make it to the classroom. Let's dive into some of these quirky historical snippets that you’ve likely never come across.
The Man Who Sold The Eiffel Tower—Twice!
Did you know that a man named Victor Lustig managed to sell the Eiffel Tower twice? In the 1920s, Lustig convinced two scrap metal dealers that the iconic Parisian structure was going to be scrapped and sold it to each of them separately. Lustig’s audacity and charm made him one of history's most notorious con men.
Napoleon’s Battle Against... Bunnies?
Napoleon Bonaparte is known for numerous military campaigns, but one of his strangest battles involved a herd of bunnies. During a rabbit hunt organized by his chief of staff, thousands of bunnies were set loose. Instead of running away, the rabbits charged at Napoleon and his men, forcing them to retreat—hardly a triumph for the famed tactician.
The Curious Currency of Russia’s Potato Famine
In the late 19th century, Russia experienced a severe potato famine. The government decided that to incentivize potato cultivation, they would pay farmers with vodka. This turn of events didn’t just feed the people; it led to a noticeable increase in national inebriation. The vodka-potato exchange is a colorful chapter in agrarian history.
The Time Baseball Hired A Ventriloquist
In 1940, the Cincinnati Reds were looking to boost attendance at games. Their solution? Hire a professional ventriloquist to entertain fans. The ventriloquist's dummy,
The Man Who Sold The Eiffel Tower—Twice!
Did you know that a man named Victor Lustig managed to sell the Eiffel Tower twice? In the 1920s, Lustig convinced two scrap metal dealers that the iconic Parisian structure was going to be scrapped and sold it to each of them separately. Lustig’s audacity and charm made him one of history's most notorious con men.
Napoleon’s Battle Against... Bunnies?
Napoleon Bonaparte is known for numerous military campaigns, but one of his strangest battles involved a herd of bunnies. During a rabbit hunt organized by his chief of staff, thousands of bunnies were set loose. Instead of running away, the rabbits charged at Napoleon and his men, forcing them to retreat—hardly a triumph for the famed tactician.
The Curious Currency of Russia’s Potato Famine
In the late 19th century, Russia experienced a severe potato famine. The government decided that to incentivize potato cultivation, they would pay farmers with vodka. This turn of events didn’t just feed the people; it led to a noticeable increase in national inebriation. The vodka-potato exchange is a colorful chapter in agrarian history.
The Time Baseball Hired A Ventriloquist
In 1940, the Cincinnati Reds were looking to boost attendance at games. Their solution? Hire a professional ventriloquist to entertain fans. The ventriloquist's dummy,