‘They couldn’t hit an elephant at this dist—’
General John Sedgwick
(his last words before being hit by a Confederate sharpshooter)
No Escaping the Black Death
It’s estimated that the Black Death killed around a third of Europe’s total population during the fourteenth century. That’s around 25 million people – and that’s only in Europe. It also devastated China and parts of Asia before it even reached the European continent.
The Black Death probably earned its name from the tell-tale red spots – which later turned black – that would appear on the skin of the infected. The spots were actually broken blood vessels under the skin which made it look like a black rash.
Thought you were safe from the plague? Think again. Although nowhere near as prevalent as it once was, the plague hasn’t been totally wiped out. Cases can still be found in some parts of the world. Watch out for those rats!
‘OH MY GOD…WOOFY! YOU HAVE IT TOO?!’
How to Tell You Were Probably a Goner …
CONNECT THE DOTS TO SEE WHAT THE BLACK DEATH WAS REALLY LIKE!
It has long been argued that war is one of the most effective population stabilizers. Did you ever wonder how many American service members actually died during the big wars?
The US Department of Veterans Affairs gives us the lowdown.
The American Revolution
Total number killed in battle:
4,435
War of 1812
Total number killed in battle:
2,260
The Civil War
Total number of Union servicemen
killed in battle:
140,414
Total number of Confederate servicemen
killed in battle:
74,524
The Spanish–American War
Total number killed in battle:
385
World War I
Total number killed in battle:
53,402
World War II
Total number killed in battle:
291,557
Korean War
Total number killed in battle:
33,741
Vietnam War
Total number killed in battle:
47,424
Desert Shield/Desert Storm
Total number killed in battle:
147
The Global War on Terror claims more lives every day, so the number is constantly fluctuating. You can look at the website of the US Department of Veterans Affairs for the latest numbers.
A Very Eerie Coincidence?
A Peculiar Look at Presidential Departures
Of all the US presidents, three have actually kicked the bucket on none other than the Fourth of July. To be more specific, three of the first five US presidents died on July 4. Seems far-fetched? The chances of this are actually one in five million.
Thomas Jefferson died on 4 July 1826
John Adams died on the same day – 4 July 1826
James Monroe died on 4 July 1831
And if that’s not freaky enough, Thomas Jefferson died just before 1 pm on that fateful day. Adams died just a few hours later. His last reported words?
‘Jefferson still survives.’
Hmm, guess no one had the heart to break the news.
Presidential Last Words
‘Please put out that light, James.’
Teddy Roosevelt
‘I have a terrific headache.’