Famous Figures
Why Was Joan of Arc Important?
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Article
Amid the bloodshed of the Hundred Years' War in the 14th and 15th centuries rose a figure who seems as much of a shadowy legend as King Arthur, but was very much a real person. Somehow, an illiterate teenage woman not only convinced the dauphin of France that she was sent by divine forces to place him on the throne, but also actually helped achieve exactly that, by spurring royal forces to a string of victories despite not having a shred of military training. While most everyone knows the name Joan of Arc, few know ...Read More
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Famous FiguresArticle97How Many Children Did Each President Have?
In 1789, George Washington became the first president of the United States. Since then, 44 other individuals have served as commander in chief, each leaving a political legacy to be…
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Famous FiguresFact29King Charles VI believed he was made of glass.
The first part of Charles VI’s reign in France seemed promising. After overthrowing (in 1388) four corrupt uncles who had pilfered the country, he brought in more competent advisers and…
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Famous FiguresFact22Andrew Jackson lived with a bullet in his body from a dueling injury.
Considering he was in as many as 100 duels, the fact that Andrew Jackson lived long enough to be president is a feat in itself. He didn’t escape completely unscathed,…
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Famous FiguresFact16Isaac Newton stuck a needle in his own eye as part of an experiment.
If you’re brave enough, there is no more convenient scientific subject than your own body: You’re intimately familiar with it, you get near-instant feedback, and you always have it with…
