King Charles II
The Duke of Marlborough: Masterstroke at Blenheim
By Jonas L. GoldsteinWhen Louis XIV assumed the throne of France in 1661, Europe was at peace. He acknowledged as much in his memoirs: “Everything was quiet everywhere. Read more
King Charles II
Thirst for Treasure: Privateer Navies of the New World
By Steven. M. JohnsonThe English soldiers stepped out of their pinnaces into the foaming surf on the island of Hispaniola. Read more
King Charles II
Fire By Volley: European Musketry at War
By Gustav PersonOn the snowy field of Mollwitz, Poland, on April 10, 1741, newly installed King Frederick II of Prussia faced a formidable army of Austria. Read more
King Charles II
No Quarter at Drogheda
By Al HemingwayOn the morning of September 2, 1649, peering over the immense 20-foot-high wall that surrounded the Irish city of Drogheda, English Royalist general Sir Arthur Aston did not like what he saw. Read more
King Charles II
The Father of the Royal Navy
By Eric NiderostSamuel Pepys is best known for the diary he wrote from 1660 to 1669. Because it was never intended for publication, the diary is frank and even ribald. Read more
King Charles II
Twisting the Lion’s Tail: Dutch Raid up the Medway River
By Eric NiderostLieutenant-Admiral Michiel de Ruyter was a man of action, but he could be formidable even in repose On June 7, 1667, de Ruyter was sitting in the great cabin of the Dutch flagship Harderwijk listening stolidly while Cornelius de Witt finally revealed his plans for a raid on England to a group of assembled naval officers. Read more
