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  Operation Speedy Express: The...

  Editors Charles River

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  Before the Vietnam War, most Americans would have been hard pressed to locate Vietnam on a map. South Vietnamese President Diệm’s regime was extremely unpopular, and war broke out between Communist North Vietnam and South Vietnam around the end of the 1950s. Kennedy’s administration tried to prop up the South Vietnamese with training and assistance, but the South Vietnamese military was feeble. A month before his death, Kennedy signed a presidential directive withdrawing 1,000 American personnel, but shortly after Kennedy’s assassination, new President Lyndon B. Johnson reversed course, instead opting to expand American assistance to South Vietnam. 
  	Operation Speedy Express was a highly controversial military operation carried out by the U.S. Army supported by the Army of South Vietnam (ARVN) as well as regional and popular forces during the Vietnam War. It lasted from December 1968 until May 1969 and took place in the Mekong Delta's Kien Hoa and Vinh Binh provinces. The operation was a part of U.S. Army “pacification” efforts toward the Viet Cong, as American forces sought to interdict Viet Cong supply and communication lines from Cambodia and deny them the use of operational bases. Formally, the operation involved 8,000 U.S. soldiers and resulted in 242 American lives lost compared to 10,899 Viet Cong and People’s Army of Vietnam (PAVN) killed, according to Department of Defense records. Operation Speedy Express was considered successful by U.S. standards, as determined by the primary metric of body counts. However, while the number of Vietnamese dead, including civilians, is unknown, it is assumed to surpass 5,000, and the high number of casualties was attributed to the indiscriminate use of firepower, which included air and artillery strikes in densely populated areas.

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  One Perfect Day - Memoir of...

  Sandy Watson

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  One Perfect Day – Hungary 1956 is the profoundly moving story of Veronika Csosz, her experiences during the 1956 Hungarian Uprising and her traumatic escape. Veronika's story is also about young people with an unshakeable desire to be free of the fear, violence and oppression of Communist rule which, on a beautiful autumn day, led to the tragic events of 1956. Despite calls for help to the leaders of the free world, Hungary's fight for freedom was overshadowed by the international stand-off over the Suez Canal. Help never came, and the desperate fight for democracy was crushed by the Soviet Army just days after freedom seemed to be won.

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  World War 1 for Beginners

  Spencer Todd

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  "World War I for Beginners" is a succinct yet thorough exploration of the pivotal conflict that reshaped the 20th century. Tailored for newcomers, it breaks down the war's complexities into manageable segments, covering the escalation from regional tensions to global warfare, key battles, and the profound societal impacts. Through engaging narratives and clear explanations, the book makes the intricate history of World War I accessible and relatable. 
  The book delves into the experiences of soldiers on the frontlines, the strategic decisions of leaders, and the technological innovations that revolutionized warfare. It also addresses the home front's challenges, illustrating how the war catalysed significant changes in economics, politics, and social norms. With its focused chapters and clear language, "World War I for Beginners" ensures a comprehensive understanding of the war's dynamics without overwhelming the reader. 
  This guide serves as an invaluable resource for anyone seeking a foundational understanding of World War I. It offers a balanced blend of historical facts and human stories, providing insights into the war's enduring impact on international relations and modern society. "World War I for Beginners" is an ideal starting point for readers eager to grasp the monumental events and lessons of the Great War.

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  On the Ends of Good and Evil -...

  Marcus Tullius Cicero

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  Cicero sets out the three major Greek philosophies: Epicureanism, Stoicism and Aristotelianism (or Peripateticism), by recounting his conversations with Lucius Torquatus, Marcus Cato and Piso. 
  He then provides his commentary and criticisms of each. 
  The volume was written in the summer of the year 45 BC a few years before Cicero's assassination at the hands of Mark Antony's men.  
  It is made up of five books: 
  Book 1 - Exposition of Epicureanism 
  Book 2 - Cicero's Arguments Against Epicureanism 
  Book 3  - Cicero's Exposition of Stoicism 
  Book 4 - Arguments Against Stoicism 
  Book 5 - The New Academy and Cicero's View 
  Narrated by Robin Homer of Vox Stoica.  
  Translation by H. Harris Rackham.

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  Roman Republic: An Enthralling...

  Enthralling History

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  The world’s first republic, an incredible military machine, bridges and roads that are still used today, political philosophy that shaped modern democracies: the Roman Republic had all this and much more! 
  The Roman Republic’s metamorphosis from a modest city-state to a territory covering three continents spanned five centuries of challenges and change. The unending drama included the working class’s struggles for political power, the Celts sacking Rome, and a slave revolt that grew to include seventy thousand people. The Roman military learned how to fight war elephants and built a navy of one hundred warships in two months! 
  Travel back over 2,500 years to learn how the Romans formed a new government the world had never seen before. This lively, easy-to-learn history will guide you through the Roman Republic’s stunning achievements and chaotic internal conflicts. 
  Explore these intriguing questions: How did Lucretia’s rape lead to the overthrow of a tyrannical monarchy? Why did the senators beat Tiberius to death with wooden chairs? Did Consul Pulcher really face charges for drowning his sacred chickens? How did Rome ultimately obliterate the great empire of Carthage? What led Julius Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus to form the “Gang of Three?” How did dirty politics contribute to the Roman Republic’s fall? And much, much more! 
  To unpack the Roman Republic’s epic history, scroll up and click the “add to cart” button!

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  Showa Era - Empire War and the...

  Rolf Hedger

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  The Showa Era began on December 25, 1926, with the ascension of Emperor Hirohito following the death of his father, Emperor Taisho. This period marked a critical turning point in Japan’s history, as the nation transitioned from the political turbulence of the Taisho democracy to a time of increasing militarism and nationalist sentiment. Although the early years of the Showa Era were characterized by economic struggles and political instability, they also set the stage for Japan’s dramatic expansion and eventual involvement in global conflict. 
  Emperor Hirohito’s rise to the throne was met with both hope and uncertainty. Many saw him as a symbol of continuity and strength, while others were concerned about the growing influence of the military in governmental affairs. Unlike his father, whose reign was defined by a parliamentary democracy, Hirohito’s early years as emperor witnessed the gradual erosion of democratic institutions. The shift toward a more authoritarian government was driven by widespread dissatisfaction with the parliamentary system and the belief that Japan needed strong leadership to navigate domestic and international challenges. 
  One of the most pressing issues Japan faced at the beginning of the Showa Era was economic instability. The global economy had already begun to weaken, and in 1929, the Wall Street Crash sent shockwaves through Japan’s financial system. The economic downturn led to mass unemployment, factory closures, and widespread poverty, exacerbating social tensions. Farmers, who made up a significant portion of Japan’s population, suffered greatly as the price of rice plummeted, leading to rural hardships that fueled growing resentment toward the government. In response, nationalist and ultraconservative factions gained popularity, advocating for territorial expansion as a means to secure resources and economic stability.

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