The deadliest bombings in military history
Aerial warfare has been around for much longer than modern aircraft have. More than 1,000 years ago, armies in China used incendiary kites known as fire crows to rain fire and debris upon their enemies. Since then, everything from kites to hot air balloons and airplanes have been used to inflict damage from above. The 20th century saw more aerial warfare tactics than any era before or after. With the advent of unmanned drones and satellite surveillance systems, the days of B-52 bombers and dogfighters are over, but it can be argued that's for the best. In World War II alone, an estimated 2.7 million tons of explosives were dropped from airplanes flying high above their targets, and with no targeting systems to speak of, the collateral damage proved to be enormous. Close to one million civilian deaths were caused by the indiscriminate bombing campaigns carried out by both the Allied and Axis powers. Some of these events are well known, such as the unfathomably destructive atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, while others remain in the shadows of history. So, which bombing campaigns proved to be the most destructive ever? Read on to find out.
2025-04-24T16:08:19Z
New York's underworld: The story of the five Mafia families
For much of the 20th century, the criminal underworld of New York City was dominated by a powerful and highly organized network of Mafia families. These organizations, deeply rooted in secrecy, violence, and illicit enterprise, held an iron grip on industries ranging from construction and labor unions to gambling and drug trafficking. The existence and structure of these families remained hidden from public view until 1963, when an insider’s testimony exposed their operations to the world. Though their golden era lasted only a few decades, the bloody legacy of the Five Families lives on. In this gallery, we explore the fascinating famous families that formed the original "Mob," their power struggles, and the rise and fall of "The Commission," the ruling body that sought to maintain order among the Mafia’s most powerful families. From ruthless bosses and high-profile betrayals to federal crackdowns and internal conflicts, this gallery delves into the key figures, pivotal moments, and ultimate downfall of organized crime’s most notorious syndicate. Click through to get started.
2025-04-24T13:11:38Z
