History

Bizarre Fact #191:
Did you know...
Most people know that the reign of Czar Nicholas II of Russia ended in tragedy, but few know that's how it started as well. At his coronation, presents were given to all the people who attended. As the gifts were being handed out, a rumor started that there weren't enough to go around and a stampede started. Hundreds of women and children were killed.

Bizarre Fact #192:
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Napoleon constructed his battle plans in a sandbox.

Bizarre Fact #193:
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Napoleon took 14,000 French decrees and simplified them into a unified set of 7 laws. This was the first time in modern history that a nation's laws applied equally to all citizens. Napoleon's 7 laws are so impressive that by 1960 more than 70 governments had patterned their own laws after them or used them verbatim.

Bizarre Fact #194:
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Napoleon, the famous French general, was not born in France. He was born on the Mediterranean island of Corsica of Italian parents.

Bizarre Fact #195:
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Napoleon's nemesis, the Duke of Wellington, was an accomplished yo-yo player. At that time, the yo-yo was known as a "bandalore."

Bizarre Fact #196:
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New York was the first state to require the licensing of motor vehicles. The law was adopted in 1901.

Bizarre Fact #197:
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New York's Central Park opened in 1876.

Bizarre Fact #198:
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New Zealand was the first place in the world to allow women to vote. The state of South Australia was next, in 1894, and it was also the first place to allow women to stand for parliament.

Bizarre Fact #199:
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No automobile made after 1924 should be designated as antique.

Bizarre Fact #200:
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Olive oil was used for washing the body in the ancient Mediterranean world.