Here are some fast facts about WAR.
- The shortest war on record took place in 1896 when Zanzibar surrendered to Britain after 38 minutes.
- The longest was the so-called 100-years war between Britain and France. It actually lasted 116 years, ending in 1453.
- It was during the 100-years war that direct taxation on income was introduced, a British invention designed to finance the war with France.
- Since 1495, no 25-year period has been without war.
- Since 1815 there has been 210 interstate wars.
- During the Battle of Waterloo, Lord Uxbridge had his horse shot from under him 9 times.
- Chevy Chase was a battle that took place on the english-Scottish border in 1388.
- The doors that cover US nuclear silos weigh 748 tons and opens in 19 seconds.
- The first recorded revolution took place at around 2800 BC when people from the Sumerian city of Lagash overthrew bureaucrats who were lining their own pockets but kept raising taxes.
- The NATO attack on Serbia in 1999 during the Kosovo war killed more animals than people.
- The very first bomb that the Allies dropped on Berlin in World War II killed the only elephant in the Berlin Zoo. Poor elephant.
- There are 92 known cases of nuclear bombs lost at sea.
- The first reference to a handgun was made in an order for iron bullets in 1326.
- Approximately 1,100 U boats were sunk or lost during World War II.
- When killed in battle, Japanese officers were promoted to the next highest rank.
- During the 1991 Gulf War, the Allies dropped more than 17,000 smart bombs and 210,000 dumb (unguided) bombs on Iraqi troops.
- Landmines cause 24,000 deaths a year.
- In 1997, the US maintained 13,750 nuclear warheads, 5,546 of them on ballistic missiles. See the today's figures.
- About 50% of arms exports go to non-democratic regimes.
- Annual global spending on military is $1.3 trillion (45% by USA).
