Flying is convenient, but nothing beats a good old-fashioned road trip! Getting behind the wheel of a car and hitting the open road is the ultimate freedom, and nothing is out of your reach! But if you want to cruise among the best routes in the world, the Atlantic Road should be at the top of your list.

Let’s take a look at this scenic route and the incredible effort it took to build it!

What is the Atlantic Road?

The Atlantic Road, often called the Atlantic Ocean Road or Atlantic Highway, is located in Norway and is popular for its scenic beauty and unique engineering.

It was named a Norwegian Scenic Route for its picturesque beauty and tourist-friendly infrastructure. And there are plenty of parking lots, viewpoints and rest areas to explore along the way!

This modern masterpiece stretches for 5.2 miles (8.3 kilometers) along the beautiful coast of Møre og Romsdal county and connects the island of Averøya with the mainland. The road stretches across roughly 60 miles and runs through an archipelago of small islands and islets.

It crosses eight bridges, including the Storseisundet Bridge, which is often referred to as the “Drunken Bridge” due to its curved and roller-coaster-like design.

When Was the Atlantic Road Built?

Construction on the Atlantic Road kicked off in 1983 and was completed in 1989. The road was built to simplify transportation and communication between the multiple islands that it passes through. It was also meant to boost tourism throughout the area.

 Building a road of this complexity while battling the elements was no small undertaking. It involved constructing several bridges and viaducts to span the islands. The area was hit by twelve hurricanes throughout the six years of construction!

Private investors, local municipalities, and the Norwegian government funded the project costing 122 million Norwegian krone (NOK).

The Atlantic Ocean Road is Toll-Free

Initially, tolls were to be collected for 15 years following the construction. But 10 years later, in 1999, the road was paid in full, and the tolls were removed. It is now preserved as a cultural heritage site and named a National Tourist Route.

The Norwegian Construction of the Century

In 2005, the Atlantic Road was named the Norwegian Construction of the Century. It is often called the “world’s best road trip” and has been featured in various TV shows, movies, and commercials! The initial plan was to build a railway line in the early 20th century. However, this idea was abandoned, and planning for the road began in 1970. 

Beyond the Road Trip

In addition to the fishermen who frequent the Atlantic Road, cycling is extremely popular along the route. In fact, it also has been voted Norway’s “Best Cycle Route” for many years in a row by worldwide organizations. 

Conclusion

Norway is a beautiful country with some incredible landscapes. But if you want a truly unique and breathtaking experience, taking a drive across the Atlantic Road will scratch that itch. Whether you are walking, cycling, or taking a drive, this scenic route has something for everyone!

The post History of the Atlantic Road in Norway first appeared on History In Memes.

How do you prepare for a hunting trip? Most people start with their base layers, camouflage, and boots. But if you planned to hunt bears in 1800s Siberia, dusting off the old Siberian bear-hunting armor could have been step number one!

So, what’s the deal with this crazy-looking suit? And did people actually wear it to hunt bears? Let’s dive in!

The Bear-Hunting Armor Suit

When you first look at this absurd costume, the last thing that comes to mind is “Bear Hunting.” But as this epic photo continues its tour around the internet, the captions are always the same – “Bear Hunting Armor. “

This stylish ensemble consists of leather slacks, a leather shirt, and a spiked iron helmet. The suit is covered head-to-toe in one-inch iron nails spaced roughly ¾ inch apart. A second leather lining protects the nails and is quilted into place, holding the suit together. Edgy!

Who Took the Photo?

The photo initially picked up steam after being posted to the once-popular website (Retronaut) in 2012. But the picture itself was taken by photographer Malcolm Kirk. 

In 2012, the Adventure Enthusiast Blog wrote a post claiming to have contacted Malcolm Kirk’s representatives and confirming he was behind the camera. However, they would not share any additional information because the suit was in a private collection. 

Was the Siberian Bear-Hunting Armor Used for Bear-Hunting?

Unfortunately, we can neither confirm nor disprove this suit is the hardcore bear destroyer we all want it to be. Some believe it’s more likely to have been used for bear baiting. 

In fact, prominent conservator ​​Barbara Appelbaum typed an email to the Global Conservation Forum in 1998 where she states: “The object is being called a Siberian bear-hunting suit, but I suspect it is more likely to be for bear bating than hunting, since I can’t imagine anyone could run around the woods in it.”

Where Did the Suit Come From?

It is entirely believable that a gnarly bear hunting costume would originate from Siberia, as most captions portray. The vast region has always been a haven for giant bears, and they were undoubtedly hunted. 

But, a 2014 Masters thesis by Kristen Strange of Arizona State University writes: “While it is now thought to have originated in eighteenth- or nineteenth-century Germany or Switzerland, this costume presumably represents a folk figure seen in the Vogel Gryff Festival in Basel, but it has also been considered a bear hunting costume.“

Bear Hunting Armor Music Video

The photograph became so popular a Prague-based indie group named “Ending” wrote a song about it!

Where Is Siberian Bear-Hunting Armor Today?

The armor now resides at a museum called the Menil Collection in Houston, Texas. The museum consists of collected artifacts and the private art of the de Menil family. The suit is part of an exhibit called Witnesses to a Surrealist Vision. 

Source | Menil

The plaque that describes the display reads: “‘Wildman’ costume, 18th or 19th century, Germany or Switzerland. Two-piece leather hunting suit with wood spikes and iron chain.“

The Menil Collection opened the exhibit in 1998; additional photographs of the suit can be found on their website. 

Conclusion

So, was the “Siberian bear-hunting armor” actually used for hunting bears? Maybe, maybe not! But the comments, debates, and speculation surrounding a mysterious photo like this make it an entertaining piece of history!

The post This Bear-Hunting Armor Is Giving 90s Grudge first appeared on History In Memes.

In 1845, a deadly fungus spread throughout Ireland. It  decimated the potato crop the population needed  for survival. The results were catastrophic. This became known around the world as the Potato Famine. 

But, what *exactly* was the Potato Famine? And more importantly: How did it happen? Let’s look at one of the most tragic periods in Ireland’s history.

What was the Potato Famine?

The Potato Famine, also known as the “Great Hunger” or Irish Potato Famine, was a catastrophic event that occurred from 1845 to 1852. The famine became a defining moment in Irish history. It was a time of starvation, disease and social crisis that impacted the lives of millions.

The famine’s lasting effects caused permanent changes to Ireland’s demographic and political landscape. This period worsened an already tense relationship between the Irish people and British government.

What Caused the Potato Famine?

In Ireland and similar European regions, growing potatoes became farmers’ year-round staple.. The potato was a relatively quick and easy crop to develop that required very little space. Potatoes were a main food source as more than two-thirds of Ireland heavily relied on agriculture to survive. That’s a lot of pressure to put on a crop! The farmers faced similar stress. They were required to work hard for their landlords. In return, they received a small plot of land needed to feed their families.

In 1845, the “late blight” disease caused the crops to start failing. It destroyed both the edible roots and the potato plant leaves. Late blight’s causative agent was the water mold Phytophthora infestans. This caused the crops in the fields to rot. The rotting continued year after year – destroying the Irish population’s primary food source.

During this period, Ireland was under British rule. In the years of crisis, Irish peasantry could not pay landlords their rent.Resulting in hundreds of thousands of farmers and laborers’ evictions. They couldn’t afford the meat, grain and other quality foods from their own farms. But throughout the famine, the starving population was still required to export this food to Britain.

How Did the Famine End?

In 1852, the crop made a partial return, which ended the famine. Unfortunately, the Potato Famine’s primary reason for ending was because those affected had either died or fled Ireland. While small relief efforts were undoubtedly made, they did not play a significant role in stopping this terrible event. 

Impact of the Potato Famine

The Potato Famine’s impact on Ireland is still present today. When it ended, one million people died from starvation or starvation-related diseases. Meanwhile, another two million left the country. Between 1841 and 1850, the United States reported 49% of total emigration were Irish.

The population of Ireland went from over 8 million to 6.5 million. This was followed by an even more drastic decline over the next 100 years. By the turn of the century, the Irish population was at just 4.5 million. 

Ireland is the only European country with a lesser population today than in 1840. More people of Irish descent live outside of Ireland than within it.

The Aftermath of the Potato Famine

The aftermath of the Potato Famine only made the Irish nationalists and British government’s relationship worse. The questionable decision to continuously export much-needed food from Ireland’s starving population caused resentment. This was also the Irish’s proof that self-government was necessary as their independence movement continued to grow.

In 1879, the potato blight returned. But by this time, the Land Wars were underway. The Land Wars were the most significant agrarian movement that 19th century Europe has ever seen. It was organized by a group known as the Land League. The League boycotted landlords and physically stopped farmers from being evicted. This led to a drop in homelessness,  resulting in a drastic reduction in deaths. 

The Famine’s Tragic Legacy

The Potato Famine was a sad and tragic event in our world’s history. But, through all tragedy, we must apply the lessons learned to prevent future crises. Memorials were built all over the world to remember the millions that died or were forced to leave their homes.

The post The Potato Famine: A Tragic History  first appeared on History In Memes.

In 1958 Moscow, Soviet parents took a different approach to get their new Russian babies to sleep. So what exactly did they do? Well, they left them out in the snow! While this may sound odd in some countries, it is actually more common than you think.

So, why do these parents do this? Read on to find out!

Fresh Winter Air

Russian authorities believed in the importance of fresh air for growing lungs. They believed that the crisp, clean air strengthened their immune system. Thus, this helped them sleep longer. You can see it firsthand in the strict sanitary regulations overseen by their highest medical body.

It stated that children in kindergartens must have regular access to fresh air, with rooms aired at least twice a day. Additionally, outdoor walks and playtime were mandatory in the winter. This ruled stayed in place even when temperatures dropped below -4 Celsius (24.8°F)!

Defense Against Tuburculosis

Winter was a prime time for health epidemics in the early Soviet Union. With so many infected, important counter measures were taken to fight the spread of diseases like tuberculosis. By the 1930s, vaccination programs were rolling out across Russia.

In addition to powerful medicine, the Soviets believed hygiene was the key to winning the battle against epidemics. So, propagating clean living practices became a main point of emphasis. This practice extended down to kindergarten. It was believed that hygiene measures put into place prevented thousands from succumbing to widespread winter illnesses.

Controversy Around Winter Naps

While this was a popular practice in Russia, not all countries were as open to it. Danish mother Anette Sorensen experienced this first hand. In 1997, she was arrested for leaving her 14-month-old daughter outside a New York restaurant. She had gone inside to enjoy a few margaritas and repeatedly checked on the blanketed baby during her time in the restaurant.

The arrest caused controversy in New York. Locals were shocked by the prospect of parents leaving a child unattended on the sidewalk.

Winter Proofing Babies Is the Norm in Some Places

In Nordic countries such as Finland, Sweden, and Denmark, it is common to find babies napping outside in their strollers during winter months. This unusual habit is based on the belief that babies benefit from exposure to fresh air and a healthy dose of all-natural Vitamin D from the sun.

Additionally, many parents find that exposing their children to cold temperatures at a young age helps strengthen their immune systems. In order to guard against cold weather and harsh winds, babies are swaddled snugly in multiple layers of warm clothing and under thick blankets.

Are There Benefits to Winterizing Babies?

Many believe that letting babies sleep outside in the snow can have multiple benefits, such as helping their immune systems build antibodies necessary for protection from common winter illnesses. It is considered to make their bodies more resilient and better able to adjust to fluctuations in temperature.

Taking winter walks or staying out in cold temperatures helps enhance babies’ motor skills and sensory stimulation. And exposure to winter temperatures strengthens babies’ immune systems, helps regulate their breathing patterns, and improves their sleep cycles.

Concerns With Leaving Babies Outside

If you are sold on winter-proofing your baby, there are certainly a few things you need to consider first! Hypothermia and frostbite are obvious concerns. It’s important to check their chest and hands to ensure they stay warm enough!

Additionally, leaving a child unattended puts them at risk of being abducted. It also exposes them to curious wildlife, such as birds, squirrels, and other critters. If you are leaving your babies out for a winter nap, it is important to keep a very watchful eye!

Lastly, this sort of practice is only accepted in some places. As was the case with Anette Sorensen, leaving a child unattended could land you in handcuffs in some countries around the world. So, being aware of the local culture and laws of your location is paramount!

Conclusion

Depending on where you are in the world will determine whether you find this practice completely normal or highly bizarre. But like the people of 1958 Moscow, we all want the same thing for our babies: Health and safety!

The post Winter Proofing New Russian Babies first appeared on History In Memes.

During the Ice Age, the short-faced bear was among the most menacing animals to reside in North America. If they weren’t extinct, they would still tower over the bears that inhabit these same areas today.

But how much do you really know about the short-faced bear? And with no natural predators, what could have happened to them? 

Let’s take al look at this exciting creature and what led to its disappearance. 

How Big Was the Short-Faced Bear?

The short-faced bear was a Goliath of an animal. While on all fours, it stood approximately 6 feet tall at the shoulders. When they stood up on two legs, they were 11-12 feet tall! Their arms reach was believed to be an incredible 14 and a half feet – or possibly higher. 

The short-faced bear is estimated to have weighed around 2500 pounds on average. In fact, one bear was uncovered in South America, weighing roughly 3500 pounds, making it the largest bear ever discovered.

Short-Faced Bears Diet?

The diet and hunting style of the short-faced bear has been subject to debate. The bear was initially believed to chase down its prey with its long limbs. Similar to giant ground sloths. 

But recent studies suggest that it was more likely to have been an omnivore and ate whatever it could find. The longer, thinner limbs would not be able to support the sudden turns or quick agility required to chase down prey. But the bear could easily steal the kills of a big cat or dire wolf with its overwhelming size and chow down on the leftovers!

The Habitat of a Short-Faced Bear

The Short-Faced bear lived roughly 8,000 to 12,500 years ago during the Pleistocene period. It inhabited much of North America, from Alaska to Mexico. They have been uncovered as far east as Virginia and as far south as Southern Patagonia.

Covering such a massive area, the short-faced bear inhabited a range of diverse climatic conditions. These include subtropical woodlands, steppe tundra, open plains, grasslands, and boreal forests!

The Behavior of the Short-Faced Bear

The nasal opening of the short-faced bear leads researchers to believe it had an elevated sense of smell. The large teeth in their cheek are perfect for cracking bones, and the razor-sharp fangs are excellent for tearing flesh. Similar to modern bears, they were likely solitary scavengers that traveled vast distances using the wind as their compass toward a fresh carcass. 

Based on the findings of females in or around caves, it is likely to have been the denning location for short-faced bears. Cubs would stay with their mothers until they could survive on their own. 

What Happened to the Short-Faced Bear?

Habitat was vastly changed by the disappearance of the northern grasslands depriving them of their best scavenging areas. It is also possible they were outpaced by the slighter, more efficient brown bears that migrated from the west. Climate change played a significant role in the disappearance of the short-faced bear. 

Humans would have also been directly competing with short-faced bears for the large herbivores they depended on. The most likely conclusion is that the combination of climate change, competition, and disease led to the extinction of this remarkable creature.

Conclusion

The short-faced bear had a good run. It is believed to have inhabited the earth for over 800,000 years and survived a variety of heating and cooling events. But like most creatures that made up the Pleistocene period, fossils give us the only window into their fascinating existence.

The post The Giant Short-Faced Bear of the Ice Age first appeared on History In Memes.

Some things in life you need to see to believe. As World War 2 veteran and Staff Sergeant Leslie Edwards found out, a F-22 Raptor screaming over your head is one of those things.

A lot has changed since the planes of WWII ruled over the skies. Modern technology has changed the way aerial combat is fought. 

Let’s take a deeper look at the F-22 Raptor and how far fighter planes have come since WWII!

US Fighters of WW2

During WWII, the P51 Mustang was the US’s most dominant fighter plane. It performed incredibly and was said to have a 19-to-1 kill to losses ratio. In fact, the Senate War Investigating Committee even named it the most aerodynamically perfect pursuit plane during its existence.

With nearly 5,000 destroyed German planes to its credit, it has taken down more than any other US or Allied fighter. The P51 retired in 1951, making way for the next generation of aircraft. 

Tuskegee Airmen

SSgt. Edwards was part of a unit of African American military pilots called the Tuskegee Airmen. They were the first African Americans to complete training and join the Army Air Corps successfully. 

This remarkable group destroyed hundreds of German aircraft and ground support vehicles. They returned home with 96 distinguished flying crosses, 14 bronze stars, 744 air medals and at least 60 purple hearts.

The F-22 Raptor

When it comes to air superiority, the F-22 Raptor is unmatched. This fifth generation piece of art combines stealth, speed and situational awareness to dominate the air. It’s capable of both air-to-air combat and air-to-ground combat, making it one of the most versatile fighters in the world.

Capabilities of the F-22 Raptor

The F-22 can reach speeds up to Mach 1.8 and even Mach 2 with the afterburners. It can fly at 65,000 feet of elevation and can carry A LOT of weapons. 

The Raptor can outmaneuver any current or projected aircraft with its advanced thrust vectoring, aerodynamic design, and high thrust-to-weight ratio. Its supercruise capability allows it to travel at supersonic speeds without using afterburners. This permits the aircraft to maintain its pace over a tremendous range. 

The Cost of an F-22 Raptor

As you can imagine, these things don’t come cheap. The Raptor is one of the most expensive jets in the world with a price tag of roughly $120 million! The operating cost alone is enough to make your head spin at an estimated $68,362 per hour. 

However, even for those willing to spend the coin, the F-22 Raptor is not for sale. This aircraft is packed with classified technology! And in 1998, congress voted for an amendment that forbids it from being sold or exported to foreign countries.

Beyond the F-22 Raptor

If you want to dominate the air, a continued focus must be on future aircraft development. In 2020, the Air Force stated that it would look to begin retiring the F-22 Raptor to focus on its Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program. 

The budget space freed up in this move will allow the air force to focus on developing the warfighters of our future. 

Conclusion

Air dominance is a race of progress. The aircraft that soared over battlefields in WW2 vastly differ from the modern fighter jets that rule the skies today. And nobody can see that more clearly than the veterans that flew them!

The post WW2 Pilot First Time Seeing F-22 Raptor first appeared on History In Memes.

Have you ever seen a 6’7” man with a peg leg wearing a legit polar bear fur coat? Well, now you can say you have! This 1947 photo of explorer Peter Freuchen wearing said-coat with his third wife is certainly a sight to see. The crazy thing? This photo doesn’t even capture the unbelievably exciting life Peter led. 

So who is the man behind this eye-catching coat? Here’s 10 facts about the adventurous life of Peter Freuchen! 

1. Peter Freuchen held many titles.

Born in Denmark in 1886, Freuchen was a world traveler, arctic explorer, filmmaker, cartographer, zoologist, author and journalist. On top of this, he also led the Danish Professional Boxing Federation. 

2. Freuchen was somewhat of an on-camera personality. 

He even appeared on an American TV quiz show called the “$64,000 Question,” becoming the fifth person to ever win it. Peter later went on to write and star in multiple movies.

3. Peter stood at 6 feet and 7 inches tall – even with his signature peg leg

Peter lost his leg to frostbite, but this didn’t hold him back!

4. Peter Freuchen killed wolves with his bare hands – he definitely knew how to survive the elements

On top of this, he amputated his own toes with a pair of pliers and escaped being buried alive in an avalanche by molding a knife from his own frozen bodily waste! 

5. From 1910 to 1924, Peter Freuchen embarked on several expeditions alongside famous polar explorer Knud Rasmussen. 

The pair worked together to cross the Greenland Ice Sheet and lived amongst the Inuit people for many years. They established the Thule Trading Station further north than any other trading post in the world.

6. Peter was a proud Jewish man who never attempted to hide it. 

He faced any antisemitism that came his way head-on and would confront anyone who dared spread hate in his presence.

In fact, Peter returned home to Denmark and was affiliated with the Danish Resistance Movement during WWII. He was arrested and sentenced to die by the Nazis before escaping and fleeing to Sweden! That’s when he met his second wife and fled to New York City.

7. Freuchen studied medicine at the University of Copenhagen in 1904. 

By 1906, he dropped out of school to depart on his first polar expedition, the Denmark Expedition. 

8. Peter married three times in his life.

 His first marriage ended in heartbreak when his wife, Navarana Mequpaluk, died of the Spanish Flu. His next marriage was to Magdalene Vang Lauridsen, a Vogue writer and the daughter of a Danish businessman. When that didn’t work out, he settled in with his third wife and fashion Illustrator, Dagmar Cohn (as pictured earlier). 

9. Freuchen wrote over 30 books about his expeditions

Peter received multiple literary awards for his work. His last book, Book of the Seven Seas, was prefaced on August 30, 1957. 

10. Peter Freuchen died of a heart attack in Anchorage, Alaska, in 1957 

His ashes were spread outside Thule, Greenland, on the famed table-shaped Mount Dundas. 

He was so beloved by Greenland that they named Freuchen Land and Navarana Fjord after him and his wife. Also, the Adventurers Club of Denmark later honored Peter by planting an oak tree accompanied by an Eskimo Cairn near the site of his first expedition’s departure. 

Peter Freuchen’s Legacy

Throughout his thrilling 71 years, Peter Freuchen had enough adventures for ten lifetimes. He lived on his own terms and always stood up for his beliefs. Peter Freuchen certainly earned his place as one of the most exciting men throughout history (with a very cool polar bear coat to prove it!)

The post Explorer Peter Freuchen In Polar Bear Fur first appeared on History In Memes.