Iowa in 1988: Lottery

In fiscal 1987-1988, the three-year-old Iowa lottery for the first time produced revenue faster than legislators could spend it. The $40.1 million profit, on sales of $129.7 million, meant $2.05 million in revenues above the projected amount.      

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Iowa in 1988: Legislature

It was a relatively uneventful year in the statehouse, as the Democratic-controlled legislature avoided partisan wrangling with the Republican governor. The legislature approved a $2.64 billion budget for fiscal 1988-1989 and asked voters in the November 8 general election to … Continue reading →

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Iowa in 1988: Drought

The weather, always of interest to Iowa farmers, was the biggest story of 1988, as a disastrous drought hit the state’s crops and people. Scant rainfall, record-high temperatures, and the bleak outlook for the state’s corn crop caused Governor Terry … Continue reading →

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Hitler’s Buildup to War: Czechoslovakia

In early May 1938 Hitler decided to begin the first of his wars, that against Czechoslovakia as part of his buildup to war. Hitler planned to crush Czechoslovakia, use its sizeable ethnic German population to enlarge his army, and expel or kill its non-German … Continue reading →

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History of the Athenian Acropolis

The fate of the buildings on the Acropolis reflects the history of Athens. As Christianity spread through the ancient world, some of the buildings on the Acropolis were converted to churches. The Parthenon, for example, became a church in ad 426 and was rededicated … Continue reading →

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Hitler’s Buildup to War: Final Preparations

As Hitler’s buildup to War continued final preparations for a common front was initiated by Hitler. Before attacking in the west, Hitler needed to secure two things: a quiet front on Germany’s eastern border and allies against Britain and France. The first of … Continue reading →

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Hitler in World War II

During World War II, Hitler pursued an invasion policy intended to capture the entire Europe. Polish resistance was no match for the German army, and the country quickly fell. Hitler had originally hoped to attack in the west in late 1939, but … Continue reading →

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History of New Stone Age and Bronze Age

Recent archaeological discoveries, such as the excavated village of Dimini in Thessaly, produced material evidence of a cultural progression from the Neolithic (New Stone Age) to the Bronze Age, which commenced about 3000 BC and of which three phases were recognized: … Continue reading →

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History of French Colony in Acadia

In 1603 France granted the French colonial promoter Pierre du Gua, sieur de Monts a trade monopoly in Acadia. The following year, de Monts led the first group of French settlers to mainland Acadia. They first settled on an island at the mouth … Continue reading →

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History of Afghanistan: Buddhist Period

About the 1st century ad the Kushans, a central Asian people, won control of Aryana. Buddhism was the dominant religion from the 3rd century to the 8th century AD. Ruins of many monasteries and stupas, or reliquary mounds (structures where sacred relics are … Continue reading →

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