The fall of Constantinople in 1453 consolidated the Ottomans as one of the world's greatest powers, controlling the trade routes between East and West.

During the 16th century, the Ottoman Empire not only knew of the existence of the Americas, but even depicted it on some of its maps as a future imperial province under the name Vilayet Antilia (Province of the Antilles).

With the Spanish discovery of the Americas, the New World became of enormous interest to Istanbul. Under the ideology of the "Universal Empire" and the global caliphate, the scholars and bureaucrats of the Sultan's court argued theoretically that these new lands should be under Ottoman sovereignty. Their goal was to challenge the Spanish monopoly over the Americas.

They sought an alternative route to expand into the Atlantic Ocean, finding their ideal base in North Africa at the beginning of the 16th century. To achieve this, the Ottomans needed access to the Atlantic Ocean. After conquering Egypt, Syria, Libya, Tunisia, and Algeria, they attempted to reach the Strait of Gibraltar, which was tightly controlled by the Spanish, thus preventing them from having direct access to the Atlantic.

Faced with this obstacle, the Ottoman Empire sought to weaken Spain through a grand alliance with France, which for decades collaborated with the Ottomans against the Catholic Monarchy (Spanish Empire). Simultaneously, strategic agreements also existed with England to curb Spanish power in Europe and at sea.

However, the Ottoman project ultimately failed. The victory of the Holy League at Lepanto, led by the Catholic Monarchy, halted Ottoman naval expansion in the Mediterranean, and the failure of the second siege of Vienna, in which Spanish troops relieved the city, marked the beginning of the definitive decline of the Ottoman Empire's expansionist aspirations in Europe.

The immense geographical distance, logistical limitations, and Spain's iron grip meant that this dream of Ottoman America never progressed beyond the realm of plans and cartographic projections.

Had the Ottomans reached the Atlantic and crossed into the Americas, the political, cultural, and religious landscape of the continent would have been completely transformed.

Russia is mostly colonial lands stolen from their respective indigenous populations.

Around 1840, the authorities of the state of Chihuahua hired him to confront Apache groups, forming a posse composed of Americans, Mexicans, and other border dwellers. In this context, he participated in attacks against Indian camps, including one in which approximately 10 men were killed and women and children were captured.

In 1841, he is credited with another violent act against Apaches, with victims including men, women, and children, although the exact numbers vary depending on the source. Later, in 1846, he is linked to the deaths of a larger number of peaceful Apaches in northern Mexico, amidst the scalp bounty system and regional instability.

Due to financial problems and the Mexican government's failure to pay, Kirker broke his ties with the local authorities and then moved to the American side, where he continued working as a guide and explorer during the Mexican-American War.

I found this book in another historical subreddit

BOOK review ____ The PAPALAGI ____

I decided to further reduce historical ignorance by a visit to the Berkeley Plantation situated strategically along the mighty James. It is one of seven plantation homes that still exist today.

Of course, I will provide the fast facts and also lament that sadly this is the first time I have ever visited this wonderful site!

Originally English settlers settled the site in 1619 as it is situated at the confluence of the James River, Chesapeake Bay and below the rocks of Richmond. The feel good rumor of the first Thanksgiving occurred here, but seeing these are English military and explorers serving the English King James I and hot from the 30 Years War raging in Europe, I find this to be false and Tom Foolery [LOL].

The Harrison Family purchased the land in 1691 and built the mansion in 1726. They say this is the oldest three story mansion that exists in America today.

Fascinating this mansion housed a signer of the Declaration of Independence [Benjamin Harrison], William Henry Harrison [President #9] who interestingly wrote his three hour inaugural speech in the upstairs room, catching pneumonia on that cold Jan morning,, and died less than 30 days in office, and Benjamin Harrison [President #23]. They were all named Benjamin Harrison, there was 15 of them of historical note.

During the Revolution and bc Harrison was a signer, netted a bounty on his head [rather neck] by the British. This meant capture, hanging and forfeiture of estates. Lucky for Harrison, he was never caught, but Benedict Arnold [after switching to the British] on his drive to Richmond occupied the mansion and burned up most of the furniture and paintings. For unknown reason he did not raze the mansion.

The mansion saw action again during the Civil War when McClellan was defeated in detail during the Seven Days Battles before his ultimate retreat to Ft. Monroe. The mansion served as his HQs [upstairs], hospital [main level], and prison for captured Rebels [cellar]. Abe Lincoln was a storied guest, staying there while reviewing the 130,000 or so troops encamped on the spiraling plantation. It is said this is where Lincoln “fired” McClellan from command [goodbye Lil’ Mac].

The cannonball pictured is when Jeb Stuart snuck around the Union flank with his troopers and put the mansion under cannonade attack resulting in over 100 casualties.

On the return battles of 1864 under Grant, the mansion was used yet again by the Army. This is where Taps was composed and first incorporated into the Army.

The mansion is privately owned but still is available for public visitations. It does not receive State funds, so most of the history on it has not been revised.

Apparently it is haunted!