History

Today You Should Know answers your curious questions about how the world works. Here's everything we've covered (so far) on the topic of history. Whether you're interested in why Americans don’t use the metric system or how ancient Polynesian explorers found islands, there will definitely be something that satisfies your curiosity about how the world works.

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Why are there so many Union Stations in America?
Why are there so many Union Stations in America?

It’s not because Americans lack creativity

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Are there more people alive today than have ever lived?
Are there more people alive today than have ever lived?

Even though it might seem like it on your crowded commute…

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How did Dr Pepper get its name?
How did Dr Pepper get its name?

Disclaimer: I am not responsible for the missing period

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Why does America use a MM/DD/YY date format?
Why does America use a MM/DD/YY date format?

It’s like an American accent but with calendars.

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Why is dental insurance separate from medical insurance?
Why is dental insurance separate from medical insurance?

Your teeth are a part of your body, right?

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Why is “W” called double U and not double V?
Why is “W” called double U and not double V?

Many other languages call it a “double V”. English hasn’t caught up with the trends.

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Why is a second called a second?
Why is a second called a second?

First came minutes, second came seconds.

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What does “adopt a highway” mean and how does it work?
What does “adopt a highway” mean and how does it work?

What do these adoptive road parents have to do to earn those signs?

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Why is soccer not a popular spectator sport in the United States?
Why is soccer not a popular spectator sport in the United States?

We Americans sure do like American things.

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Why is there cotton in pill bottles?
Why is there cotton in pill bottles?

And should you take it out after opening?

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Why is a day 24 hours? Why is an hour 60 minutes?
Why is a day 24 hours? Why is an hour 60 minutes?

We have to thank some ancient minds for these special numbers.

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How does carbon dating work?
How does carbon dating work?

Swipe right for science.

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Why do we eat cake on birthdays?
Why do we eat cake on birthdays?

Your birthday wish for birthday history has been granted.

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Why is tennis scoring so weird?
Why is tennis scoring so weird?

You’re gonna “love” this one!

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Why do we say "brand" new?
Why do we say "brand" new?

And, for that matter, why do we say brand “spanking” new?

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How did early Polynesian explorers find islands?
How did early Polynesian explorers find islands?

No radio, no compass, no maps. How ancient explorers found islands in the middle of nowhere.

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Why are skyscrapers made of glass?
Why are skyscrapers made of glass?

Two important innovations allow us to scrape the sky with these glassy giants.

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Why doesn't the U.S. use the metric system?
Why doesn't the U.S. use the metric system?

The metric vs. imperial debate has gone on since the inception of the United States. And it begins with pirates (seriously).

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Why is Shakespeare still taught in high school today?
Why is Shakespeare still taught in high school today?

Plus why labor laws are the reason you were taught Romeo and Juliet in 9th grade.

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