Educate yourself.

History of the LEGO company: During the Great Depression, Danish carpenter Ole Kirk Christiansen struggled as furniture sales declined. To support his workshop, he began making miniature furniture models, which inspired him to create toys. In 1932, he founded the LEGO company in Billund, Denmark, originally producing wooden toys like cars, trains, and animals. The name "LEGO" comes from the Danish phrase "leg godt," meaning "play well".

The Battle of Queenston Heights on October 13, 1812, was an early and significant British victory in the War of 1812. American forces attempted to cross the Niagara River and capture the heights but were disorganized, and many militia refused to fight. British troops, along with Canadian militia and Indigenous allies, counterattacked under General Roger Hale Sheaffe after General Isaac Brock was killed leading the defense. Surrounded and outnumbered, the Americans surrendered, ending the invasion and boosting Canadian morale.

The Battle of Great Bridge was fought on December 9, 1775, near Norfolk, Virginia, between Patriot militias and British forces. Patriot leaders, including Colonels William Woodford and William Laurens, fortified the bridge over the Elizabeth River to block the British advance. When the British attacked, they faced well-prepared positions with muskets and artillery, suffering heavy casualties and retreating to Norfolk. The Patriots then forced the British to evacuate the town, securing southeastern Virginia, boosting morale, and proving that colonial militias could truly fight the British.

The Battle of Valcour Island occurred on October 11, 1776, during the American Revolutionary War on Lake Champlain, between the British Royal Navy and American forces led by Benedict Arnold. Though the Americans were heavily outnumbered and technically lost the battle, Arnold’s small fleet delayed the British advance south from Canada, buying crucial time for the Continental Army to prepare for the following year.

The Battle of Princeton was fought on January 3, 1777, during the American Revolutionary War and was a key victory for the Continental Army under General George Washington. After a harsh winter at Morristown and the recent success at Trenton, Washington aimed to strike the British forces stationed in New Jersey. Using a clever flanking maneuver, American troops attacked the British at Princeton, surprising them and forcing a retreat. The victory boosted American morale, improved Washington’s reputation as a leader, and helped revive support for the revolutionary cause.

The Battle of Borodino, fought on September 7, 1812, was one of the bloodiest single-day engagements of the Napoleonic Wars. Though Napoleon’s forces held the field, the battle was indecisive, as General Kutuzov’s Russian army withdrew in good order and remained combat-effective. With over 70,000 casualties, the costly encounter weakened the French advance and marked a critical moment in the failed invasion of Russia.

The Battle of Wagram, fought on July 5–6, 1809, was a major engagement of the Napoleonic Wars, resulting in a hard-fought yet decisive victory for Napoleon over the Austrian army led by Archduke Charles. As the largest battle in Europe at the time, involving over 300,000 troops, it highlighted Napoleon’s ability to recover from earlier setbacks. Despite heavy casualties, the French success forced Austria to seek an armistice, leading to the Treaty of Schönbrunn and temporarily strengthening Napoleon’s dominance in Europe.

The Battle of Hougoumont, fought on June 18, 1815, was a key engagement during the Battle of Waterloo. Intended by Napoleon as a diversion on Wellington’s right flank, it escalated into a fierce, day-long struggle. A small force of British and Allied troops held the fortified estate against repeated French attacks, drawing in significant French resources. Their determined defense played a vital role in disrupting Napoleon’s plans and contributed to his defeat.

The Battle of Monmouth, fought on June 28, 1778, near present-day Freehold, New Jersey, was a major but indecisive battle of the American Revolutionary War. It took place after British forces withdrew from Philadelphia, with General George Washington’s Continental Army in pursuit. The battle featured fierce combat and one of the largest artillery duels of the war. Although neither side secured a clear victory, the performance of the Continental Army showed its growing strength and discipline following its training at Valley Forge.

The Raid on Gananoque took place on September 21, 1812, during the War of 1812. American forces, led by Captain Benjamin Forsyth, attacked the town of Gananoque in Upper Canada to disrupt British supply lines between Montreal and Kingston. The British militia, mainly the 2nd Regiment of Leeds Militia, was forced to retreat. The Americans destroyed a government supply depot, seized valuable materials, and then withdrew back to the United States. The raid temporarily disrupted British operations in the region.