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TIL that Edgar Allen Poe advocated for the land of the United States of America to be named Appalachia instead.

Read more eapoe.org

via reddit.com

pajp TIL in 1945 the New Zealand Division alone fought the Nazis to take Trieste, in Italy. When it was secured, US Marines organised a parade, headed by themselves with a banner ‘US Marines. Second to None.’ Behind them marched the NZD carrying a sheet with the word ‘None.’
8exQ8 TIL about Turbonique, a company that marketed rocket and turbine engines to drag racers. In 1965, a VW Beetle fitted with a Turbonique TB-28 Drag Axle ran a 9.2 second quarter mile before going airborne at 183 mph.
v10x7 TIL there are 44 Kmart stores still in operation, with 6 in Puerto Rico, 4 in the US Virgin Islands, and 1 in Guam
ORJ4 TIL beer bottles are brown because brown glass blocks harmful UV sunlight, preserving the taste. However due to a shortage during WWII most beer companies were forced to use clear glass and higher quality beer makers chose green to distinguish themselves.
5VxX8 TIL In 1940, Charlie Chaplin produced and financed the film 'The Great Dictator', which mocked Hitler. Hollywood studios were hesitant to produce the film due to their financial relations with Germany. 'The Great Dictator' is considered one of Chaplin's greatest works.