15 Times the Real Story Was Buried in the Footnotes
History’s biggest secrets often hide in the smallest print — footnotes that quietly unravel wars, revolutions, and cultural myths.
- Alyana Aguja
- 4 min read
Whereas headlines and textbooks speak the official version of history, the actual story is in the footnotes. These forgotten facts, ranging from a dictator’s hemorrhoids to overlooked female pioneers, have changed wars, overthrown empires, and rewritten legacies. Investigating them uncovers a second layer of truth that makes history stranger, more complicated, and more interesting than we ever realized.
1. Napoleon’s Hemorrhoids Changed History
Image from Britannica
Napoleon had painful hemorrhoids during the Battle of Waterloo, which compromised his capacity to command. The pain kept him from inspecting the battlefield, which led to his defeat. Such a private condition had huge implications for European history.
2. Hitler’s Assassination Prevented by a Jammed Toilet
Image from Wikipedia
In 1929, an agitated SS guard had planted a bomb to kill Hitler while the latter was delivering a speech. However, the guard was late after getting trapped in a toilet, which made him miss the time to detonate. This strange quirk of destiny permitted Hitler to survive and rewrite history.
3. Steptoe and Son Impacted a UK Election
Image from Rotten Tomatoes
In 1964, BBC delayed broadcasting the hit sitcom “Steptoe and Son” to prevent labor voters from being discouraged from the polls. Labor leader Harold Wilson felt the timing of the show might influence voter turnout. He won narrowly, indicating that television scheduling influenced political results.
4. Low Fuel Averted Nuclear War
Image from LinkedIn
In the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, Soviet MiG fighter planes aborted an interception of a U.S. B-52 bomber because they were low on fuel. If they had fought, it might have led to nuclear war. This little-known fact highlights how insignificant things can avert a world catastrophe.
5. The New York Times Underreported the Holocaust
Image from Princeton Public Library
Between 1939 and 1945, The New York Times buried important stories on Nazi atrocities committed against Jews on back pages. This editorial policy contributed to the public’s unawareness of the extent of the Holocaust. Decisions by the paper had lasting effects on historical awareness.
6. George Washington’s Expense Account
Image from Wikipedia
George Washington refused a salary as Commander-in-Chief but presented bills totaling $160,000. His detailed records included personal expenditures such as wigs and wine. This practice became a precedent for future government expense reporting.
7. Eisenhower’s Unsent D-Day Failure Note
Image from Wikipedia
On June 5, 1944, President Eisenhower drafted a note accepting full responsibility if the D-Day invasion failed. The note was never needed, but it showcased his leadership and accountability. This private document remained largely unknown for years.
8. Dred Scott’s Plea for Freedom
Image from Wikipedia
Dred Scott sued for his freedom in 1854, and a Supreme Court decision resulted in African Americans being denied citizenship. Taney’s Supreme Court ruling aggravated national conflicts about slavery. Documents surrounding the case provide insight into personal struggles that stand behind epic legal rulings.
9. Hadrian’s Wall Misattributed for Centuries
Image from English Heritage
Historian John Hodgson’s 173-page footnote debunked the notion that Emperor Severus constructed Hadrian’s Wall. His meticulous research re-established Hadrian as the real architect. This revision changed the perception of Roman Britain’s past.
10. Graham Crackers’ Anti-Sex Origins
Image from Wikipedia
Sylvester Graham developed Graham crackers in the 1830s to control sexual urges. He thought plain diets would lead to chastity and avoid insanity. This food invention had its beginnings in moral and health reform movements.
11. Milicent Patrick’s Uncredited Monster Design
Image from Wikipedia
Milicent Patrick created the legendary Creature from the Black Lagoon but was largely overlooked. Studio politics and sexist biases overshadowed her efforts. Her tale illustrates the adversity experienced by women in early-day Hollywood.
12. Sarah Forbes Bonetta: African Princess in Victorian England
Image from Wikipedia
Sarah Forbes Bonetta, a West African princess, was brought to Queen Victoria and made the queen’s goddaughter. Her special place provided an understanding of race and class within Victorian society. However, her history is a lesser-known aspect of British history.
13. Mariya Bochkareva’s Women’s Battalion
Image from Wikipedia
In 1917, Mariya Bochkareva organized Russia’s Women’s Death Battalion to motivate male soldiers. She broke gender norms as a female leader in World War I. Although initially successful, the legacy of the unit was lost in history.
14. Lenin’s London Years
Image from Wikipedia
Lenin lived in London prior to the Russian Revolution, where he interacted with socialist groups. His revolutionary methods were shaped by these years. Nevertheless, his time in London is usually clouded by later political endeavors.
15. Longest Footnote in History
Image from Open Library
John Hodgson’s lengthy footnote to his history of Northumberland stretched to 173 pages. It carefully set the record straight regarding Roman Britain’s architecture. Such dedication is indicative of the commitment of scholars to historical accuracy.