Have you ever heard of the Geneva Conventions? They are a series of treaties that define how many aspects of war are to be conducted–such as the taking of prisoners or treatment of civilians. But did you know the first modern attempt to write rules for warfare actually happened during the Civil War? They were written by Francis Lieber and issued in 1863 by Abraham Lincoln as instructions for what Union soldiers could–and couldn’t–do while waging war in the field.
Read about acts of courage that left a lasting impact during the American Civil War.
Did you know that this famous lady could have ended up in Boston or Philadelphia, or further afield? These ten interesting facts might surprise you.
Most of us have never heard of the Louisiana Native Guards, yet their impact in the American Civil War was tremendous. This History Ph.D. candidate is on a mission to tell their story.
Extremely rare Civil War era coins both represent and make history. Read about how gold coins discovered in a Kentucky cornfield mark a significant historical moment.
History lessons over the American Civil War are more engaging than ever as students interact with clothing, toys, and other objects from that era.
Key dates and events are highlighted in this brief, informative overview of the American Civil War.
Read this in-depth article about the Tulsa Massacre.
Harriet Tubman has long been a legend in the fight to abolish slavery in the United States. Recently, scholars have begun to take a closer look at what we think we know about the woman behind the legend.
Gregg Hecimovich, a professor of English in South Carolina, may have successfully identified the woman who wrote The Bondwoman’s Narrative. The novel is thought to be the first written by an African-American woman. Until now, no one knew the author’s true identity.
Read about the history of New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day traditions for Black Americans.
The Emancipation Proclamation did not end racial oppression. Read the Introduction and Background on this web site to learn how African Americans continued to fight for equal rights.
Read about some of the objects on display at the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
A sociologist shares the results and repercussions of an in-depth data analysis.
Well over a century after the South lost the Civil War, its battle flag is showing up in a surprising place: the North. This article explores the causes and effects.
Learn why an academic approach toward examining lingering effects of slavery has turned into a hot-button topic.
Read about the work of Civil War photographers, who mostly shot post-battle scenes and camp life, because the laborious process prohibited them from safely documenting the action of battle. Click the image at the top to view a slideshow of photos from the time.
View artifacts from the Reconstruction era, including artworks, pamphlets, maps, and more.
Learn why a sculpture inspired by the Emancipation Proclamation incited controversy that resulted in its removal.
After decades of land loss and lending discrimination Black American farmers struggle to reclaim the ability to sustain their ancestral farmlands.
