With the recent release of the Hamilton movie, renewed backlash and criticisms have warranted a response from the cast.
Category Archives: Building a Democracy
American Descendents
View one photographer’s powerful photo series where he recreates portraits of famous Americans with their descendants.
Abigail Adams, Founding Mother
In this review of Woody Holton’s book Abigail Adams, we learn more about the First Lady who often reminded her husband to “remember the ladies.” Although the changes of her time had yet to extend to women, Abigail Adams was standing up for her own and other women’s rights.
Dirty Little Secret
Did you know that many American slaves fought for England during the Revolutionary War? They were promised their freedom if they did, and many took the offer. Read this article to learn more about slaves’ participation in the Revolutionary War.
The Founding Fathers Weren’t Concerned with Inequality
Learn why our founding documents say next to nothing about the democratic principle of economic security.
Where would we be without George Washington?
George Washington retired shortly after the American Revolution and re-emerged on the political scene several years later. In this essay, historian Edward Larson emphasizes the significance of these actions and makes a connection to modern global revolutions.
Why are U.S. Supreme Court justices appointed for life?
Should Supreme Court justices be subject to term limits or do their lifetime appointments ensure they are free from outside influences? Read the editorial to learn more about Supreme Court justices.
The Poisoning of King George III
For years, there has been speculation that King George III suffered from some sort of mental illness. In this article, learn about the poisoning that may have caused his symptoms.
James Madison
James Madison played many important roles in the founding of the nation. Explore this site to learn more about his contributions.
Phillis Wheatley
Phillis Wheatley was the first African American to publish a book of poetry in the United States, and the third woman to do so, regardless of race. Learn more about the life of this native of Senegal who was captured and enslaved at the age of eight.
Benjamin Franklin: Founding Father … and Fireman
Firefighting may not exist as we know it without Benjamin Franklin. Watch the video to learn how we have some of our most famous founding fathers to thank for our fire safety standards.
21 Things You May Not Know About the U.S. Constitution
Read this list to learn facts and quirks about our nation’s most famous document and the people who wrote it.
‘The Biggest Fireworks Show’ Means More Air Pollution This Fourth Of July
Fireworks displays can be an awe-inspiring symbol of the United States’ independence. However, these chemical explosions could potentially release hazardous particles into the air. Read the article to learn more.
Global Impact of the American Revolution
The American Revolution has served as a model of how colonized citizens can gain their independence. Watch this short video to learn more about the influence the American Revolution has had on the rest of the world.
The Presidential Election of 1800
Learn why this election, which is sometimes called the “Revolution of 1800,” was a milestone in the history of American politics.
13 Fascinating Facts About Abigail Adams
Abigail Adams’s letter writing is well-known, but did you know she loved dogs and hated Alexander Hamilton? Read the article to learn more about the celebrated First Lady.
Learn About America’s First Spies, the Culper Ring
Before Agent 007, there was Agent 355 and a complex network of Revolution-era spies. Read about how these spies helped turn the tide of the Revolutionary War.
6 Unsung Heroes of the American Revolution
Most people know about George Washington and other key players of the American Revolution, but many other people contributed to the United States’ ultimate success. Read about 6 lesser-known heroes here.
When Slavery Is Erased From Plantations
Slavery was a brutal institution in the era of the United States’ founding, but many historical sites fail to address the entwined legacy of former presidents and those they enslaved.
This Engraved Infographic of the Revolutionary War Is From 1871
Infographics convey large amounts of information in a simple and straightforward way. Look at the entries on this engraving to learn about the Revolutionary War.