Tag Archives: History

Survivor of Stalin’s prison camps runs first museum that looks at history of Russia’s Gulags

Although it resulted in more loss of life than the Nazi concentration camps, the Soviet Gulag system is less well known. One survivor has spent his life working to change that.

Johnstown Dam Tragedy

The worst man-made disaster in the United States before the September 11th, 2001, attacks occurred in Pennsylvania in 1889. Learn about the causes and effects of this calamity.

King Philip’s War

For 14 months from 1675 to 1676, Pokunoket chief Metacom, known as King Philip, led an unsuccessful effort to drive the English settlers from native land.

What America’s Gilded Age tells us about the Trump era

Annabelle Quince, a broadcaster with a background in law, psychology, and history, draws parallels between American robber barons of the past and today’s political and business leaders.

The Life and Legacy of Nelson Mandela: 1918-2013

Follow this timeline of Nelson Mandela, whose protest of South African apartheid spanned decades. View the photos and videos and listen to the audio for more context.

Religion and the Founding of the American Republic

View these illustrations, photos, and objects collected by the Library of Congress to learn how the religious growth of the Great Awakening took shape in the 18th century.

Inside the Secret World of Russian’s Cold War Mapmakers

During the Cold War, the Soviet Union created millions of detailed maps of locations across the globe. Read about the historians uncovering the previously-classified documents and why they were important.

Darwin’s Theory of Evolution Roiled U.S. on Eve of Civil War

In his new book, author and professor Randall Fuller investigates how abolitionists and slaveholders reacted to Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. In this Q&A, he shares what he discovered.

Fleeing To Dismal Swamp, Slaves And Outcasts Found Freedom

This article explains how archaelogists and historians have learned about the lives of runaways who escaped slavery by hiding in the Great Dismal Swamp in Virginia and North Carolina.

American Roots of the Indian Independence Movement

It’s well known that the American Civil Rights movement drew on the ideas that helped India break free from British rule. But those ideas in turn stem from American influence.

How Dictators Come to Power in a Democracy

A conservative columnist looks to Nazi Germany for lessons that might apply closer to home.

Wilma Mankiller

Learn about the challenges and successes of a prominent advocate for the rights of women and Native Americans.

Navigating Without the Crutch of Technology

You are lost! How do you find your way? Reach for your cellphone and turn on GPS! John Huth, author of The Lost Art of Finding Our Way thinks we should allow ourselves to get lost once in a while to create a better connection with our environment. Click on the link within this article to watch a video clip of John Huth’s view on navigation without maps.

How America became Italian

Using the example of Italian-Americans, history professor and author Vincent J. Cannato argues that the exchange of cultures and ideas between native-born Americans and immigrants positively influences society.

‘My neighbour murdered nearly all of my family, but now we are friends’

Read about villages set up to bring perpetrators and survivors of genocide together in reconciliation.

How the Louisiana Purchase Changed the World

This article explains the ins and outs of the purchase of the Louisiana Territory and why it was significant to the future of the United States.

Take It from ‘Hamilton’: Why Unyielding Ambition Is a Blessing and a Curse

An entrepreneur applies themes from a hit musical to his career choices.

How I stopped the Taliban from shutting down my school

Sakena Yacoobi’s education gave her the opportunity to live comfortably in the United States, but she felt called to educate girls in her homeland despite daunting challenges. Hear about her heroic choice in her own words.