Tag Archives: History

Gibson: Madison was no party animal

In this opinion piece, Bob Gibson, the executive director of the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership at the University of Virginia, argues that James Madison serves as a unifying figure in a divisive political climate.

German Propaganda Archive

View this collection of Nazi propaganda posters compiled by Randall Bytwerk, a professor at Calvin College, whose goal is to shed light on how Germans were persuaded to accept Hitler’s dictatorship.

National Parks: Ken Burns on why they were America’s best idea

The National Park Service celebrates its centennial in 2016. An award-winning documentary filmmaker explains why our national parks matter more now than ever.

Have Egyptologists found Nefertiti’s long-lost tomb?

It’s all in knowing where and how to look: The long search for the tomb of a legendary Egyptian queen may be nearing its end.

The Forgotten Female Action Stars of the 1910s

Action-adventure heroes aren’t only men. Early films starred many women in action roles, even performing daring feats in ankle-length skirts! Learn about the tales told in their films.

A History Of Loyalty Programs, And How They Have Changed

When did the first loyalty programs come about? You might be surprised by the answer. Learn about the early beginnings of loyalty programs and how the system has evolved from copper tokens to mobile apps.

Oseola McCarty

In 1995, Oseola McCarty donated $150,000, the majority of her life savings, to The University of Southern Mississippi. The donation made a huge impact on the lives of the African-American students from southern Mississippi who received scholarships to study at the University.

Robber barons and silicon sultans

This article compares the entrepreneurs of Silicon Valley to the Robber Barons of the Gilded Age.

The Civilian Experience in the Civil War

This essay describes the hardships faced by civilians during the Civil War.

The Epidemic That Revolutionized Medicine And American Politics

In 1721, an outbreak of smallpox in Boston led to the introduction of inoculation, which created political division.

10 Questions for Charles C. Mann

Charles C. Mann, author of 1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus, answers questions about a second edition of the book and its follow-up, 1493: Uncovering the New World Columbus Created.

Stark images of Shackleton’s struggle

One hundred years ago, a journey of exploration turned into a prison made of ice. Newly digitized photos bring the ordeal to life.

Top 10 Civil War Innovations: Slide Show

One overlooked positive aspect of the deadly Civil War was the large number of inventions and innovations the conflict spurred.

Book Review: Ghosts of Revolution

Former political prisoner Shahla Talebi was held by both the Shah of Iran’s regime and the post-revolution Islamic Republic. Read a review of her harrowing memoir.

Countrymen: The Untold Story of How Denmark’s Jews Escaped the Nazis—review

In contrast to Anne Frank’s experience in the Netherlands, most Jewish people in Denmark were able to escape the Nazis. Learn about why Denmark was different.

In Focus: The Prince and the Pauper

The theme of class can be reflected in photographs as well as prose. Compare Twain’s story with the 1920 King George V incident.

Explorer Vasco da Gama’s Shipwreck Found

Vasco da Gama, a 16th century Portuguese explorer, was the first European to reach India by sea. In 1998 archaeologists first discovered a shipwreck that is believed to be from da Gama’s second voyage to India. Browse through the photos of treasures found on the wreck and when you’ve finished reading the article click on the link How Satellites Find Shipwrecks From Space.