History of Valentine’s Day
Source: HISTORY
Each February 14th, people express their love for each other with cards, flowers, and candy. How did this tradition start? This HISTORY feature has the answers.
History
Sixty Years Later, the Story of PT-109 Still Captivates
Source: National Archives
In 1943, a Japanese destroyer sank a young American naval lieutenant’s boat in the South Pacific. What followed was a tale of determination and courage, as the crew was saved by that lieutenant—who would one day become President.
Harriet Beecher Stowe
Source: NPR
In 1833, Harriet Beecher Stowe witnessed the brutality of slavery on her first trip to the South. What she saw changed her and led to her writing her famous anti-slavery novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin, in 1852. Listen to a discussion about her legacy here.
‘Next Stop Is Vietnam’: A War In Song
Source: NPR
In this radio piece, NPR looks back at the music written during and about the Vietnam War. Many musicians used protest songs to voice their opposition to the war.
What’s Wrong With This Picture?
Source: Colonial Williamsburg Journal
John Trumbull’s famous painting of the signing of the Declaration of Independence portrays a scene that did not happen. Read the article to learn about the inaccuracies, and click the online extra to explore the painting by hovering over faces to see who is depicted.
The Tank Man
Source: Frontline
In 1989, many Chinese citizens participated in nonviolent protests favoring a change to democracy. The Chinese government quickly used its military power to put a stop to the protests. The iconic image that exemplifies this brief era is of a lone man confronting a long line of army tanks in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square. This Frontline documentary explores the Tank Man’s impact and legacy.
What Democracy Means To Us Today
Source: Magna Carta 800th Anniversary
In 2015, the Magna Carta, one of the most important documents in English history, celebrated its 800th anniversary. The Magna Carta became the model for our own United States Constitution and Bill of Rights. Read about why we should never take a democratic society for granted, and explore the site to learn more.
Japanese American Internment During World War II
Source: PBS
While Jewish people were being forced into concentration camps in Europe, thousands of Japanese Americans were fired from their jobs, arrested, and forcibly relocated to internment camps in the United States. Read about why these American citizens suffered this treatment during World War II.
Eyes on the Prize: America’s Civil Rights Movement, 1954-1985
Source: PBS
The Supreme Court decision against segregated schools created new opportunities for African Americans. However, it also led to years of conflict between supporters and opponents of segregation. News stories, songs, videos, and pictures tell the story of people’s experiences of the changes sweeping the nation during this turbulent time.
Rwanda: Has reconciliation by legal means worked?
Source: The Washington Post
In 1994, a genocide in Rwanda left hundreds of thousands of people dead. Twenty years later, the effectiveness of the courts meant to bring the perpetrators to justice is being called into question.