History
226 pieces filed under this topic.
America 250: European Thought Influences Colonies
Current citizens often falsely assume that the revolutionary generation in the colonies was unlearned and uninformed. Neither is true.
America 250: The Rights of Englishmen
The leaders in the English colonies had not forgotten the significance of the Magna Carta.
When a President Clung Fiercely to the Rule of Law
William Howard Taft's conviction that presidents must not rule by executive order ended up costing him.
America 250: The Proclamation of 1763
Most historians agree that the Proclamation of 1763 escalated the disunity between the English crown and the English colonists.
America 250: The Separation Begins
The French and Indian War is one of the most significant events in our country's history. The discontent following that armed engagement directly led to the American Revolution.
Slouching Towards Fort Sumter?
Governor Walz, Mayor Frey, and Attorney General Ellison have little idea they are following the Confederate script to the letter.
America 250: A National Commemoration
From Washington, DC, to the smallest of towns and villages, prepare for the bells of liberty, equality, and justice to ring out across the nation.
Doomed?
Are the predictors of doom correct? Will America collapse like so many civilizations before us?
On Christmas Night, America's Fate Hung in the Balance
One enduring lesson of George Washington's Delaware crossing is about leadership at the edge of failure.
Can the Dark Ages Return?
The medicine for decline requires unity, honesty, courage, and action — virtues now in short supply.
Our Golden Age
Today, America is one of the richest and most inventive countries in the world. Will our "golden age" continue?
The Election of 1912
The unfolding campaigns were fascinatingly complicated while the outcome was predictable.
Lessons From History
Some who are regarded as some of our best presidents did things far worse than what Trump is accused of doing.
President Trump's Smithsonian Review Will Save American History
When museums use public funds to push one ideology, they stop being neutral educational institutions and become political actors.
William Howard Taft and Foreign Policy
Taft was a quiet, kind man with a judicial temperament, but those personality traits were a major factor in his difficulties as president.
The Big Man in the White House
What was accomplished during William Howard Taft's one term as president of the United States?
It Would Take a Big Man to Fill Roosevelt's Shoes
Teddy Roosevelt pointed to William Howard Taft as his successor, but wrongly assumed Taft would simply follow the former president's path and take his advice.
A Parable of Portsmouth
September 5 is a significant anniversary of a world-changing event that, given current challenges, can serve as a parable worth pondering.
A Square Deal for the USA
Teddy Roosevelt's domestic policy plan was designed to balance the interests of all major players — from consumers to conservationists.
Ready at a Minute's Notice
Teddy Roosevelt knew that if the U.S. was going to take its place as a major world player, there were actions he needed to take — immediately.