May 18
The John Scopes trial: when monkeys go on trial
It was 86 years ago last week when a high school biology teacher named John Scopes got arrested for teaching evolution in his classroom.
Apr 26
The REAL reason for the Boston Tea Party
Colonists cared less about buying their tea cheaper than they did about the principle of not accepting any tax from Parliament without representation.
Apr 20
Does anyone ever read Section 2 of constitutional amendments?
In the case of the 21st Amendment, it’s easy to get caught up in Section 1. This is the part that repeals the 18th Amendment, ending the prohibition of the manufacture, sale or transportation of intoxicating liquors in the United States. Except that it didn’t.
Apr 13
What would Lincoln do?
It’s April 14, 1861. News of the surrender of Fort Sumter has reached Washington, D.C. A first term president elected with less than 40 percent of the popular vote, you have been in office for a little over a month. Your first crucial decision as president was to re-supply Union troops at a fort offshore… [Continue Reading]
Mar 15
On the road to freedom, one (gradual) step at a time
There are several reasons why the Act for the Gradual Abolition of Slavery is a remarkable document. First, a fun fact: It’s signed by Thomas Paine of Common Sense.
