Current Events that Relate to History
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DebunkThe Bald Eagle Perfectly Embodies America’s Flaws
Our national bird isn’t what we believe it to be—but it is the perfect bird for an imperfect country.The Nation -
CommentHow Socialism Built the Reddest States in the West
The ascendance of socialists in the West during the early 1900s, their legacy, and their ultimate dissolution provide lessons of hope and warning.High Country News -
Book ReviewA New History of the World Cup
The beautiful game has never looked more beautiful on the pitch, or more ugly off it.London Review of Books -
CommentThe Remarkable Summer That Produced Three Future Presidents — and Modern America
A 66-day stretch in 1946 produced Donald Trump, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton — and the baby boom itself.CT Insider -
Book ReviewHow Did American Christianity End Up Like This?
History helps explain the particular faith that now rules our religious marketplace.The New Yorker -
RetrievalThe Virginia Declaration of Rights at 250
It is a momentous expression of republican principles and true religious liberty.Law & Liberty -
exhibitEmancipation
The long history of emancipation in the United States, from individual escapes and manumissions, through Civil War fighting and Reconstruction legislation, to Juneteenth commemorations.
From the HNN Archive
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Newsletter Features
Birthright Citizenship Existed Before the Fourteenth Amendment
The idea that citizenship extends to everyone born on U.S. soil has precedents stretching back to the Founding. -
Newsletter Features
There’s No Business Like Coup Business
In 1876, Porfirio Díaz successfully deposed the Mexican government. He couldn’t have done it without the help of powerful Americans. -
Excerpts
The Bicentennial Made American History Look Ridiculous
Many Americans felt the U.S. had failed to live up to its ideals on its 200th anniversary. They hoped it might improve by the Declaration’s next big celebration. -
Newsletter Features
An Appeal for Inaction
On the United States’ 150th birthday, Calvin Coolidge said that the country’s work was done. Not everyone agreed. -
Newsletter Features
What Has His Billion Dollars Made of Him?
Finding shades of Elon Musk in Upton Sinclair’s 1937 novel about Henry Ford. -
Newsletter Features
Reading Playboy for the History
A historian stumbles upon an article that provides a fascinating glimpse into how the world thought about witchcraft and sex in 1963.