"Conspiracy theories run amok. Fear of spies and meddling in American politics at the highest levels by foreign powers. A bipartisan divide so bitter that the federal government moves to muzzle what many politicians believe to be a biased, out-of-control news media." Current events? Actually, the excerpt paints a picture of the political climate during John Adam's tenure as president of the United States and is the lead paragraph of a book review from the Christian Science Monitor of Friends … [Read more...]
Timely Connections: Foundational Lessons in Democracy & Civil Discourse
NHD 2016: Exploration, Encounter, Exchange Topic Ideas Part II
These curated resource lists coincide with the order of the topic ideas listed in the NHD 2016 theme sample topics list. Note: historic newspaper coverage is from 1836-1922. Exploring the Nation: The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Today in History: B&O Railroad (background & primary source sets) An Encounter with Fanaticism: John Doyle Lee and the Arkansas Mountain Meadows Massacre Execution of John Doyle Lee before and after images History of the Mountain Meadows Massacre … [Read more...]
Today in History: Preliminary Articles of Peace Ratified
Today in History–April 15–the Library of Congress features the Continental Congress ratification of the preliminary articles of peace with Great Britain on this date in 1783. Negotiations to conclude the Revolutionary War had begun a year earlier. "International intrigue and intense negotiation preceded the formulation of these preliminary articles." The final, formal treaty was signed on September 3, 1783 and guaranteed U.S. independence as well as awarding the territory between the 13 … [Read more...]
Today in History: 1783 Treaty of Paris
Today in History–January 14–the Library of Congress features the Treaty of Paris, ratified by the Continental Congress on this day in 1784, nine months after the preliminary articles of peace were approved and over four months after the actual treaty was signed in Paris. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section (also see treaty signing entry), then click the links below to access related primary sources. Preliminary articles of peace ending the Revolutionary War Treaty of … [Read more...]
Today in History: Abigail Adams
Today in History–October 25–the Library of Congress features Abigail Adams, who was married to John Adams on this day in 1764. Abigail Adams was well educated and her husband frequently discussed political issues with her. Learn more about this famous first lady and first mother who was also a staunch supporter of women's rights by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more primary sources related to Abigail Adams. Abigail Adams, His [John Adams'] Better … [Read more...]