"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
February 5, 2018 by Leave a Comment
NHD 2018 Conflict & Compromise Topic Ideas: U.S. History Early 19th Century
August 9, 2017 by Leave a Comment
These curated resource lists coincide with the topic ideas listed in the NHD 2018 Conflict & Compromise theme sample topics list. The links lead to resources accessed from the Library of Congress (LOC.gov) unless otherwise noted. Note: U.S. historic newspaper coverage is from 1789-1924 unless otherwise noted. The Revolution of 1800 - Election Controversy Opposing the War of 1812: The Hartford Convention The proceedings of a convention of delegates, from the states of … [Read more...]
NHD 2016: Exploration, Encounter, Exchange Topic Ideas Part II
October 27, 2015 by Leave a Comment
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...]
NHD 2015: Leadership & Legacy Topic Ideas – The 1800s
October 28, 2014 by 1 Comment
Every year National History Day puts together a list of sample topic ideas. TPS-Barat went through that list and selected a subset of those topic ideas to create curated collections highlighting Library of Congress resources. All topic ideas are related to the 2015 NHD theme: Leadership & Legacy in History but the set below focuses on themes related to the 1800s. Links to more NHD follow this resource list. The Bloodless Revolution of 1800: John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and the Legacy of … [Read more...]
Today in History: Preliminary Articles of Peace Ratified
April 15, 2014 by Leave a Comment
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...]
Presidential Spotlight: John Quincy Adams
February 5, 2014 by Leave a Comment
From America's Library: Born: July 11, 1767 Died: Feb. 23, 1848 John Quincy Adams was the sixth president of the United States and the first son of a former president who himself became president. (George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush are the only other father-son presidents.) John Quincy Adams was well known for his diplomatic success and most of all for his role as secretary of state under James Monroe. Adams had previously served as an ambassador to several European countries and as a … [Read more...]
Presidential Spotlight: John Adams
February 3, 2014 by Leave a Comment
From America's Library: Born: October 30 (October 19, Old Style), 1735, in Braintree (now Quincy), Massachusetts Died: July 4, 1826, in Braintree (now Quincy), Massachusetts John Adams worked as a teacher and lawyer before dedicating himself to a life of patriotism and politics. He was America's second president. Adams was well known for his extreme political independence, brilliant mind and passionate patriotism. He was a leader in the Continental Congress and an important diplomatic … [Read more...]
Today in History: 1783 Treaty of Paris
January 14, 2013 by Leave a Comment
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
October 25, 2012 by Leave a Comment
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...]
President Adams approved $5,000 appropriation to purchase books for Congress. Check out our 
