Today in History–June 23–the Library of Congress features the vote for annexation of Texas by the United States on this date in 1845. Texas had tried for statehood back in 1836 after gaining independence from Mexico but the U.S. Congress was unwilling to admit another state that permitted slavery. But by December 29, 1845, Texas became the twenty-eighth state in the…
Ask students to deduce which man in the picture above is President Warren G. Harding, using specific details from the image to support their answer. Presidential Election of 1920 resource guide Warren G. Harding 1921 presidential inauguration primary source set Warren G. Harding images President Harding and Calvin Coolidge film Warren G. Harding-Carrie Fulton Phillips correspondence…
From America’s Library: Born: February 12, 1809 in Hardin County, KentuckyDied: April 15, 1865, assassinated at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. Known for leading the country through the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president of the United States. His eloquence is evident in many speeches including his most famous one, the Gettysburg Address. His second…
Today in History–November 12–the Library of Congress features women’s rights leader Elizabeth Cady Stanton, born on this date in 1815. The daughter of a judge, Stanton was devoted to her studies but her higher education aspirations were thwarted because of her gender. This experience helped inform her philosophy on individual rights. She later became a…
Today in History–October 29–the Library of Congress features journalist and politician Carl Schurz. On this date in 1855, the recent German immigrant wrote his wife, Margarethe Meyer Schurz, about his hope for their future in America. Exactly five years later Schurz sent his wife another letter, this time from Abraham Lincoln’s presidential campaign trail. Schurz served as a U.S. senator and worked with…
Today in History–July 29–the Library of Congress features the country of Japan. On this date in 1858, the United States and Japan signed the Treaty of Amity and Commerce (the Harris Treaty), which helped establish diplomatic ties between the two countries. Find out more about early U.S.-Japanese relations and Townsend Harris, the man who negotiated the treaty, by…
![[Cut of broom] To sweep the Augean Stable](https://primarysourcenexus.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/johncalhoun.jpg)
Today in History–March 18–the Library of Congress features politician John C. Calhoun, born on this date in 1782. Calhoun served as a congressman, senator, secretary of war, secretary of state, and vice president of the United States but may be best known for his defense of slavery, particularly in relation to the Nullification Proclamation and the Compromise of 1850. Learn…
Today in History–September 03–the Library of Congress features the escape from slavery of Frederick Douglass on this day in 1838. Born into slavery, Douglass became a renowned abolitionist, journalist, author, and human rights advocate. Learn more about this remarkable man who never ceased advocating for freedom by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more primary sources and primary source learning…
Today in History–July 2–the Library of Congress features James A. Garfield, who was shot on this day in 1881 not long after he became the 20th president of the United States. The gunshot didn’t kill Garfield, however, infection caused by doctors probing the president’s wound with unwashed hands did. Find out more the attempts to save President Garfield…
Today in History–May 21–the Library of Congress features attorney and statesman Reverdy Johnson, born on this day in 1796. Although personally opposed to slavery (he emancipated slaves inherited from his father), Johnson represented the slave-owning defendant in the 1857 Dred Scott U.S. Supreme Court case, which decided that slaves could not be citizens. Learn more about this politician by visiting the Today in…
Today in History–March 19–the Library of Congress features William Jennings Bryan, born on this day in 1860. Famous for his oratorical skills, Bryan served two terms as a U.S. representative then ran for president three times. Although unsuccessful, he did serve as President Woodrow Wilson’s Secretary of State. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then clicking the links below…
Today in History–March 8–the Library of Congress features Susan B. Anthony, who addressed Congress on the right of women to vote on this day in 1884. It was the sixteenth time woman suffrage supporters appeared before Congress but it would take decades more until women finally earned the constitutional right to vote. Learn more by visiting the Today in…