Current Events that Relate to History
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ExplainerThe "Mechanical Miracle" that Ruined Mark Twain's Life
Learning from the automation dreams of the first Machine Age.Res Obscura -
Book ExcerptWhat Does “Consent of the Governed” Actually Mean?
Our Founders profoundly transformed the way people participate in government.American Heritage -
CommentThe ‘Me Decade’ — 50 Years Later Americans Are More Selfish Than Ever
Writer Tom Wolfe dubbed the 1970's the "Me Decade" for its hyperindividualism and decline in community-oriented values. In 2026, things have only gotten worse.UnHerd -
BiographyLouis Brandeis: The Empiricist
Louis Brandeis believed that facts could change lives and break excessive power where it accumulated.The American Prospect -
Origin StoryThe Origins of the Beach Read
From 19th-century ‘moral debasement’ to BookTok, a cultural phenomenon still fills the vacant hours.Zócalo Public Square -
Antecedent
Trump Administration Revives Conspiracy Theories About Cuba’s Alleged Manipulation of US Activism
A State Department report on this alleged problem is new, but its claims about alleged communist machinations being behind activist movements in the US are old.The Conversation -
exhibitNational Parks
This exhibit examines the roles national parks have played in environmental conservation, tourism and recreation, and public history interpretation.
From the HNN Archive
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Features
Young Washington Is Old History
A new movie relies on 19th century myths to portray the very British George Washington as a moralistic proto-American ready to pursue independence. -
Excerpts
A Danger to Civilization
Lothrop Stoddard believed that the concept of “natural equality” between people was a threat to America. In the 1920s, it was hardly a fringe idea. -
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. -
Features
An Appeal for Inaction
On the United States’ 150th birthday, Calvin Coolidge said that the country’s work was done. Not everyone agreed. -
Features
What Has His Billion Dollars Made of Him?
Finding shades of Elon Musk in Upton Sinclair’s 1937 novel about Henry Ford. -
Features
Declaring “Revolution”
Even after the fighting started, it took years before American Patriots started calling their cause a “revolution.”