History

The signing of the US Constitution in 1787, in a painting by Junius Brutus Stearns.

Will America Ever Give White-Man Rights to Everyone Else? Will America Ever Give White-Man Rights to Everyone Else?

If we want to make it another 250 years, the Constitution is going to have to do a lot more than protect individual political and civil rights.

Jun 23, 2026 / Feature / Elie Mystal

Frederick Douglass petitions Abraham Lincoln to allow Black soldiers to fight in the Union Army during the Civil War (in a 1943 mural by the African American artist William Edouard Scott).

The American Revolution’s Long Tail The American Revolution’s Long Tail

Throughout US history, social movements—from reformist to radical—have returned to the language and ideals of 1776.

Jun 22, 2026 / Feature / Richard Kreitner

Lessons From the People’s Historian, Howard Zinn

Lessons From the People’s Historian, Howard Zinn Lessons From the People’s Historian, Howard Zinn

His take on history arms youth with the courage to “transform the world.” It’s no wonder the right aims to erase it.

Jun 19, 2026 / Feature / Dave Zirin

Franklin Delano Roosevelt knew that economic security was fundamental to democracy.

We Can Still Realize FDR’s Vision We Can Still Realize FDR’s Vision

Roosevelt understood that freedom that extends from economic security.

Jun 18, 2026 / Feature / Harvey J. Kaye

In 1877, Congress convened to settle the disputed presidential election between Samuel Tilden and Rutherford B. Hayes.

We Must Restore Congress as the Predominant Branch of Government We Must Restore Congress as the Predominant Branch of Government

The promise of democratic governance was stolen from the people. We must win it back.

Jun 17, 2026 / Feature / Jamie Raskin

Lin-Manuel Miranda (center) and the cast of “Hamilton” perform at the Tony Awards in New York City.

Alexander Hamilton, the Wrong Founder Alexander Hamilton, the Wrong Founder

Dismantling the cult of personality created around the founding era's plutocratic foe of democracy.

Jun 16, 2026 / Feature / William Hogeland

In 1774, the First Continental Congress opened with a prayer—a decision that inspired some sectarian squabbling—but in the new nation that followed, the founders were determined to keep church and state separate.

Separation of Church and State: America’s Best Idea Separation of Church and State: America’s Best Idea

Christian nationalists keep forgetting what the country’s founders kept writing down.

Jun 15, 2026 / Feature / John Fugelsang

The Bald Eagle Perfectly Embodies America’s Flaws

The Bald Eagle Perfectly Embodies America’s Flaws The 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.

Jun 12, 2026 / Alexandra Tey

Jacob Lawrence, detail from Struggle Series—No. 10: Washington Crossing the Delaware, 1954.

The Art of the American Revolution Across the Generations The Art of the American Revolution Across the Generations

The United States’ founding moment from Washington Crossing the Delaware to the paintings of Jacob Lawrence, Kara Walker, and Kent Monkman.

Jun 11, 2026 / Books & the Arts / Rachel Hunter Himes

“The New World,” c. 1546.

The Entwined History of Capitalism and Race in the Americas and Beyond The Entwined History of Capitalism and Race in the Americas and Beyond

Better to start the history of the United States in 1492 than in 1776.

Jun 10, 2026 / Books & the Arts / Bill Fletcher Jr.

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