When the delegates met at the Philadelphia Convention in 1787, they had been assembled by Congress and the states with the task to “correct and enlarge” the Articles of Confederation. Most people agreed that flaws in the Articles had caused… Continue Reading
“I have ever considered that the United States are indebted for their republican form of government solely to the firm and determined republicanism of George Washington at this time.” – David Cobb, member of Washington’s staff On a chilly… Continue Reading
When doing history it can be easy to emphasize the importance of data over story, when in fact the story is essential to being able to make sense of the data. One of the temptations of overemphasizing the data can… Continue Reading
It’s popular today to picture the American Indians tribes as though they were all 19th century, nomadic Plains Indians. However, at the time of 17th and 18th century colonial settlement the native inhabitants, particularly east of the Mississippi, were far from… Continue Reading
“The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is it’s natural manure. Our Convention has been too much impressed by the insurrection of Massachusets: and in the spur of… Continue Reading
The legitimacy of the American War for Independence has been the subject of an ongoing debate ever since the first shots were fired on the Lexington green in 1775, and every year, as July 4th rolls upon us, it is no different. Social… Continue Reading