Politics

Important Federalist Papers

The 5 Most Important Federalist Papers

The beginning of the United States is littered with influential documents that have stood for centuries. One of the most important among them are the Federalist Papers. Just what are the Federalist Papers and what was their purpose? Following the American Revolution the new American nation set forth under a new government. The new government …

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Significance Jay's Treaty 1794

The Significance of the 1794 Jay’s Treaty

In the aftermath of the American Revolution, the United States and Great Britain had many unresolved grievances. An agreement known as Jay’s Treaty of 1794 holds great significance in how it helped to address some of these issues and temporarily avert war between the two nations. Both nations were justifiably frustrated with the state of …

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Significance Olive Branch Petition 1775

The Significance of the 1775 Olive Branch Petition

In mid-1775 the burgeoning American Revolution was at a crossroads. The colonies decided to send a document known as the Olive Branch petition in July 1775, the significance of which as it was the last attempt at peace with Britain before full-fledged hostilities. A popular misconception around the American Revolution is that the colonies and …

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Successful Dawes Severalty Act

Was the 1887 Dawes Severalty Act Successful?

The United States has a long history of broken promises and treaties with Native American nations. The US hoped that the successful implementation of the 1887 Dawes Act would help to solve its so-called “Indian Problem” once and for all. Prior to 1887 the United States treated with Native American nations individually. This policy dated …

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Important Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

Why Was the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo Important?

The concept of Manifest Destiny was deeply ingrained in the American psyche in the early to mid-19th century. This movement would directly lead the US to war with Mexico in 1846. The resulting 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was an important milestone in achieving this “destiny” of sorts for the United States. The United States …

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History Federal Holidays United States

The History and Timeline of Federal Holidays in the US

The United States has a long history behind its numerous federal holidays. As of June 2022, there are currently twelve federal holidays. Americans celebrate eleven holidays annually, while DC residents enjoy another (Inauguration Day) every four years. Contrary to popular belief, official federal holidays have not existed since the beginning of the United States. In …

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Who Five Good Emperors of Rome

Who Were the Five Good Emperors of Rome?

The first and second centuries of the common era featured a time of peace and prosperity in the Roman Empire that were unparalleled in the history of the known world. It was during this period that the reign of the “Five Good Emperors” of Rome occurred. The era is commonly referred to as the “Pax …

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History Voter Turnout United States

The History of Voter Turnout in the US

The 2020 election in the United States produced the highest voter turnout rate in over 100 years. However, when looking at the history of US voter turnout in every historical presidential election, even the 2020 election is dwarfed. Measuring voter turnout is more difficult than one might imagine. Scholars debate which metric is even best …

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Significance 1861 Trent Affair

The Significance of the 1861 Trent Affair

A unique aspect of the American Civil War was that there was very little foreign intervention in the conflict. However, the historical significance of Trent Affair of 1861 was that the event nearly brought Great Britain into the conflict. In the leadup to the American Civil War the southern states seceded from the Union, forming …

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Significance Palmer Raids

The Significance of the Palmer Raids

In the early 20th century the United States was in a period of massive upheaval. The underlying changes to the nation left it susceptible to the 1920s Red Scare and the Palmer Raids, the significance of which challenged the Constitutional rights of citizens and immigrants. Beginning in the late 1800s, the United States began a …

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Purpose Roosevelt Corollary

Understanding the Purpose and Significance of the Roosevelt Corollary

The Monroe Doctrine of 1823 guided United States foreign policy in the Americas for nearly a century. The purpose of the Roosevelt Corollary was to expand the US role and presence in Central and South America. Throughout the 19th century the United States largely dealt with issues within its own future borders on the American …

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Significance 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie

The Significance of the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie

The history of the United States is littered with broken treaties between the federal government and Native American nations. The significance of the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie is one that would have lasting impacts on the future of the Great Plains and Sioux nation. As the 19th century progressed the Native American nations of …

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