Title page of 1914's journal, The New Republic

The New Republic and the Idea of Progress

The recent shakeup at the The New Republic reminds us that journals of opinion have histories, too
Chains

The Modern History of Slavery

The Walk Free Foundation recently reported that 35 million people in the world today are trapped in different forms of slavery.
Sketch of a Thanksgiving celebration in a military camp in 1861

Meat and Potatoes: The Reminiscences of Alonzo Davis

In April 1863, the men of the 4th California infantry were hungry. They were posted at Drum Barracks ...
Napoleon's signature

Napoléon’s Signatures: The Story of a Decline in Handwriting

As Napoléon’s career and mental conditions declined in his later years, his signature suffered greatly.
Winston Churchill and Bernard Baruch

Was Winston Churchill a “Drunk in Charge”?

Winston Churchill's status is history is decided. His status as a drinker is disputed.
Let's Talk Turkey

Let’s Talk Turkey

First of all, why the name "turkey?"
A family gathers around the table for Thanksgiving

The Modern Invention of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving as we know it was deliberately invented in the nineteenth century.
Older black and white photograph of a woman in the middle of a messy living room with three small children of various ages

The Italian-American Immigration Experience

As President Obama prepares to move forward on immigration reform, the debate over the role of immigrants in US society is ramping up.
Side-by-side black and white photographs from the mid 1800's of two ladies sitting across from each other and dabbling in divination as a specter-like presence hovers between them

Waking the Spirits: The Diaries of John A. Clark

During the fall and winter of 1861-1862, Clark and many other officials in Santa Fe attended at least eight séances.