“Filibuster” Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Does
The term "filibuster" used to refer to Americans who went to foreign countries to fight in their wars without the government’s permission.
Gareth Dale on the Past and Future of Capitalism
An interview with Gareth Dale on his work on Karl Polanyi, and the past and future of capitalism.
Noblesse Oblige in American Politics
What responsibility does the very wealthy have to the rest of the population? United States governor Winthrop Rockefeller provides a historical case study.
The Backfire Effect
The backfire effect is when people double-down on their beliefs even when these beliefs are shown to be factually incorrect.
The U.S. Representative Who Tried to Outlaw War
Jeanette Rankin was the first woman to become a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. And she once tried to outlaw war.
Sanctuary Cities Are as Old as The Bible
Sanctuary cities like New York and Los Angeles protect undocumented migrants from deportation. The concept behind them has ancient and religious roots.
Woodrow Wilson, Mental Health, and the White House
The historical debate about the nature of Woodrow Wilson's health is intertwined with questions about his self-righteous character.
Was Andrew Jackson Really a States’ Rights Champion?
On the 250 anniversary of Andrew Jackson's birth, a look at his squashing of the first great nullification crisis in American history.
The History of Outlawing Abortion in America
Abortion was first criminalized in the U.S. in the mid-19th century. A key argument was that too many white women were ending their pregnancies.
What Do Ex-Presidents Do? Ask John Quincy Adams.
Many are speculating about what former president Barack Obama will do in his retirement. Perhaps he will stay as politically involved as John Quincy Adams.