The Return of Hemp
Even though it's made from cannabis plants, you can't get high on hemp. But it was classified as an illicit drug for nearly 50 years.
How Poor Women Shaped the War on Poverty
Bridging the gap between policy and people was a central aim of the War on Poverty. Often, women were the ones who linked the government to the community.
Guns in America: Foundations and Key Concepts
This non-exhaustive list of readings on the role of guns in US history and society introduces the field as a subject of scholarly inquiry.
The Role of Naval Impressment in the American Revolution
Maritime workers who were basically kidnapped into the British Royal Navy were a key force in the War of Independence.
The Propaganda of World War II Comic Books
A government-funded group called the Writers' War Board got writers and illustrators to portray the United States positively—and its enemies as evil.
The Summer of Love Wasn’t All Peace and Hippies
Articles in the underground press capture what's missing from our romanticized memory of that fateful season.
James Baldwin and the FBI
The author was monitored for his political activities, but also for being gay. The surveillance took a toll on him.
Patriotism and the LGBTQ+ Rights Movement
Charged with being "un-American" during the Cold War, activists appealed to American ideals in their quest for full citizenship.
Who Invented the “Mexican” Food of the United States?
The debate over what counts as authentic Mexican food may be moot when there are 7,000 Taco Bells around the world.
Sophia Thoreau to the Rescue!
Who made sure Henry David Thoreau's works came out after his death? His sister.