Theodore Roosevelt and Americanization
Professor of history Gary Gerstle says that Theodore Roosevelt was much more open to immigrants from southern and eastern Europe than were many of his contemporaries, including close friend Henry Cabot Lodge. Nonetheless, Professor Gerstle explains,...
Theodore Roosevelt and Asian Immigration
Professor of history Gary Gerstle explains that Theodore Roosevelt was a great admirer of the Japanese and welcomed Japanese immigrants, despite popular sentiment in the United States against the perceived "invasion by yellow people." Professor Gers...
Theodore Roosevelt and San Juan Hill
Professor of history Gary Gerstle talks about the significant role of Black soldiers in the Battle of San Juan Hill. Professor Gerstle explains that presidential aspirant Theodore Roosevelt downplayed the importance of the Black soldiers, because th...
Thomas Jefferson: A Study in Contradiction
Historian Peter Onuf talks about the apparent contradiction between Thomas Jefferson as a champion of freedom, liberty, and democracy, and Thomas Jefferson the aristocrat and slave owner.
Theodore Roosevelt and the Value of War
Professor of history Gary Gerstle talks about Theodore Roosevelt's perspective on war. Professor Gerstle explains that Roosevelt not only saw war as a means by which great men prove themselves, but also believed that participating in war allows immi...
Thomas Jefferson and Slavery
Historian Peter Onuf talks about reasons why Thomas Jefferson didn't free his slaves. Professor Onuf explains that one reason was Jefferson's personal financial debt. "For financial reasons, (his) estate wouldn't allow it." But the other reason was ...
Alexander Hamilton: Target of Republican Mistrust
Historian Peter Onuf says that Republicans both feared and respected Alexander Hamilton, believing that he wanted to make the United States over in the image of Britain. "Many of Hamilton's troubles," Professor Onuf explains, "...go back to the Cons...
Division of Labor and the Industrial Revolution
American history professor Alice Kessler-Harris talks about the division of labor by gender before and during the Industrial Revolution. "Women's labor is...cheap labor because it's assumed that women do not have to support families and therefore th...
History of Professional Women
American history professor Alice Kessler-Harris traces the history of professional women in the United States, from the colonial period to modern times.
Louisiana Purchase, The
Historian Peter Onuf explains that Thomas Jefferson's interest in the Louisiana territory was not driven by a desire to double the size of the United States. Knowing that France had an interest in New Orleans, Jefferson was concerned that the new we...