Cotton Revolution, The
Historian and author Ira Berlin explains that with the advent of cotton as the most important crop during the nineteenth century, many slaves were uprooted from the seaboard states and transported to the deep south. This forced migration broke apart...
Debate Over Immigration, The
Professor of American studies and history Matthew Frye Jacobson explains that the debate over immigration is really two debates--one focusing on economics and the other on civic belonging. Professor Jacobson adds that what political figures like Pet...
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 Reform (Part Two)
Professor of history Gary Gerstle explains that, "...the great reform effort of the first half of the twentieth century was about building a strong government that could regulate private industry and private power." Professor Gerstle suggests that T...
Collision of Capitalism and Democracy, The
Professor of American studies and history Matthew Frye Jacobson talks about the contradiction between the growing labor needs of a rapidly expanding capitalistic society and a legal and political system which placed strict limitations on the degree ...
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...
Theodore Roosevelt and Women's Rights
Professor of history Gary Gerstle explains that, while Theodore Roosevelt was a staunch advocate of women's suffrage, "...he never thought that women could be equal to men in all respects."