Not Much of a War: How the Continental Army Outlasted Britain's Military Might
How can the small, rag-tag Continental army outlast the 18th century's most formidable military power? One important factor is that the British misunderstand what they are facing in this conflict, one of five battlefront..
Not Much of a War: Mobilizing for War
The first order of business for the new government is recruiting and organizing an army. Many volunteers are disadvantaged men hoping to earn enough money to buy land or a business. Their term of service begins in the sp..
Not Much of a War: Securing Aid from Abroad
Historians characterize the Revolutionary War as an "embarrassing" military event with few notable battles. The failure of the British to crush the Continental army in the mid-Atlantic states combined with the stunning A..
Not Much of a War: Support for Independence Intensifies
Colonial support for independence intensifies with the circulation of "Common Sense" by Thomas Paine. Three weeks after the battles of Lexington and Concord, the Second Continental Congress meets at the state house in P..
Opposition to British Rule Grows
Historian and author Bernard Bailyn talks about growing colonial opposition to British rule during the period from 1760-1776. Professor Bailyn describes it as, "...a buildup of apprehension, of fear that they were being ..
Other America, The: Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka
Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka came to the Supreme Court in May 1954. Unlike many court decisions that affect only a few, this decision would impact millions of children. Chief Justice Earl Warren puts off the imp..
Other America, The: Causes of the Civil Rights Movement
The fight against the racism of the Nazis in World War II raises the consciousness of Americans about racism in U.S. society. Black veterans return home with rising expectations, no longer willing to accept second-class ..
Other America, The: Civil Rights Movement Intensifies
The black community begins to challenge the constraints segregation imposes. A new mass-based political movement begins to coalesce among black members of urban southern churches. Martin Luther King emerges as chief spok..
Other America, The: Eisenhower Republicanism
Eisenhower is one of the most popular and least experienced presidents of the 20th century. His cabinet is dominated by leaders from the world of business who want, like their president, to return America to its private ..
Other America, The: Eisenhower Seeks Nonmilitary Solutions in Cold War Crises
President Eisenhower seeks a nonmilitary solution in the struggle between the People's Republic of China and Taiwan in the Formosa Straits, and does not get involved in the Hungarian Revolution. Eisenhower's efforts to k..