It’s our choices that have a way of shaping the future.
Michael McLean
Democracy or Slavery?
How the Lincoln-Douglas Debates Split the Democratic Party
In Defense of Hamilton
Why Its Shortcomings Shouldn’t Deny It Praise
The 3/5ths Clause and Indian Removal
Southern representatives wielded the clause’s power to spread slavery and protect their interests, including the devastating Indian Removal Act of 1830.
The History Channel and the Myth of American Exceptionalism
From The Winning of the West to Ice Road Truckers.
American Independence and the Promise of Equality
Every 4th of July presents a problem to many Americans: how do you accept Jefferson’s famous words if you have yet to realize his promises of equality?
Bayard Rustin and the Hidden Story of Civil Rights
As children, most of us learned a very simple narrative of the Civil Rights Movement.
Inspiring Yosemite
For the past three weeks, Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson have been free climbing the “Dawn Wall” in Yosemite Park.
Christmas on a Slave Plantation
Ironically, occasionally affording slaves rest and freedom helped slave owners to maintain power.
Walter White: A Real American Cowboy
It has been over one year since Breaking Bad ended, and three months since its impressive showing at the Emmy Awards. Breaking Bad was not just about manufacturing meth. It had a lot to say about western history.