General George Washington’s surprise victory in the Battle of Trenton in December 1776 was a turning point that led to America’s independence. Historians speculate on how the world might look if the colonies had lost the war. Without independence in 1776, many aspects of modern life could have evolved differently. The Potential for Future Independence...
On July 6, 1776, John Hancock, then president of the Continental Congress, sent a letter to General George Washington who was stationed with his army in New York. The letter included the new Declaration of Independence. Hancock noted that the Congress had been engaged with one of the most significant issues they could address. He...
The opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, North Dakota, is scheduled for July 4, 2026. This event marks America’s 250th birthday with a significant new institution overlooking the Little Missouri River. The location played a vital role in shaping Roosevelt’s character. Amidst political divides and dwindling historical knowledge, such openings are crucial....
This week, PBS News introduced a new podcast series titled In Pursuit of Happiness. Comprised of six episodes, it is hosted by Judy Woodruff. This series delves into the influences that have shaped America, focusing on its people, culture, and ideologies. In the inaugural episode, presidential historian Lindsay Chervinsky reexamines President George Washington’s leadership approach....
Last month, I explored San Juan Capistrano on a cloudy weekday morning. The city of 35,000 prides itself on its Old California charm despite modern intrusions. It’s centered around its mission, one of 21 created by the Catholic Church during the Spanish colonial period, which laid the foundation for modern California. The region, part of...
Mary Beard Looks at Trump and Ancient Rome Mary Beard, a renowned scholar specializing in ancient Rome, joins John Guida from Times Opinion to explore striking similarities between modern politics and historical precedents. Their conversation sheds light on the imperial aspirations seen in the presidency, particularly during Donald Trump’s tenure. The Imperial Presidency For years,...
The tension between preserving historical sites and modern development is evident in Germany. A recent decision to develop the site of the New Reich Chancellery’s bunker in Berlin highlights this clash. In 1939, Adolf Hitler inaugurated the New Reich Chancellery in Berlin, referring to it as the “first structure of the new Great Germany.” During...
Grace Pak, a New York City cake artist accustomed to the spotlight of Food Network competitions and lavish weddings, embarked on a unique culinary venture. When she discovered that no official cake was planned for the United States’ semiquincentennial celebration, she took the initiative to create one. Since January, Pak has been dedicated to realizing...
In 1754, George Washington, at just 22, was sent into the dense wilderness of present-day southwestern Pennsylvania. Tasked by Virginia’s colonial lieutenant governor, Robert Dinwiddie, his mission was to assert British control in a territory contested by the French. However, what unfolded was a series of missteps and failures. Driven by ambition and under Dinwiddie’s...
Historian David S. Reynolds explores America’s complex beginnings in his new book, Two Ships. The timing of the release, around the 250th anniversary of the United States, highlights the nation’s struggle with its founding narratives. Reynolds delves into the intertwined legacies of the Mayflower and the White Lion, two ships central to American identity. Historical...