KEY AREAS

Historical Documents

The Magna Carta
U. S. Constitution
Monroe Doctrine
Gettysburg Address
Truman Doctrine

Quotations

Thomas Jefferson
Abraham Lincoln
John F. Kennedy
James Madison

Editorial Cartoons

A.F. Branco
Bell Cartoons Network
Carol Simpson
C.D. Norman
HallToons
Pete Wagner
Politically Correct
Unquietmind
Rictoons Cartoons
Twisted Puzzles

Reference

American Presidents
Election Results
Inaugural Addresses
Federalism
American History

Email

Guest Commentary

Suggest-A-Site

 

History is a strange science, if one wants to elevate it to such a level.  I find history to be interesting simply because I find people interesting.  In the end, when all is said and done, history is the study of people, their behavior, values, likes and dislikes and the motivations that arise and in turn, influence their actions.

Over the years I have often been asked why the study of history is so important.  I sometimes think the real question is, why is it so boring.  History is important for several reasons.  First, events occurring today, both domestically and in foreign affairs, are often times rooted in events that have taken place in the past.  Prejudices and conflicts sometimes go back several hundred years, emerging again in ethnic or religious clashes or in warfare.   Understanding the past is a good starting point in understanding what is happening now.

Secondly, decision makers, no matter at what level, look to history in an effort to find similar situations and identify the decisions made to deal with those situations in a successful manner.  That doesn't mean the decision maker in question will mimic the decisions of the past.  Personal biases, prejudices and experiences will play an important role in determining what the response will be in dealing with the current situation.

As to why history can be boring?  I suppose if you have a good instructor it won't be!

Listed below are a number of time periods related to American history and politics.  In each case, accessing a period will lead to links related to a number of topics or events relevant to that period.  Think critically.  Try to understand the environments in which events took place and the motivations of the key players.  Doing so will help you to understand not only how our political system evolved, but why it behaves the way it does.

 

The Colonial Period

Revolutionary War Era

Early Republic

Civil War Era

Civil War

Reconstruction

Progressive Era

Between World Wars

Cold War

Post Cold War