Martin Van Buren, "Old Kinderhook," served as the eighth president of the United States. Heavily involved in the Democratic Party, he helped form one of the first political machines. He was also part of Andrew Jackson's famed Kitchen Cabinet. Learn more about this president whose only major foreign policy issue was the anticlimactic "Aroostook War."
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World War II
This overview follows World War II from America's initial isolationism to its stunning end.
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Remembering Our Veterans
Memorial Day is a time to pause, reflect, and remember the sacrifices made by our brave men and women who fought to preserve and protect Americans everywhere.
More on American Wars
Old Kinderhook
Friday May 3, 2013
John Quincy Adams, World Traveller
Tuesday April 30, 2013
John Quincy Adams is a fascinating figure. He had travelled more than most in the world by the age of 17. He was quite a talented diplomat whose skills did not quite translate well in domestic politics. He was a staunch defender of the universal and inalienable rights of man, slave or free, as evidenced by his role on the defense team in the Amistad case. Learn more about this man who would only serve one term as president due to the backlash from the 'Corrupt Bargain'.
10 Things to Know About James Monroe
Tuesday April 30, 2013
Many people may not realize how much James Monroe was involved in the American Revolution. He was the son of a patriot who fought against British colonial policy. In 1775, he was one of 24 students who stormed the governor's palace in Williamsburg to seize weapons. He not only crossed the Delaware with Washington and stayed at Valley Forge, but also fought in the Battles of Trenton, Germantown, Brandywine, and Monmouth. Learn more about our fifth president who was reelected unopposed gathering all but one of the electoral votes in the Election of 1820:
Schenck v. United States
Monday April 15, 2013
Charles Schenck was arrested and convicted of violating the Espionage Act of 1917 by advocating individuals to speak out and sign a petition against the Conscription Act during World War I. He appealed to the Supreme Court about this violation to his First Amendment right to free speech. The court ruled unanimously against him establishing the "Clear and Present Danger" rule for free speech during times of war. Learn about the facts of the case and what he actually said in his petition with this profile:
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