About American History

Thanksgiving Myths and Realities

2009-11-26T00:59:51Z

Thanksgiving is a time where we can step back and give thanks for all the blessings in our lives. But what is the truth behind this beloved national holiday? For example, when was the first Thanksgiving? When was the first official national Thanksgiving holiday celebrated? What did an abolitionist editor of ladies magazines have to do with the holiday? These and other questions are answered in Thanksgiving Myths and Realities.

Learn more about Thanksgiving with the Thanksgiving Fast Facts.

Thanksgiving Myths and Realities originally appeared on About.com American History on Thursday, November 26th, 2009 at 00:59:51.

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Battle of Missionary Ridge

2009-11-25T00:58:18Z

On November 25, 1863, the Battle of Missionary Ridge occurred during the American Civil War. It was part of the Third Battle of Chattanooga. It was a Union victory with 12,485 casualties of which 6,670 were Confederate soldiers. This battle was very important because one of the confederacy's two major armies was routed. The federals held Chattanooga, the "Gateway to the Lower South," which became the supply and logistics base for Sherman's 1864 Atlanta Campaign.

Battle of Missionary Ridge originally appeared on About.com American History on Wednesday, November 25th, 2009 at 00:58:18.

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John F. Kennedy Assassinated

2009-11-22T00:35:59Z

On November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. At the time of his assassination, Kennedy was 46 years old and on a tour of the southern states to help gather support for the Democratic Party. Later that day Vice-President Lyndon B. Johnson was sworn in as President on the plane ride back to Washington.

John F. Kennedy Assassinated originally appeared on About.com American History on Sunday, November 22nd, 2009 at 00:35:59.

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Women's Christian Temperence Union Formed

2009-11-18T00:00:54Z

On November 18, 1874, the Women's Christian Temperance Union was formed in Cleveland, Ohio. Under Miss Frances Elizabeth Caroline Willard, the WCTU aimed to protect Christians through commitment, abstinence, and abolition of the liquor trade.

Prohibition Timeline

Women's Christian Temperence Union Formed originally appeared on About.com American History on Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 at 00:00:54.

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Sherman Orders the Burning of Atlanta

2009-11-15T00:57:09Z

On November 15, 1864, General Sherman gave orders to burn all public buildings, machine shops, depots, and arsenals in Atlanta during the Civil War. While setting out for Savannah that same day Sherman stated, "Behind us lay Atlanta smoldering and in ruins, the black smoke rising high in the air and hanging like a ball over the ruined city."

Sherman Orders the Burning of Atlanta originally appeared on About.com American History on Sunday, November 15th, 2009 at 00:57:09.

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The Second American Revolution

2009-11-13T00:00:44Z

Termed the Second American Revolution, the War of 1812 had a major impact on American life. Take a look at the timeline of events that took place during this ordeal that involved President James Madison fleeing from the White House.

The Second American Revolution originally appeared on About.com American History on Friday, November 13th, 2009 at 00:00:44.

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Remembering Our Veterans

2009-11-11T00:14:41Z

November 11th is the day that all Americans salute the men and women who have served time in our armed forces. Thousands of these men and women have put their lives on the line during war, not to mention being very far from home for a long period of time. These individuals have risked their lives to protect each and every one of us, so it's important that we show our appreciation to our veterans. Take some time this Veteran's Day to remember and if possible thank a veteran.

Remembering Our Veterans originally appeared on About.com American History on Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 at 00:14:41.

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William Quantrill: Murderer or Soldier?

2009-11-08T00:54:22Z

The controversy swirls around William Clarke Quantrill. Some people would consider him a patriot of the South, doing his part again Northern tyranny. Others would consider him to be a lawless butcher that took advantage of the disarray brought about by the Civil War to assuage his need for brutality and cruelty. Which was he? Read this article to get a historical look at this controversial man.

William Quantrill: Murderer or Soldier? originally appeared on About.com American History on Sunday, November 8th, 2009 at 00:54:22.

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November 6, 1860 - Electing Lincoln

2009-11-06T00:04:39Z

On November 6, 1860, Abraham Lincoln was elected in what was a truly significant election. The choice of Lincoln to be the 16th president was so divisive that before Lincoln was even inaugurated on March 4, 1861, seven states seceded from the union. After Fort Sumter, four more states seceded bringing the total up to 11.

November 6, 1860 - Electing Lincoln originally appeared on About.com American History on Friday, November 6th, 2009 at 00:04:39.

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President William McKinley Elected to His First Term

2009-11-03T00:03:23Z

President William McKinley was elected on November 3, 1896 over Democrat William Jennings Bryan. He would go on to win a second term and then be assassinated while in office. During his time in office, the US fought in the Spanish-American War. He also was a strong believer in manifest destiny. He said, ""We need Hawaii just as much and a good deal more than we did California. It is Manifest Destiny."

President William McKinley Elected to His First Term originally appeared on About.com American History on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009 at 00:03:23.

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