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Early U.S. ‑ Stories

The years following the American Revolution were challenging for the new nation, which struggled with the Articles of Confederation, Shay's Rebellion, Federalism, the Alien and Sedition Acts and more.

The Marquis de Lafayette

Lafayette’s Triumphant Farewell Tour of the United States

The French war hero’s 13‑month visit as ‘America’s Guest,’ from 1824 to 1825, rekindled the spirit of the American Revolution.

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Freemasons, Masonic square and compasses symbol

Are Freemason Symbols Hiding in Plain Sight?

Freemasons coopted multiple historical symbols—but are they really secretly embedded in objects and places around the world?

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7 Things You May Not Know About Freemasons

7 Things You May Not Know About Freemasons

Who are the Freemasons and what do they stand for? Is there really a secret Freemason handshake? And what do those symbols mean? Find out.

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In 1898, America's Only Coup d'Etat Violently Overthrew an Elected Biracial Government, Wilmington, North Carolina

America’s Only Successful Coup d’Etat Overthrew a Biracial Government in 1898

The Wilmington, North Carolina massacre decimated Black political and economic power in the city for nearly 100 years.

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What is Federalism and Why Did the Founding Fathers Create It?

How the Founding Fathers Divided Power Between States and Federal Governments

Federalism, or the separation of powers between state and federal government, was entirely new when the founders baked it into the Constitution.

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History of American Whiskey

When Whiskey Was the Backbone of the US Economy

A surplus of U.S. corn crops led to a boom in whiskey sales—and consumption—following the Revolutionary War.

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Yellow Journalism

Did Yellow Journalism Fuel the Outbreak of the Spanish American War?

Sensationalist headlines played off tensions between Spain and the United States in a time when raucous media found a voice.

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Getting Into Harvard Was Once All About Social Rank (Not Grades)

In the 17th and 18th centuries, students at America’s elite universities were treated differently based on the social stature of their parents.

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John Jacob Astor

America’s First Multimillionaire Got Rich Smuggling Opium

John Jacob Astor fed a growing international addiction—and helped fuel a 19th‑century opioid crisis.

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New Study Debunks Tales of Mass Suicide at Custer’s Last Stand

Skeletal analysis of troops at the Battle of the Little Bighorn suggests a very different outcome.

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Why the Star‑Spangled Banner is Played At Sporting Events

The tradition began during a time of national sorrow

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In Early 1800s American Classrooms, Students Governed Themselves

In Early 1800s American Classrooms, Students Governed Themselves

That hall monitor used to be much more powerful.

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