American History
Explore the development of the United States with this collection of articles about American history. Topics in this section include the American Revolution, the gold rush and the expansion of the West.
What's the Meaning of the 'Don't Tread on Me' Flag?
How the Great Compromise Saved a Fledgling United States
These 6 U.S. States Once Declared Themselves Independent Nations
Harpers Ferry Has a Complex and Dizzying History
The Racial History of the Term 'Grandfathered In'
Slavery Under Another Name: What Were the Black Codes?
A Roundup of Some of the Wildest Characters in the Wild West
Reign of Terror: The Forgotten Story of the Osage Tribe Murders
Which Native American Nations Were the 'Five Civilized Tribes'?
Stardust and Scandal: The Hollywood Sign Turns 100
5 Events in Black History You Never Learned in School
What Fueled the Famous Feud Between the Hatfields and McCoys?
Why in the World Do U.S. Presidents Pardon Turkeys?
How the Truman Doctrine Changed American Foreign Policy Forever
Ridiculous History: H-Bombs in Space Caused Light Shows, and People Partied
How the Harlem Renaissance Sparked a New African American Identity
5 Causes of the Great Depression: Could It Happen Again?
What's Inside Mount Rushmore's Not-So-Secret Chamber?
Why Was Cereal Invented? A Brief History of Corn Flakes
What State Is Washington, D.C., In?
How Many States Are in the U.S.A.?
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Famous locomotives, such as the John Bull locomotive, have helped shape the history of American railroads. These trains are well-known to many railroad historians. Learn more about some famous locomotives.
The Moffat Tunnel is a six-mile tunnel that was built in the mountains of Colorado. It was constructed by the Denver & Salt Lake Railroad in 1927. Learn more about the Moffat Tunnel.
The Railroad Retirement Board was created in order to give railroad workers a separate pension. The pension was meant to be a separate, federally administered pension. Learn about the Railroad Retirement Board.
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The steam versus diesel debate was one that lasted for 20 heated years as technology advanced. The debate centered on the concept of tradition versus technology. Learn more about the steam versus diesel debate.
The Chicago railroad fair celebrated the centennial of railroading's arrival in Chicago. The fair was a testimony to the place railroads held in the American lifestyle. Learn more about the Chicago railroad fair of 1934.
The economy had crashed. The nation was still recovering from World War I, and World War II was on the way. How did the railroad industry manage to make it through the Great Depression?
The railroad industry struggled through the Great Depression only to be taken over during World War II. Learn why, despite the government restrictions on their technology and use, railroads reached top form during World War II.
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Post-war railroads chronicles the height of American railroad transportation. Railroads at this time featured lavish passenger cars that offered passengers unparalleled levels of comfort and style. Learn about railroads and post-war railroads.
On the day Ronald Reagan was inaugurated as President, January 20, 1981. the Iranian government released the American hostages, the culmination of months of negotiations.
Iranian Hostage Crisis, a diplomatic conflict caused by the holding in captivity of United States embassy personnel by Iranian militants from November 4, 1979, to January 20, 1981.
SALT, in international diplomacy, the common name for negotiations and treaties between the United States and the Soviet Union intended to limit strategic nuclear weapon strength of each nation.
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The Presidential election of 1960 was held in an atmosphere of strained international relations and increasing racial tension in the United States.
With the end of the Cold War, the United States concentrated its attention on the economy.
Jay Treaty, or Jay's Treaty, a treaty negotiated and signed in 1794 by John Jay, United States special envoy, and Lord William Grenville, British foreign secretary, to settle mutual grievances.
As 2007 comes to a close, it's fascinating to take a look back and see how things have changed. A century ago, most of us could only expect to live until about 50! Check out this list of some of the major events of 1907.
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'American Bandstand' hit the airwaves, and the Russians launched 'Sputnik'. 1957 was a year that saw the rise of Elvis and the post-World War II baby boom in the suburbs. Read about these and more in our list of 17 bits of nostalgia from 1957.
This World War II timeline highlights important dates from January 1941 to June 1941. On June 22, 1941, Germany launched the largest invasion in the history of the world when they began war with Russia. Follow the events of World War II and the German invasion.
On August 15, 16 and 17, 1969, just a month after the famous moon landing of Apollo 11, nearly 500,000 people attended the Woodstock music festival.
Most of us know P.T. Barnum because of the circus, but he was actually an important figure in American history. Learn how P.T. Barnum went from small-time entrepreneur to master showman and founder of the "Greatest Show on Earth."
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Five men were arrested at an office suite in the Watergate complex. Learn how the Watergate break-in eventually led to the impeachment and resignation of President Nixon.
The Transcontinental Railroad was a miracle of its time. Learn about the history of the Transcontinental Railroad and how the Transcontinental Railroad changed the country.