Why Was Dresden So Heavily Bombed?The punishing three-day Allied bombing attack, intended to force a German surrender, leveled the city and left tens of thousands dead.Read more
7 Black Heroes of the American RevolutionThey include a spy, a poet, a guerrilla fighter—and foot soldiers who fought on both sides of the war.Read more
How Coffee Fueled Revolutions—and Revolutionary IdeasFrom the Ottoman Empire to the American and French Revolutions, coffeehouses have offered a place for (sober) people to discuss new waves of thought.Read more
Victorian-Era ‘Vinegar’ Valentines Could Be Mean and HostileRather than expressing love and affection, these cards were designed to offend.Read more
George Washington Warned Against Political Infighting in His Farewell AddressAs he stepped down from the presidency, Washington urged Americans to always place the interests of the nation over their political and regional affiliations.Read more
The MLK Graphic Novel That Inspired Generations of Civil Rights ActivistsThe illustrated book was first printed in 1957 and encouraged young people, including future Congressman John Lewis, to stage nonviolent protests.Read more
George Washington Raised Martha’s Children and Grandchildren as His OwnThe ‘Father of the Nation’ stressed education among his family’s younger generations and even offered advice on navigating love.Read more
The Presidential Medal of Freedom Began as a World War II HonorPresident Harry Truman established the medal, which was then expanded to honor Americans for a wide range of service and achievements.Read more
7 Women Leaders Who Were Elected to Highest OfficeThey scored historic victories in their respective countries and left lasting legacies.Read more
Photos: Innovative Ways People Tried to Protect Themselves From the FluDuring the first half of the 20th century, people used a variety of measures—including gargles, masks and signs—to try and avoid catching the flu.Read more
8 Things We Know About Crispus AttucksCrispus Attucks, a multiracial man who had escaped slavery, is known as the first American colonist killed in the American Revolution.Read more
The Appalling Way the British Tried to Recruit Americans Away from RevoltPatriots forced onto horrific British prison ships were presented with two options: turn traitor or die.Read more