News | HISTORY

The Dark Origins of the Paris Catacombs

Learn how sinkholes and poor sanitation led to the creation of the Paris Catacombs in the late 18th century.

Napoleon and Joséphine: Their Tumultuous Love Story

As their letters show, Napoleon was love-struck. Joséphine? Not so much. Yet even with affairs on both sides, a deep attachment grew—and endured.

A Thanksgiving turkey on a table with pie.

Why We Eat Turkey on Thanksgiving

Most Americans who celebrate Thanksgiving—about 9 in 10, according to a 2021 poll—eat turkey with their holiday meal, perhaps alongside other favorite dishes such as mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and pumpkin pie. But if you’ve ever wondered why so many of us eat turkey on Thanksgiving, the answer is a bit more complicated than […]

JFK: The 35th President on Film

These videos showcase the vision and hope John F. Kennedy inspired in Americans—and the immense national grief they shared upon his death.

Woodrow Wilson’s 14 Points: How a Vision for World Peace Failed

President Wilson’s blueprint for ending World War I and avoiding all future global disputes was ambitious—but ultimately a failure.

Ninjas: How Japanese Spies Evolved into Pop Culture Heroes

Ninjas were the ultimate espionage agents in Japan’s feudal skirmishes. Their air of mystery helped them infiltrate contemporary popular culture.

The Cherokee Leader Who Tried to Prevent the Trail of Tears

Chief John Ross devoted much of his life to fighting against the forced removal of his people from their ancestral lands.

How Green Berets Became the US Army’s Elite Special Forces

Their specialty: the military’s most sensitive—and unconventional—missions.

Native American Leaders: A Timeline

Since the arrival of European settlers, leadership for America’s Indigenous peoples has disproportionately involved fighting to exist.

When Did Humans Start Waging Wars?

Organized warfare appears to have started in the Neolithic Age and then ramped up during the Bronze Age.

President Richard Nixon sitting at a big table signing a document while two Native American people stand to the side, looking on.

Native Americans Had a Surprising Ally: Richard Nixon

After centuries of devastating government policies, American Indians had someone in the White House willing to return tribal land, listen to grievances—and support their autonomy.

Odd Couples: 4 Surprising Presidential-VP Pairings

These candidates from seemingly opposing ends of the political spectrum were paired (or nearly paired) on a single ticket for the White House.