John Eliot, a Cambridge-educated pastor, left England to serve in the American wilderness, where he translated the first Bible in America into Algonquin, a daunting task that took years to complete. His perseverance and dedication led to the establishment of 14 praying villages, each with thousands of Native American inhabitants, and the training of 24 Native American preachers. Eliot's remarkable life and legacy continue to inspire and shape the enduring foundation of faith in America. [... more]

The story of Esther, a young Jewish woman who rose to power in ancient Persia, has been a source of inspiration for Americans throughout history, influencing the fight for freedom and liberty, from the Revolution to the abolition of slavery, and even shaping the Emancipation Proclamation. [... more]

George Whitfield, a British preacher, and Ben Franklin, a renowned printer and statesman, formed an unlikely friendship that shaped American history. Whitfield's passionate preaching and emphasis on personal spirituality sparked the Great Awakening, a massive revival that transformed the colonies. Franklin, initially skeptical, was won over by Whitfield's charisma and message, and the two men collaborated on various projects, including a potential colony in the Ohio River Valley. Their friendship, despite their differences, demonstrates the power of spiritual conviction and the impact of Whitfield's ministry on American society. [... more]

The story of John Adams and his defense of British soldiers in the Boston Massacre Trial, a pivotal moment in American history that showcases his commitment to justice and the principles of the American Revolution. [... more]

The Spanish-American War marked a turning point in American history, as the country emerged as a world power and grappled with the complexities of imperialism. President William McKinley's decision to annex the Philippines sparked a debate over the country's role in the world, with some arguing that it was a paternalistic duty to educate and uplift the Filipino people, while others saw it as a threat to American values and a precursor to further expansion. The war's aftermath saw the rise of Theodore Roosevelt, who would go on to assert American power in the region and establish the Roosevelt Corollary, a policy that would increase Latin American resentment towards the US. The story of the Spanish-American War and its aftermath continues to be debated today, with questions about the nature of American power and its responsibilities in the world remaining unresolved. [... more]

The story of Thomas Jefferson's unlikely alliance with evangelical Christians to protect churches from the power of the state, leading to the birth of American religious freedom and the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom. [... more]

Hillsdale College professor Bill McClay discusses the lead-up to the American Revolution, focusing on Thomas Paine's influential pamphlet 'Common Sense' and its impact on the colonists' decision to declare independence from Britain. [... more]

The Great Awakening and the Enlightenment played a significant role in shaping American identity, emphasizing individualism and reason. The British Empire's attempts to exert control over the colonies through taxation and other measures ultimately led to the creation of the Continental Congress and the American Revolution, a change in the hearts and minds of the colonists that would forever alter the course of history. [... more]

The story of America's founding is marked by the Puritans' attempt to establish a utopian society in the wilderness, where they sought to practice their own religion without interference. However, individuals like Ann Hutchinson and Roger Williams challenged the orthodoxy of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, advocating for religious freedom and the separation of church and state. Meanwhile, other colonies like Pennsylvania and Georgia were founded on different principles, such as the Quakers' rejection of formal services and the British humanitarians' goal of creating a colony for debtors. Despite the failure of these utopian experiments, they contributed to the development of the American character, which is characterized by adaptability, idealism, and a commitment to self-rule. [... more]

Richard Allen rose from slavery in colonial America to become a prosperous entrepreneur and inspirational preacher in the early Republic. He was a devoted follower of the Methodist Church and used his faith to advocate for the abolition of slavery and civil rights for African Americans. Allen's activism and leadership played a significant role in shaping the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the fight against slavery in America. [... more]

Benjamin Franklin's humiliation at the Cockpit in 1774 marked a turning point in his life, transforming him from a loyal English subject to a committed patriot. His experience with the Hutchinson-Oliver letters and the Boston Tea Party led to his public humiliation, but ultimately, it was a catalyst for his decision to embrace independence and play a crucial role in the American Revolution. [... more]

The story of America's early settlers from England, who established colonies in the New World, is a tale of entrepreneurship, individual initiative, and the creation of a unique civil society. The Pilgrims, who arrived in Plymouth, Massachusetts, drafted the Mayflower Compact, a secular agreement that left room for freedoms of religion and mirrored the self-governing nature of New England's congregational churches. The Massachusetts Bay Colony, led by John Winthrop, was established with a similar goal of creating a community based on Christian charity and mutual support. [... more]

Abigail Adams and her seven-year-old son John Quincy witnessed the Battle of Bunker Hill, a pivotal moment in the American Revolution, and found strength in their faith through Bible verses, which became a lasting impression on John Quincy's life. [... more]

The Mason-Dixon line, a division between the North and South during the American Civil War, has a complex and fascinating history that spans decades and generations. It began with a mapping mistake by Captain John Smith in 1613, which led to a series of border disputes and conflicts between the colonies of Pennsylvania and Maryland. The line was eventually surveyed by Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon in 1763, using a method that was the most accurate way to survey a long distance borderline at the time. The story of the Mason-Dixon line is a tale of palace intrigue, war, and the struggles of the early American colonies. [... more]

Manhattan's past exists side by side with the present, and though fragmented, often remains oddly alive. The city's history is marked by the evolution of transportation, from oarsmen-powered ferries to steam-powered machines, and the impact of human activity on the landscape. The Randall map, a rare and priceless document, provides a glimpse into the city's past and its development over time. [... more]

The Flushing Remonstrance, a 17th-century document, played a significant role in establishing the principle of religious freedom in America. It was written by Edward Hart and signed by 30 inhabitants of the village of Flushing, New York, in 1657. The document defied Governor Peter Stuyvesant's policy of persecution against Quakers and other non-conformists, stating that the law of love, peace, and liberty condemns hatred, war, and bondage. The remonstrance's influence can be seen in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which formalized the separation of church and state. [... more]

The pine tree flag was a rallying cry for unity and defiance during the American Revolution, featuring a bold green tree on a white background with the phrase 'An appeal to heaven.' Its history dates back to 1775, when General George Washington's Navy needed a symbol to project their identity. The flag's design was inspired by English philosopher John Locke, who wrote that when earthly authorities fail, there is still a higher authority to appeal to, God. The pine tree flag remained a maritime flag in Massachusetts until 1971 and has been associated with modern political movements, including a version flying in front of Justice Samuel Alito's vacation home. [... more]

The New England Puritans formed a government and carved a society in the howling wilderness of New England, establishing Harvard University and a classical education system. However, their reputation was marred by the Salem Witch Trials, where 200 people were arrested and 20 were executed for alleged witchcraft. Dr. Stephen Nichols explores the complexities of Puritanism and the Salem Witch Trials, highlighting the importance of understanding the historical context and the role of figures like Increase Mather and Samuel Sewell in bringing an end to the trials. [... more]

The concept of toxic masculinity has roots dating back to the Industrial Revolution, where men's roles shifted from caretaking to self-assertive and competitive. This change led to a decline in men's moral and spiritual strength, with women being held up as morally superior. Historically, Christianity has attracted more women than men, and the Industrial Revolution exacerbated this trend. Evangelical men, however, are found to be the most loving and engaged husbands and fathers, with lower rates of domestic violence and divorce. The book 'The Toxic War on Masculinity' explores these themes and offers a hopeful message for men to reclaim their roles as leaders and servants in their families and communities. [... more]

The story of George Washington, America's most important founder, is one of perseverance and leadership. From his early days as a surveyor to his rise as the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, Washington's determination and vision for a free America drove him through the challenges of the French and Indian War and the Revolutionary War. His leadership and strategic thinking ultimately led to the defeat of the British and the birth of a new nation. [... more]