History & Society
Of Freedom, Slavery, and Dignity: Eight Books on African American History
Behind the library of classic works of African American history lies a larger, supporting collection of books of history, sociology, biography, and literature that are not as well known. Here are eight that merit attention. Read the rest of this entry »
Black History Spotlight: The Civil Rights Movement
Today marks the start of Black History Month. Throughout February, the Britannica Blog will spotlight significant people, places, and events in African American history. This week, we will explore the personalities that emerged from American civil rights movement in the 1950s and ’60s. (Appropriately enough, today is the 53rd anniversary of the beginning of the Greensboro sit-in.) Read the rest of this entry »
2012 in Review: Exporting Education
Since 1938 Britannica’s annual Book of the Year has offered in-depth coverage of the events of the previous year. While the book is not yet in print, some of its outstanding content is already available online. Here, we feature this article by Britannica contributor Dr. William J. Mathis, which examines the international market for American university education. Read the rest of this entry »
A Few Side Notes on Tudor Extraordinaire Henry VIII
King Henry VIII died 466 years ago, on January 28, 1547, following a long illness that took a terrible toll on him—to say nothing of several of his six (beg pardon, two) wives and countless confidants. Historians remain fascinated by his realm and the reign of the Tudors in general, even if at least one thinks that the term "Tudor" wouldn't have meant much in Henry's own time. Step inside for more on this enigmatic ruler. Read the rest of this entry »
2012 in Review: Preserving the Past
Since 1938 Britannica’s annual Book of the Year has offered in-depth coverage of the events of the previous year. While the book won’t appear in print for several months, some of its outstanding content is already available online. Here, we feature this article by Britannica contributor Jeannette L. Nolen, which explores the effort to preserve architecturally, culturally, and historically significant objects and places. Read the rest of this entry »
6 Facts About Barack Obama’s Reelection
On January 20, Barack Obama will be sworn in for a second term as president of the United States—though because the 20th is a Sunday, the public inauguration will occur on January 21. It will mark only the third time since the Twentieth Amendment was ratified that inauguration day—officially January 20—has fallen on a Sunday. And, each time it has occurred—for Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1957 and Ronald Reagan in 1985—it has been for a president being sworn in for a second term. Read the rest of this entry »
Presidential Scandals in a Minor Key
Many eyes, not all of them friendly, will be on Barack Obama as he steps to the podium to take the oath of office next Monday. A president's second term, after all, is seldom without its problems—as witness Richard Nixon and, on another front, Bill Clinton. President Obama might be comforted to know that scandal is the currency of the post—and that every president has come under criticism for the smallest of matters. Step inside for our survey of some of the more minor presidential scandals, from skinny-dipping to naps. Read the rest of this entry »
The President’s DNA: Could Obama’s Genetic Code be Used Against Him?
What does it take, genetically speaking, to be the president of the United States? At least in Obama's case, we might not know any time soon. His DNA currently appears to be on lockdown in an effort to prevent the development of bioweapons against him. Read the rest of this entry »
Oyez, Oyez, Oyez! The 2011–2012 U.S. Supreme Court Term in Review
Since 1938 Britannica’s annual Book of the Year has offered in-depth coverage of the events of the previous year. While the book won’t appear in print for several months, some of its outstanding content is already available online. Here, we feature this article by Britannica editor Brian Duignan, which examines notable decisions in the 2011-12 U.S. Supreme Court term. Read the rest of this entry »
2012 in Review: The Digital Divide
Since 1938 Britannica’s annual Book of the Year has offered in-depth coverage of the events of the previous year. While the book won’t appear in print for several months, some of its outstanding content is already available online. Here, we feature this article by Britannica contributor Steve Alexander, which explores disparities in Internet access in the United States. Read the rest of this entry »
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