The hottest U.S. History Substack posts right now

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When DOGE was HUAC: The rise and fall of the Federal Theatre Project

The Octavian Report • 24 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Theater Arts Political History U.S. History Cultural criticism
  1. The Federal Theatre Project was a government-sponsored initiative in the 1930s that put many artists to work and helped them reach a wide audience. It showed how important theater can be for culture and democracy.
  2. The project faced backlash from political figures, leading to its closure by the House Un-American Activities Committee. This highlights how arts and politics can clash, especially in times of social change.
  3. The value of theater lies in its ability to bring people together and challenge their ideas. It’s essential for a healthy society, but it often struggles to receive the funding it needs.

December 28, 2024

Letters from an American • 33 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
💾 History U.S. History Indigenous Peoples Historical Events
  1. The Wounded Knee Massacre was a tragic event where many Lakota people were killed by soldiers after a tense situation escalated. It all started over a fight for a gun that symbolized survival for the Lakota.
  2. On the day before the massacre, the Lakota leader Sitanka urged his people to surrender for their safety. This moment was crucial and could have led to a peaceful resolution instead of violence.
  3. Reflection on history shows that while we can't change the past, we always have the power to shape a better future and learn from our mistakes.

December 22, 2024

Letters from an American • 19 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
💾 History U.S. History Military History Political History Art history Cultural History
  1. George Washington willingly resigned his military power after the Revolutionary War. This showed his commitment to democracy and his belief that no one should hold too much power.
  2. Washington's resignation was a significant moment in American history, highlighting the importance of peaceful transitions of power. It set a strong example for future leaders.
  3. John Trumbull's painting of Washington's resignation now hangs in the U.S. Capitol as a reminder of this crucial decision in establishing a nation based on freedom and respect for governance.

Canal Dreams

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 99 implied HN points • 17 Feb 22
💾 History U.S. History Landscape Infrastructure Colonization
  1. The era of canals in America began with the Erie Canal in 1825 and led to an ambitious project in Washington state to connect bodies of water. This idea was sparked by settlers dreaming of easier transport methods.
  2. Over the years, multiple plans were proposed to create canals in the Pacific Northwest, but many were eventually deemed unnecessary due to the rise of railroads and automobiles.
  3. Trying to change landscapes with big projects often causes unexpected problems and doesn't always help the communities involved. We should be careful about such ambitious plans in the future.

History Extra for October 30, 2024

Letters from an American • 1 implied HN point • 01 Nov 24
💾 History Civil Rights Social justice U.S. History Economic History
  1. On February 1, 1968, two sanitation workers in Memphis tragically died due to a malfunction in their garbage truck.
  2. This event sparked outrage among the 1300 Black sanitation workers, leading them to take action for better working conditions.
  3. Their struggle highlighted the need for labor rights and social justice during a critical moment in history.
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Military Road

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 39 implied HN points • 26 Aug 21
💾 History U.S. History Military History Cultural History
  1. Military Road was established in the 1850s to connect key locations in Washington Territory and support military and settlement needs. It showed the government's commitment to developing the area.
  2. The road was mostly used by settlers rather than troops, helping them travel and build communities. It played a big role in the growth of the population in western Washington.
  3. Despite being built for military use, the road struggled with weather issues and became muddy often. However, it still left a lasting impact on the region's infrastructure.

Happy Centennial, Arizona!

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 21 Feb 12
💾 History U.S. History Civil War Political Development
  1. Arizona's territory was created during the Civil War due to fears of rebellion and competition with the South. This influenced how its borders were drawn.
  2. The process of creating new states is shaped by local interests and politics in Washington. Different groups fight over boundaries based on their goals.
  3. The political decisions made in the 19th century still affect how states function and interact in the U.S. today.