On Mar. 1, 1781, the states adopted the Articles of Confederation, putting into operation the first constitution of the United States. Primarily written by prominent Pennsylvania lawyer John Dickinson, the Articles of Confederation was an attempt to establish a confederated union in the United States. Prior to the Articles of Confederation, the Continental Congress had…
Today in 1813, Robert Livingston died. Known as “The Chancellor” for his position at the top of New York’s equity court, he became one of his state’s most influential politicians in an era of political upheaval. Born into the most prominent New York family, Livingston was destined to follow a legal background. He entered King’s…
Today in 1942, Franklin Roosevelt signed the infamous executive order 9066, authorizing the War Department to establish military zones that would serve as internment camps for Japanese and Italian Americans. In all, approximately 120,000 people were summarily rounded up and placed into captivity, separated from their families, homes, property, and livelihood for long lengths of…
Today in 1834, President Andrew Jackson called forth soldiers to suppress a labor dispute for the first time. The event was considered to be a bold, unprecedented extension of executive authority. After workers on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal rioted over working conditions, the government of Maryland begged President Jackson for federal assistance, hastily interpreting…
Born January 23, 1737, Hancock was a prominent figure in the events that led up to the American Revolution - and to the ratification of the Constitution.
Happy Birthday, Benjamin Franklin! Born today in 1706. The quote in the image below is one of our favorites, and quite relevant for today. It was first written by Franklin for the Pennsylvania Assembly in its Reply to the Governor (11 Nov. 1755) A little-known fact – Franklin was a member of the “Committee of…
On this day in 1789, the Virginia General Assembly adopted Thomas Jefferson’s landmark Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, which later would become the basis for the First Amendment to the Constitution for the United States. It was authored by Jefferson and ushered through the Assembly by James Madison. Jefferson considered this one of his most…
Maintaining a fierce streak of individuality, Vermont was not even admitted to the union under the Constitution until 1791, after Washington had been president for about two years.
Historian Dr. Kevin Gutzman recently appeared on episode 38 of the podcast, The Liberty Chronicles hosted by Dr. Anthony Comegna to discuss a variety of topics, including Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, the Revolution of 1800, the Louisiana Purchase, and the War of 1812. Gutzman pointed out that the election of 1800 brought a bloodless revolution to…
Today in 1753, John Taylor of Caroline, Thomas Jefferson's most prominent promoter and an under-appreciated member of the founding generation, was born.