What Was the Boston Massacre?

Statue of Paul Revere

Boston was an important city around the time of the American Revolution. Although small by today’s standards, there was a large population of patriot colonists growing tired of British rule and loyalists. One event that went down in history as a spark for the revolution was the Boston Massacre. What happened here, and why was it so influential?

Who Can Declare War?

United States soldiers

The United States Constitution asserts that Congress can declare war on other countries. But the United States President also has the option to use military force internationally without receiving a declaration of war. But for this to happen, Congress must agree upon a resolution to allow the President to use such power.

What Are the Border States?

Border states

Contrary to popular belief, not all the states who decided to remain in the Union opposed slavery. Four remaining Union states, Missouri, Kentucky, Maryland, and Delaware, chose to stay in the country, despite allowing slavery to exist within their borders. These states were known as border states and were the focal point of the first year of the Civil War. 

When Did the United States Join World War 2?

World War 2 helmet

For much of its early existence, the United States took a backseat in foreign military conflicts, choosing a path of non-interventionism or isolationism. Although the US occasionally became involved in conflicts directly surrounding it in its hemisphere, it rarely tried to influence European politics. The Founding Fathers themselves were wary of the potential pitfalls of becoming entangled in foreign alliances.

What Were the Confederate States?

Photo of statue

The institution of slavery dominated much of American politics during the first half of the 19th century, becoming a significant source of dissension between the northern and southern states. Interestingly, slavery was not a major topic of discussion during the Continental Congress or the early days of the American republic.

What is the Treaty of Paris?

Photo of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

On July 4th, 1776, the Second Continental Congress of the United States of America adopted the Declaration of Independence. Subsequently, the day has been fondly celebrated as Independence Day to mark the moment that the nation officially broke away from Great Britain.