Analyzes the rise of photography during the Civil War period, and discusses current photographic technology. Examines photography entrepreneurs, and expounds on notable individuals in photography. Describes types of photographs taken, problems encountered in gathering pictures, and popular responses to photography. Concentrates on Civil War…

Reports findings indicating that high school U.S. history teachers spend more time teaching about the twentieth century than earlier eras. Indicates that the reverse is true of world history teachers. Suggests that both teacher groups rely heavily on textbooks, lectures, and discussion. Reveals that teachers desire greater home support for…

Compares John Bull and Uncle Sam as iconographic symbols, respectively personifying male images of the British and United States national characters. Recounts their origins, evolutions, and representative values, and includes cartoons depicting the evolution. Describes female counterparts: Britannia and Columbia/Liberty. (CH)

Discusses the influx of Black soldiers into the Union army following the Emancipation Proclamation. Concentrates on the case of Private Spotswood Rice. Provides a short history of Rice, including copies of Rice's letters to his enslaved daughters, the daughter's slaveholders, and an angry retort from the slaveowner to the federal commander in…

Reveals the stormy relationship and ongoing controversy surrounding the scientific collaboration of Otto Hahn and Lise Meitner. Discusses the controversial 1944 Nobel Prize award to Hahn (ignoring the equal contribution of Meitner), the reaction of the scientific community, and the post-war years of both Meitner and Hahn. (MJP)

Discusses and expands upon arguments and ideas set forth in Michael Lind's book, "The Next American Nation." Lind questions cherished assumptions of both conservatives and liberals. He supports government activism promoting a high degree of social and economic equality but questions the philosophy and efficacy of racial identity…

Discusses the editing project that produced "The Papers of Dwight David Eisenhower." Reassesses Eisenhower's military and presidential leadership and organizational abilities. Demonstrates Eisenhower's skill as a leader, covering 1942 to 1960. Examines Eisenhower's term as Columbia University's president. Includes three letters that are…

Recounts the development of one of the most dreaded and horrible weapons of World War I, poison gas. Profiles the inventor, Fritz Haber, and his wife (a distinguished chemist in her own right) who killed herself over the use of the inhumane weapon. (MJP)

Traces the convoluted alliances and diplomatic blundering that resulted in World War I. Places a large degree of the blame on Kaiser Wilhelm II who almost singlehandedly dismantled or ruptured the alliances and treaties of imperial chancellor Otto von Bismarck. Includes photos, paintings, and diary entries. (MJP)

Presents an interview with Paul Fussell, author of "The Great War and Modern Memory." Fussell speaks about the destruction of that war and his own experiences as a combat officer in World War II. He also addresses his original field of study, 18th century literature, and some of the changes wrought by the 20th century. (MJP)