Discusses the commemoration of the 500th anniversary of Columbus' arrival in the Americas. Criticizes contemporary condemnation of Columbus as unproductive. Acknowledges the deaths of countless Native Americans through disease and warfare. Recognizes that the pre-Columbian Americas did not comprise a paradise. Concludes that commemorating the…

The American Civil War, the War between the States, War of the Rebellion, the Second American Revolution, and the War of Southern Independence are all names for the bloodiest conflict in American history. That war of many names has inspired authors to write thousands of books and articles. With the advent of the Internet came a plethora of Web…

Reports on an analysis of history textbooks used in Canadian schools during the 1930s. Presents a set of six criteria used by the evaluators. Concludes that the textbook study is a reminder of the period when the social studies curriculum was the subject of political criticism from the left. (CFR)

Reports on an interview with General Wilma L. Vaught, president of the Board of Directors of the Women in Military Service for America Memorial Foundation. Discusses a memorial to women in military service to be built in Arlington Cemetery near Washington, DC. (CFR)

Maintains that Henry David Thoreau and Martin Luther King, Jr. fundamentally altered the tradition of protest and reform. Compares and contrasts the role of each man in U.S. social and constitutional history. Concludes that while Thoreau lacked the broad influence of King, his writings influenced both King and Mohandas Gandhi. (CFR)

Maintains that, to write meaningful history, historians work implicitly with criteria of historical significance. Reports on a study of 14 10th-grade students' opinions about the significance of historical events. Concludes that attention to students' understanding of historical significance would enhance the teaching and learning. (CFR)

Asserts that two conflicting versions of history were taught to Estonian children during Soviet rule. Maintains that, although the official version was taught at school, the unofficial one was discovered by each child with the help of parents or other adults. (CFR)

Contends that recent historical research has found strong and growing evidence of the presence of women on Civil War battlefields in numbers far beyond what previously had been believed. Discusses women who fought in disguise, those who served as nurses, and women who were given the title "daughters of the regiment." (CFR)

Describes the role of women in the Chinese military during four eras: (1) the ancient period; (2) the post Opium War period; (3) 1949-present; and (4) today's women in the Chinese military. Includes a full-page chart indicating women warriors in ancient China. (CFR)

Contends that, although Joan of Arc is treated as an aberration by history textbooks, this view ignores a medieval military tradition that provided a context for the acceptance of Joan's leadership. Presents a five-part lesson that deals with different aspects of medieval women's' military traditions. (CFR)

Contends that, although women participated as a group and as individuals in every war, they rarely are acknowledged in history books or commemorated with monuments. Describes nine roles that women played during the American War for Independence and the Civil War. (CFR)

Describes government efforts to mobilize U.S. women during World War II. Discusses the need for women's participation and the problems confronted by women who joined the wartime labor force. Describes efforts to increase participation by women in the armed forces. (CFR)

Contends that women experienced World War I differently from any other war. Asserts that, although thorough physical examinations prevented women from fighting while disguised as men, women played significant roles as nurses and on the home front. Relates accounts of women who participated as volunteers, clerical workers, and journalists. (CFR)

Contends that women leaders, especially women who were warriors, have been ignored by history textbooks. Describes historical research on the roles of women in military history. Presents the story of three women who became significant military leaders during the medieval period. (CFR)

Describes the origins and work of the Women's Land Army, a World War I British volunteer agricultural production unit. Details similar program in the United States. Identifies the impact of the Women's Land Army including enhanced political, economic, and physical freedom for the participants and future generations of women. (CFR)