Kenneth C. Davis's Blog, page 119
July 14, 2010
TODAY IN HISTORY: Don't Know Much About Bastille Day!
Vive la France!
On July 14, 1789, an angry crowd stormed a state prison in Paris that stood as a symbol of royal tyranny. They surrounded the Bastille in order to seize the gunpowder stored inside. Troops fired on the rebels, but the people overpowered them. The bloody French Revolution had begun. The people of France have come to mark July 14 as their national holiday, the French version of the Fourth of July.
What else do you know about this celebration of "Liberty, Equality and Fraternity?"
T...
July 13, 2010
Today in History: Don't Know Much About® New York's Bloody Draft Riots
On July 13, 1863, New York City exploded in a four-day long murderous riot, still considered one of the deadliest urban riots in American history. The cause of the riots–violent opposition to the Civil War draft law.
Since poverty has been our crime,
We bow to the decree.
We are the poor who have no wealth
To purchase liberty.
If your picture of draft dodgers is one of 60s-era hippies shouting "Hell No, We won't go," the ditty above offers another vision.
It comes from the Civil War era, when...
Today in History: New York's Bloody Draft Riots
On July 13, 1863, New York City exploded in a four-day long murderous riot, still considered one of the deadliest urban riots in American history. The cause of the riots–violent opposition to the Civil War draft law.
Since poverty has been our crime,
We bow to the decree.
We are the poor who have no wealth
To purchase liberty.
If your picture of draft dodgers is one of 60s-era hippies shouting "Hell No, We won't go," the ditty above offers another vision.
It comes from the Civil War era, when...
July 7, 2010
Raising the Star and Stripes in California
On July 7, 1846, the United States Navy sailed into Monterey Bay and announced that the Republic of California was now a part of the United States. Just like that, the future state of California fell from Mexico's hands into its American future.
The story of California's shift from Spain to Mexico and then to American control is an extraordinary one. The last part of that story, the annexation of California by the United States, is due largely to the exploits of a somewhat forgotten man...
July 2, 2010
Jefferson's Version-A few key differences
Today , July 2d is the day the Continental Congress actually voted in favor of independence for America. It took two more days of debate to approve Thomas Jefferson's explanation of that vote, the Declaration of Independence.
Once again the New York Public Library is displaying a handwritten version of the Declaration, written by Jefferson. Here is a post I wrote last year after visiting the Library:
Last evening, I had a thrilling experience. In a small, darkened room with the feel of a...
July 1, 2010
Independence Week: The Most Important Signer You Never Heard of
In another installment of my Independence Week Refresher Course, I focus on a man who most of us never heard of. But the United States of America exists, in part, because of his efforts.
Of the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence, a few names are familiar. Most Americans, if pressed, can probably name a true handful –Jefferson, Ben Franklin, John and Sam Adams, and John Hancock, he of the famous signature.
But among the other men who set their names on the Declaration –in...
June 30, 2010
Don't Know Much About® Independence Week: Declaration 101
In the run-up to the nation's birthday, here are some more things you "need to know" about the Declaration of Independence and the men who created it.
-It's not a "piece of paper." The original version of the Declaration was "engrossed" (a word for preparing an official document in a large, clear hand) on parchment (which is an animal skin, stretched and treated to preserve it). The Declaration was probably "engrossed" by Timothy Matlack, an assistant to Charles Thompson, the Secretary of...
Independence Week: Declaration 101
In the run-up to the nation's birthday, here are some more things you "need to know" about the Declaration of Independence and the men who created it.
-It's not a "piece of paper." The original version of the Declaration was "engrossed" (a word for preparing an official document in a large, clear hand) on parchment (which is an animal skin, stretched and treated to preserve it). The Declaration was probably "engrossed" by Timothy Matlack, an assistant to Charles Thompson, the Secretary of...
June 28, 2010
"Self Evident Truths" –The Real National Treasure
As we pursue happiness and work our way towards Independence Day on July 4th, here are a few fascinating facts about the document that created the United States of America and the day that the nation was born. This is the first of a series of blogs about the Declaration. leading up to Independence Day.
–First of all, we celebrate the wrong day –as far as John Adams was concerned. The Continental Congress, meeting in Philadelphia, actually voted on a resolution of independence on July 2d...
June 25, 2010
TODAY IN HISTORY: 60 Years Later- Don't Know Much About® the Korean War
It used to be called the "Forgotten War." But it is no longer forgotten, as recent headlines continue to prove. And it never really ended. With the sinking of a South Korean navy submarine in March, tensions between the two countries were once again ratcheted higher. And the firing of Gen. MacChrystal by President Obama this week brought back recollections of the Korean wartime firing of General Douglas MacArthur by President Truman. They were more reminders of the so-called "Forgotten...
