Tag Archives: Today in History

September 19, 2013
Today in History: The First Battle of Saratoga, featuring Benedict Arnold and Horatio Gates begins in 1777

On September 19, 1777, the Continental Army led by General Horatio Gates and his second in command, General Benedict Arnold, fought General John Burgoyne’s British Army in the First Battle of Saratoga. The battle, also known as the Battle of Freeman’s Farm, is notable for Benedict Arnold and Gates’ heated arguments over the merits of approaching the British position. Benedict Arnold was relieved of his command after the battle, and … Read more »
September 18, 2013
Today in History: George Washington lays the cornerstone to the US Capitol in 1793

On September 18, 1793, George Washington laid down the cornerstone at the US Capitol building, beginning a century-long construction project for the iconic landmark. The building’s history includes modifications to its design by several architects, a fire at the hands of the British Army, and use as both a hospital and barracks during the Civil War.
September 17, 2013
Today in History: US Constitution signed by 38 of 41 delegates in 1787

On September 17, 1787, 38 of the 41 present delegates at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia signed the United States Constitution, paving the way for its adoption when nine of the 13 states ratified it. Debate over how to replace the Articles of Confederation was fierce, with sharp disagreement over the issue of state representation in Congress.
September 11, 2013
Today in History: 12th anniversary of the September 11 attacks

On September 11, 2001, 19 men affiliated with Al-Qaeda hijacked four planes, crashing into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, killing upwards of 3,000 Americans and wounding thousands more. Twelve years after the devastating attacks, there are a host of teaching materials, including lesson plans, primary documents, and video documentaries compiled by the Library of Congress and the National September 11 Memorial & … Read more »
September 9, 2013
Today in History: Congress renames nation “United States of America” in 1776

On September 9, 1776, the Continental Congress took up a busy docket of legislation, including payment for military expenses, the creation of special committees, and the reading of petitions. Tucked in the middle of the day’s proceedings was a resolution which would have a permanent impact on the new nation: the official adoption of the “United States” as the country’s name.
September 4, 2013
Today in History: National Guard prevents “Little Rock Nine” from entering all-white high school

On September 4, 1957, a group of nine African American students known as the Little Rock Nine were prevented from entering Little Rock Central High School by Arkansas National Guardsmen, despite the Supreme Court ruling that segregation was unconstitutional in Brown v. Board of Education. The conflict ultimately required President Dwight Eisenhower to send military protection to the school, allowing the students to attend classes.
September 3, 2013
Today in History: Treaty of Paris signed, ending the Revolutionary War

On September 3, 1783, representatives from the United States and Great Britain signed the Treaty of Paris, bringing an end to the eight-year Revolutionary War upon ratification. The treaty officially recognized the 13 colonies as free, sovereign, and independent states, with the British Crown relinquishing all claims to the territory.
August 28, 2013
Today in History: Martin Luther King Jr. Delivers “I Have a Dream” oration

On August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. gathered with scores of other civil rights leaders and more than 200,000 demonstrators for the March on Washington, an event that would later help inspire passage of the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act. In a new post from Bessette-Pitney Textbook blog, your students can engage in a close reading of King’s remarks, studying the allusions and historical references … Read more »
August 22, 2013
Today in History: Lincoln replies to Horace Greeley’s editorial, paves way for Emancipation Proclamation

On August 22, 1862 Abraham Lincoln sent a response to abolitionist Horace Greeley’s editorial in the New York Tribune, outlining his political and personal position on slavery. Greeley’s “The Prayer of Twenty Millions” argued that Lincoln lacked direction and resolve on the issue of slavery.
August 21, 2013
Today in History: Lincoln-Douglas Debates begin in 1858

On August 21, 1858, Abraham Lincoln and Democratic incumbent Stephen A. Douglas held the first of their seven historic debates as candidates for the Senate in Illinois. These long-form debates focused on the subject of slavery’s expansion into the territories.

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Tag Archives: Today in History

Close Reading for Civic Education

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