“Something was said which drew from General Taylor the expression of views which greatly surprised me. They were to the effect that California and Oregon were too distant to become members of the Union, and it would be better for them to be an independent government. He said that our people would inhabit them and…
Author: historypresent
Mexican- American War on Memorial Day
There are few monuments in the United States to the U.S. Servicemen who gave their lives in service during the U.S.- Mexican War. None on the mall in Washington, D.C. These are a few of the Mexican- American War Memorials from around the U.S.
Mexican- American War: Part 2/ Research and Writing Plan
Context is key to understanding a historic event, and contextualizing a complex event is a challenge. Where do you begin? Too far removed and the history will lack nuance. Too close and the history may present the event as particular when, in fact, it reflected a larger trend. Because the United States and Mexico were…
History Nugget #12: April 2019
“The drama, indeed the tragedy, of history comes from our understanding of the tension that existed between the conscience wills and intentions of the participants in the past and the underlying conditions that constrained their actions and shaped their future.” Wood, Gordon S. The Purpose of The Past: Reflections on the Uses of History. (New…
Trip To Ireland: Dublin
We had so much fun visiting Europe last year that we decided to book another Globus tour this year. This time we booked the Irish Escape, a 7-day tour of the Republic of Ireland that begins and ends in Dublin. Globus Escapes are a great introductory tour that visits many of the highlights associated with…
History Nugget #11: April 2019
“Rather than trying to understand the past on its own terms, these historians want the past to be immediately relevant and useful; they want to use history to empower people in the present, to help them develop self-identity, or to enable them to break free of that past.” “In their well-intentioned but often crude efforts…
The History of the Alamo: Mission to Fort
Originally posted on Still Current:
? Ron Current ? By the end of 15th century Span had claimed for itself all of South and Central America and as far north in North American as California, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado and Kansas. But claiming these lands and controlling them were two totally a different matters. ? The…
History Nugget #10: March 2019
“Remember the days of old, consider the years long past; ask your father, and he will inform you; your elders, and they will tell you.” Deuteronomy 32:7 NRSV
History Nugget #9: March 2019
“The omission of such events as the Mexican War from the American consciousness does history injustice.” “The cost in American lives was staggering. Of the 104,556 men who served in the army, both regulars and volunteers, 13,768 men died, the highest death rate of any war in our history. The period between 1844 and 1848…
Trip To Austria: Vienna
It was very cold when we visited Vienna. However, we had an excellent time. While we enjoyed everything about the trip, these are pictures from three things we found special.
History Present 