History That Doesn't Suck

“I have not only grown gray but almost blind in service to my country.”

This is the story (or tale) of two cities. 

In Paris, Ben Franklin, John Adams, John Jay and (briefly) Henry Laurens are negotiating the terms of American independence. They know what they want, but getting there will require outmaneuvering the greatest powers on earth and defying Congress. Will they do as they’ve been instructed? Or risk it all and swing for the fence? 

Meanwhile, Continental Army officers in New Windsor, New York, are fed up with Congress’s broken promises. Soldiers have been waiting in vain for their payments for years—will the end of the war change anything, or will their pensions be ignored too? The beleaguered men are even considering violence… could a military coup end the American experiment before the peace treaty is even signed?

Help us George Washington. You’re our only hope.

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"The British officers in general behaved like boys who had been whipped at school.”

This is the story of the beginning of the Revolution's end.

Following Lord Cornwallis’ vow to take the fight to Virginia, infamous Lieutenant Colonel Tarleton raids Charlottesville, takes a few legislators captive, and forces Governor Thomas Jefferson to flee. Tom only escapes because of the brave ride of the “Paul Revere of the South,” Jack Jouett. Our French friend Lafayette is also on the run, always just a couple of cheeky steps ahead of Lord Cornwallis’ armies. 

Meanwhile, George Washington is facing down a mutiny in the north. The grievances that led to this insubordination are piling up, and though the mutiny is quickly suppressed, the challenges of feeding, clothing, and paying the army remain. However, the situation is about to improve drastically; George is about to receive the resources he needs, but not from Congress. From France. French allies, including new friends like General Rochambeau and Vice Admiral de Grasse, are ready to give George some serious support... enough support that the Americans just might turn the world upside down.
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"Arnold has betrayed us! Whom can we trust now?"

This isn't a story of betrayal; this is THE story of betrayal. 

After half a decade of giving his all for the Patriot cause, Benedict Arnold becomes America's Judas Iscariot. He betrays his brothers-in-arms for a commission in the British army and cold hard cash (a lot more than thirty pieces of silver). 

Meanwhile, after General Horatio Gates’ shameful showing at the Battle of Camden, American forces in the South are scattered and demoralized. Though a few determined local militiamen are operating guerilla-style, Lord Cornwallis seems to have Georgia and South Carolina well in hand. Now his sights are set on North Carolina and maybe even Virginia! Can anyone stop him? When all else fails… send the Quaker. Welcome to the South, Nathanael Greene.
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"Too much praise cannot be given to the President for the prompt and resolute and skillful way in which he has set about reassuring the country after the financial collapse.” 

This is the story of Herbert Hoover’s facing the early years of the Great Depression.

Just after the stock market crash of 1929, people aren’t expecting the worst. Most, including the experts, believe that this little downturn will blow over with time, just like past economic troubles. Avoiding the word “panic,” President Herbert Hoover comes up with a new term meant to describe how minor this downturn will be. He calls it a “depression.” He also pushes volunteerism. Congress cuts taxes. The Fed cuts the discount rate. Americans feel they are in good hands.

But national productivity keeps going down. Unemployment keeps going up. Breadlines are getting longer and a drought has hit the heartland. Then major banks start going under, both in the US and abroad. Britain goes off the gold standard. As “Hoovervilles” spread and Great War vets march to DC, Bert Hoover—the famous “Master of Emergencies”—finds himself facing an economic challenge unlike any ever faced by a president.
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“There is a million dollars here for the asking!”

This is the story of Christmas in the 1920s. 

Yeah, the whole decade—why not? One hundred years ago, people were just beginning (or reviving) traditions that are entrenched in our holiday celebrations today. Charitable giving at Christmas is ever present, and the winter of 1920 features the Great Humanitarian Herbert Hoover’s efforts to feed children in Europe with his “Invisible Guest” dinners. Another president, “Silent Cal” Coolidge, holds the first National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in 1923, cementing electric tree lights into our celebrations. And carols on the radio are coming into full swing, with live broadcasts from musicians like the Mount Holyoke Carol Choir. 

And who can forget America’s proud tradition of consumerism? Ok, that didn’t start in the 1920s, but this is definitely the decade for some really swell presents. The Great War is over, wages are high, and it’s time to buy! Santa Claus himself appears at a 1928 Knoxville parade through the streets and stores, delighting children and business owners alike. After the Crash, Christmases get a bit more economical, so let’s celebrate while we still can. Merry Christmas and happy holidays! 
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