A member of the European Parliament suggested the U.S. return the Statue of Liberty, but it was “American Liberty” the statue was meant to memorialize.
Finding Common Ground: The Liberal Approach to History
History can help us recover our moral bearings if approached sympathetically, recognizing suffering with empathy and regret but focusing on the good.
A Constitution for a Sovereign People
The Federal Constitution shaped by James Madison and James Wilson is based on the sovereignty of the people. Revolutionary in 1787, it remains so today.
The Glorious Second of July
Before we declared our independence on July 4 we had to decide that we were independent. On July 2, 1776, we defied fear and doubt and became a nation.
Redeeming Higher Education
To combat the decline of higher education, the National Association of Scholars proposes an ambitious curriculum. It’s time for millions to join this fight.
My Country, ‘Tis of Thee
American patriotism is misunderstood. It is not synonymous with nationalism. It is a piety that ties us together and embraces our ideals and finest traditions.
Move Along — Nothing to See Here
The American Historical Association says critics are wrong: history education isn’t compromised by ideology. But it doesn’t say why history education is failing.
The Civics Mirage
Civics isn’t the antidote for declining understanding of American history. Civics doesn’t address change and is susceptible to the same corruption.
Above: Politics in an Oyster House, Richard Caton Woodville, 1848, Walters Art Museum
Join Us
Subscribe to The American Crisis
Subscribe to The American Crisis — at no charge — and receive email notices of new features, participate in our reader polls, and keep current with news and discussions about American history and public life.
The American Crisis presents original historical writing, commentary and reflection on public life inspired by American history and traditions, and news and opinion about the conservation of American ideals and the rich cultural and natural resources we have inherited and for which we are responsible.
We are advocates for understanding and appreciating the American past, for the preservation of historic places, and for accurate and effective history education.
The Foundation of American Ideals
The Foundation of American Ideals advocates understanding and appreciation of independence, liberty, equality, natural and civil rights, and responsible citizenship — ideals at the heart of our national identity and shaped by our history and traditions.