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National James Madison

Daniel Tompkins: absentee vice president

  • Daniel Tompkins
  • May 22, 2012
New York Governor Daniel Tompkins served ably during the War of 1812. However, the war sapped his health, energy and finances. His accomplishments...
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The War of 1812: disaster at Queenston Heights (October 13, 1812)

The United States and Great Britain went to war in 1812. The British hijacked American ships and kidnapped crewmembers to serve in their navy...
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America's new bicentennial: the War of 1812 and the 'Star Spangled Banner'

Today’s US Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard work night and day to patrol the world’s waterways – above and below the surface;...
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Vice President Elbridge Gerry and the politics of war (1813-1814)

  • Elbridge Gerry
  • April 22, 2012
Vice President George Clinton attempted to undermine President Madison’s foreign policy. He died on April 20, 1812 leaving the vice...
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The British burn Washington

America experienced its most embarrassing military defeat in 1814. The British attacked Washington D.C. directly and burnt it to the ground. Prior...
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George Clinton serving two presidents

George Clinton turned 65 in 1804. Despite his advanced age for the period, Thomas Jefferson selected the New Yorker for his running mate. Unlike...
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Celebrate President's Day and honor Black History Month both at Montpelier

While travel isn't supposed to be efficient - whisking tourists to sites that do double duty - Montpelier in Virginia does offer the...
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Top 10 Moments of the 1810s

The Napoleonic Wars dominated the 1810s. The wars represented a continuation of the French Revolution dating to 1789. Eventually, the European...
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A brief look at Gerrymandering

Gerrymandering is theprocessused to establish the boundaries of congressional districts to partisan advantage and protect incumbents. On occasion,...
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Presidential Legacies part I: Washington to Monroe

Many presidents obsess over their legacy. No one wants to be regarded a failure in the history books. The modern media plays into this with their...
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