Modern History Stories

So much has happened in the past decade alone, but what got us here? Humanity has evolved in so many ways in the modern era. From the Industrial Revolution to the invention of the iPhone, from the Space Race to SpaceX, from last century's influenza pandemic to Covid-19, there’s a lot to cover. These stories attempt to recount how we’ve gotten to where we are and the rapid change that took place within the last few centuries.

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A Secret City in Tennessee Powered the Manhattan Project

Oak Ridge, established in 1942, was a key production site of uranium during World War II that fed the labs in Los Alamos.

STREAMING NOW: Netflix's Newest Docuseries Reveals the Personal Side of The Challenger

With personal accounts, Challenger: The Final Flight offers new insight into the Challenger disaster.

Notorious Prison Stories from America's Most Infamous Cellblocks

These seven prisons were home to mobsters, assassins, and the dregs of history alike.

This War of 1812 Vet Saw the Battle of Gettysburg from his Porch... and Joined It

John Burns showed his commitment to the United States—and its union—until his final days.

The Incredible Story of the Harlem Hellfighters, WWI's Staunch Infantry Heroes

The men who were the Harlem Hellfighters were brave, courageous, and true.

On This Day: The American Flag Was Flown in Battle for the First Time

During a 1777 skirmish in Cooch’s Bridge, Delaware, General William Maxwell ordered the flag be raised.

Before the BFG: Roald Dahl, Air Menace To Axis Forces

The children's author's macabre sense of humor and appreciation of darkness were likely sharpened by his combat history.

Explore Centuries of Connection through the History of the USPS

Neither Snow Nor Rain shows how the constitutionally-created service stitches our vast culture together.

How a Movement Grows: 100 Years of the 19th Amendment

On its 100th anniversary, we revisit the coalitions built in search of women's suffrage, and the struggles that continued after the passing of the suffrage amendment.

The Larger of Two Evils: Colonized Asia’s Encounter with the Japanese in World War Two

Much of mainland Asia in the 1930s faced an unappealing choice: Western imperialism or Japanese imperialism.

Genghis Khan's Tomb, Lost to This Day, is Protected by an Ancient Tribe of Nomads

Though even they don't know the tomb's precise location, the Darkhad continue to keep their leader's final resting place a treasured secret.

The Extraordinary Life of Eugene Bullard, the First African American Military Pilot

After facing racism in America, Bullard made a home in France, where he became the first African American military pilot during World War I.

World History's Stupidest Wars Include One Fought Over a Pig

Pigs, buckets, and dogs were flash points for conflicts that could have been easily avoided.

We Asked Philosophical Library's Head to Share Her Take on the Best Philosophy Books

Regeen Kiernan Najar shares her essential philosophy picks with The Archive.

33 Unbelievable Photos from the Battle of Okinawa

Operation Iceberg was a hugely costly battle for America during WWII. Explore the scene through these historical photos.

6 Illuminating Books About the Reconstruction Era

Explore how the most violent conflict in American history led to a defining period for the country, and its influence on our current era.

Stagecoach Mary: The Postal Worker Who Became A Legend of the Wild West

The first African American female postal worker was renowned for more than her groundbreaking status.