this day in the yesteryear: Treaty of Ghent Signed (1814)

Treaty of Ghent Signed (1814)

The Treaty of Ghent ended the War of 1812 between the US and the UK. Although the treaty was signed in December, fighting continued for several weeks because it took time for news of the agreement to reach North America. The treaty essentially restored prewar borders and failed to deal with the matters of neutral rights and impressment that were the ostensible causes of the conflict. It did, however, included certain progressive terms that called for the signatories to put a stop to what? More… Discuss

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Military Camouflage

Though today nearly all combat uniforms and military vehicles are designed with camouflage in mind, this was not always the case. Men once marched into battle in bright, eye-grabbing uniforms, but as more accurate firearms were developed, camouflage became increasingly important. It was greatly developed during World War I, and though radar use diminished its utility, conflicts like the guerrilla campaigns of the Vietnam War again made it important. What is dazzle camouflage? More… Discuss

today’s birthday: Davy Crockett (1786)

Davy Crockett (1786)

Crockett was a celebrated 19th-century American folk hero, frontiersman, soldier, and politician. After serving in the War of 1812, Crockett was elected to the Tennessee legislature and later won three terms in the US House of Representatives. Though his dress, language, and backwoods wit gained him popularity, he failed to win reelection in 1835 and left for Texas, where he died at the age of 49 in the Battle of the Alamo. What caused a resurgence in Crockett’s popularity in the 1950s? More… Discuss

THIS DAY IN THE YESTERYEAR: PERMANENT UNITED STATES NAVY ESTABLISHED (1794)

Permanent United States Navy Established (1794)

The first incarnation of the US Navy was short-lived, established in 1775 and disbanded in 1784. However, with Barbary pirates harassing US merchant ships, Congress rethought its decision and established a permanent US Navy with the authorization to build six frigates in 1794. Three of these were welcomed into service soon after. The US Navy distinguished itself in the War of 1812 by unexpectedly defeating British forces several times. What role did naval power play in the American Civil War? More…Discuss

TODAY’S HOLIDAY: JACKSON’S BIRTHDAY

Jackson’s Birthday

Andrew Jackson (1767-1845), the seventh president of the United States (1829-37), became a national hero during the War of 1812 when he successfully fought the British at New Orleans. The anniversary of his birth is a special observance in Tennessee, and the president of the United States usually brings or sends a wreath to be placed on Jackson’s grave in the garden at his home, near Nashville. Other tributes paid to Jackson during this week include radio speeches and newspaper editorials, school essay contests, and Jackson Day dinners sponsored by the Democratic party.More… Discuss