History Today

Manifest Destiny

James K. Polk’s first State of the Union Address, on 2 December 1845, promoted the concept that the US should encompass all of North America.

Protecting the Rump

We continue our series of pen-portraits of less-well-known parliamentarians with a sketch of Richard Salwey, member of the Long Parliament and commissioner for the navy.

The Best History Books 2018

From the Thirty Years War to the ancient civilisation of Iran, from Anglo-American rivalries in the desert to the persecution of indigenous peoples, historians select their favourite books of the past year.

Justice, at What Cost?

As today, accusations of rape in 19th-century America inevitably, and repeatedly, met with harsh backlashes against the victims.

The Rise of Japan

When it comes to rapid world-changing events, the Meiji Restoration has few equals.