Secession

Harold Holzer explores revisionism and Civil War memory

Today in History: Born on January 27

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Austrian musical genius and composer whose works included The Marriage of Figaro and The Magic Flute.

Samuel Gompers, first President of American Federation of Labor.

Kaiser Wilhelm II, emperor who ruled Germany during World War I but was forced to abdicate in 1918.

Hyman Rickover, American admiral who is considered the "Father of the Atomic Submarine."

Accused of drunkenness at Second Bull Run even though evidence showed he suffered multiple epileptic seizures

1800s

At the height of the War of 1812, the British invade Washington DC, setting fire to everything as they stormed into the capital.

Military History

Capture is an occupational hazard for soldiers and escape is a POW’s duty—some even succeed with imagination and style.