Features
Conceived in Liberty
In the Civil War, North and South justified their causes with inspiration from the nation’s original freedom fight: the American Revolution
by Glenn W. LaFantasie
An Unholy Mess
The Salem witch trials of 1692 turned godly New England into the devil’s playground
by Anthony Brandt
‘For All the Great and Various Favors’
Did George Washington overstep the bounds of the presidency by asking Americans to give thanks for the new Constitution?
by Ron Soodalter
Mural Master
Rediscovering Thomas Hart Benton’s stunning homage to an industrial power on the rise: America Today
by Sarah Richardson
Poison Gas Comes to America
How making chemical weapons in World War I broke ground for the U.S. military-industrial complex
by David J. Jackowe
Departments
Letters
American Mosaic
21st-century superheroes; Warren Harding’s love letters—and more
The First
Senate write-in winner
We’ve Been Here Before
Love may be sweeter the second time around, the presidency not so much
Details
New World land deal gets seal of approval
Here Is Where
A boy genius in Idaho invents television
Encounter
Ernie Pyle stumps Arthur Miller
Letter From the Editor
Claiming the Revolution’s mantle
Interview
Ken Hughes unwinds White House secrets
Reviews
Tennessee Williams’ art imitates life; John Marshall’s legal precedence; Civil War in a box—and more
Last Call
Dizzy Gillespie and Ella Fitzgerald at the Downbeat
