History Archives

The Truth About Northern Abolitionists

What role did the North play in the abolition of slavery? Were all Northern states against slavery? According to Nikole Hannah-Jones, an American investigative journalist and the author of The 1619 Project, the mainstream story about Northern states spearheading the abolition of slavery is historically inaccurate. The North was not actually abolitionist because Northerners also owned slaves and participated in the slave trade at the time. Here’s what history textbooks don’t tell us about Northern abolitionists.

The Role of Slavery in the American Revolution

What was the Revolutionary War, and why did it happen? What role did slavery play in the American Revolution? According to American investigative journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones, the main driver of the American Revolution was not the righteous intentions of the abolitionists in the North. In her book The 1619 Project, she argues that (1) the Revolutionary War was not truly fought in the name of freedom and justice; (2) the North wasn’t as righteous as it’s given credit for; and (3) Black Americans were the ones to truly create and establish American democracy. Keep reading to learn about the role

Nikole Hannah Jones: Quotes From The 1619 Project

Are you looking for Nikole Hannah Jones’s quotes from The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story? What are some of the most noteworthy passages worth revisiting? Nikole Hannah-Jones is an award-winning investigative journalist and staff writer for the New York Times who specializes in racial injustice. In The 1619 Project, she argues that American democracy and the prosperous nation we know today were largely built by enslaved Black Americans. Below is a selection of The 1619 Project quotes with explanations.

Machiavelli on War Forces: Personal Armies Are the Way to Go

When it comes to building an army for war, what does Machiavelli advise? What’s the secret to finding loyal soldiers? In The Prince, Niccolò Machiavelli distinguishes three types of armies: hired forces, borrowed forces, and personal forces. He cautions princes to avoid hired forces, to be wary of borrowed forces, and to opt for personal forces when possible. Continue reading for a brief discussion of Machiavelli on war forces.

Machiavelli: Virtú Is the Main Ingredient of the Ideal Prince

What does Machiavelli mean by “virtú”? How does it differ from the modern understanding of virtue? In The Prince, Niccolò Machiavelli sets forth several qualities that great princes (rulers) have. According to Machiavelli, virtú is the characteristic that stands above the rest. However, it doesn’t mean exactly what its apparent modern equivalent means. Keep reading to find out what virtú is to Machiavelli.

Qualities of a Prince: Machiavelli’s 5 Guiding Principles

Should a ruler be optimistic or realistic? What should he prioritize—the support of the populace or the support of his peers? When it comes to the qualities of a prince, Machiavelli advises pragmatism. However, he still believes that princes should have and work towards certain guiding principles. Keep reading to learn these five principles from The Prince.

The Colonization of the U.S.—How Slaves Built America

What role did slavery play in the colonization of the United States of America? Was America really built on the backs of the enslaved? According to Nikole Hannah-Jones, an American investigative journalist and the author of The 1619 Project, the mainstream story of the colonization of the U.S. is based on half-truths, hypocrisies, and inaccurate information. The American colonists didn’t succeed due to their hard work. The survival and prosperity of American colonists were almost entirely due to the labor of slaves. Here’s how slaves built America.

Mirrors for Princes: How Machiavelli’s The Prince Fits In

What does “mirrors for princes” mean? How is The Prince different from most works in the genre? Mirrors for princes was a popular literary genre during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The works served as advice for rulers on how to behave and lead. While Machiavelli’s The Prince is the best-known example, it stands apart from most. Read more to learn how The Prince fits into the mirrors for princes genre.

3 Consequences of Slavery in Modern America

How did slavery impact the development of America? What systems did the institution of slavery hit the most? The history of slavery and segregation in America has shaped modern systematic injustices. Specifically, the institution of slavery can be directly linked to modern injustices in America’s taxation system, legal and justice systems, and healthcare systems. Keep reading to learn about the consequences of slavery in modern America.

Machiavelli: Governments Comes in Two Flavors

What are the two types of government, according to Machiavelli? What’s the ideal form of government? Niccolò Machiavelli uses the first few chapters of The Prince to describe different kinds of government. According to Machiavelli, governments can be separated into two types: republics and principalities. Read more to understand the difference between these two forms of government.