Topic: Emancipation Proclamation

Dakota Indians remember largest mass hanging in US history

In 1862, while the Civil War raged, the US government also fought a war against the Dakota Indians. On Dec. 26, 38 Dakota were hanged, an event memorialized by the tribe today by a 300-mile horseback ride.

The Monitor's View: Look to Lincoln to solve 'fiscal cliff'

As the Spielberg movie 'Lincoln' and many books about Abraham Lincoln reveal, solving difficult standoffs in Washington takes more than savvy politics and horse-trading. Lincoln had to first turn to deeper ideals that then helped him win allies.

"Lincoln's Hundred Days" and "Seward"

Two new Lincoln-related biographies offer further evidence that we will never tire of reading about our sixteenth president.

Battle of Antietam anniversary recalls Civil War's deadliest encounter

Battle of Antietam anniversary will be commemorated on Monday near Washington, D.C. The Battle of Antietam anniversary will remember over 23,000 soldiers from both the Union and Confederate armies who were killed, wounded, or reported missing.

Opinion: 'Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter' denies origin and legacy of slavery

The film wishes away responsibility for America’s most horrific events, because no one is to blame for these tragedies but vampires. America should examine its appetite for this fantasy, when Hollywood transforms the most eloquent statesmen into an axe-wielding action hero.

Progress Watch
US sees progress and touts 'heroes' in fight against slavery worldwide

More countries are taking modern-day slavery seriously and more people are being prosecuted, says the annual State Department report on Trafficking in Persons.

Tax deadline: Why you get until April 17 this year to file your return

The tax deadline for filing 2011 federal income tax returns comes two days later than usual. For this, last-minute filers have President Lincoln to thank. 

US tax time: A later deadline and other tax facts

Thanks to a holiday in Washington, D.C., the federal tax-filing deadline this year is April 17, two days later than usual. The extra time provides an opportunity to peruse some random tax-related facts.

Juneteenth: the oldest celebration of its kind

Juneteenth is celebrated today, but what does it celebrate?

Letters to the Editor – Weekly Issue of April 25, 2011

Readers write in about defense spending and the cost of undeclared wars as well as the US Civil War legacy.

Editorial Board Blog
For President's Day: A new look at Lincoln and slavery

Did the Great Emancipator always want to end slavery? Or did his thinking evolve on the job?

Tax filing: IRS extends deadline to April 18

Tax filing deadline pushed back because of Washington, D.C., holiday.

Editorial Board Blog
Will the Civil War speak to America again?

The 150th anniversary of the Civil War kicks off Nov. 6. Dramatic events from Fort Sumter to Lincoln's assassination once again will enthrall Americans. But does 'the second American revolution' also have other things to say in 2010 about the rise of new political forces and race relations today?

Opinion: Glenn Beck 8/28 rally: It's a matter of honor

Dr. Alveda King – the niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., – explains why she's speaking at the Glenn Beck 8/28 rally in Washington this Saturday.

Barack Obama speaks at Hampton University commencement

President Barack Obama spoke at the historically black Hampton University on Sunday, saying that education is the responsibility of all Americans.

The Daily Reckoning
Free health care: Right or privilege?

If free health care can only be a right if it doesn't is cause a "wrong" to the service provider.

Ten Martin Luther King Jr. quotes

On the federal holiday, the Monitor remembers 12 Martin Luther King Jr. quotes and his 'I have a dream' speech.

Angels and Ages

Born on the same day, Lincoln and Darwin shared an eloquence that changed the world.

The Vote
Get ready for a whole lotta Lincoln - 16th president turns 200

For Europe, Obama revives positive image of America's unique identity

US exceptionalism had largely been seen here as a messianic rationale for use of power by a nation assuming special prerogatives.

Bright Green
An Inconvenient Truth II: Electric Boogaloo

Pullman porters tell tales of a train ride through history

Working the sleeping car was one of the best jobs African Americans could get after the Civil War. Though it involved serving well-off whites, the Pullman Company helped create the first black middle class in America.

Presidential bedfellows

Winter nights are perfect for cuddling up with books about past presidents.

Opinion: Lincoln's love for the law

I hope my students will follow his admonition: Be a lawyer only if you can be honest.