New Blog Series: 1942 + 80 Years – Turning the Tide in World War II

Joseph Stalin, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Winston Churchill seated at the Tehran Conference, 1943. (Library of Congress) To commemorate the 80th year anniversary of the subject matter - as well as to observe and recognize Veterans Day - the Reagan Library Education Blog is pleased to announce its newest educational series on three major battles … Continue reading New Blog Series: 1942 + 80 Years – Turning the Tide in World War II

American Elections and Campaigns – 1945 to 1948: The Onset of Television and the Cold War

After the radio’s ascent to global prominence in the early 20th century, the television was the next major step in telecommunications technology. Much like the radio, the earliest television prototypes emerged among different inventors and scientists across the world in the 19th century. While their methods differed, the common idea was to transmit moving images … Continue reading American Elections and Campaigns – 1945 to 1948: The Onset of Television and the Cold War

American Elections and Campaigns – 1900 to 1945: Campaigning Over the Air Waves

Left: Advertisement for the Hearst Newspaper chain, c. 1920. (Public Domain) Advertisement promoting music concerts broadcasted over the radio, c. 1920. (Public Domain) The evolution of technology has historically progressed alongside changes in mass media and politics. American elections and campaigns are no exceptions to this trend, as the newspaper reigned supreme in mass media … Continue reading American Elections and Campaigns – 1900 to 1945: Campaigning Over the Air Waves

American Elections and Campaigns – 1865 to 1900: Postbellum Partisanship, Campaigning, and Infighting

Portrait photograph of James A. Garfield, c. 1870. (Library of Congress) Portrait of Winfield S. Hancock, c. 1870. (Library of Congress) The four decades after the Civil War’s end saw a major increase in newspaper circulation. Due to the partisan divide between the Union and the Confederacy in the war, newspapers that already had political … Continue reading American Elections and Campaigns – 1865 to 1900: Postbellum Partisanship, Campaigning, and Infighting

American Elections and Campaigns – 1800 to 1865: Politics in the Antebellum Press

Through the constant changes in American party politics, newspapers remained the preeminent medium of communicating complex thoughts in the 19th century. At the time, the majority of newspapers were either run by private businesses or political organizations. One of the earlier newspapers that was designed to support one specific president was the National Intelligencer. Established … Continue reading American Elections and Campaigns – 1800 to 1865: Politics in the Antebellum Press

American Elections and Campaigns – 1828: “A Sign of Things to Come.”

The United States in the 19th century saw major changes take hold on the political, social, industrial, and electoral level. In 1804, the Twelfth Amendment to the Constitution made a series of revisions to the Electoral College, including the individual elections of both a presidential candidate and a vice presidential candidate. For changes in political … Continue reading American Elections and Campaigns – 1828: “A Sign of Things to Come.”

“Constitutional Amendments” Series – Amendment XXVII – “Financial Compensation for the Congress”

Gregory Watson holding his Student Academic Record update, showing the new "A+" grade he received for his college essay proposing the 27th Amendment's passage, 2018. (Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman) Amendment Twenty-seven to the Constitution was ratified on May 7, 1992. It forbids any changes to the salary of Congress members from taking effect until the next … Continue reading “Constitutional Amendments” Series – Amendment XXVII – “Financial Compensation for the Congress”

American Elections and Campaigns – 1788 to 1800: The Rise of Political Factions in the Early Republic

The first presidential election in the United States was held in 1788. George Washington - the commander of the Continental Army in the American Revolution - had recently announced his return from retirement, whereupon he agreed to run for President. As the Constitution was still being ratified by the states, the inner workings of the … Continue reading American Elections and Campaigns – 1788 to 1800: The Rise of Political Factions in the Early Republic

“Constitutional Amendments” Series – Amendment XXVI – “Voting at the Age of Eighteen”

Demonstrators calling for support to lower voting age in Seattle, Washington, 1969. (Museum of History and Industry) Amendment Twenty-six to the Constitution was ratified on July 1, 1971. It lowered the voting age for all Americans to eighteen years, having previously been twenty-one years for the longest time. The official text is written as such: … Continue reading “Constitutional Amendments” Series – Amendment XXVI – “Voting at the Age of Eighteen”

New Blog Series: The History of American Elections and Campaigns

“The County Election” painting by George Caleb Bingham, 1846. (Public Domain) In keeping with the previous historical analyses published on this website, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum is pleased to announce its next major blog series! This new series will discuss the evolution of elections and campaigns throughout the history of the United … Continue reading New Blog Series: The History of American Elections and Campaigns