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“I was born an American; I will live an American; I shall die an American." Daniel Webster
Aug 1 • 6 tweets • 4 min read
Today in American History: August 1st, 1781

The British arrive at Yorktown!

Two months later America will defeat the British and a humiliated Cornwallis will surrender to George Washington. Read more here about the battle where America earned its independence! Image Background and Leadup:

The Battle of Yorktown (September 28 – October 19, 1781) was a pivotal engagement in the American Revolutionary War. By 1781, the war between the American colonies and Britain had dragged on for six years, with the British seeking to maintain control over the southern colonies. British General Lord Charles Cornwallis established a fortified position at Yorktown, Virginia, aiming to secure a deep-water port for resupply and naval support. Meanwhile, General George Washington, commanding the Continental Army, and his French ally, General Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, saw an opportunity to trap Cornwallis.

The French navy, under Admiral François Joseph Paul de Grasse, gained control of the Chesapeake Bay, cutting off British naval support. Washington and Rochambeau marched their combined forces south from New York, coordinating with French troops and militia to encircle Yorktown. This convergence of American and French strategy set the stage for a decisive siege.Image
Jul 24 • 6 tweets • 4 min read
Heroes of the Revolution: "Light-Horse Harry" Lee

Everyone knows about the exploits of legendary Confederate General Robert E. Lee, but did you know that his father was a hero of the American Revolution? Let's explore Image Family Heritage and Early Life:

Henry Lee III, born on January 29, 1756, in Dumfries, Virginia, hailed from the prominent Lee family, known for its influence in colonial Virginia politics and society. His father, Henry Lee II, was a respected planter and county official, while his mother, Lucy Grymes, connected the family to Virginia’s elite.

Growing up at Leesylvania plantation, Henry was immersed in a world of privilege and education, attending the College of New Jersey (now Princeton) where he excelled academically. His early exposure to revolutionary ideals shaped his patriotic fervor, influenced by his family’s involvement in Virginia’s governance. By his late teens, Lee was well-prepared for a military career, inheriting both social standing and a sense of duty to the emerging American cause.Image
Jul 19 • 6 tweets • 4 min read
American Legends: Samuel Colt

"God made man, Samuel Colt made all men equal"

Happy Birthday to Samuel Colt, born on this day in 1814 and best known for advancing weapons technology with his revolver. How much do you know about his life? Let's explore Image Family Background and Early Life:

Samuel Colt was born on July 19, 1814, in Hartford, Connecticut, into a family of modest means with a strong entrepreneurial spirit. His father, Christopher Colt, was a textile manufacturer, while his mother, Sarah Caldwell Colt, died when Samuel was young, leaving a lasting emotional impact. Raised in a blended family after his father’s remarriage, Colt was one of seven siblings, though several died young. His family’s New England roots tied him to a culture of innovation and industry, which shaped his ambitions. The Colts were not wealthy, but their mercantile background instilled in Samuel a drive for business success. His early exposure to mechanical processes in his father’s factory sparked his lifelong fascination with machinery.Image
Jul 18 • 5 tweets • 3 min read
Today in American History: July 18th, 1863

Glory! The Battle of Fort Wagner

If you ever seen the movie Glory staring Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman you might be familiar with this battle and the role of Black troops in the Massachusetts 54th but how much do you know about the real story? Let's exploreImage Background and Leadup:

The Battle of Fort Wagner, fought on July 18, 1863, was a significant engagement during the American Civil War, occurring near Charleston, South Carolina. Union forces aimed to capture Fort Wagner, a Confederate stronghold on Morris Island, to weaken Southern defenses and gain control of Charleston Harbor. The fort was heavily fortified with sand, earthworks, and artillery, making it a formidable target.

Prior to the battle, Union troops, including the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, a prominent Black unit, conducted an earlier assault on July 11, which failed. This set the stage for a second, more coordinated attack, led by Brigadier General Quincy Adams Gillmore, with the 54th Massachusetts playing a central role.Image
Jul 17 • 5 tweets • 4 min read
Today in American History: July 17th, 1898

Remember the Maine, to hell with Spain!

Spanish troops surrender at Santiago de Cuba, effectively ending major hostilities in the Spanish-American War and setting the stage for Cuban independence.

Everyone knows about Teddy and his Rough Riders, but how much do you know about the rest of the Spanish-American War? Let's exploreImage Background and Leadup:

By the late 19th century, Spain’s once-mighty empire was in steep decline, struggling to maintain control over its dwindling colonies, including Cuba and the Philippines. The Cuban independence movement, fueled by decades of brutal Spanish rule, gained momentum with uprisings like the Ten Years’ War (1868–1878) and the growing rebellion in the 1890s, which exposed Spain’s weakening grip. American imperial ambitions were rising, driven by a desire to expand influence and secure economic interests in the Caribbean and Pacific.

The U.S. public, stirred by sensationalist newspapers, sympathized with Cuban rebels fighting for freedom, viewing Spain as a cruel, outdated colonial power. American businesses, eyeing Cuban markets and resources, pushed for intervention, while leaders like Theodore Roosevelt saw a chance to flex U.S. military might. This convergence of Spanish decline, Cuban resistance, and American expansionism set the stage for conflict, with the U.S. poised to champion liberty and assert dominance.Image
Jul 15 • 6 tweets • 4 min read
Heroes of the Revolution: Marquis de Lafayette

What if I told you a 19 year old French Noble would leave his homeland to fight for the American cause, become one of Washingtons most trusted Generals, and leave a legacy such that over 40 towns in the US bear his name? Let's exploreImage Family and Early Life:

Marquis de Lafayette was born Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier on September 6, 1757, into a wealthy noble family in Chavaniac, France. His family, the Motiers, were part of the French aristocracy, with a long tradition of military service, including ancestors who fought in the Crusades and alongside Joan of Arc. Orphaned at 13 after his father died in battle and his mother passed away, Lafayette inherited vast wealth, elevating his status in French society.

He received military training at the prestigious Military Academy of Versailles, where he developed skills in strategy and leadership. Inspired by Enlightenment ideals and the American colonies’ fight for liberty, he defied French authorities to join the American Revolution, seeking glory and a chance to advance the cause of freedom.Image
Jul 15 • 5 tweets • 3 min read
Today in American History: July 15th, 1918

The Second Battle of the Marne!

The Kaiser launches his last major offensive of WW1 but runs into the US 3rd division nicknamed "The Rock of the Marne".

Read more here about Uncle Sam's Doughboys whippin the Hun! Image Background and Lead-up:

The United States, eager to avenge the Lusitania, entered World War I in April 1917, bringing fresh energy to the Allied cause. By mid-1918, the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF), under General John J. Pershing, had rapidly mobilized and trained, ready to make a decisive impact. The German Spring Offensive of 1918 threatened to overrun Allied lines, but the arrival of American troops bolstered French and British resolve.

With nearly a million U.S. soldiers in France by July, their enthusiasm and growing numbers shifted the momentum. The Second Battle of the Marne, launched on July 15, 1918, offered the U.S. a chance to showcase its military prowess and commitment to victory.Image
Jul 9 • 6 tweets • 4 min read
Today in American History: July 9th, 1755

The Battle of Monongahela!

While a disastrous defeat for the British during the French and Indian War, a young George Washington distinguishes himself in the battle, foreshadowing the great man we all know and love. Let's Explore Image The Battle of Monongahela:

The Battle of Monongahela, fought on July 9, 1755, was a significant engagement during the French and Indian War, part of the broader Seven Years’ War. British General Edward Braddock led approximately 1,400 troops, including British regulars and colonial militia, to capture the French Fort Duquesne near modern-day Pittsburgh. The British force, marching in a rigid, European-style formation, was ambushed by a smaller but agile force of French soldiers, Canadian militia, and Indian allies in a dense forest along the Monongahela River.

The French and their allies used guerrilla tactics, firing from concealed positions, which devastated the British, who struggled to adapt to the unconventional warfare. Braddock’s army suffered a catastrophic defeat, with over 900 casualties, including Braddock himself, while the French and Indian forces lost fewer than 40 men. This disaster exposed British vulnerabilities in frontier warfare and emboldened French and Indian resistance.Image
Jul 8 • 4 tweets • 3 min read
Today in American History: July 8th, 1853

Commander Matthew Perry sails his Black Ships into Edo Bay, near Tokyo, shocking the Japanese and effectively ending 200 years of Japanese isolationism.

But why was America concerned about Japan in the 1850s? Let's explore Image Background and Goals:

In the mid-19th century, the United States, fueled by Manifest Destiny and expanding commercial ambitions, sought to open Japan, a mysterious and isolated nation, to American trade and influence. Japan’s sakoku policy, enforced since 1635, barred foreigners and limited trade, frustrating America’s growing need for Pacific coaling stations and markets for its burgeoning industries. Commodore Matthew Perry, a seasoned naval officer, was chosen by President Millard Fillmore to lead a bold mission to end Japan’s seclusion.

The U.S. aimed to secure a treaty for trade, protect shipwrecked American sailors, and establish a strategic foothold in Asia to rival European powers. Perry’s expedition, armed with modern steamships and a resolve to project American power, was a testament to the nation’s confidence in its global destiny. His mission, launched in 1852, was to deliver a letter from Fillmore demanding diplomatic relations and to negotiate with force if necessary.Image
Jul 7 • 5 tweets • 3 min read
Today in American History: July 7th, 1798

War with France!

The U.S. Congress withdraws from the Treaty of Alliance, sparking the Quasi-War. Read more here about America's first conflict with another nation after independence. đź§µ Image Background and Leadup:

The Quasi-War emerged from tensions between the United States and France during the French Revolutionary Wars (1792–1802). The U.S., neutral in the conflict between France and Britain, faced French hostility due to the 1794 Jay Treaty, which aligned the U.S. closer to Britain. French privateers began seizing American merchant ships, claiming the U.S. was aiding their enemies, with over 300 ships captured by 1797.

The U.S. sought diplomacy, but the XYZ Affair—where French officials demanded bribes from American diplomats—outraged the U.S. public and government. This diplomatic failure, coupled with French aggression at sea, pushed the U.S. toward conflict. By 1798, Congress authorized military preparations, setting the stage for an undeclared war.Image
Jul 6 • 5 tweets • 3 min read
Today in American History: July 6th, 1908

American explorer Robert Peary departs for the North Pole, 9 months later he becomes the first man to reach it!

America is a nation of explorers but the artic expeditions of the early 20th are often overlooked, let's explore! đź§µ Image Background:

Robert Peary, a distinguished American naval officer and explorer, dedicated his career to conquering the Arctic, driven by a patriotic zeal to plant the Stars and Stripes at the North Pole. His earlier expeditions, starting in the 1880s, showcased his resilience and navigational genius, earning him national admiration.

By 1908, Peary was a seasoned Arctic veteran, having refined his strategies through seven prior voyages. His unwavering determination made him a symbol of American ambition and ingenuity. The North Pole, an unconquered frontier, represented the ultimate challenge for this heroic explorer. Peary’s mission was fueled by a desire to bring glory to the United States.Image
Jul 5 • 5 tweets • 3 min read
Today in American History: July 5th, 1814

The Battle of Chippawa!

Read more here about this lesser known battle during the War of 1812 where the Americans, lead by Winfield Scott, whipped the Brits and Canadians! đź§µ Image Background and Leadup:

The Battle of Chippawa, fought on July 5, 1814, occurred during the War of 1812 between the United States and Great Britain. It took place near the Niagara River in Upper Canada (modern-day Ontario), a key theater of the conflict. The U.S. aimed to invade British-held Canada to weaken British influence in North America.

By 1814, American forces, under Major General Jacob Brown, had improved training and discipline, particularly in Brigadier General Winfield Scott’s brigade. The British, led by Major General Phineas Riall, sought to defend Upper Canada with a mix of regular troops, Canadian militia, and Indigenous allies. Tensions escalated after American forces crossed the Niagara River on July 3, capturing Fort Erie, prompting Riall to confront the advancing U.S. army.Image
Jul 4 • 4 tweets • 8 min read
Today in American History: July 4th, 1776

Independence Day!

249 years ago, our Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence, giving birth to the greatest nation in human history.

But what does the Declaration really say and why was it so radical? Let's exploređź§µ Image Key Points in the Declaration:

Preamble: The document begins by asserting the necessity of explaining why the colonies sought independence, emphasizing the right of people to alter or abolish a government that fails to serve them.

Natural Rights: It declares that all men are created equal, endowed with unalienable rights, including "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness." Governments derive their legitimacy from the consent of the governed.

Purpose of Government: Governments exist to secure these rights, and when they become destructive to these ends, the people have the right to overthrow them.

Grievances Against the King: The Declaration lists specific abuses by King George III, such as imposing taxes without consent, dissolving representative bodies, maintaining standing armies in peacetime, and obstructing justice, to justify the break from British rule.

Assertion of Sovereignty: It proclaims the 13 colonies as "Free and Independent States" with the authority to form alliances, wage war, and govern themselves, absolving allegiance to the British Crown.

Unity and Resolve: The document concludes with a pledge by the signers to support independence, relying on divine providence and mutual commitment.Image
Jul 3 • 6 tweets • 4 min read
Today in American History: July 3rd, 1863

Union victory at Gettysburg!

On the 3rd and final day of fighting at Gettysburg, Union forces endure Pickett's Charge and prevail over the Confederate forces under Robert E. Lee.

The turning point of the Civil War, read more heređź§µ Image Artillery Barrage:

On July 3, 1863, the Confederate Army unleashed a massive artillery bombardment on Union positions at Cemetery Ridge, involving approximately 150-170 cannons. This intense barrage, lasting nearly two hours, aimed to weaken Union defenses before Pickett’s Charge.

The Union artillery, led by General Henry Hunt, responded sparingly to conserve ammunition, creating the illusion of weakened defenses. Despite the deafening noise and destruction, the Confederate bombardment was largely ineffective, overshooting many targets. This miscalculation set the stage for the failure of the subsequent infantry assault.Image
Jul 2 • 8 tweets • 5 min read
Today in American History: July 2nd, 1863

Day two of the Battle of Gettysburg!

After being chased out of Gettysburg on day 1, Union forces dig in and form strong defensive positions at places like Little Round Top while the Confederates mount ferocious attacks. Read more heređź§µ Image Day 1 Recap:

If you missed my thread on Day 1 of Gettysburg yesterday check it out here!

Jun 28 • 5 tweets • 4 min read
Today in American History: June 28th, 1863

Major General George Meade takes command of the Army of the Potomac, five days later he'll defeat Robert E. Lee at Gettysburg.

But how much do you know about Meade before Gettysburg? Let's explore đź§µ Image George Meade's American Heritage:

George Gordon Meade was born on December 31, 1815, in Cádiz, Spain, to American parents, ensuring his U.S. citizenship despite his foreign birthplace. His father, Richard Worsam Meade, a wealthy Philadelphia merchant, descended from a family that immigrated to America from Ireland in the early 18th century, settling in Pennsylvania. The Meade family established deep roots in Philadelphia, with George’s grandfather, George Meade, becoming a prominent merchant who actively supported the American Revolution, serving as a financier and contributing to the patriot cause.

Richard’s financial ruin during the Napoleonic Wars forced the family’s return to the U.S., where young George grew up in Philadelphia’s elite society. Meade’s education at the Mount Hope Institution in Baltimore and the American Literary, Scientific, and Military Academy prepared him for West Point, reflecting his family’s emphasis on service and achievement. This patriotic lineage and revolutionary heritage shaped Meade’s commitment to the Union and his military career.Image
Jun 26 • 5 tweets • 3 min read
Today in American History: June 26th, 1917

"Lafayette, we are here!"

American "Doughboys" land in France during WW1.

In school WW1 is an afterthought with most Americans just learning "trench warfare", but how much do you know about the major conflicts of WW1? Let's exploređź§µ Image Battle of Cantigny (May 28, 1918)

The Battle of Cantigny was the first major American offensive in World War I, where the U.S. 1st Division, under Major General Robert Lee Bullard, captured the German-held village of Cantigny in France. Approximately 4,000 American troops faced intense artillery and machine-gun fire but successfully seized and held the position against multiple counterattacks.

The victory, though small in scale, boosted Allied morale and demonstrated American forces' capability in combat. Casualties numbered around 1,600, with 318 killed, marking a significant but costly debut. The battle showcased effective coordination with French artillery and air support, setting a precedent for future AEF operations.Image
Jun 25 • 5 tweets • 3 min read
Today in American History: June 25th, 1929

President Herbert Hoover authorizes the construction of the Hoover Dam.

Everyone is familiar with the Hoover Dam, but how much do you know about the construction of this Art Deco monument to American excellence? Let's exploređź§µ Image Background:

The Hoover Dam, originally called Boulder Dam, was conceived to address critical needs in the American Southwest during the early 20th century. The Colorado River’s unpredictable flooding threatened agriculture and settlements, while the region’s growing population demanded reliable water and power.

Authorized by Congress in 1928, the project aimed to control floods, provide irrigation, and generate hydroelectric power. The dam’s location in Black Canyon, straddling the Nevada-Arizona border, was chosen for its geological stability and accessibility. Its construction was a response to the Great Depression, offering jobs and symbolizing national resilience. The project was managed by the Bureau of Reclamation and designed by architect Gordon Kaufmann.Image
Jun 25 • 5 tweets • 3 min read
Today in American History: June 25th, 1876

Custer's Last Stand at Little Bighorn!

Read more here about this American hero's valiant last stand and bravery in the face of insurmountable odds and Indian brutalityđź§µ Image Who was George Armstrong Custer:

George Armstrong Custer was a flamboyant and ambitious U.S. Army officer, born in 1839 in Ohio, who gained fame during the Civil War. He graduated from West Point in 1861, last in his class, but quickly distinguished himself as a fearless cavalry commander. His heroics shone at battles like Gettysburg, where his bold charges disrupted Confederate advances, earning him a brevet promotion to brigadier general at age 23.

Custer’s aggressive tactics and media savvy made him a national hero, though his brashness sometimes drew criticism. After the war, he transitioned to Indian campaigns in the West, seeking further glory. His charisma and daring defined his larger-than-life persona.Image
Jun 24 • 5 tweets • 3 min read
Today in American History: June 24th, 1898

The Battle of Las Guasimas!

Everyone knows the Spanish-American War for the Battle of San Juan Hill but did you know Teddy and the Rough Riders also shined at Las Guasimas? Let's explore đź§µ Image Background and Leadup:

The Battle of Las Guasimas, fought on June 24, 1898, was an early land engagement of the Spanish-American War in Cuba. The war erupted over U.S. support for Cuban independence from Spain, fueled by events like the sinking of the USS Maine. U.S. forces, including regular army units and volunteers, landed near DaiquirĂ­ and Siboney in June to capture Santiago de Cuba.

The Spanish, under General Arsenio Linares, held defensive positions in the region. The U.S. aimed to advance inland, encountering Spanish troops at Las Guásimas, a strategic point on the road to Santiago. The terrain, dense with jungle and hills, favored ambushes, setting the stage for a challenging fight. Lack of clear intelligence about Spanish positions complicated U.S. plans.Image
Jun 24 • 5 tweets • 3 min read
Today in American History: June 24th, 1863

Robert E. Lee crosses the Potomac with his Army of Northern Virginia to invade Pennsylvania, setting the stage for the Battle of Gettysburg one week later

But how did Gettysburg end up being the site of this epic battle? Let's exploređź§µImage Background and Leadup:

Following Confederate victories at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville in 1862-1863, General Robert E. Lee sought to capitalize on Southern momentum by invading the North. The Gettysburg Campaign, launched in June 1863, aimed to relieve pressure on Virginia, disrupt Union morale, and possibly force a negotiated peace. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia, numbering around 75,000, was buoyed by confidence but strained by supply shortages.

The Union Army of the Potomac, under Maj. Gen. George G. Meade, pursued Lee to protect Northern cities like Washington, D.C., and Harrisburg. Political pressure on both sides intensified, as President Lincoln sought a decisive blow to the Confederacy, while Southern leaders hoped a victory on Union soil would sway foreign support.Image