Historical Documents
Today in History: Treaty of Paris Signed, Formally Ending War for Independence
Today in history, on September 3 1783, the Treaty of Paris was signed, formally ending the American War for Independence the next year. In 1781, a major victory was scored over the British at Yorktown by Continental Army commander George Washington, with considerable...
Remembering George Mason and the Virginia Declaration of Rights
by Gary M. Galles, Mises Institute Every July 4, Americans throw themselves a party to celebrate our Independence Day. But while the date is heavy on flags, fireworks, and red, white and blue-themed BBQ, understanding the reasons why America’s founding is uniquely...
The Neutrality Proclamation in a Nutshell
Today in history, on April 22, 1793, President George Washington issued a statement that the United States would remain neutral in the ongoing conflict between France and Britain. Given that his decision kept the United States out of a war, why was it so...
Common Sense: A Concise Defense of the Patriot Cause
Today in 1776, Thomas Paine anonymously published a pamphlet called “Common Sense.” It was a concise defense of the patriot cause. After emigrating from England two years prior with the assistance of Benjamin Franklin, Paine became one of the most ardent and famous...