We are all familiar "the press" in our time and it's 1st Amendment protections. But I'm curious to know what "the press" was in the colonies around the time of the Revolution. What was it used for? Who was the press and who was their audience? Information on why it was named and not implied under "free speech" would be appreciated as well.

What was the prevailing opinion of Napoleon and the Napoleonic wars in the United States?

Hi! first time on reddit not entirely sure how this works, but i could really use your guys expertise! I'm working on a little side project, a disney type retake on the story of "The Princess and The Pea" with Mexican/ Spanish culture influence. Unfortunately I'm not finding a lot of info on period fashion of Mexico and Spain. pictures would be most helpful, links, whatever. anything to better help me demonstrate latino period clothing. and yes i do know there's more to latino's then spanish influenced Mexico- and id like to include some of that too! it's a fantasy world remember, just like frozen and princess and the frog. It's influenced heavily by the culture and is intended to inspire the children of it by giving them a cartoon person to connect to. It's not about being perfect it's about respecting latino heritage. thank you for helping!

I'm a history professor at a local university and looking for a good WWI movie to show to my Modern Europe class. My period predates WWI, so though I know the historiography well, I haven't gotten around to watching many movies about it. What might those of you familiar with the war recommend showing them? I'm looking for something that will accurately portray the senselessness of trench warfare, certain cultural and intellectual responses to the extended fighting, and possibly involvement on the home front. Oh and I'd like it to keep the students' attention for the whole time too. ;) Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

I was watching this Heath Ledger movie fairly recently and I'm moved to ask. How much do we really know about these tournaments, jousting and so forth? Obviously I'm assuming that 90% of the movie and Sir Walter Scott stuff is nonsense, but I'm curious to know more.

I am of Belarusian Jewish origin and I am looking to take on a project of blogging the history of Russian Jews that lived in the Pale of Settlement area prior to WWII. I am interested in how life was like before and during the war, what were the Jewish customs and practices of the shtetls, and why was it called the pale of settlement? I'd look forward to some answers here but additionally want to be pointed in the right direction of resources I can read up on that could help me answer the pale of settlement life and compare that with my families history.

Additionally, I am looking to incorporate a detailed family tree as far as I can expand it which includes where people lived, what they did as a profession, their roles in WWII, and of course the times they lived. What resource could I use to construct all of that?

Thank you in advance

From what I gather it has been very poor, the USSR actually following equality much better. I am curious as I get irritated at how many times I believe the society contradicts itself, I would like to know if those contradictions are factual!

For background, beginning in the 1950s, the CIA began funding on a secret project code-named MKULTRA wherein the CIA's Scientific Intelligence Division used numerous methodologies - many illegal - on both witting and unwitting test subjects in the interest of experimenting with behavioral engineering of the human mind.

I'd like to have a deeper understanding of the breadth of these experiments and some specifics on them in addition to the circumstances that lead up to this program being officially sanctioned and executed by the US government.

Thanks!

EDIT: HOUSE OF CARDS SPOILER WARNING - my sincerest apologies for not originally putting the warning, honestly didn't even cross my mind.

In 1868, the House of Representatives impeached President Andrew Johnson; however, the Senate did not remove him from office. If the Senate had removed him from office, what would have been the line of succession to the president? Follow up: who would have been vice president?

For more recent fictional references, I'm thinking of /r/houseofcards as the president resigned from office and Vice President Frank Underwood assumed office. Who would then be his vice president? Could he appoint someone or does the Constitution have a predetermined line? Is there a special election that must be held?

Just discussing with a friend and couldn't think of a better place to find an answer than /r/askhistorians

Until a very short time ago, I couldn't tell you the difference between a Celt, an Anglo-Saxon, a Viking, or a Scandinavian. I've done some preliminary research into the history of what we refer to as "The Vikings" and I've been amazed at the depth of information we have on a vast and complex group of people that spanned the better part of two millennia and is very involved in the history of Europe.

Wikipedia has been great at giving be an overview of Vikings and their history, but I'd really love some good contemporary literature to dig into. Any recommendations?

Also, anything specifically pertaining to the Varangian Guard would be great. For some reason, I've really taken an interest in them!

Hello all. Wasn't sure if this is the right place to ask, but I thought /r/askhistorians might be more knowledgable on the subject and wanted to give it a try.

I am looking for American themed art. Prefer paintings with themes from the time of discovery to the 13 original states, vs British Empire, Louisiana Purchase and onward to present day including great depression/40s/60s/70 ...2000s. You get the idea, I am mostly looking for everyday life paintings, but would also like nature ( for example Grand Canyon).

I have already seen Terry Redlin's art (nature themed), and Jack Vetriano's art, and some more art based on the beginning of the Industrial/Steam age in USA I think.... and I loved all of them. Are there any recommendations for paintings that captures the quintessential themes of an era ?

Thanks for any answers I get and have a good weekend !

Edit : thank you for all your answers , these will keep me busy for weeks :D

In our world today, we often give recognition and respect to the people who fought in the Second World War, being the last "Great War" of our time.

Was there anything like this for the soldiers who fought in the Napoleonic Campaigns? Would it be a mark of pride to have a veteran for a dad or grandfather?

Specifically before the turn off the century. I'm reading Huckleberry Finn right now, and was wondering if the author had different standards.

And if you could help me clear up the differences between dominions and commonwealth countries, that would be great!

I don't understand how there could have been misunderstandings because I see it as pretty straight forward. How did the troops see the tea party?

Were the cartridges for the Enfield rifle really greased in pig and cow fat, or was that just a rumor? I have read both. Also, does anyone know of any good documentaries on the British in India? 17th-19th century only, not 20th. (Other than the two recent BBC series covering the overall history of the British Empire, which I have already seen).

I know vaguely that Norway and Sweden were united once, though I don't know when they were and when/why this ended. What caused Norway and Sweden to split and when, and why have they remained split?

As far as the other countries of Scandinavia, has there ever been any movement for a sort of "Scandinavian Union"?