Forced Migration of Native Americans and Settler Violence

A historic European street town

Why did the forced migration of Native Americans happen? What violence forced them to move? The forced migration of Native Americans occurred as Europeans moved westward and demanded more territory. Migration was often deadly and meant leaving sacred, ancestral homes.  Read more to see how Native Americans resisted westward expansion and how they were ultimately forced out of their homes.

Native Americans During the Civil War: Anti-Indigenous Policies

A man with a stovepipe hat giving a speech

What was the role of Native Americans during the Civil War? How were they involved? During the Civil War, Native Americans were subject to many anti-indigenous policies and racism, and many responded by fighting to divide the United States. By joining in the war, Native Americans hoped to weaken European forces. Continue reading to learn how indigenous people were affected by and involved in the Civil War.

The US Rail System Wants to Upgrade to High-Speed Trains

A train going at high speed next to a field

What’s the history of the US rail system? Why has the US long failed to prioritize high-speed rail construction? Will there ever be a high-speed train in the US? The US Department of Transportation’s recent commitment of $6 billion to high-speed rail, fueled by the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, could ignite further development in domestic rail service. Despite the government’s renewed focus on high-speed rail, serious challenges remain. Here’s an overview of the conversation about the US rail system.

Native Americans in the 1900s: Resisting Imperialism

A US American flag on a sandy beach

What was the status of Native Americans in the 1900s? Were they still subjected to oppression? In the early 1900s, Native Americans were targeted by legislation that forced them to become United States citizens and took away their rights as indigenous nations. During this time, Native Americans also fought back and sought to secure safe places for their nations to live and thrive. Keep reading to see how things were for indigenous people in the United States during the 20th century.

The Indigenous Civil Rights Movement: 1960s and Beyond

A peace sign at a protest

What were the key features of the indigenous civil rights movement in the US? What did Native activists accomplish in the 1960s? The indigenous civil rights movement sought to achieve self-governance, treaty enforcement, and land restitution for Native Americans. The movement has had many long-term impacts still seen today. Read on for more about Native American activism during the civil rights era.

Native American Struggles Today: The Right to Self-Determination

A man standing in front of two posts with arrows pointing different ways

What are key Native American struggles today? How are indigenous people fighting for justice in the 21st century? Native American struggles today are focused on the right to self-determination—for example, the right to independent governing bodies. Many see the current US policies as a continuation of the genocide at the foundation of the country. Here are some of the ways that Native Americans are still fighting for their rights.

Public Trust in Science Is Waning—Why This Is Dangerous

A doctor putting a shot in a person's arm.

Why has there been a sudden decrease in confidence in science? How could the distrust of science endanger individuals and the country? The public’s trust in science has dropped sharply over the last few years. This trend has people from all sides of the political spectrum, and in fields ranging from medicine to public policy, concerned about the future of progress in the United States. Here are some possible reasons why trust in science is waning.

Here’s Why Many Americans Are Avoiding the News

An older man ignoring the news on the television by looking at his phone.

Why are so many Americans avoiding the news? What are some of the negative effects of news fatigue? If you’ve been spending less time keeping up with the news, you’re in good company. Research shows that many Americans are paying less attention to the headlines than they used to—and there are many possible reasons why. Here’s how we get the news and a few reasons why experts think that our interest in following current events might be changing. 

2023 UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) Overview

2023 UN Climate Change Conference (COP28)  Overview

What are the key takeaways from the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference? How have global stakeholders responded to the outcomes? Is the deal enough to thwart global warming’s threats? The recent UN Climate Summit (COP28) in Dubai ended with a historic agreement, for the first time calling on nations to transition away from fossil fuel use. Critics argue the deal doesn’t go far enough, citing the pact’s weak language and support for transitional fuels and carbon capture technologies. Here’s a look at how the 2023 Conference of Parties went down.

How Social Media Is Handling AI Election Misinformation

A cellphone with a screen that says "2024 ELECTION"

Did social media companies live up to promises to combat election misinformation after 2020? What new technological threats could undermine the 2024 elections? How are companies addressing election integrity issues this time around? Social media platforms face rising pressure to address new AI disinformation threats that could undermine the 2024 elections. Experts warn that companies’ failure to address sophisticated “deep fakes” threatens American democracy and could lead to violence. Keep reading to learn how AI misinformation could affect the coming election.