War, What Is It Good For?

Steven Isaac looks back to medieval times to show how the meaning of a mercenary changed over time.

John Matsui takes us inside the political infighting that plagued the armies of the Civil War, and the debate over tactics that almost tore Union forces apart.

European “freedom fighters” once proudly called themselves terrorists. Jennifer Malia says the literature from the period shows a raging debate about the role of terrorism in revolution.

During the Civil War, the residents of Winchester witnessed some of the bloodiest battles of the conflict—for control of the Shenandoah Valley—and suffered under Union occupation. Jonathan Noyalas tells how the return of Union veterans to the Valley in 1883 sparked a spirit of reconciliation between former enemies.

Spencer Crew looks back at the “Underground Railroad” and makes a connection to activism in the modern world.

James Robertson shares many modern conveniences that have their origin in the Civil War.