On December 24, 1968, three astronauts aboard Apollo 8 witnessed something no human had ever seen before: Earth, rising above the lunar horizon. The moment was captured in what would become one of the most influential photographs in human history, forever changing how we see our place in the cosmos.
Read MorePew Research Center's annual roundup of significant findings offers a fascinating snapshot of America's evolving social, political, and demographic landscape in 2024. From shifting political dynamics to demographic milestones, technological changes, and evolving public attitudes, their research illuminates the complex forces shaping our society. Here are the year's most noteworthy discoveries:
Read MoreOn December 21, 1945, the United States Senate made history by confirming Eleanor Roosevelt as a U.S. delegate to the United Nations. President Harry Truman's appointment of the former First Lady marked a pivotal moment in both American diplomacy and women's leadership in international affairs.
Read MoreRecent polling from Pew Research Center reveals the nuanced and sometimes seemingly contradictory views Americans hold regarding undocumented immigration. While there's widespread concern about illegal border crossings and support for deportation measures, a clear majority of Americans also believe in creating pathways to legal status under certain conditions.
Read MoreOn December 15, 1995, San Francisco marked a watershed moment in its history as Willie Lewis Brown Jr. was sworn in as the city's 41st mayor, becoming the first African American to hold the position. The inauguration, held at the Yerba Buena Gardens, represented not just a personal triumph for Brown, but a significant milestone in the city's journey toward greater diversity and inclusion in political leadership.
Read MoreIn a revealing study by Pew Research Center, Americans demonstrate nuanced and sometimes seemingly contradictory views on immigration policy. While concerns about illegal immigration run high, a majority of Americans support creating legal pathways for undocumented immigrants under certain conditions.
Read MoreOn a stormy December weekend in 1989, two world leaders met aboard a ship in the Mediterranean Sea near Malta for what would become one of the most significant diplomatic encounters of the 20th century. President George H.W. Bush and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev came together at a pivotal moment, as the Berlin Wall had fallen just weeks before and revolutionary changes were sweeping across Eastern Europe.
Read MoreWith Donald Trump’s victory in the Nov. 5 presidential election, he is poised to make sweeping policy changes at home and abroad. What do the voters in Trump’s coalition want? How do they view the country and its challenges? Here’s what we know from Pew Research Center’s pre-election surveys over the past year.
Read MoreOn November 29, 1832, in Germantown, Pennsylvania, a literary star was born. Louisa May Alcott would grow up to become one of America's most beloved authors, though she likely never imagined her semi-autobiographical novel "Little Women" would still captivate readers nearly two centuries later.
Read MoreOn a chilly November afternoon in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln delivered what would become one of the most significant speeches in American history. The occasion was the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, just four months after the brutal Battle of Gettysburg had claimed over 50,000 casualties.
Read MoreIn November 14, 2002, American politics witnessed a watershed moment when Nancy Pelosi was elected House Democratic Leader, becoming the first woman to lead a major political party in either chamber of Congress. This breakthrough marked the beginning of a remarkable journey that would later see her ascend to become the first female Speaker of the House in 2007.
Read MoreAs we approach another major election, millions of Americans are heading to their local polling places to cast their ballots. Behind each successful election stands an army of dedicated poll workers—everyday citizens who play a vital role in our democratic process. Recent research from Pew Research Center sheds light on these essential workers and the challenges they face.
Read MoreOn a crisp autumn day in 1967, President Lyndon B. Johnson took a historic step that would forever transform America's media landscape. With the stroke of a pen, he signed the Public Broadcasting Act, establishing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) and laying the foundation for what would become PBS and NPR.
Read MoreA recent Pew Research Center survey reveals a striking consensus among American voters about immigrants' role in the U.S. labor market. The August 2024 study found that three-quarters of registered voters believe undocumented immigrants primarily fill jobs that American citizens don't want, while 61% say the same about legal immigrants.
Read MoreThe erosion of democratic norms and institutions often occurs gradually rather than through sudden coups. Understanding the tactics used by aspiring authoritarians is crucial for preserving democracy. This post outlines seven key strategies employed in the modern authoritarian playbook.
Read MoreAs we approach the 2024 presidential election, the U.S. economy remains a heated topic in debates and a top concern for American voters. Recent polls and economic data paint a complex picture of the current situation and future projections under potential leadership.
Read MoreOn a crisp autumn morning in October 1922, thousands of black-shirted men descended upon Rome. Their synchronized march would forever change the course of Italian history. This was no spontaneous uprising, but rather a carefully orchestrated power grab by Benito Mussolini and his National Fascist Party that would transform Italy into the first fascist state in Europe.
Read MoreIn October 1962, the world held its breath as the United States and the Soviet Union engaged in a tense nuclear standoff that would become known as the Cuban Missile Crisis. For thirteen days, humanity stood closer to nuclear war than at any other point in history.
Read MoreRecent statements by former President Donald Trump have drawn alarming comparisons to historical fascist rhetoric. This analysis examines these parallels in light of recognized early warning signs of fascism.
Read MoreAs the 2024 presidential election approaches, both major parties are vying for the support of a crucial voting bloc: union members. A recent Pew Research Center study sheds light on the importance of union voters and their potential impact on the upcoming election.
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