Du Bois was an early African-American civil rights leader and scholar, as well as the first African American to receive a PhD from Harvard University. He was an outspoken critic of the social inequalities that existed in the US during the early part of the 20th century, and he helped found the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). What led Du Bois to seek Ghanaian citizenship at the age of 95? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Widely considered one of the greatest naval engagements of all time, the Battle of Leyte Gulf was fought in the seas near the Philippines during World War II. The Japanese occupied the island of Leyte, which became the site of the first American landing in the campaign to recover the Philippines. Over three days in October 1944, American naval forces defeated almost the entire Japanese navy—thereby ensuring ultimate Allied victory. The battle saw the first use of what kind of aircraft tactic? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
A good principle not rightly understood may prove as hurtful as a bad. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (noun) The predominant influence, as of a state, region, or group, over another or others.
Synonyms: domination.
Usage: Many great works of art were created during the hegemony of Athens in Greece.
Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Baltimore’s Johns Hopkins University is named for philanthropist Johns Hopkins. Poorly educated and aware of Baltimore’s lack of medical facilities, Hopkins donated $7 million for the foundation of Johns Hopkins University and Hospital. The university was modeled after European universities and emphasized graduate research rather than collegiate instruction—two groundbreaking and successful decisions that influenced many other US universities. How did Hopkins get his unusual first name? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
The West Indies island of St. Lucia celebrates its national independence holiday on February 22. On that day in 1979, the country gained full independence from Britain. St. Lucia had been a British Colony since 1814. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Washington is often called the “Father of his Country” because of the central role he played in the founding of the United States. As commander of the Continental Army, he led colonial forces to victory over the British and served as the new nation’s first president. He then relinquished that power and retired after two terms, thereby setting a key precedent for republican democracy. What other precedent of the US presidency did Washington set? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, an American novelist of the Jazz Age, The Great Gatsby is today considered standard reading in high school courses on American literature. It tells the story of a bootlegger whose obsessive dream of wealth and lost love is destroyed by a corrupt reality. Cynical yet poignant, the novel is a devastating portrait of the so-called American Dream, which measures success and love in terms of money. What other titles did Fitzgerald consider for this novel? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
I believe that if one always looked at the skies, one would end up with wings. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (adjective) Tapering from a rounded base toward an apex.
Synonyms: lancelike.
Usage: The bush had lanceolate leaves with sharp tips that could sting unwary passersby.
Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary