American history and civics publisher
American History and Civics - Told Straight
American Facts 101 is a clear, file-built learning hub for readers who want the founding era, constitutional government, and major national turning points explained without fluff or partisan fog.
Read articles, review key terms, follow timelines, and move directly to companion videos and quizzes when you want a faster pass through the same topic.
Site focus
Built for students, families, and history readers who want context.
The site starts with written explanations and keeps the navigation simple: people, events, civics, videos, quizzes, and glossary terms that can be read in any order.
Founding Fathers
Profiles and explainers focused on the leadership, ideas, and debates that shaped the American founding.
Historical Figures
Profiles of influential Americans whose leadership, writing, activism, and public service shaped the national story.
Civics & Government
Clear explanations of constitutional structure, citizenship, elections, federal power, and civic life.
Major Events
Landmark turning points in American history, from independence to constitutional milestones.
This day in history
april 6
1862
Battle of Shiloh begins
On April 6, 1862, Confederate and Union armies collided at Shiloh in Tennessee. The first day's fighting stunned both sides with enormous casualties and proved that the Civil War would not be short or limited. The Union held the field after reinforcements arrived, preserving momentum in the western theater.
Featured articles
Start with the latest lessons
March 20, 2026
Alexander Hamilton and the Financial System
As the first secretary of the treasury, Alexander Hamilton built a national financial system that tied public credit, taxation, and economic development to the survival of the new Constitution.
9 min read
March 20, 2026
Anti-Federalists and the Debate Over Ratification
Anti-Federalists challenged the proposed Constitution by warning that consolidated power could endanger liberty, local self-government, and the rights of the people.
9 min read
March 20, 2026
Benjamin Franklin, Diplomat and Founder
Benjamin Franklin helped secure American independence through diplomacy, public persuasion, and steady service during the Revolution and the framing of the Constitution.
8 min read
Founding Fathers / Key People
People who shaped the early republic
Aaron Burr
Aaron Burr rose from Revolutionary War service to the vice presidency in 1801-1805, then saw the Hamilton duel and Burr...
Abigail Adams
Through letters written between 1776 and 1800, Abigail Adams became a political confidante within the Adams family circl...
Alexander Hamilton and the Financial System
As the first secretary of the treasury, Alexander Hamilton built a national financial system that tied public credit, taxation, and economic development to the survival of the new Constitution.
9 min read
Civics and Government
Constitutional ideas made readable
Anti-Federalists and the Debate Over Ratification
Anti-Federalists challenged the proposed Constitution by warning that consolidated power could endanger liberty, local self-government, and the rights of the people.
9 min read
The Bill of Rights Explained
The first ten amendments were added to the Constitution to place explicit limits on federal power and secure liberties the founders believed government must never violate.
8 min read
Federalism Explained
Federalism divides power between the national government and the states so liberty can be protected by a constitutional system of shared authority.
8 min read
Major Historical Events
Turning points that redirected the nation
Inflation Reduction Act signed
On August 16, 2022, Joe Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act, combining clean-energy tax credits, Medicare drug negotiation, corporate minimum taxes, and extended Affordable Care Act subsidies.
2022
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act signed
On December 22, 2017, Donald Trump signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, cutting corporate rates, revising individual taxes, and rewriting major parts of the Internal Revenue Code.
2017
The Armory Show and the Shock of Modern Art in America
The 1913 Armory Show introduced many Americans to modern art and transformed the country's cultural conversation.
6 min read
Featured timeline
Colonial Foundations: 1607-1750
A timeline of the early settlements, institutions, and conflicts that shaped colonial British North America.
27 events across 1607-1750
Open the full timeline1607
Jamestown, Virginia
Jamestown, Virginia, founded as the first permanent English settlement in North America
1609-1610
Starving Time at Jamestown nearly destroys the colony
Starving Time at Jamestown nearly destroys the colony
1612
John Rolfe introduces tobacco cultivation
John Rolfe introduces tobacco cultivation, saving Virginia's economy
Featured video
The Armory Show and the Shock of Modern Art in America
The 1913 Armory Show introduced many Americans to modern art and transformed the country's cultural conversation.
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