Even almost 950 years after its construction was begun, St. Sernin remains a religious structure that awes and inspires the pilgrims who still visit.
Dr. Bryan Zygmont
Over the past 250 years, the American colonies have transitioned from being mere holdings of European superpowers, to being perhaps the most preeminent superpower of our own day.
America in the World
Though at first glance this nude seems plucked from classical antiquity, it actually alludes to modern politics.
Hiram Powers, The Greek Slave
Americans looked to define the nation’s identity, independence, and their ideals in the nineteenth century.
1800 – 1848
The Revolutionary War, the Declaration of Independence, and the birth of the two-party system..
1754 – 1800
With the seventeenth century came European settlers, slavery in America, and tensions between British and French forces.
1607 – 1754
From the silver used to make colonial sugar bowls to the steel used in submarines—how work, exchange, and technology have shaped the United States.
Work, exchange, and technology
From the humble taproom to national television, political parties have vied for power since the 18th century.
Politics and power
In addition to being an politician, Jefferson was an ardent supporter and practitioner of classical architecture.
Architect of the Enlightenment
Presidential portraits of George Washington were Stuart’s bread and butter when he returned to his native America.
Picturing George Washington
West turned the conventions of history painting on their head by choosing a contemporary subject and dress.
Painting the French and Indian War
Not content to merely paint the land, Cole elevated the landscape to approach the status of historical painting.
Settling the American Eden, The Oxbow
Explore the role of geography and both the natural and human-made
environments on social and political developments.
Geography and the environment
Explore how the various people who moved to and within the United States both adapted to and transformed their new environments.
Migration and settlement
Though at first glance this nude seems plucked from classical antiquity, it actually alludes to modern politics.
A nude in Victorian America
Well known in his own day as a silversmith, Revere is shown in casual attire, with a teapot brimming with meaning.
The making of Paul Revere’s fame
Forget what you think you know about Puritan fashion and get ready to Freake.
The quiet ostentation of early Puritans
Johnson paints a courageous African-American family fleeing slavery.
The Civil War, liberty front and center
This gigantic canvas is one of the most famous in the history of American art, but it wasn’t made in the USA.
Examining visual evidence
Lack of an American sculptural tradition compelled Jefferson to look to France for this portrait of Washington.
Browse Smarthistory images for teaching & learning!