History Today

The Political Education of James Madison

James Madison, the fourth president of the United States, is best remembered, according to Esmond Wright, for his personal integrity and the scholarly application which he brought to constitutional questions in which he collaborated with Thomas Jefferson.

The Smoke Abatement Exhibition of 1881

A hundred years ago this month the Smoke Abatement Exhibition was held in London. In this article, John Ranlett explains how the exhibition demonstrated the practicality of smoke control equipment and how a century later the efficacy of this can be observed in the city streets.

Martinique: The British Occupation, 1794-1802

In the years following their seizure of the West Indian Island of Martinique from the French, the British had the task of maintaining internal order and restoring the island's prosperity before handing their protectorate back to Napoleon's envoy.

Guy Fawkes Celebrations in Victorian Exeter

November 5th had traditionally provided an outlet for the expression of popular attitudes towards religion in the city of Exeter. In this article Roger Swift examines the particular fervour of the celebrations during the Victorian period despite efforts by the authorities to control them.

Edwardian Britain

An introduction to this month's special feature on Edwardian Britain, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Historical Association.