Understanding the Cold War in East German Life through Primary Sources

| By Rey Yuan, Gale Ambassador at Rice University | What comes to your mind when you hear “The Cold War”? The nuclear missile crisis, the “Red Scare,” or perhaps the Iron Curtain speech? As a history major, I have long been intrigued by the incredible complexities of Cold War historiography. In particular, I have … Read more

An Intelligence Empire Gets “Excellent” Review

| By Gale Staff | Twentieth-Century British Intelligence, An Intelligence Empire brings together files from the UK National Archives covering intelligence and security matters from 1905 to 2002. From the international machinery of espionage and 20th-century warfare to personal surveillance and Cold War intelligence, this uniquely broad view of the interests of the British government, her allies, … Read more

Declassified Documents Online: Twentieth-Century British Intelligence, An Intelligence Empire

│By Clem Delany, Associate Acquisitions Editor, Gale Primary Sources│ The twentieth century was an era of global conflict and careful diplomacy, of the rise and fall of political extremes, of great strides in technology, and vast change in the everyday lives of people around the world. Britain began the century with an empire that straddled … Read more

Centennial of the Battle at Vimy Ridge

| By Traci Cothran |

Throughout 2017, Canada is commemorating the 100th anniversary of the WWI Battle at Vimy Ridge (France).  It was a seminal event in Canadian history—a fierce battle against the German forces, which resulted in heavy casualties, including the loss of 3,598 Canadian soldiers and some 20,000 Germans, with tens of thousands more wounded.  Remarkable as it was, this victory against the Germans wasn’t solely a battlefield feat; because the Canadians prevailed where French had failed many times (at an enormous loss of life) and paved the way to Allied victory, the event helped unify Canada, and solidify its independence in the international community.  Commemorative events are planned throughout Canada, as well as in France.

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Former First Lady Nancy Reagan: Her Life, Her Legacy

Posted on March 7, 2016

By Traci Cothran

NANCY REAGAN   (July 6, 1921 – March 6, 2016)

The eulogies are pouring in for former first lady Nancy Reagan – an actress, mother, and fierce supporter of her husband, Ronald Reagan.  As her passing happens amidst a contentious presidential race, we are reminded of a time of greater decorum in our democracy.

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