Peter is the author of numerous articles and books. His work has been published in the Smithsonian Magazine, Military History Quarterly, Military History Magazine, WWII Quarterly Journal, Honest History Magazine, and TheCollector, among others. When not writing, Peter is a World History professor at Caldwell University. You can also hear him as the host of Evergreen Network's History Shorts Podcast.
Areas of Expertise
US States Named After Real People
While U.S. states are often associated with distinct geographic features, sports teams, or cultural landmarks, many of their names honor real historical figures.
6 Great Political Compromises That Shaped America
The story of the United States is one of political compromise regarding the very principle the nation was founded on: that all men are created equal.
Honoring the Nameless: History of the US Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stands atop a hill at Arlington National Cemetery as a solemn tribute to the anonymous heroes who sacrificed their lives for their nation.
The Role of Swing States in US Presidential Elections
Swing states have played a crucial role in United States presidential elections for much of American history, particularly in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.
The Philippine-American War: The US’s First “Vietnam”
In 1898, Spain ceded control of the Philippines to the US, plunging the nation into an unpopular war reminiscent of the more recent conflict in Vietnam.
When the US Senate Put Comic Books on Trial
The rise of comic books as a cultural phenomenon in the 1950s prompted US Congress to address the concerns over their negative influence on America’s youth.
The Surprising Origins of Wonder Woman: A Revolutionary Comic History
Wonder Woman’s creation is deeply rooted in WWII propaganda, feminist ideals, and the unconventional personal life of her creator, William Moulton Marston.
Comic Books in WWII: When American Comics Went to War
Amid the political turmoil of the late 1930s, as global conflicts unfolded, a group of American Jewish writers emerged as the unsung heroes of a burgeoning comic book industry.
Norman Rockwell’s “Four Freedoms” That Almost Weren’t
To explain sending their loved ones to fight overseas, the US government turned to an artist who could best encapsulate the importance of sacrifice: Norman Rockwell.
When They Were Kids: What Were US Presidents Like as Children?
It may be difficult to imagine them as young children who pranked their teachers and got bullied—but even American presidents were once kids.
What Is the History of Presidents’ Day in the US?
While often lost amid retail sales and promotions, Presidents' Day honors the American leaders who have guided the nation through its many challenges and triumphs.
The “New” Norman Rockwell Turns Toward Civil Rights
Rockwell’s 1960s move from The Post to Look magazine introduced the world to a “new” artist—one who was not afraid to tackle race issues.