Steven M. Gillon

Steven M. Gillon is a senior fellow at the Miller Center at the University of Virginia and a professor of history at the University of Oklahoma. He has authored numerous books on American history, including _America's Reluctant Prince: The Life of John F. Kennedy, Jr._ and _The Pact: Bill Clinton, Newt Gingrich and the Rivalry that Changed America_.

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Border-patrol agents guarding the U.S. side of the Mexican border at San Diego open the gate to let six families unite and hug for three minutes each before closing the gate again. The event is organized by Border Angels, a migrant-advocacy group.
Immigration

How a Little-Known ’60s Congressman Unwittingly Upended U.S. Immigration

Lawmakers thought focusing on family unification would preserve the immigration status quo. The result was just the opposite.

1960s

Why the Public Stopped Believing the Government about JFK’s Murder

After JFK's assassination, 87% of Americans believed Oswald was the sole shooter. What happened?

1960s

Lee Harvey Oswald: Plan, Chaos or Conspiracy?

In an excerpt from his new book, author Steven M. Gillon details the final hours of Lee Harvey Oswald's life.

Peace demonstrators taunt Illinois National Guardsmen outside the Democratic National Convention headquarters hotel, on August 29, 1968. (Credit: AP Photo)
1960s

The Revolution That Was 1968

As simmering political and cultural resentments exploded in 1968, nearly every week produced news of another earth-shattering event.

William Jennings Bryan, Democratic Presidential nominee, delivering a campaign speech in 1910. (Credit: Bettmann Archive/Getty Images)
U.S. Government and Politics

Why Populism in America is a Double-Edged Sword

Joseph McCarthy's brand of populism proved much darker than, say, Ronald Reagan's.

View of spectators waiting for Robert F. Kennedy funeral train
1960s

Inside RFK’s Funeral Train: How His Final Journey Helped a Nation Grieve

The New York-to-Washington train had 21 cars, 700 passengers—and millions of trackside mourners.

1967 Detroit Riots
1960s

Why the 1967 Kerner Report on Urban Riots Suppressed Its Own Expert Findings

Government researchers found one common denominator among those most likely to riot: They had experienced or witnessed an act of police brutality.

A postcard of Michigan Central Station in Detroit, circa 1913
Landmarks

This Train Station is Poised to Help Detroit Get Back on Track

Michigan Central Station was once the tallest train station in the world. Then as Detroit fell on hard times, so did its train hub. Can its rebirth help revitalize Motor City?