HISTORY

One-term presidents exited office for not-always-voluntary reasons.

All 28 Presidents Who Served One Term, More or Less

A surprisingly high number of U.S. presidents has left office—by choice or for a less voluntary reason—after serving only one term.

President George Washington delivering his inaugural address.

Why Do Presidents Serve Four-Year Terms?

Here’s the history behind four-year presidential term limits, plus answers to all your other questions about presidential terms.

Next time, do yourself a favor and throw on a pair before you hop in the shower.

The Not-So-Slippery Origins of Shower Shoes

The German national soccer team was looking for shoes to wear in the shower to prevent athlete’s foot. Adidas founder Adi Dassler offered an innovative solution: shower shoes.

Richard Nixon resigned the presidency on August 8, 1974, as a result of his involvement in the Watergate scandal.

10 Deep Facts About the Watergate Scandal

Fifty years ago today, President Richard Nixon resigned as a consequence of his role in the Watergate break-in and cover-up.

These languages have disappeared—but some of them are making a comeback.

11 Extinct, Dead, and Dormant U.S. Languages

Not all languages stick around forever. Some of these 11 tongues are extinct, some are dead or dormant, and some are finding new life.

'Stump Speaking' by George Caleb Bingham, 1853.

The Reason Why Some Political Addresses Are Called “Stump Speeches”

Some stumps were involved in the making of the stump speech.

The song may not actually have much to do with a weasel at all.

‘Pop! Goes the Weasel’: The Real Meaning Behind the Nursery Rhyme

You may think you know the words to “Pop! Goes the Weasel.” The tune is everywhere from jack-in-the-box toys to Data and Riker’s first encounter in ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’. But it may not even be about a weasel at all.

14 Gaffes That Tanked Presidential Bids

Howard Dean, Gary Hart, Richard Nixon, Rick Perry, and more made some pretty big mistakes during their presidential campaigns.

Richard Nixon flashes his trademark “victory” sign.

10 Surprising Facts About Richard Nixon

Although the Watergate scandal tends to overshadow much of his legacy, Richard Nixon almost forced a mistrial for Charles Manson.

Where did this summertime trend come from?

Making Waves: A Page-Turning History of the Beach Read

There’s no tradition more satisfying than cracking open a good book on a sandy beach. Here’s how it all started.

An athlete holds up a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Games.

How Much Gold is in a Gold Medal?

The amount of gold in Olympic medals is regulated, and there’s a lot less than there used to be.

Richard Norris Williams on his home turf.

The Star Tennis Player Who Survived the ‘Titanic’ and Went On to Win Olympic Gold

Richard Norris Williams dreamed of being a tennis great. The ‘Titanic’ nearly cost him his legs.

Rob Pilatus and Fab Morvan of Milli Vanilli.

10 Hit Songs That Weren’t What They Seemed

From Milli Vanilli’s “Girl, You Know It’s True” to Technotronic’s “Pump Up the Jam,” these songs all made it to the Billboard Hot 100—and they all had something to hide.

Ruby slippers from ‘The Wizard of Oz’ are among the most famous objects in the Smithsonian collections.

11 Fascinating Facts About the Smithsonian’s Collections

The museum’s benefactor eventually became part of its collection.

Does this image of overlapping multicolored rings remind you of anything, hm?

A Stimulating History of Free Condoms at the Olympics

Condoms in the Olympic Village have been a tradition—and a public health service—since 1988.

Olympic fans take selfies in front of the iconic rings in Paris.

What Do the Olympic Rings Mean?

Pierre de Frédy, Baron de Coubertin, intended the rings to represent nations “united by Olympism.”

15 Monumental Facts About the Eiffel Tower

On March 31, 1889, the Eiffel Tower—which was built as an entrance arch for the World's Fair—opened to the public.

Why Won’t Team USA Dip the Flag at the Olympics Opening Ceremonies?

America is the only country that refuses to do so.

An ouroboros on a grave marker in West Highgate Cemetery, London.

Ouroboros: The Origins and Meaning of the Snake Eating its Tail

The serpentine symbol has represented the eternal cycle of life for thousands of years.

Why Do Grooms Break a Glass at Jewish Weddings?

There’s a lot of cultural and religious significance attached to this enduring Jewish wedding tradition. Plus, it’s just plain fun.

Rosemary Fowler (seated) receives her doctorate from Sir Paul Nurse, chancellor of the University of Bristol, at a ceremony at Darwin College, Cambridge, UK.

A 98-Year-Old Physicist Finally Got Her Ph.D., 75 Years After Her Major Discovery

Rosemary Fowler discovered a type of subatomic particle, the kaon—but left the university before earning her doctorate.

Veeps with jobs: John C. Breckinridge (left), John Nance Gardner (center), and Schuyler Colfax (right)

How 8 Vice Presidents Made a Living After Leaving Office

Fifteen sitting vice presidents have become president. That leaves a lot of other ex-veeps in need of gainful employment. Here's what a few of them did after leaving office.

Impress your crafty friends by actually knowing how their sewing equipment works.

What's the Purpose of the Little Strawberry Attached to Pincushions?

The fabric strawberry is more than just a cute accessory to an already cute accessory. It also serves as an important tool.

Olympic gold medals are the zenith of athletic achievement.

The 20 Countries With the Most Olympic Gold Medals

Whoever said winning isn't everything didn't have 1175 gold medals.

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