The Daily History Chronicle

On December 1, 1867, Canada's first Parliament opened in Ottawa, but this wasn't a celebration of unity. It was an experiment in whether people who deeply disagreed could learn to govern together. Richard Backus explores how the parliamentary system was deliberately designed to contain differences without eliminating them and why that choice remains profoundly relevant today. When democracy feels broken, the lessons from that first Parliament matter more than ever. This is about more than Canadian history; it's about whether diverse democracies can actually function.

What is The Daily History Chronicle?

Every date on the calendar marks a moment that changed everything.

Welcome to The Daily History Chronicle, where host Richard Backus, publisher of University Teaching Edition, brings history to life through compelling 15-minute stories that connect the past to our present.

Each day, we travel back to explore a pivotal moment in history, from revolutions and discoveries to tragedies and triumphs. But these aren't just dates and facts. They're stories of courage, conflict, innovation, and consequence that continue to echo through our lives today.

What makes The Daily History Chronicle different? We don't just tell you what happened—we explore why it still matters. Every episode connects historical events to contemporary issues, revealing how the decisions of yesterday shape the challenges and opportunities of today.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, a student, or simply curious about the forces that shaped our world, join us daily for thought-provoking storytelling that makes history relevant, accessible, and unforgettable.

Because, as philosopher George Santayana reminds us, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."

New episodes daily. Subscribe now and never miss a moment from history.