1

Mississippi Goddam, Nina Simone

Image: Alano Oliveira

Nina Simone was an outspoken soul, and her 1963 song, "Mississippi Goddam," is considered by many to be her first song about civil rights. The tune was written as a response to the murder of civil rights activist Medgar Evers , as well as other tragedies that involved the movement during the volatile and ever-changing social dynamics of the decade.

As time went on, Nina Simone continued to send a message through her music, specifically regarding activism and social injustice issues.

2

The Times They Are a-Changin', Bob Dylan

Image: Chris Boland

Never one to keep his mouth shut when it came to topics that he found worth communicating, Bob Dylan wrote this song about the changing tide in America , where young people were voicing their displeasure on issues such as war and racism.

The song is considered one of the greatest of all time. It's also one of the most covered—thanks to the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Joan Baez, and Tracy Chapman.

3

Fortunate Son, Creedence Clearwater Revival

Image: Austin Prock

Anti-Vietnam songs were a staple of 1960s and '70s culture. However, this Creedence Clearwater Revival hit stands out as one of the more mainstream songs that continues to be heard today.

The tune enjoyed prominence in movies like Forrest Gump and has been covered countless times by such bands as Dropkick Murphys.

4

Give Peace a Chance, Plastic Ono Band

Image: Erin Song

One of the most popular anti-war songs of all time, which always makes an appearance in the event of conflict, is "Give Peace A Chance."

While this timeless classic was recorded by the Plastic Ono Band, the writing credit is actually shared between John Lennon and Paul McCartney, marking the beginning of a post-Beatles world.

5

Get Up, Stand Up, The Wailers

Image: Bill Fairs

Bob Marley wrote this classic track in collaboration with his bandmate Peter Tosh. The song was reportedly inspired by Marley’s tour in Haiti . He was taken aback by the country's high level of poverty, as well as the class system.

It has since become a long-time favorite of the band and a staple of Marley's live shows during his lifetime.

6

Ronnie, Talk To Russia, Prince

Image: DJ Johnson

Prince had many hits but this one was not among them. In fact, we can safely assume that The Purple One wrote this song for the express purpose of communicating his political feelings in the most direct possible way. And, being Prince, that had to be done through a song.

"Ronnie, Talk To Russia" is, as the name implies quite obviously**, a straight shout-out to former president Ronald Reagan**. It addresses America's relationship with Russia and the heightened tensions of the time due to the nuclear threat.

7

Born in the U.S.A., Bruce Springsteen

Image: Jose Antonio Gallego Vázquez

Having just mentioned the case of an artist who used music to speak to Ronald Reagan, we now turn to one who was very upset when Reagan spoke about him. The reason for this conflict originated from what may be the most misunderstood and seemingly patriotic song in music history.

"Born In The U.S.A." is a Bruce Springsteen classic that sounds very anthemic but is, in fact -yet another- anti-Vietnam tune.

8

Peace Sells, Megadeth

Image: Juan Di Nella

Megadeth’s frontman Dave Mustaine has never been one to shy away from political commentary, and this song is, perhaps, the most famous example. "Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying" packs his thoughts on government corruption, failing foreign policy, and more , with catchy riffs and an infectious bass line.

The song’s direct and provocative lyrics resonated with many listeners and became a defining anthem of the thrash metal genre.

9

Fight The Power, Public Enemy

Image: Nicholas Green

It is hard to think of a more straightforward political message in a song title than "Fight The Power" released as a single in 1989. Public Enemy was all about the message, and taking down the establishment, big government, and abuse of authority were usually central themes.

The song is one of the group's most famous and influential tracks, and gained additional prominence when it was featured in Spike Lee's film Do the Right Thing.

10

Killing in the Name, Rage Against the Machine

Image: Jordy

Another highly political band, Rage Against The Machine, created this song, which is fitting for the current political and social climate. Police brutality and systemic racism are at the forefront of the message , delivered with massive guitar hooks and aggressive vocals.

Most of RATM’s catalog delves into these kinds of themes with varying success but this song was a hit when it first came out and still remains a fan favorite.

1

Coca-Cola vs. Pepsi

One could say that the "Cola Wars" began in the early 1900s, but in all truth, they exploded during the TV ad boom of the 1970s and 1980s . Both brands poured millions into marketing, celebrity endorsements, and taste-test campaigns.

While Pepsi tried to appear youthful and rebellious, Coke leaned on its classic Americana image. Everyone has a favorite. Which one is yours?

Image: Declan Sun

2

McDonald’s vs. Burger King

Since the 1950s, these two massive burger chains have fought to define the American fast-food experience. McDonald’s boasted consistency and golden arches recognized worldwide, while Burger King prided itself on flame-grilled flavor .

Each tried to outdo the other with catchy slogans and mascots. Even today, "Have it your way" and "I’m lovin’ it" can be heard and seen from locations all over the world.

Image: P Kara

3

Hatfields vs. McCoys

In the hills along the border between Kentucky and West Virginia, two families embarked on a bloody feud after the Civil War. What began as a dispute over land and livestock transformed into years of violence and revenge .

The feud became a national symbol of rural grudges and lawlessness. Thankfully, today, descendants have made peace.

Image: Kelly Sikkema

4

Democrats vs. Republicans

Since the 19th century, America’s two main political parties have clashed over nearly everything : economics, social policy, and even the role of government itself. Their competition defines national elections.

Though the issues evolve, the rivalry remains constant. Campaign slogans change, but the fight for America’s political throne never ends.

Image: Zoshua Colah

5

Ford vs. Chevrolet

In garages and racetracks across the country, Ford and Chevy fans have argued for generations . From muscle cars to pickup trucks, their rivalry helped shape the American auto identity.

Each brand claimed better performance, style, or reliability. "Built Ford Tough" and "Like a Rock" became slogans that shaped the automobile industry in America.

Image: Dimitri Karastelev

6

Apple vs. Microsoft

Two tech titans named Steve Jobs and Bill Gates , fought for control of the personal computer revolution for decades. Microsoft’s software dominated offices, while Apple excelled in design and innovation .

Their contrasting visions fueled decades of progress and shaped modern computing. Today, the rivalry continues in phones, tablets, and the cloud.

Image: Sahej Brar

7

Nike vs. Adidas

What began as a sneaker battle grew into a global pop culture competition . Nike’s swoosh symbolized American innovation, while Adidas built on European craftsmanship and sport heritage.

Athletes, rappers, and fashion icons fueled the feud. From basketball courts to runways, the feud is very much alive and well.

Image: Malia Moore

8

Yankees vs. Red Sox

Baseball’s most storied rivalry dates back to 1919, when Boston sold Babe Ruth to New York . The "Curse of the Bambino" haunted Red Sox fans for generations.

Decades of heartbreak and dramatic comebacks ensued, and the fans make sure to keep it that way, at least for the fun of it.

Image: Sudan Ouyang

9

Hamilton vs. Burr

In the early days of the country, Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr’s political rivalry turned into personal hatred. Their ideological clashes came to a head in 1804.

They met for a duel in New Jersey, where Hamilton was fatally shot . The tragic encounter became one of early America’s defining stories.

Image: Florian Herzog

10

Elvis Presley vs. The Beatles

When The Beatles first came to America in the 1960s, f ans drew lines between the King of Rock ’n’ Roll and the Fab Four . Each represented a cultural moment and a musical evolution.

Though they met once, their contrasting styles symbolized changing generations, and the fictitious rivalry was fueled by the fans.

Image: Max Kukurudziak

11

Edison vs. Tesla

The famous "War of Currents" placed inventor Thomas Edison’s direct current against Nikola Tesla’s alternating current . Both dreamed of lighting up America, but only one system could win.

Their competition sparked demonstrations, smear campaigns, and innovation. In the end, Tesla’s AC prevailed, but Edison’s legacy lives to this day.

Image: Alex Haney

12

Lakers vs. Celtics

For a long time, the NBA’s biggest rivalry has crossed coasts and generations. The Celtics dominated the early years, while the Lakers reigned in more recent decades.

From Russell vs. Chamberlain to Magic vs. Bird, their clashes created unforgettable moments in basketball history.

1

Jackson, Mississippi

Image: Engineers' office, department of Tennessee, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Did you know Jackson, Mississippi, is named after the 7th U.S. President, Andrew Jackson? It is one of the four state capitals named after American presidents —the other three are Jefferson City (Missouri), Lincoln (Nebraska), and Madison (Wisconsin).

Jackson is the only U.S. capital built on top of an extinct volcano. Interestingly, during the Civil War, the city was burned by Union troops, giving it the nickname "Chimneyville". In addition, Jackson is best known for being the center of the civil rights movement during the 1950s and 1960s.

2

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Image: Wendy Shervington

In 1610, Spanish settlers established Santa Fe as the capital of New Mexico, making it the oldest state capital in the country. But that's not the only peculiarity of this quaint city with a temperate climate and a unique historical and cultural richness. At 7,000 feet above sea level, Santa Fe is also the highest U.S. capital.

3

Honolulu, Hawaii

Image: Daniel Lee

Known for its spectacular beaches and rich cultural heritage, Honolulu is the only state capital not on the North American mainland. Considered the birthplace of modern surfing, it also has the highest average annual temperature of any U.S. state capital.

But those aren't the only interesting facts about Hawaii's capital. Here are a few equally (or more) crazy ones: it hosts the only royal palace in the United States (Iolani Palace), the island is made up of volcanic soil, and it houses the world's largest open-air shopping mall (Ala Moana Center).

4

Annapolis, Maryland

Image: Terry Granger

Annapolis is a historic city on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, known for its colonial architecture, nautical tradition, and academic value. But did you know it is also the smallest U.S. capital by land size? Just 6.7 square miles!

Annapolis was also one of the nine capitals the United States has had throughout its history. For nine months during the Revolutionary War, Maryland's current state capital served as the seat of the Confederation Congress.

5

Bismarck, North Dakota

Image: NASA Astronaut, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

If you thought Juneau, Alaska, had the lowest average winter temperature of all state capitals, think again! It's actually Bismarck, North Dakota, where the coldest temperature ever recorded was -45°F. Imagine that!

Bismarck was founded in 1872 on the banks of the Missouri River. The city was named after Otto von Bismarck, the chancellor of Germany, to attract German investors. Another fun fact? In 1930, Bismarck and Fargo had a dispute, known as the "Capitol Tower War," over which city should be the state capital.

6

Charleston, West Virginia

Image: Carol M. Highsmith, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Did you know that the original name of West Virginia's capital was Charles Town in honor of the father of Colonel George Clendenin, one of the first settlers?

Charleston is best known for offering a unique combination of history, culture, and outdoor adventure.

7

Hartford, Connecticut

Image: Balazs Busznyak

Founded in 1635, Connecticut's capital is one of the oldest cities in the U.S. Hartford is known for being a key cultural center in New England. It was the home of writer Mark Twain and is home to historic sites such as the State Capitol, the Harriet Beecher Stowe House, and Bushnell Park, the oldest public park in the country.

Hartford is also called the "insurance capital of the world" due to the presence of major insurance companies. But the city's most curious fact is that it was where Teddy Roosevelt, aboard the Columbia Electric Victoria Phaeton, took the first presidential automobile ride in history!

8

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Image: Katherine McAdoo

Pennsylvania's capital city is best known for its role in the Civil War and the Underground Railroad. Located on the banks of the Susquehanna River, Harrisburg has been an important center of transportation and commerce. Today, it is known for its historic architecture, museums, and special events.

Harrisburg is also home to the longest stone arch bridge in the world, the Rockville Bridge, built in 1902. Oh, and in 1979, it came close to a nuclear disaster due to the accident at the Three Mile Island plant, the worst in U.S. history —but that's a longer story for another article!

9

Olympia, Washington

Image: Peter Robbins

Located at the southern tip of Puget Bay, Washington's state capital is known for its natural beauty and vibrant culture. But did you know Olympia is the northernmost state capital in the contiguous U.S.?

Oh, and it's also a great place to try some of the best craft beer in the country!

10

Salt Lake City, Utah

Image: Cong Wang

Utah's state capital is popular for being one of the best places to ski in the United States. But that's not all! Salt Lake City is also the only state capital with three words in its name. Have you ever thought about that?

It has the largest Mormon population in the country and is the world headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Another fun fact? Salt Lake City is home to more plastic surgeons per capita than any other state capital!

11

Montpelier, Vermont

Image: John Holm

Named after the French city of the same name, Montpelier is the least populated state capital, with a population of just 7,900. Probably for that reason, Vermont's capital prides itself on its small local businesses: it is the only state capital that doesn't have a McDonald's or a Starbucks. Could you live without these fast food chains? It doesn't have a Walmart store either!

12

Topeka, Kansas

Image: Nils Huenerfuerst

Topeka, Kansas’s state capital, has several interesting tidbits. For example, did you know its name, of Native American origin, means "a good place to dig potatoes"? Interesting, don’t you think?

In 2010, Topeka temporarily changed its name to "Google, Kansas" to attract the attention of the internet giant and become the capital city of fiber optics. Frivolous facts aside, Topeka was also very important in the history of the civil rights movement.