What is The Atlantic and what topics does it cover?

The Atlantic is an American magazine and multi-platform publisher based in Washington, D.C. It features articles covering politics, foreign affairs, business and the economy, culture and the arts, technology, and science.

When and where was The Atlantic founded, and what was its original name?

The Atlantic was founded in Boston in 1857. Its original name was The Atlantic Monthly, and it began as a literary and cultural magazine.

Who served as the first editor of The Atlantic Monthly?

James Russell Lowell, a notable poet and critic, served as the first editor of The Atlantic Monthly.

What major political issue was The Atlantic Monthly focused on in its early years?

In its early years, particularly during the 19th century, The Atlantic Monthly published commentary on significant political issues of the time, including the abolition of slavery.

How did The Atlantic's publication schedule change after 2000?

The Atlantic was published monthly until 2001, when it produced eleven issues. Since 2003, it has published ten issues per year, and it officially dropped "Monthly" from its name in 2007.

What recognition did The Atlantic receive from the American Society of Magazine Editors?

The Atlantic was named Magazine of the Year by the American Society of Magazine Editors in 2016. It also won the award for general excellence in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

What significant literary work did The Atlantic publish in February 1862?

In February 1862, The Atlantic was the first publication to feature Julia Ward Howe's "Battle Hymn of the Republic."

How did The Atlantic contribute to the career of Charles W. Eliot?

The Atlantic published Charles W. Eliot's article "The New Education," which advocated for practical reform in education. This publication contributed to his subsequent appointment as the president of Harvard University in 1869.

What influential essay on technology was published in The Atlantic in July 1945?

In July 1945, The Atlantic published Vannevar Bush's essay "As We May Think." This essay is recognized for inspiring the development of modern workstations and hypertext technology.

What impact did Martin Luther King Jr.'s "Letter from Birmingham Jail" have when published in The Atlantic?

The Atlantic published Martin Luther King Jr.'s "Letter from Birmingham Jail" in its August 1963 issue, during the height of the civil rights movement. The piece, published under the headline "The Negro Is Your Brother," served as a significant defense of civil disobedience.

When did The Atlantic Monthly Press launch, and what happened to it?

The Atlantic Monthly Press was founded in 1917. It operated in partnership with Little, Brown and Company for many years before being sold in 1986. Today, it exists as an imprint of Grove Atlantic.

What are some examples of influential 21st-century cover stories published by The Atlantic?

Influential 21st-century cover stories include Anne Marie Slaughter's "Why Women Still Can't Have It All" (2012) and Ta-Nehisi Coates's "A Case for Reparations" (2014). Jeffrey Goldberg's "Obama Doctrine" (2015) also generated significant discussion.

What was The Atlantic's political endorsement in the 1860 presidential election?

In 1860, The Atlantic's editor James Russell Lowell endorsed Abraham Lincoln for president and supported the abolition of slavery.

Which presidential candidates did The Atlantic endorse in the mid-to-late 20th century?

The Atlantic endorsed Democratic President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964. In 2016, the editorial board endorsed Hillary Clinton, marking the third time in the magazine's history that it had formally endorsed a candidate.

How has The Atlantic's stance on Donald Trump evolved?

After endorsing Hillary Clinton in 2016, The Atlantic became a strong critic of Donald Trump. It published a cover article calling for his impeachment in March 2019 and endorsed Joe Biden in the 2020 election. In 2024, it published a special issue warning about a potential second Trump term and endorsed Kamala Harris.

What is the Aspen Ideas Festival, and what is The Atlantic's role in it?

The Aspen Ideas Festival is a ten-day event launched in 2005 by The Atlantic and the Aspen Institute in Aspen, Colorado. It features numerous presenters and sessions, and is often described as a "political who's who" due to its attendees from policy, journalism, and think tanks.

When did TheAtlantic.com remove its subscriber wall, and what was the effect?

TheAtlantic.com dropped its subscriber wall on January 22, 2008, allowing free access to its site and archives. This move contributed to a significant increase in website traffic, reportedly over 2500% by December 2011.

What was The Atlantic Wire, and what happened to it?

Launched in 2009, The Atlantic Wire was a news aggregator site that curated news and opinions from various sources. It was later rebranded as The Wire in 2013 and then folded back into The Atlantic in 2014.

What is Atlantic Studios?

Atlantic Studios is the in-house production studio of The Atlantic, which evolved from its video channel launched in 2011. It creates custom video series and original documentaries.

What was CityLab, and what is its current status?

CityLab was a separate website launched by The Atlantic in September 2011, focusing on urban issues and innovation, co-founded by urban theorist Richard Florida. It was rebranded as CityLab.com in 2014 and later sold to Bloomberg Media in December 2019.

What controversy arose from sponsored content published by The Atlantic in January 2013?

In January 2013, The Atlantic published "sponsor content" promoting the Church of Scientology, which was criticized for blurring the lines between advertising and editorial content. The magazine later removed the piece and issued an apology after facing backlash for moderating comments.

What was the outcome of The Atlantic's 2019 expose on Bryan Singer?

The Atlantic published an expose detailing allegations against movie director Bryan Singer, which significantly impacted his career. The writers reportedly moved the story to The Atlantic from Esquire due to concerns about Hearst magazines' "timid" approach.

What legal issues did The Atlantic face regarding an article published in January/February 2018?

The Atlantic faced legal action in Japan concerning defamation and invasion of privacy related to the article "When the Presses Stop." A settlement was reached in January 2024, leading to removals, corrections, and clarifications, highlighting fact-checking concerns.

Why did The Atlantic retract an article by Ruth Shalit Barrett in November 2020?

The Atlantic retracted an article by Ruth Shalit Barrett after an inquiry by The Washington Post revealed concerns about the author's trustworthiness and credibility. The magazine stated it could not attest to the veracity of the article, noting allegations of plagiarism against the author from a previous role.

What was the result of the defamation lawsuit filed by Ruth Shalit Barrett against The Atlantic?

Ruth Shalit Barrett sued The Atlantic for defamation, claiming the magazine misrepresented her background and damaged her career. In June 2025, the parties reached a settlement, with The Atlantic reportedly paying Barrett over $1 million, though the story remains retracted.

What action did The Atlantic take regarding contributor Yascha Mounk in February 2024?

In February 2024, The Atlantic cut ties with contributor Yascha Mounk following allegations of rape against him, which he denied.

How did national security leaders in the Trump administration accidentally involve The Atlantic's editor-in-chief in 2025?

In 2025, national security leaders from the Trump administration accidentally included Jeffrey Goldberg, The Atlantic's editor-in-chief, in a group chat where they were organizing and strategizing upcoming military strikes against the Houthis.

Who acquired majority ownership of The Atlantic in 2017?

In July 2017, Laurene Powell Jobs, through her organization Emerson Collective, acquired majority ownership of The Atlantic. David G. Bradley and Atlantic Media retained a minority share.

Who is the current editor-in-chief of The Atlantic?

As of the provided text, Jeffrey Goldberg is the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, a position he has held since October 2016.

Who is the current CEO of The Atlantic?

Nicholas Thompson, formerly editor-in-chief of Wired, was named CEO of The Atlantic in December 2020.

Where did The Atlantic move its offices in 2022?

In 2022, The Atlantic relocated its offices to The Wharf in Washington, D.C.'s Southwest Waterfront neighborhood.

What was the purpose of the 1857 dinner party that led to the founding of The Atlantic Monthly?

The dinner party, hosted by publisher Moses Dresser Phillips, was held to discuss a "somewhat extensive literary project" with prominent literary friends. This project culminated in the founding of The Atlantic Monthly.

What was Moses Dresser Phillips's stated reason for founding The Atlantic Monthly?

Phillips stated that while his literary friends possessed great scholarship and talent, he believed he understood the "American people" better than they did, implying a desire to connect with a broader national audience.

What was the circulation of The Atlantic in 2024?

In 2024, The Atlantic reported a total circulation of 1,107,293.

What is the significance of TheAtlantic.com dropping its subscriber wall in 2008?

By removing its paywall in 2008, TheAtlantic.com made its content freely accessible, including its archives. This strategy led to a substantial increase in website traffic and engagement.

What is The Atlantic's relationship with PBS's Washington Week?

Since August 2023, The Atlantic has entered into an editorial partnership with PBS's "Washington Week." The program was retitled "Washington Week with The Atlantic," and its editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, also serves as the program's moderator.

What did The Atlantic's March 2019 cover article advocate for regarding Donald Trump?

The March 2019 cover article, written by editor Yoni Appelbaum, called for the impeachment of Donald Trump, arguing it was time for Congress to judge his fitness to serve.

What was the subject of The Atlantic's first full-length documentary released in 2020?

In June 2020, The Atlantic released its first full-length documentary, titled "White Noise," which focused on three alt-right activists.

What is the stated purpose of TheAtlanticCities.com (now CityLab.com)?

TheAtlanticCities.com, launched in 2011 and later rebranded as CityLab.com, was devoted to exploring and explaining "the most innovative ideas and pressing issues facing today's global cities and neighborhoods."

What did The Atlantic's September 2020 cover story report about Donald Trump's comments?

The September 2020 cover story, citing anonymous sources, reported that Donald Trump referred to dead American soldiers as "losers" and "suckers."

What did The Atlantic's February 2024 special issue "If Trump Wins" warn about?

The February 2024 special issue, titled "If Trump Wins," consisted of 24 articles that warned about the potential dangers of a second term for Donald Trump, suggesting it could be worse than his first.

What is the significance of The Atlantic publishing "The Freedman's Story" in 1866?

The Atlantic published William Parker's slave narrative, "The Freedman's Story," in February and March 1866. This publication was significant as it provided a firsthand account of the experience of slavery and the fight for freedom.

What was the historical context for The Atlantic publishing Martin Luther King Jr.'s "Letter from Birmingham Jail"?

The letter was published in August 1963, during the peak of the Civil Rights Movement. Its inclusion in The Atlantic provided a prominent platform for King's views on civil disobedience and racial justice.

How did The Atlantic's ownership change hands in 1999?

In 1999, businessman David G. Bradley purchased The Atlantic from Mortimer Zuckerman. Bradley aimed to shape the magazine into a general editorial publication for serious national readers and thought leaders.

What prompted The Atlantic to move its editorial offices from Boston to Washington, D.C. in 2005?

In April 2005, the publishers announced the move to create a central hub in Washington, D.C., where top minds from Bradley's various publications could collaborate under the Atlantic Media Company umbrella. This move led to the departure of most of the Boston-based editorial staff.

What was the primary focus of The Atlantic's website, TheAtlanticCities.com, launched in 2011?

TheAtlanticCities.com was launched as a stand-alone website devoted to exploring and explaining the most innovative ideas and pressing issues facing global cities and neighborhoods.

What is the current status of The Atlantic's website traffic following the removal of its paywall?

Following the removal of its paywall in 2008, The Atlantic's web properties saw significant growth. By December 2011, traffic to its sites surpassed 11 million unique visitors per month, representing a 2500% increase.

What did The Atlantic's 2015 Science section launch signify?

The launch of a dedicated Science section on TheAtlantic.com in 2015 marked an expansion of the magazine's coverage into scientific topics, reflecting a growing emphasis on diverse content areas online.

What was the outcome of the legal action filed against The Atlantic in Japan in 2020?

In June 2020, The Atlantic faced a defamation and privacy lawsuit in Japan related to an article published in 2018. After a settlement in January 2024, the magazine made numerous removals, corrections, and clarifications, drawing attention to its editorial practices and fact-checking.

What did The Atlantic's editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, report in March 2025?

In March 2025, Jeffrey Goldberg reported that national security leaders in the Trump administration had accidentally included him in a group chat where they organized and strategized upcoming military strikes on the Houthis.

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Genesis of an Institution

Founding Principles

Established in Boston in 1857 as The Atlantic Monthly, this publication emerged as a significant literary and cultural magazine. Its inception was driven by a desire to foster intellectual discourse on critical issues of the era, including education and the abolition of slavery.

Visionary Founders

The magazine was founded by Moses Dresser Phillips, with key literary figures such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr., Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and John Greenleaf Whittier lending their names and contributions. James Russell Lowell served as its inaugural editor.

Early Mission

From its outset, The Atlantic aimed to be a platform for leading writers to comment on the nation's most pressing political and social matters. It quickly gained renown as a premier publication within the English-speaking world.

A Literary Powerhouse

Publishing Milestones

Throughout its history, The Atlantic has been instrumental in publishing seminal works and nurturing literary talent. It has been recognized with prestigious awards, including a National Magazine Award for fiction in 2005, underscoring its enduring commitment to literary excellence.

Launching Careers

The magazine provided early platforms for numerous influential writers, publishing their poetry, short stories, and essays. This role has been crucial in launching and sustaining many national literary careers, solidifying its reputation as a vital cultural institution.

Cultural Barometer

Beyond fiction, The Atlantic has consistently served as a cultural barometer, publishing commentary that reflects and shapes societal conversations. Its editorial content has often been lauded for its insight and relevance to contemporary issues.

Shaping National Discourse

Civil Rights Era

In a pivotal moment during the Civil Rights Movement, The Atlantic published Martin Luther King Jr.'s seminal "Letter from Birmingham Jail" in its August 1963 issue, under the resonant headline "The Negro Is Your Brother."

Technological Foresight

The magazine's influence extends to technological innovation. Vannevar Bush's 1945 essay "As We May Think," published in The Atlantic, is credited with inspiring the development of hypertext and modern workstations, demonstrating the publication's forward-looking perspective.

Abolitionist Roots

From its inception, The Atlantic championed progressive causes, notably publishing abolitionist writings and advocating for social reform. This commitment to critical social commentary has been a consistent thread throughout its history.

Evolving with the Times

Digital Expansion

The Atlantic has adapted to the digital age, launching TheAtlantic.com, TheAtlanticWire.com, and CityLab.com. The decision to remove its paywall in 2008 significantly boosted online traffic and engagement.

Business Model Evolution

The publication has navigated shifts in publishing frequency, moving from monthly to ten issues per year, and recently announcing a return to monthly publication in 2025. It introduced a digital subscription model in 2019, adapting to new revenue streams.

Multimedia Ventures

Beyond print and web, The Atlantic has expanded into multimedia production, launching Atlantic Studios to create original video series and documentaries, further broadening its reach and storytelling capabilities.

Stewardship Through Eras

Ownership Transitions

The magazine's ownership has evolved over time. It was acquired by David G. Bradley in 1999 and later saw a majority stake sold to Laurene Powell Jobs's Emerson Collective in 2017, marking significant shifts in its corporate structure.

Geographic Shifts

Originally based in Boston, The Atlantic relocated its editorial offices to Washington, D.C., in 2005. This move aimed to create a collaborative hub for its various publications and enhance its presence in the nation's capital.

Distinguished Editorship

Editorial Leadership

The Atlantic has been guided by a succession of influential editors. Notable figures include James Russell Lowell (first editor), Ellery Sedgwick, Edward Weeks, James T. Fields, William Dean Howells, and more recently, James Bennet and current editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg.

Key Figures

The magazine's editorial direction has been shaped by leaders who navigated its transition from a literary journal to a multi-platform publisher, overseeing significant content and strategic changes throughout its long history.

Esteemed Recognition

Awards and Accolades

The Atlantic has received numerous accolades for its journalistic excellence. It was named Magazine of the Year by the American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME) in 2016 and has won multiple ASME awards for general excellence in subsequent years.

Pulitzer Recognition

The publication's writers have been recognized with prestigious awards, including Pulitzer Prizes for feature writing. This demonstrates the high caliber of journalism and storytelling consistently produced by The Atlantic.

Navigating Scrutiny

Editorial Challenges

Like many long-standing publications, The Atlantic has faced scrutiny and controversy. Incidents include the retraction of articles due to credibility concerns, legal challenges, and debates over sponsored content, highlighting the complexities of modern media ethics.

Fact-Checking and Accountability

Instances such as the handling of the Ruth Shalit Barrett article and subsequent legal proceedings underscore the importance of rigorous fact-checking and editorial accountability. The magazine has engaged in processes to address these challenges and refine its practices.

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the The Atlantic Wikipedia page

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This content has been generated by an AI model and is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is based on data derived from publicly available sources, including Wikipedia, and may not reflect the most current information or nuances of the subject matter.

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The Atlantic: A Legacy of American Thought

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Genesis of an Institution 📜

🏛️ Founding Principles

✍️ Visionary Founders

🚀 Early Mission

A Literary Powerhouse 📚

🌟 Publishing Milestones

🖋️ Launching Careers

📰 Cultural Barometer

Shaping National Discourse 💡

✊ Civil Rights Era

💻 Technological Foresight

🌍 Abolitionist Roots

Evolving with the Times 💻

🌐 Digital Expansion

📈 Business Model Evolution

🎬 Multimedia Ventures

Stewardship Through Eras 🏢

🤝 Ownership Transitions

📍 Geographic Shifts

Distinguished Editorship 🧑‍💼

📜 Editorial Leadership

⭐ Key Figures

Esteemed Recognition ⭐

🏆 Awards and Accolades

🏅 Pulitzer Recognition

Navigating Scrutiny ⚠️

⚖️ Editorial Challenges

🔍 Fact-Checking and Accountability

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

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References

📜 References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Genesis of an Institution

Founding Principles

Visionary Founders

Early Mission

A Literary Powerhouse

Publishing Milestones

Launching Careers

Cultural Barometer

Shaping National Discourse

Civil Rights Era

Technological Foresight

Abolitionist Roots

Evolving with the Times

Digital Expansion

Business Model Evolution

Multimedia Ventures

Stewardship Through Eras

Ownership Transitions

Geographic Shifts

Distinguished Editorship

Editorial Leadership

Key Figures

Esteemed Recognition

Awards and Accolades

Pulitzer Recognition

Navigating Scrutiny

Editorial Challenges

Fact-Checking and Accountability

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice