Conoce la historia de Estados Unidos (A Look at U.S. History)

A war between Spain and the United States was waged in 1898 in the Caribbean and in the Philippines. It forced Spain out of Cuba and established the United States as a true world power. Young historians will learn the causes of the war, each side's military maneuvers, and the conflict's aftereffects, all clearly explained in comprehensible text especially for the struggling reader. Remarkable photographs and images of the war will help visual learners connect with the material.

The Panama Canal is only about 40 miles long, but this narrow channel connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It saves ocean vessels from going around South America, which would otherwise be a 9,000-mile journey. Readers will learn about the canal's creation, how the United States became involved, and about the 40,000 people who worked on it over 10 years. They'll especially appreciate the amazing photographs of construction from the early 1900s as well as fact boxes that delve more deeply into the details of how the canal functions.

The Great Depression was a terrible time in the United States. Americans had never known such hunger and poverty. This crisis lasted 10 years. What happened to cause this catastrophe, how it finally ended, and the lasting effects it had on the nation are all addressed in this invaluable look at a critical period in American history. Engaging and accessible text is supported by striking historical images and interesting fact boxes. A timeline summarizes and reinforces the most essential concepts.

The rights of a nation's citizens are civil rights. In the 1950s and 1960s, black Americans organized a movement to demand these rights, including equal education, the right to vote, and many other freedoms. This significant and accessible volume takes readers through the key events of the movement, including its victories and disappointments. Central figures such as Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X are featured, and a timeline helps readers understand the movement's progression.

A transcontinental railroad spanning the United States was once thought to be impossible. After a practical route was found, about 1,800 miles of track were laid from Nebraska to California in just 6 years. This railroad changed the nation, connecting the East and West Coast and making travel and communication easier than ever. Readers will be fascinated by the amazing tale of this railroad and the striking photographs that support this accessible narrative.

Most people have at least seen a snowstorm on television, but imagine a storm of dust instead of snow. These were called "black blizzards" in the Dust Bowl, which was the name for the Great Plains of the United States during the 1930s. Readers will learn what transformed green farmland and lush grassland into a disaster area, forcing thousands to leave, and finally how the land was restored. Stunning photographs reflect the conditions, while Make the Grade fact boxes offer more information about this significant period in American history.