Journey to the Past: Investigating Primary Sources

The United States' Founding Fathers knew how important a free press could be to their great experiment in democracy. It was so important that they protected that freedom in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Throughout the history of the United States, newspapers have documented the ins and outs and ups and downs of the country. This intriguing volume showcases these primary sources of American history, from the earliest reports on revolutionary feelings in New England to the muckrakers of the Progressive Era to the devastating headlines that followed the September 11, 2001, attacks on New York.

If you have ever looked at a piece of pottery, a toy, or a coin from the past, then you have seen an artifact. Artifacts are things that people made and used. Over time, broken or unwanted objects were thrown on trash piles. Others were buried by natural disasters, or covered over by new buildings. This high-interest text shows several artifacts related to American history, including toys, weapons, and documents. It explains how archaeologists use artifacts to gain information about life in the past. Inquisitive readers will enjoy delving into this fascinating way to explore our American heritage.

To many people, a diary is like a trusted friend and somewhere secretive to share their true thoughts and feelings. In this book, readers explore more than 200 years of American history through the eyes of real people who lived through it and chronicled their experience. Readers learn what makes diaries and autobiographies different, why they matter, and how to think critically to read them like a historian. From the American Revolution to the 21st century, we'll get personal with history and notable Americans in their own words.

'A photograph is worth a thousand words' has never been more fitting than in this thought-provoking book. Photographs serve as snapshots of time, capturing the emotions, humanity, and history of a specific moment. Since the camera's invention, photographs have captured pivotal moments that defined and shaped American history. Young readers will examine this book's photographs as primary sources. Readers will investigate the context of each photograph for a deeper look at America throughout the years. They'll review photographs of Rosa Parks's arrest in Montgomery, a jubilant kiss at the end of World War II, and many more moments immortalized through the photographic medium.

Have you ever heard the expression, 'You had to be there?' When you visit a national landmark, you have the chance to experience a primary source and history firsthand. Readers will explore the fascinating history of the United States by visiting such landmarks as Independence Hall, the White House, Gettysburg Cemetery, and other amazing places. They'll get a taste of our how our national landmarks act as exciting primary sources. This volume offers accessible, interpretive text, and full-color photographs of spell-binding landmarks.

If you want to know where you are or where you are going, you can look at a map. Throughout American history, our nation's leaders and citizens were able to use maps for direction and learning. Sometimes these maps were not very accurate, and we can learn about how Americans viewed their world just by looking at the maps they had available. What would our nation look like without the 11 Confederate states? How can we reach the Pacific if there are no maps to guide us? Readers discover the story of our nation through primary sources in this intriguing volume.