Librarians Then and Now
by Roben Alarcon
read by Teacher Created Materials
Part of the Primary Source Readers series
Librarians lend and take care of books. Many years ago, the job of a librarian was simpler because librarians only took care of a few books and libraries were small. Most libraries today contain many books, magazines, computers, and other media equipment. Librarians today help people find information and show them new ways to find it.
Community Leaders Then and Now
by Christina Hill
read by Teacher Created Materials
Part of the Primary Source Readers series
Community leaders guide people and help them in times of trouble. They are role models, such as school principals, mayors, and Red Cross volunteers and often teach and help with charities. As the needs of people change, so do the jobs of community leaders.
Postal Workers Then and Now
by Cathy Mackey Davis
read by Teacher Created Materials
Part of the Primary Source Readers series
Long ago, it often took weeks for postal workers to deliver mail to people who lived far away. Today, mail is transported quickly by trucks and airplanes, and it usually reaches its destination in a few days. Postal workers deliver mail directly to homes, businesses, and mailboxes.
Civil War Leaders
by Wendy Conklin
read by Teacher Created Materials
Part of the Primary Source Readers series
Who were the Civil War leaders, how did they attain their positions, and why did they fight? As the details of their lives unfold, these men become more than just names from history.
The Fight for Freedom
Ending Slavery in America
by Melissa Carosella
read by Teacher Created Materials
Part of the Primary Source Readers series
Slavery in America began in 1619. It destroyed countless lives and led to a war that nearly tore the country in half. Slaves were counted as 3/5 of a person and were treated as pieces of property. Many brave Americans fought to abolish slavery and to provide equality for all people. Harriet Tubman became a conductor for the Underground Railroad and led 300 people to freedom. President Abraham Lincoln emancipated the slaves and reunited the country. In 1869, Congress passed the Fifteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, guaranteeing all men the right to vote. Congress also created the Freedmen's Bureau to help former slaves find food, shelter, schools, and hospitals. Despite the great changes made, racism and injustice continued to exist and African Americans fought for equality for many years after slavery was banned.
Dolley Madison: First Lady of the United States
Focus on Women in U.S. History
by Melissa Carosella
read by Teacher Created Materials
Part of the Primary Source Readers series
Dolley Madison was married to James Madison, the fourth President of the United States. Dolley was known for her kind heart and gracious hospitality. She was an intelligent woman who helped not only her husband, but also President Thomas Jefferson. Dolley was a woman with great courage. Her strong will and unique personality helped her become one of the most honored First Ladies in history.
Slavery in America
by Marie Patterson
read by Teacher Created Materials
Part of the Primary Source Readers series
Slavery was a complicated issue that divided the country to the point of war. Even after the war, slavery was not totally resolved. Freedom came because of the foresight of many people like Abraham Lincoln, the Quakers, and the abolitionists who believed that people were all created equal.
Battles of the Civil War
by Wendy Conklin
read by Teacher Created Materials
Part of the Primary Source Readers series
More men lost their lives during the battles of the Civil War than in any other war involving the United States. No one suspected that it would last four long years. At the beginning of the war, the battles were fought in southern territory. Each conflict brought more death and despair. In the end, the South surrendered, but everyone actually lost. Together, everyone faced the tremendous challenge of forgiving each other and rebuilding the nation.
Civil War Is Coming
by Christi Parker
read by Teacher Created Materials
Part of the Primary Source Readers series
During the 1800s, the United States was in conflict over slavery. Though compromises were made, neither side was pleased. Abolitionists and pro-slavery people engaged in conflicts and often deadly clashes. With South Carolina and other southern states seceding, war was inevitable.
Socrates: Greek Philosopher
World Cultures Through Time
by Lisa Zamosky
read by Teacher Created Materials
Part of the Primary Source Readers series
Socrates was an ancient Greek philosopher who helped shape Greek beliefs. However, not everyone agreed with Socrates, and he made many people angry over the years. He was eventually arrested and sentenced to death. But Socrates's ideas and beliefs can still be found today.
The Declaration of Independence
by Jill K. Mulhall
read by Teacher Created Materials
Part of the Primary Source Readers series
The Declaration of Independence was a document that declared the right to be a country that would make its own decisions, starting with the decision to separate from the British control. From taxation to the Boston Tea Party to Thomas Paine's Common Sense, tension was building against Great Britain. Events finally led to a resolution in Congress that the colonies would form an independent government-a resolution that led to the writing of the Declaration of Independence.
Abraham Lincoln
by Christi Parker
read by Teacher Created Materials
Part of the Primary Source Readers series
Abraham Lincoln was president during one of the most unique times in history. With a country on the brink of war, his ultimate goal was to keep the Union together. When Lincoln freed the slaves, he angered many Southerners, including his assassin, John Wilkes Booth.
Robert E. Lee
by Wendy Conklin
read by Teacher Created Materials
Part of the Primary Source Readers series
Robert E. Lee was considered by many to be an amazing man of character, determination, and talent. Confederate President Jefferson Davis hired him as his assistant for the war. Soon he was commanding the Army of Northern Virginia, and he commanded until his men could fight no more. In the end, he resigned with dignity and asked his men to do the same.
Lewis & Clark
by Jill K. Mulhall
read by Teacher Created Materials
Part of the Primary Source Readers series
The Lewis & Clark primary source reader builds literacy skills while offering engaging content across social studies subject areas. Primary source documents provide an intimate glimpse into what life was like during the 1800s. This nonfiction reader can be purposefully differentiated for various reading levels and learning styles. It contains text features to increase academic vocabulary and comprehension, from captions and bold print to index and glossary. The "Your Turn!" activity will continue to challenge students as they extend their learning.
Lewis & Clark
by Jill K. Mulhall
read by Teacher Created Materials
Part of the Primary Source Readers series
The Lewis & Clark primary source reader builds literacy skills while offering engaging content across social studies subject areas. Primary source documents provide an intimate glimpse into what life was like during the 1800s. This nonfiction reader can be purposefully differentiated for various reading levels and learning styles. It contains text features to increase academic vocabulary and comprehension, from captions and bold print to index and glossary. The "Your Turn!" activity will continue to challenge students as they extend their learning.
Harriet Tubman
by Marie Patterson
read by Teacher Created Materials
Part of the Primary Source Readers series
Harriet Tubman was a slave who dreamed of freedom from a very young age. After her escape at 29, she did everything she could to help and rescue other slaves. In her later years, she built a home to take care of elderly African Americans with no place to live and encouraged women to stand together for their rights.
Susan B. Anthony & Elizabeth Cady Stanton
Early Suffragists
by Melissa Carosella
read by Teacher Created Materials
Part of the Primary Source Readers series
When the United States became a country, women had very few rights. Women could not own property or go to some colleges. Women were not allowed to vote. The fight to allow women to vote was called the Suffrage Movement. Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony were two leaders of the Suffrage Movement. They gave speeches and wrote articles about giving the right to vote to other people, especially women. Stanton and Anthony were close friends and made a great team. They organized groups, wrote petitions, gave speeches, and stood firm in the face of opposition. These two brave women paved the way for future suffragists and helped start the movement that would end with the Nineteenth Amendment and voting rights for women.
The War of 1812
by Jill K. Mulhall
read by Teacher Created Materials
Part of the Primary Source Readers series
When President James Madison declared war on Great Britain for a second time, the War of 1812 began. Problems started when America sent ships out to sea to trade with other countries. The war eventually ended, and the Treaty of Ghent was signed. America earned the respect of the British as a free, independent nation.
Expanding the Nation
by Jill K. Mulhall
read by Teacher Created Materials
Part of the Primary Source Readers series
The westward expansion of the United States included obtaining several areas of land, including the Louisiana Territory, Texas, the Gadsden Purchase, and Alaska. These acquisitions changed the course of America forever.
Ulysses S. Grant
by Wendy Conklin
read by Teacher Created Materials
Part of the Primary Source Readers series
Ulysses S. Grant was a warrior, hero, and a compassionate soldier. Grant led the Union army to victory during the Civil War. The North thought of him as a hero for ending the Civil War and elected him president of the United States.
Pioneer Trails
by Christi Parker
read by Teacher Created Materials
Part of the Primary Source Readers series
Pioneers experienced hardships during their journey through the West, which led them on the Oregon Trail and the Santa Fe Trail. The moving and travels of these pioneers affected not only their lives, but also the American Indians, America's animals, and the country.
American Indians in the 1800s
by Roben Alarcon
read by Teacher Created Materials
Part of the Primary Source Readers series
Congress passed the Indian Removal Act in 1830 with the intent of moving five large tribes to Indian Territory. The tribes could either move to the reservations or assimilate. As settlers kept moving west, more and more tribes were encountered, and all ultimately found themselves going to reservations. This new way of life was a vast change for the Indians.
Laura Ingalls Wilder
by Christi Parker
read by Teacher Created Materials
Part of the Primary Source Readers series
Laura Ingalls Wilder grew up as a pioneer girl and endured the difficult times in the West. Wilder made important contributions to the West. Other pioneer women contributed as well, including Narcissa Whitman, the first female pioneer.
George Washington
Primary Source Readers
by Christi E. Parker
read by Teacher Created Materials
Part of the Primary Source Readers series
George Washington helped form the United States into what it is today by making wise decisions. After becoming a war hero in the French and Indian War, he went on to lead a fight against the British in the American Revolution. He continued his legacy by becoming the first president of the United States.
Sitting Bull
by Roben Alarcon
read by Teacher Created Materials
Part of the Primary Source Readers series
Sitting Bull was a powerful Hunkpapa Lakota Indian Chief who-along with the Lakota Indians and other nearby tribes-was involved in brutal battles with the United States over land issues. All tribes that were fighting to avoid the reservation eventually surrendered, and the Lakota people were no exception.
James Madison
by Jill K. Mulhall
read by Teacher Created Materials
Part of the Primary Source Readers series
James Madison made great contributions to the United States. During his presidency, he declared war on Great Britain. Not all of his decisions met public approval, but he was well respected throughout his lifetime and one of the most influential founding fathers.
