The Battles of Lexington and Concord
First Shots Of The American Revolution
Part of the Spotlight On American History series
The Revolutionary War is a watershed moment in America's struggle for freedom and liberty. Students will learn why the colonists felt that armed resistance was the only way to make themselves heard and trace the paths taken by the British and the Americans as they moved from Lexington to Concord. Engaging and accessible text is coupled with color photographs and primary source imagery to give students a full understanding of these historic battles.
Thomas Paine and the Power of "Common Sense"
Part of the Spotlight On American History series
British-born Thomas Paine came to Philadelphia in 1774. Inspired by the colonists' cries for liberty, Paine captured his own political philosophy and ideals for freedom in a revolutionary pamphlet called Common Sense. Primary source material and easily accessible text tell the story of how Paine helped set the stage for the writing of the Declaration of Independence and how he profoundly influenced the course of our nation's history and ideology.
Crispus Attucks and African American Patriots of the American Revolution
Part of the Spotlight On American History series
Crispus Attucks was a former slave who was killed during the Boston Massacre in 1770. Today, he is known as a hero who died fighting for his country. This book focuses on the important contributions made by African American men and women during the Revolution, and how they played a major role in the country's fight for independence. Full-color photos, primary source documents, and clear, compelling text will engage readers' and encourage further study of American heroes and patriots.
The Expansion of the United States
Florida, Alaska, Gadsden Purchase, and Mexican Cession
Part of the Spotlight On American History series
The United States didn't expand from the 13 original states to its present size all at once. Many different events took place to shape the country into what it is today. Readers explore the details behind many of these events, including the purchase of Alaska and the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. These essential social studies curriculum topics are introduced in a clear and engaging way. Carefully chosen primary sources and other historical images allow readers to immerse themselves in this important period of U.S. expansion.
The Monroe Doctrine
The Birth of American Foreign Policy
Part of the Spotlight On American History series
American foreign policy has been shaped for almost 200 years by the words of President James Monroe. What did Monroe's words mean, and how did they create a uniquely American foreign policy? Readers find the answers to these questions and many more as they explore the major points of the Monroe Doctrine. They also discover the historical circumstances that influenced the Monroe Doctrine, as well as the actions taken throughout American history because of it. The detailed text supports common social studies curriculum topics, and it's paired with exciting historical images and informative primary sources.
The Marquis De Lafayette and Other International Champions of the American Revolution
Part of the Spotlight On American History series
The Marquis de Lafayette was born to a noble family in France. He fell in love with the concept of liberty and with the American fight for democracy and freedom. This book introduces students to the European adventurers, soldiers of fortune, and romantics of the time that flocked to the Continental Army during the American Revolution. Clear and concise text is supported by photographs, illustrations, and primary source documents.
The Homestead Act and Westward Expansion
Settling The Western Frontier
Part of the Spotlight On American History series
In the 19th century, thousands of Americans left their homes behind and set out for a life on the western frontier. This period of westward expansion had a huge hand in shaping the culture and identity of the United States. This volume explores the push and pull factors that encouraged settlers to migrate, including the Homestead Act and similar policies. The narrative uses historical context and primary sources to provide a comprehensive look at westward expansion. Written to support elementary social studies curricula, readers will gain an understanding of the 19th century American West and the legacy settling it left behind.
Manifest Destiny
The Dream of a New Nation
Part of the Spotlight On American History series
Manifest Destiny is the idea that the United States was destined to stretch "from sea to shining sea." To fulfill that destiny, the United States embarked on a period of rapid expansion in the 19th century. Readers discover the ways the dream of Manifest Destiny was achieved through informative text that supports common social studies curriculum topics. Historical images and primary sources help readers visualize how much the nation changed in such a short period time. Readers also discover how the idea of Manifest Destiny influenced U.S. foreign policy long after Americans reached the shores of the Pacific Ocean.
Slavery in the United States
The "Abominable Trade"
Part of the Spotlight On American History series
Slavery is one of the darkest, most complicated parts of American History. This volume presents the facts of the "abominable trade" from its beginnings in the West Indies to its expansion across the British North American colonies, and eventually, the United States. Readers will learn about the horrors of the Middle Passage and life on a plantation, as well as slavery's effect on the economy and politics of the United States. This book also covers the abolitionist and civil rights movements along the road to racial equality. Primary sources are used to give readers a sense of life in colonial America and the United States, and connect them to the issues that existed.
Andrew Jackson's Presidency
Democracy in Action
Part of the Spotlight On American History series
Some people feel Andrew Jackson was one of the best presidents in history. Others think he was somewhat of a dictator, even giving him the nickname "King Andrew the First." Readers will be asked to decide for themselves through this volume, which explores Jackson's presidency and how it helped shape American democracy. Written to support social studies curriculum, readers get a comprehensive look at Jackson's time in office, including topics such as his Kitchen Cabinet, the Nullification Crisis, and the Trail of Tears. Primary sources provide context and help readers visualize history.
Abolitionists and Human Rights
Fighting For Emancipation
Part of the Spotlight On American History series
The abolitionist movement grew from a small group of people opposed to slavery to a huge network of people who published newspapers, gave speeches, and influenced political decisions. Readers discover the rich history of the abolitionist movement, from the introduction of slavery in the British colonies to the passage of the 13th Amendment. Detailed text introduces readers to the most important events and people in the fight against slavery in America. Historical images, including relevant primary sources, are found with each turn of the page, creating an engaging environment for readers to explore common social studies curriculum topics.
Benjamin Franklin
Writer, Inventor, And Diplomat
Part of the Spotlight On American History series
As an inventor, statesman, philosopher, and writer, Benjamin Franklin left his mark on American life in innumerable ways. Full-color photographs, primary source imagery, and easy-to-read text paint a portrait of Franklin's life from his early days as a printer's apprentice to his final days as a diplomat in France during the Revolutionary War. Franklin was also one of the framers of the Declaration of Independence, and this biography will help students understand what the document has meant to our country's history.
The War of 1812
New Challenges for a New Nation
Part of the Spotlight On American History series
In the years that followed the end of the American Revolution, the United States faced numerous difficulties, including another war with Great Britain. This title presents the War of 1812 through a historical lens, using primary sources, photographs, and documents to explain the contributing factors and the war's legacy. Readers learn about important policies, battles, and generals, including Andrew Jackson. Readers will walk away with an understanding of how the war shaped the growing United States. Written to support social studies curriculum, readers will be fascinated by this important time in history.
The Lewis and Clark Expedition
The Corps of Discovery
Part of the Spotlight On American History series
The Lewis and Clark expedition was an 8,000-mile journey that changed the United States forever. This volume introduces students to the history and politics of the Louisiana Purchase and westward expansion while exploring the adventures and challenges faced by the Corps of Discovery on their expedition. Readers meet important historical figures, such as Thomas Jefferson, Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, and Sacagawea. Primary sources allow readers to connect with historical context and place themselves in the time period. Accessible text and accompanying visuals will make the Lewis and Clark expedition come to life.
The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere
One If By Land, Two If By Sea
Part of the Spotlight On American History series
Paul Revere was a respected Boston citizen, an artisan, and a patriot. However, he is best known for his ride through Boston on horseback, warning the citizens to assemble in an effort to ward off the advancing British army. This book presents the story of Revere's life and his midnight ride in a fun and engaging way, with primary source documents and full-color images to enrich the learning experience.
The United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights
The Law Of The Land
Part of the Spotlight On American History series
The Constitution established the law of the land in 1789. A response to the inadequacies of the Articles of Confederation, the Constitution provided the framework for our government and judicial system. Readers will explore the framers' goals and intentions in the drafting of the document and learn how and why our nation still lives by its principles. The easy-to-follow text is supported by primary source documents and full color images. M. G. Paregian -- "A dramatic and important introduction to our American system of government. This book forms a solid basis for the young person to be introduced to the mechanics of our government".
Betsy Ross and the Creation of the American Flag
Part of the Spotlight On American History series
Betsy Ross was the seamstress of the first American flag. She was also a mother, a businesswoman, and a contemporary of George Washington. Easy-to-follow text, full-color photographs, and carefully chosen primary source images provide students with a fascinating look at the life and times of Ross and her role in creating one of our nation's most treasured and widely recognized symbols.
The Declaration of Independence and the Continental Congress
Part of the Spotlight On American History series
What is the Declaration of Independence and why is it so important to the United States? Readers will learn about the events that led to the writing of the Declaration of Independence, the effect it had on life at the time, and why it is one of our country's most cherished symbols of liberty. Highly accessible text, rich color photographs, and primary source images provide a close look at this key document and its influence upon our nation.
The Boston Tea Party
No Taxation Without Representation
Part of the Spotlight On American History series
This book introduces students to the events that inspired the colonists to take action against British taxes, and the famous act of rebellion known as the Boston Tea Party. Full-color images and carefully chosen primary source materials bring students into the world of one of the most important events on the road to the American Revolution. Accessible, compelling text will engage readers and encourage their interest in learning more about our country's rich history.
John Paul Jones and the Birth of the American Navy
Part of the Spotlight On American History series
John Paul Jones is remembered as the first hero of the young American Navy. He raided the British coast during the American Revolution, capturing or sinking more than forty enemy ships in one of the greatest naval battles in our nation's military history. Readers will enjoy this thrilling account of the birth and growth of the American Navy, brought to life through engaging text, rich color photos, and primary source materials.
The Gold Rush
Gold Seekers, Miners, and Merchants
Part of the Spotlight On American History series
In 1848, a carpenter discovered gold in the American River near Sacramento. His discovery launched the California gold rush, which is considered the single largest migration in U.S. history. This title paints a picture of the gold seekers, miners, and merchants who shaped the culture of 19th California as they attempted to strike it rich. Readers will love learning about this exciting time in history, which is brought to life through primary sources and historical photographs. This engaging title reinforces important social studies concepts, which aids in supporting classroom learning.
Thomas Jefferson and the Louisiana Purchase
Part of the Spotlight On American History series
The Louisiana Purchase doubled the size of the United States and opened the nation to the West. This book follows the history and politics that led up to this momentous land deal. Readers will learn about important events that affected the purchase, from the French Revolution and rise of Napoleon Bonaparte to American westward expansion. Important figures include Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, Lewis and Clark, and Napoleon. Eye-catching visuals accompany accessible text to give students a deep understanding of the topic, while primary sources give a rich sense of historical context. Readers will love reliving Thomas Jefferson's successful presidency, and his greatest achievement-the Louisiana Purchase.
The U.S.-Mexican War and Its Impact on the United States
Part of the Spotlight On American History series
The U.S.-Mexican War had lasting impacts on both countries, most notably allowing the United States to expand to the Pacific Ocean. The United States' desire to stretch from sea to shining sea had become one of the chief goals of the new country. In this volume, readers will learn about the beginnings of U.S. westward expansion and Mexican independence from Spain. This book delves into the economic, political, and historical background behind the U.S.-Mexican War, and the effects in both Mexico and the United States. Engaging text is brought to life by photographs, artwork, and primary sources. Readers are sure to walk away with a clear understanding of this landmark period in American history.