Defining Documents in American History: Themes

Domestic Terrorism

The Legacy of 9/11

Secrets, Leaks, and Scandals

Political Campaigns, Candidates, and Debates

The Gun Debate

Capital Punishment

Prison Reform

LGBTQ+

Dissent & Protest

Supreme Court Decisions

Immigration & Immigrant Communities

Environment & Conservation

Native Americans

Slavery

The Free Press

Business Ethics

Drug Policy

U.S. Involvement in the Middle East

Espionage & Intrigue

American Citizenship

The American Economy

The First Amendment

The Constitution

Workers' Rights

Voters' Rights

Watergate

The Salem Witch Trials

The Underground Railroad

Censorship

Conservatism

Liberalism

Constitutional Amendments

The Women’s Suffrage Movement

America's Influence on Foreign Governments

Pivotal Speeches in American History

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"Recommended for all types of libraries but especially for high school, where it would make a suitable resource for honors or AP history courses." -Booklist

"A worthwhile addition to a variety of libraries from high school to undergraduate to the local public library branch." -Against the Grain

"Well written, exhibits solid scholarship, and presents an engaging read...strongly recommended." -ARBA

Defining Documents in American History: Eras

Civil Rights (1954-2015)

The 1970s (1970-1979)

The 1960s (1960-1969)

The Vietnam War (1956-1975)

The 1950s (1950-1959)

The Cold War (1945-1991)

Postwar 1940s (1945-1950)

World War II (1939-1946)

The 1930s (1930-1939)

The 1920s (1920-1929)

World War I (1914-1919)

The 1910s (1910-1919)

The 1900s (1900-1909)

The Emergence of Modern America (1874-1917)

Reconstruction Era (1865-1877)

Civil War (1860-1865)

American West (1836-1900)

Manifest Destiny & The New Nation (1803-1860)

The American Revolution (1754-1805)

Exploration & Colonial America (1492-1755)

The Great Depression (1929-1941)

The 1980s (1980-1989)

The Great Migration (1916-1970)

Defining Documents in World History

Nationalism & Populism (320 B.C.E.-2017 C.E.)

Women's Rights (1429-2017)

The 20th Century (1900-1950)

The 19th Century (1801-1900)

The 18th Century (1701-1800)

The 17th Century (1601-1700)

Renaissance & Early Modern Era (1308-1600)

The Middle East (476-1500)

Asia

Middle Ages (476-1500)

Ancient World (2700 B.C.E. -c.500 C.E.)

Pandemics, Plagues & Public Health

Genocide & The Holocaust

The Nuclear Age

Human Rights

Revolutions

Treason

Religious Freedom & Religious Persecution

The Rise and Fall of the Soviet Union

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The Reference Shelf