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

"Nicely organized...Highly Recommended." -CHOICE

"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

You Might Also be Interested in Primary Source Resources from H.W. Wilson:

The Reference Shelf