Defining Documents
The Most Extensive Coverage of Primary Documents Available!
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 (Part 1) 1783-1960, From a New Nation to a Postwar Global Power
America's Influence on Foreign Governments (Part 2) 1960-2026, The Global Arms Race and Beyond
Pivotal Speeches in American History
"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:
