In This Guide
Introduction to U.S. History
Native American History
European Explorers and Colonists in America
Slavery in America
The American Revolution
Early United States History
The Civil War
Settling of the American West
The Late 19th Century, the Industrial Revolution, and the Gilded Age
The United States in World War I
The Roaring ’20s and Prohibition
The Great Depression and the New Deal
The United States in World War II
The 1950s United States and the Cold War
The 1960s United States
The 1970s United States
Community Links in U.S. History
U.S. History: Resources for Students, Teachers and Researchers
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Expand All Guide SectionsIntroduction to U.S. History
Even a quick glance at the history section of your local library or a basic search on the Internet reveals that the number of topics available for the study of U.S. history is seemingly endless. It’s not a bad idea, then, to start out with a general guide that gives you an introduction to U.S. history. Narrow your focus from there, researching the topics that interest you most.
Insights for an Introduction to U.S. History
- To more easily approach and organize their subject matter, history teachers, writers, and academics tend to divide history into specific time periods and issues. The drawback to this approach is that it encourages people to think of history as a set of unrelated topics, when in reality, history is a series of connected themes and events. The Internet is especially suited to finding the connections from one period of history to another; most of the Web sites and pages in this guide have links to many other worthwhile resources. Don’t be afraid to follow a few links, even if they seem off-topic, and see where they take you. You just might find a whole new way of looking at things.
- History students often start out by learning the basic facts of United States history: the dates, places, and names that are attached to important events. The basic facts, though, are really just the beginning. Use the facts you learn to tackle the bigger questions of how and why things happened, and you’ll be well on your way to understanding how history works, and how it led us to where we are today.
Top Sites for an Introduction to U.S. History
The History Place
has articles on United States history divided by topic and date. You’ll also find special features, like the “Photo of the Week,” movie reviews of films with historical implications, and a calendar listing “This Month in History.”
Digital History
is an online textbook with an interactive timeline of U.S. history. It has articles on specific topics, guidelines for history teachers, links to primary United States history sources, virtual exhibitions, and more. Topics are arranged on the homepage to look like a quilt. The site design is clean and beautiful, making the site easy to use.
The Library of Congress
is an invaluable resource for anyone looking for the historic documents that help to illustrate American history. Visit “American Memory” for the specifically historical section of the site. You’ll find links to the Mayflower Compact and the Declaration of Independence, as well as historic maps and photographs. There are sections devoted to the needs of kids, teachers, and researchers alike, to maximize the site’s potential for any user.
History Central.com
offers a chronologically arranged set of topics, plus examples of important historical documents, and bibliographies of U.S. presidents and other noteworthy historical figures. The site is easy to navigate and gives a good, comprehensive overview of major periods in Unitd States history. Unfortunately your research may be interrupted by a pop-up ad or two.
Native American History
The history of America begins not with the first European explorers to visit the continent but with the American Indians who lived here long before the Europeans first sailed to North American shores. Understanding Native American history including the cultures and customs of the various Indian tribes is an essential part of understanding U.S. history. The way that Native American tribes related to the Europeans who settled the New World is a necessary component in understanding how contemporary American culture developed.
Insights for Native American History
- Because American Indian culture is such an integral part of U.S. history in general, you’ll find Web sites providing Native American history throughout this guide. See, for example, the “European explorers and colonists in America” and the “The early years of the United States” sections.
- The first inhabitants of North America have historically been referred to by many names including “Native Americans” and "American Indians," all of which have been contested. In this guide, you'll see the terms “Native American” and "American Indians" used interchangeably to refer to the many people who lived in North America before any European settlers arrived.
- Christopher Columbus mistook the first people he saw in the new world for individuals from the West Indies, as he initially thought he had sailed there. That is where the term “Indian” comes from to describe these North American tribes.
Top Sites for Native American History
Native American History
from the University of Washington Libraries is especially valuable for its collection of photographs and other images of American Indians. You’ll also find many links to other sites, arranged both chronologically and by region.
NativeAmericans.com
has a good introduction to the history of native peoples in America, including biographies of famous Native Americans, documents from American Indian history, and links to other sites dealing with American Indian history and issues. There’s also a good discussion on the uses of the terms Native American, Indian, and American Indian. We included this site because it has a lot of great information, but keep in mind that there is no “About Us” section, so be wary of some of the facts and crosscheck them with other sites.
The Carnegie Museum of Natural History
provides this interesting and informative site based on an exhibit, the Alcoa Foundation Hall of American Indians. The Web site focuses on American Indian nations from four different geographic areas: the Tlingit of the Northwest Coast, Hopi of the Southwest, Lakota of the Plains, and Iroquois of the Northeast. This easy-to-navigate site explores the “belief systems, philosophies, and practical knowledge that guide Indian peoples' interactions with the natural world.”
European Explorers and Colonists in America
The internet is wonderful source for discovering European explorers and colonists in America. You'll discover that early European settlements were characterized by both successes and failures, as Europeans tried to live in a land that was new and strange, but full of remarkable opportunities. The first Viking settlements may have failed, but once Christopher Columbus landed in the Caribbean Islands, many Europeans began to come to America.
Insights for European Explorers and Colonists in America
- For many years, it was believed that Christopher Columbus was the first European explorer to reach America. We now know that the Vikings were in America quite a bit earlier. You can use the Web sites listed below to compare and contrast the Viking and later European experiences in exploring and establishing colonies in America.
- The first explorers and colonists were also the first Europeans to encounter American Indians. For more on the American Indian perspective on these events, see the Web sites listed in this guide’s “Native American History” section.
Top Sites for European Explorers and Colonists in America
For the first explorers to reach America …
Vikings: The North Atlantic Saga
chronicles the history of Viking expeditions to North America from the first voyages to Greenland to the short-lived Viking colony at L’Anse aux Meadows in what is now known as Newfoundland. The Web site is the online equivalent of a Smithsonian Museum exhibition, and includes highlights from the exhibit, maps of Viking exploration, and a “Learning Center” with bibliographies, links to other Web sites, guides for teachers and students, and even an ancient Viking board game which can be played online.
Library and Archives Canada
publishes this collection called “Passages: A Treasure Trove of North American Exploration.” Visit the “Chronological Outline” and you’ll find information on the European explorers and their American Indian guides. The introduction is an especially good guide to the historical issues and controversies surrounding the question, “Who got there first?”
The Columbus Navigation Homepage
focuses not so much on the details of Columbus’ life, as it does on how he conducted his voyage: from navigation techniques to his relationships with his crew and the Native American people they encountered. There’s also a bibliography, and links to other Web sites detailing Columbus’ life and voyages.
For the early European settlements in America …
13 Originals
has details on the first settlements and early history of the original 13 British colonies in America. Each section provides an overview of a particular colony, along with links to colonial charters, constitutions, maps, and other sites with more information on each colony. You’ll find maps of each region, along with a description of each colony’s history. Throughout the text, names and important events are hyperlinked to give even more information.
The Plymouth Colony Archive Project
is a collection of writings, documents, maps, and stories of the lives of the residents of one of the best-known early American colonies. On the site you’ll find images, maps, and primary documents within the historical coverage.
Historic Jamestowne
charts the history of the Jamestown settlement. The famed story of Captain John Smith and Pocahontas can be traced to this settlement. This site includes a history of the colony, maps, biographies of the settlers, and updates on the latest discoveries.
Slavery in America
The tragedy of slavery in America is an undeniably influential part of American history. These sites will give you all the historic details, as well as a better understanding of how this practice affected (and continues to affect) the social and political fabric of the country.
Insights for Slavery in America
- Slavery had been a part of human existence long before Europeans first traveled to America. The sites listed are aimed not so much at chronicling the place of slavery in world culture, but rather how it affected American history directly.
- This section of the guide is concerned mainly with the origins and influences of slavery in America; Web sites with information about slavery also appear in the “The civil war” section of this guide.
Top Sites for Slavery in America
Chronology on the History of Slavery
is a privately maintained Web site that provides a good year-by-year history of slavery in America, from the first slaves landing in Jamestown in 1619 to the end of the Civil War and Emancipation. All the entries provide citations, and many have links to more information. Because the content is presented by an individual and is not guaranteed by an educational or historical institution, you should double-check any facts that appear here.
Slavery and the Making of America
is the Web site for the PBS television series of the same name. You can spend hours on this site exploring the essays, stories, letters, images, audios, and timelines. The site is perfect for teachers seeking classroom material and students looking for interesting interactive historical information.
Exploring Amistad
tells the compelling story of one of the most famous slave revolts in American history. There’s a timeline, over 500 primary-source documents including newspaper accounts, journal entries, and court documents, as well as a teacher’s guide with lesson plans for the Amistad revolt. Visit the site map for an overview of all that’s available.
The Roots of American Slavery: A Biographical Essay
is both an essay on the development of slavery in America, and a detailed guide to historical works on slavery. This is a worthwhile resource for anyone conducting research on the causes and history of slavery in America.
Slavery Images
is an ongoing project of the University of Virginia and the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities. There are more than 1,200 photos of places and scenes from the lives of slaves in America. The site itself does not interpret the images, as that is left for the students, scholars, and teachers who are invited to use them.
The American Revolution
Many of the most famous events in American history happened during the Revolution. From the first rumblings of dissatisfaction to the ratifying of the Constitution, most of us are quite familiar with the effort required to turn 13 colonies into an independent nation. The sites below are great places to begin researching the American Revolution.
Insights for the American Revolution
- The American Revolution was a transforming event not only in American, but also in world history. Although the era of European colonization was not immediately over when the war ended, the American Revolution marked the limitations of European colonialism.
- For the purposes of this guide, it will be assumed that the Revolutionary Era ends with the writing and ratification of the U.S. Constitution, which formed the basis for our current government.
Top Sites for the American Revolution
Student Exhibition: Road to American Revolution
is part of AmRevOnline.org, and is based on an exhibit detailing the ideas and events that culminated in the American Revolution. The discussion covers major topics of the era, like mercantilism, the Stamp Acts, and the Enlightenment. It ends with an explanation of the Declaration of Independence.
The American Revolution
has a timeline, guide to battles, recommended readings (which include links to recommended books), biographies of participants, and a message board and chat room for those interested in discussing topics related to the American Revolution. This site is especially helpful for teachers looking to put together a course of study for their students. The site contains great content, but, since there is no “About Us” section, you should not rely on it for all of your information on the matter.
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
created this resource called “Principles of Freedom.” The Web site examines the period from the signing of the Declaration of Independence to the aftermath of the Constitution. You can access a number of primary documents on this site as well.
American Revolution.com
provides a good summary of the events that led to and made up the American Revolution, along with a selection of documents, a bibliography, and a discussion forum. Links throughout the text expand on key names and events, which makes learning the details of Revolutionary history easy and contextualized.
Emory Law School
offers the Federalist Papers on its Web site. Among the most important documents in U.S. history, the Federalist Papers contain arguments for the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. This site has all 85 papers, along with links to other important U.S. historical documents.
The U.S. Constitution Online
not only has the Constitution, but also the Articles of Confederation and the Declaration of Independence. There are essays on the history of each document aimed at kids and students of all ages, with teacher’s resources, and a bibliography. It is a plain-looking, but very useful site.
Early United States History
The early years of the United States, roughly 1800–1840, drastically shaped the political and social history of the country. Here, you’ll learn about major events in early United States history like the War of 1812, the Louisiana Purchase, the Lewis and Clark expedition, and the rise of Jacksonian democracy.
Insights for Early United States History
- The War of 1812 was fought, and The Star-Spangled Banner, America’s national anthem, was written at this time. In addition, Andrew Jackson ushered in a period that came to be known as Jacksonian Democracy.
- The other major development in United States history was the westward expansion, which came to symbolize the American spirit. Westward expansion, also referred to as Manifest Destiny, is a common theme found in many of the links below.
Top Sites for Early United States History
For Thomas Jefferson, the Louisiana Purchase, and Lewis and Clark …
Jefferson’s Monticello
presents this article called “Jefferson’s West: The Louisiana Purchase.” The article explains the series of events that led to the largest land purchase in U.S. history. You’ll see related links, like a timeline of the Louisiana Purchase agreement, as well as a link to the Library of Congress “American Memory” sites with maps of discovery and exploration during this era. In addition, you can read about “A day in the Life of Thomas Jefferson” or view a timeline of his life.
Discovering Lewis & Clark
is full of information about the famous expedition, with maps and biographies of the participants, discussions of the technology used throughout the voyage, and an overview of the relations with American Indian tribes encountered along the way. You can even read journal entries written as the journey progressed. The stylish site is updated frequently, most recently with a series of aerial photographs depicting scenes from the route.
For the War of 1812 and the advent of Jacksonian Democracy …
Re-Living History: The War of 1812
is a comprehensive site detailing the causes, events, and outcome of the War of 1812. Sections you can link to cover the causes, battles, people, and aftermath of the war. Visit the timeline to see it all in one place. You can also take a quiz to test your historical knowledge, or join in the discussion on the site’s forum.
From Revolution to Reconstruction
offers an online biography of Andrew Jackson, from his days as a general in the War of 1812 to his presidency and beyond. The site does a good job of chronicling Jackson’s role in the expansion of democracy in the United States, without shying away from the darker side of his nature, which included the massacre and removal of the Seminole Indians from Florida. Throughout the text you’ll find links to other important figures and events of the era.
About North Georgia
details the Trail of Tears, the forced removal of the Cherokee nation from Georgia. This Web site chronicles the history of that event with an historical essay, quotations, illustrations, and links to other sites with more information on the Cherokee Nation and its history. Visit the hyperlinks throughout the text for more detailed information on the facts and events that occurred during the Trail of Tears.
The Civil War
There may be as many Web sites devoted to the Civil War as there are for the rest of American history combined. Use the Web sites listed in this guide as starting points for your discovery of the people, issues, and events that make up one of the most-discussed events in U.S. history—when the country was divided against itself.
Insights for the Civil War
- The Civil War is also sometimes known as “The War Between States.”
- The two decades before the Civil War, the 1840s and 1850s, are often referred to as the Antebellum period. This is when the southern slave-owning aristocracy was at its height, and when the issue of slavery came to the forefront of American politics. The abolitionist movement gained strength in the North, and every admission of a new state to the Union provoked a fight over whether it would be a slave-holding or free state.
- The Civil War affected people in the North and South quite differently. For a good perspective on this, visit “Valley of the Shadow: Two Communities in the American Civil War,” which chronicles two counties, Augusta County, Virginia, and Franklin County, Pennsylvania, contrasting their experiences from John Brown’s Raid to the end of Reconstruction. There are diaries, letters, speeches, and newspaper accounts from residents of each county, all in an easily navigable layout.
- After the Civil War, Reconstruction was an attempt to change the South politically and socially. The backlash against Reconstruction resulted in the system of segregation that lasted until the civil rights movement of the 1960s.
Top Sites for the Civil War
For the causes of the Civil War …
The Library of Congress
has this exhibit called Abolition: The African-American Mosaic. It features sections on “Abolition as a Social Movement,” the “Influence of Prominent Abolitionists,” and “Abolition & Slavery.” There are illustrations and citations with links to source material, including maps, photos, songs, and meeting minutes for abolitionist gatherings.
National Geographic
has this feature called The Underground Railroad.” The Web site details the experience of a runaway slave. There’s a section for kids and one for teachers looking for classroom ideas. Add in a timeline, illustrations, bibliographies of famous escaped slaves and abolitionists, and links to many other resources, and you have a Web site that is both eye-catching and useful. Visit “The Journey” section of the site to trace the path of a runaway slave—or choose to stay at home and see what life as a slave is like.
About North Georgia
offers the “Causes of the Civil War.” It does a good job of presenting the reasons why many Southerners felt they had a cause worth fighting for. The site has an interesting essay, backed up with references and links throughout the text to other valuable sources.
Georgia's Blue and Gray Trail
has this piece called, “America’s Civil War.” This is the companion piece to the page listed directly above, but deals instead with the Northern perspective. The format is the same, but the reader will notice that the emphasis here is on political issues, the compromises that involved the admission of new states, and the South’s continuing control of the senate and the presidency.
Assumption College
provides the story of the Kansas-Nebraska Act, when the dispute over admitting new states first broke out into open violence. There are excerpts from newspapers and speeches of the time, and plenty of references and links to source material regarding an historical debate that remains active to this very day.
African American History
is a project detailing major events in African American history. Visit this section called, “Dred Scott: Introduction.” This paper provides an historical background to Dred Scott, plus sections on differing reactions to the decision among Democrats and Republicans. This resource clarifies why Dred Scott was such a formative moment in Civil War history.
For Civil War battles, people, and events …
The American Civil War Homepage
is a comprehensive guide to Civil War resources on the Internet. Topics touch upon music of the Civil War, biographies of generals, politicians, income tax records, and animal mascots of the Civil War. The page, which began as a class project at the University of Tennessee, is updated regularly, and is an invaluable resource for students of all ages.
The Confederate States of America
provides a thorough history of the Confederacy, covering Jefferson Davis, Confederate generals, the experiences of the average Confederate soldier, Southern women in the Civil War, the treatment of prisoners of war, and much more. The site also includes links to important documents from the history of the Confederacy.
Civil War Battles
contains extensive descriptions of individual battles complete with photographs, maps, and links to other resources. The site also has biographies of participants, including Robert E. Lee and other Confederate and Union generals, an article on Civil War medicine, and a year-by-year index of events in the Civil War. Click on any year on the left-hand side of the page, and you’ll find links to Civil War newspapers published that year.
Lincoln/Net
is a site devoted to the life of Abraham Lincoln before he became president of the United States. This is a monumental collection of writings, source material, and topics, including Lincoln and the Mexican War, the Lincoln-Douglas debates, and Lincoln’s time as an attorney in Illinois. The “Teacher’s Parlor” is an especially good resources for teachers, with a possible field trip to Springfield and lesson plans detailing Lincoln’s life.
Mr. Lincoln’s White House
details the years of Lincoln’s presidency, his life in the White House, and his relationships with other residents and politicians in Washington, DC. The site is part of the Lincoln Institute Web sites, which also includes pages called “Lincoln and Freedom,” “Lincoln and the Founders,” and “Abraham Lincoln’s Classroom,” a resource for students and teachers.
The Library of Congress
presents the “Assassination of President Abraham Lincoln,” which is part of the Abraham Lincoln Papers. The page includes an essay on the assassination, a timeline, and a gallery of illustrations and photographs of Lincoln’s assassination and the country’s reaction. Browse through this site for other worthwhile information on the former president.
National Archives and Records Administration
provides the Emancipation Proclamation. The site includes discussions of both the preliminary and final Emancipation Proclamations, describing the effect the speech had on the Civil War, and its significance in U.S. history. There are links to other resources, including an audio file of Charlie Smith, an ex-slave who talks about his life before and after the Emancipation Proclamation.
Duke University Libraries
offers this collection of diaries, letters, photographs, prints, and other documents depicting the role and life of women in the Civil War. Presented by the Sallie Bingham Center for Women’s History and Culture, this is a great resource for anyone researching or teaching the subject of women in the Civil War.
The Center for Civil War Photography
offers these Civil War photographs. The Civil War was the first war to be documented in photographs; this site contains many of these photos, along with descriptions of the photographic methods used at the time, and links to other sites with Civil War photography.
For Reconstruction and the war’s aftermath …
PBS
presents this documentary, Reconstruction: The Second Civil War. You can watch the entire show online, or use the Web site to explore Reconstruction by topic. There’s a state-by-state map that lists what happened in each state after the Civil War, and a special section on the experiences of freed slaves as they attempted to enter the political and social life of the South. The site also includes a teacher’s guide.
PBS
also publishes this feature, The Rise and Fall of Jim Crow. It examines the backlash to Reconstruction, which resulted in the system of government-enforced segregation that lasted until the civil rights movement of the 1960s. The site details the establishment of the Jim Crow laws with maps, and stories from the people most affected. Visit the “Tools and Activities” section for an interactive experience. Educators should visit the “For Teachers” link for lesson-plans, activities, and other resources.
A Hundred Years of Terror
is a report from the Southern Poverty Law Center, linked from the Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis Web site. The essay is on the origins and history of the KKK, a racist organization whose activities and influence are still felt today. The report details how the Klan initially used scare tactics, and eventually embraced violence and murder as a means of terrifying and controlling black Americans. Read this site to learn how the Klan was instrumental in bringing the era of Reconstruction to a close.
Settling of the American West
The exploration and settling of the American West began well before the Civil War. Although it was slowed down by the War, it resumed again in earnest after the conflict ended. Here, you’ll learn about the essential elements in the settlement of the West, like the transcontinental railroad, the fur trade, immigrants, and the Gold Rush, for example.
Insights for the Settling of the American West
- The settling of the American West occurred over several eras, from the early days of colonization to the close of the 19th century.
- The exploration of the West was jump-started by the Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark expedition. You can learn more about both in the “The early years of the United States” section of this guide.
- Immigration, also a major theme of American history, boomed during and after the Civil War, as the Homestead Act of 1862, and the building of the transcontinental railroad lured settlers with promises of free land.
Top Sites for the Settling of the American West
For general information on the West …
Mountain Men and the Fur Trade
explores the fur traders in the American West. This site contains extensive records of traders’ experiences, including diaries, letters, and business records. There’s also a gallery of images, a bibliography, and links to related Web sites. You can sign up for an e-mail discussion group.
American West
has information on pioneers, settlers, gunfighters, and more, covering figures like Davy Crockett, Wyatt Earp, Buffalo Bill, and Sitting Bull. There are sections devoted to American Indian experiences, mining, transportation, and even modern-day archaeology. The site not only chronicles the past, but also relates to the present.
Eyewitness History.com
provides this section on the Old West, full of first-hand accounts to many of the most famous incidents in Western history, including Custer’s Last Stand, an early American Indian buffalo hunt, a Butch Cassidy train robbery, the California Gold Rush, a ride on a train filled with immigrants, the Massacre at Wounded Knee, and much more.
For information on the transcontinental railroad …
PBS
hosts this introduction to the film Transcontinental Railroad in its American Experience project. Visit “The Film and More” to learn about how the documentary was put together. You’ll also find a timeline, photo gallery, and a section devoted to the railroad’s impact on Plains Indians on the Web site. Educators should visit the “Teacher’s Guide” for some classroom ideas.
For information on immigration …
University of Calgary
offers this Web site called “Peopling North America: Population Movements & Migration.” The site does not examine U.S. immigration history exclusively; it also touches upon immigration to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. That said, the site covers U.S. immigration quite thoroughly, and goes beyond many other Web sites by exploring immigration through the wider lens of North America as a whole.
Rapidimmigration.com
is intended as a service for new and prospective immigrants to the United States, but the site includes a history of American immigration. There’s an essay on the first Americans, and a calendar of important events in immigration history, from 1790 to 2003.
The Late 19th Century, the Industrial Revolution, and the Gilded Age
In the late 19th century the United States began to change from a rural nation to an urban one. The Industrial Revolution contributed greatly to this trend, and led to the creation of great wealth, much of which rested in the hands of a few individuals. This period in U.S. history became known as the Gilded Age. Discover the late 19th century, the Industrial Revolution and the Gilded Age in this section of the U.S. History Web Guide.
Insights for the Late 19th century, the Industrial Revolution, and the Gilded Age
- The Industrial Revolution flourished in the late 19th century. This period is also considered the golden age of invention. In fact, many of the inventions that are an integral part of our lives today were first created during this time.
- Great wealth wasn’t the only engine of social change in the late 19th century. The Web sites below also teach you about the women’s suffrage movement and the labor movement, both of which gained popularity at this time.
- Having ended its era of internal settlement, the United States became a player on the international stage. The Spanish-American War was part of this process, and by the beginning of the 20th century, many of the basic inventions and institutions that make up our modern world were in place. The Web sites listed in this section are an introduction to how new technologies and social movements shaped the American experience in the last quarter of the 19th century.
Top Sites for the Late 19th century, the Industrial Revolution, and the Gilded Age
For the Industrial Revolution and age of invention …
Bowling Green State University
presents this chronological report of America in the 1890s. The site provides a year-by-year look at the art, politics, music, architecture, and social life of America at the end of the 19th century.
America’s Smithsonian
has this “American Investors and Inventions” section in its “Remembering Gallery.” There are thumbnail pictures of inventions like the telegraph, telephone, and light bulb, and descriptions of inventors like George Washington Carver. There are also detailed histories and descriptions of how these inventions and inventors changed life in America
Illinois During the Gilded Age
sheds light on Illinois in the late 19th century—but it also examines the relation between local events and national trends. Historical essays on the site cover topics like the Great Chicago Fire and the labor movement.
PBS
hosts The Richest Man in the World: Andrew Carnegie as part of its American Experience project. The report details the life and wealth of this famous industrialist who was the richest man in the world during his time. The site includes a timeline, photo gallery, kid’s section, and helpful teacher resources.
Between a Rock and a Hard Place
offers “A History of American Sweatshops,” a report that illuminates the darker side of the Industrial Revolution. The Web site contains information from the 1820s to the present, with pictures and documents that illustrate the changing lives of workers. Information is presented by time period in the “History” section of the site.
For women’s suffrage …
Timeline of Women’s Suffrage in the United States
in an independent Web site that chronicles important dates in the women’s suffrage movement from Abigail Adams in 1776 to Susan B Anthony in the 19th century. It ends with the adoption of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution in 1920, which gave women the right to vote.
The Library of Congress
has this gateway to its vast collection of U.S. women’s history resources. This online research guide is the Internet version of the Library’s book, American Women: A Library of Congress Guide for the Study of Women's History and Culture in the United States, published in 2001. If you would like to know something about U.S. women’s history, the information is probably on this Web site.
For the Spanish-American War …
Crucible of Empire: The Spanish-American War
is another PBS broadcast. This large site covers Theodore Roosevelt and the Rough Riders, newspaper articles, and even has a section on the music of the war. There are links to historical resources, a discussion forum, and a section for teachers and students.
The United States in World War I
It took a few years, but eventually the United States became involved in the great global conflict now known as World War I. The involvement of the United States in World War I solidified the U.S. as a key player in the history of the entire world.
Insights for the United States in World War I
- World War I is also sometimes called “The War to End All Wars” and “The Great War.”
- Because World War I was a worldwide conflict, the Web sites listed below contain as much information about world events as they do about the role of the United States in those events.
- Although entering World War I marked the establishment of the United States as a major world power, the horrors of the war led to the growth of isolationism, which resulted in the United States’ decision not to join the League of Nations. You’ll find more about life in the United States after World War I in the “The Roaring ’20s and Prohibition” section of this guide.
Top Sites for the United States in World War I
FirstWorldWar.com
covers the war as a whole, and is not limited to the American perspective. This site has a copious amount of material, covering the common battles and the obscure pieces of history. The site can be difficult to navigate, but this page has an easy-to-follow timeline on the right side.
The Great War and the Shaping of the 20th Century
is the companion Web site to PBS’s documentary on World War I. The site includes a timeline, maps of battlefields, a look at the events that led to the war, thoughts of prominent historians on the war, and a list of resources for teachers.
Internet Modern History Sourcebook: World War I
has links to Internet resources organized by topic. There are sections on the causes of the war, resistance to the war, the diplomatic history of the war, and even literary responses to the war.
EyeWitness To History.com
covers first-hand accounts of the sinking of the Lusitania, the American declaration of war, the armistice, the end of World War I and more.
The Roaring ’20s and Prohibition
After World War I it seemed as if the whole country decided to loosen up. Welcome to the Roaring ’20s and Prohibition. Also known as the Jazz Age, this is a time when social and cultural changes were essential aspects of American culture.
Insights for the Roaring '20's and Prohibition
- Jazz developed out of the music and culture of African Americans. Not surprisingly, another development of this era was the flowering of Black culture known as the Harlem Renaissance. The links below can be used as an introduction and guide to further research on this period in U.S. history.
- It would be an easy mistake to think that Prohibition was a reaction to the excesses of the Roaring ’20s. In actuality, Prohibition began on January 16, 1920, and was the culmination of a movement to ban the sale of alcohol that had been building for decades.
Top Sites for the Roaring '20's and Prohibition
Temperance & Prohibition
is a discussion of prohibition presented by Ohio State University. The report relates Prohibition to the 19th-century Temperance Movement, the Women’s Crusade, and the Anti-Saloon League. There are also cartoons from the Prohibition Party, an essay on Prohibition in the 1920s, and an article arguing that prohibition is still a good idea.
Pittsburg State University
presents “Jazz Age Culture, Part I,” the first of a series of Web sites exploring the music, literature, history, and culture of the Roaring ’20s. There are links to topics covering everything from consumer culture, Jazz Age writers, movies of the period, the changing sexual mores, and of course, the “Jazz Age, Part II.”
The 1920’s Experience
is another comprehensive site devoted to everything that made the 1920s one of the most interesting decades in American history. There are sections on people and events, new technologies, art, literature, music, and fashions. Be mindful of some ads that appear throughout the site, however.
Harlem: Mecca of the New Negro
is an online recreation of the famous March 1925 edition of Survey Graphic magazine, which included articles by writers like W.E.B. DuBois, Langston Hughes, Alain Locke, and many others, all documenting and celebrating the growth of African American culture in the 1920s that came to be known as the Harlem Renaissance.
The Harlem Renaissance
is a comprehensive site that chronicles the rebirth of African American culture in the 1920s. The site covers literature, performing arts, and visual arts, and relates them to events and politics in the decade.
The Great Depression and the New Deal
In the 1930s the United States faced its greatest crisis since the Civil War. The Stock Market Crash of 1929 and the Great Depression that followed brought an end to the Roaring ’20s. The party was over, and for many Americans, life became a matter of survival.
Insights for the Great Depression and the New Deal
- Perhaps at no other time in American history did the lives of average Americans change as drastically as they did during the Great Depression. The sites below don’t just focus on the big historical events, but detail the experiences of ordinary Americans as well.
- The “Stock Market Crash of 1929” is an essay on the financial and economic factors that led to the 1929 stock market crash.
Top Sites for the Great Depression and the New Deal
America in the 1930s
was created by the University of Virginia, and uses multimedia to showcase the lives of Americans throughout the decade. There’s a timeline of events, plus a section on the 1930s in film, in print, and on radio.
The Depression News
portrays the Great Depression in the format of an online newspaper in the style of the 1930s. The page, part of the Michigan Historical Museum’s Web site, has sections specifically designed for the needs of teachers and students.
New Deal Network
has over 20,000 photographs, documents, diaries, and more that depict life during the Great Depression, and the effects of the New Deal. There’s a section on teaching the New deal in the classroom, a series of articles on topics like “Electricity for All,” and “The Magpie Sings the Great Depression.” There’s also an e-mail discussion list for teachers and historians.
The Library of Congress
publishes “Voices from the Dust Bowl,” a site that documents the lives of migrant workers who moved to southern California during the Midwest Dust Bowl years. You’ll find photos and audio files of songs and interviews with these Americans.
The United States in World War II
World War II transformed the United States from a country mainly concerned with its own problems to a nation involved in the affairs of the entire world. With the attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States was drawn into the largest worldwide conflict of modern times. Explore the history of the United States in World War II using the sites recommended below.
Insights for the United States in World War II
- As in the section devoted to the United States in World War I, many of the Web sites listed below are useful for researching not only American involvement in World War II, but global involvement in the War as well.
- At home, the World War II era was characterized by nationalism and unity. But there was also a darker side to the decade, illustrated by the internment of Japanese Americans, and the dropping of the first atomic bomb.
Top Sites for the United States in World War II
For general information …
Pearl Harbor: Remembered
is presented by the Pearl Harbor Memorial, and offers a timeline of the attack. You’ll also see maps of the harbor at the time, and the route of the Japanese attack. To learn more background information you can read a brief history of the event, or listen to audio files presented here.
Spartacus Educational
presents the “Second World War,” a chronology of the war with sections devoted to military leaders from the United States, Britain, Germany, Japan, and Russia. There is a section on women in the war, photographs, and many other topics related to events and issues of World War II.
World War II Timeline
was created by a history professor from the University of San Diego. The timeline is extremely easy to browse. With so much information available on World War II, this site gives you the option to search by date (going back to 1917), topic, map, or picture.
The World at War
is a comprehensive look at the military history of World War II. Topics are divided by year, and there is a message board for those interested in discussing the war with others. This site is maintained by a university professor, so don’t discredit its content just because of its poor design.
For the Japanese American Internment …
The National Asian American Telecommunications Association (NAATA)
put together this Web site on the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. The site consists of three sections: “World War II & Roundup,” “The Camps Experience,” and “Postwar & Impact Today.” The site also contains some audio and visual resources, and material for educators.
For the atomic bomb …
The National Security Archive
is an independent institute located at The George Washington University, which presents documents to the public after they have been declassified by the government. In addition to providing a general overview of the atomic bomb during World War II, the site lists a number of documents from the time.
The Race to Build the Atomic Bomb
from the Contra Costa County Office of Education, is a resource for teachers and students but the information is certainly applicable to any audience. This site is unique because it devotes a lot of coverage to the science and scientists behind the atomic bomb. Those interested in historical content should focus on the first five sections of the site, while teachers might want to explore the last three as well. The text and graphics can be a bit small, however.
The 1950s United States and the Cold War
After World War II Americans returned to the business of living their lives and raising families, but there was no escaping the fact that the United States was now the most powerful country in the world. The Soviet Union emerged as America’s great rival, however, and concern with the spread of Communism quickly led to the cold war. Discover what shaped the 1950's in the United States and the cold war influences, in this section of our U.S. History Web Guide.
Insights for the 1950's United States and the Cold War
- The 1950s is often portrayed as a conservative era, but this is also the time when teenagers became an economic force and began to form their own culture.
- While the United States and the Soviet Union never directly fought a war with each other, their rivalry played out in other ways: the nuclear arms race and the Korean War are two examples.
Top Sites for the 1950's United States and the Cold War
United States History Index: 1950 - 1959
is a collection of links to Web sites devoted to 1950s American history and culture. Links are arranged by both year and topic, with topics ranging from music and art to politics and science. Almost any issue related to the 1950s is here, including the Beat movement, films, the nuclear arms race, Joseph McCarthy, and anti-Communism.
CNN
hosts this interactive site called “Cold War: From Yalta to Malta.” It follows the cold war from its beginnings after World War II, all the way to the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. The site is comprehensive, with documents and film clips, covering most aspects of the 40-year span of the cold war.
Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
presents this “Cold War International History Project,” which features documents and eyewitness accounts from countries that were once part of the European Communist block. Much of this material was unavailable to historians and students in the West until just recently. This is a valuable resource for gaining an international perspective on the events of the cold war. The Web site sponsors discussions on a range of topics.
The Harry S. Truman Library and Museum
details the Korean War on this Web site. Click on the links in the middle of the page to explore the war’s various historical periods. The right side of the page offers some official documents and educational aids.
The 1960s United States
The 1960s in the United States was one of the most turbulent decades in U.S. history, as the seemingly calm ’50s gave way to a time of great social and cultural change. Music, fashion, and art all became intertwined with politics, and resulted in a decade that is remembered to this day as one of both violent confrontation and incredible achievement.
Insights for the 1960s United States
- The civil rights movement came to the forefront of national attention in the 1960s, as the institution of segregation that had been in place since the end of Reconstruction was challenged in the courts, daily life, and in the streets. There is more about Reconstruction and segregation in the “The Civil War” section of this guide.
- The cold war continued in the ’60s, and the United States and Soviet Union found a new way to compete. The space race moved into full force, and led to one of the great achievements of the decade: landing a man on the moon.
- For information on the feminist movement, see the “The United States in the 1970s” section of this guide.
Top Sites for the 1960s United States
For the history of the civil rights movement …
The Seattle Times
presents this discussion of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the civil rights movement. This is a good introduction to the civil rights movement in general and to the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. in particular. You’ll also find a timeline, a photo gallery, and a section on people and events in African American history as well.
For John F. Kennedy …
The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
covers all aspect of Kennedy’s presidency, including the Cuban Missile Crisis and his assassination. There are links to historical resources, a timeline, and resources for students and teachers.
For the Vietnam War …
PBS
publishes this site, “Vietnam Online,” as part of the American Experience series. Throughout the site, you’ll find biographies of important participants, a timeline, maps, personal recollections, and a teacher’s guide.
Vassar College
publishes “The Wars for Vietnam: 1945–1975,” an impressive Web site with a chronology of the War. You’ll also find primary-source documents related to the war and an overview of the battles fought.
For the space race and man on the moon …
Smithsonian.com
presents this content from Space Race, an exhibition at the National Air and Space Museum. The exhibit shows the history of the space race from its beginnings as a military program to the current era. There are sections on placing a man on the moon, and on the history of the Soviet space program.
The Space Race
is a multimedia site depicting the Gemini, Mercury, and Apollo space programs. There is a guide to the technology and people behind the space program, links to other space-related sites, a discussion forum, and a section on news and current events related to space.
Who knew?
The Kennedy Assassination
addresses the various theories regarding the assassination and lays out the facts that support or refute each one. There are many links to other sites on the topic, and you can sign up for an e-mail discussion group.
The 1970s United States
Many of the political, social, and cultural movements that began in the 1950s and 1960s, including the cold war and the civil rights movement, continued to influence the 1970s in the United States and beyond. There was also a political crisis—for the first time in U.S. history, a president resigned from office.
Insights for the 1970's United States
- The women’s liberation movement is a good example of a social and political movement that gained strength after the civil rights struggles of the 1960s.
- Several of the Web sites in the “The United States in the 1960s” section, especially those dealing with the civil rights movement and the space race, also contain material useful for learning about the ’70s.
Top Sites for the 1970's United States
For Watergate …
Watergate.info
is a well laid-out site that covers all aspects of the Watergate scandal, from the first break-in, to the Congressional investigations and the resignation of Nixon. The site even discusses the influence of Watergate on current events. There are audio recordings from the era, documents, and links to other sites devoted to the history of Watergate.
WashingtonPost.com
publishes this series, “Revisiting Watergate.” The site was created in 1997 on the 25th anniversary of the scandal. There is an archive of Woodward and Bernstein’s original reporting, and a photo gallery. There are also audio clips, biographies of major figures, and updates on recent revelations, including the identity of Deep Throat.
For the feminist movement in the 1970s United States …
Chicago Women’s Liberation Union
presents these “Classic Feminist Writings,” a collection of essays and articles from many of the early figures in the women’s liberation movement. You’ll find writings by Barbara Ehrenreich, Jo Freeman, and Kate Millet. The articles cover events and issues from the late ’60s and early ’70s.
Duke University
publishes “Documents from the Women’s Liberation Movement,” a collection of historical documents. This is a valuable resource for anyone researching or interested in the women’s movement of the ’60s and ’70s, and allows you to research by topic or keyword. Recommended external links are also provided.
For the aftermath of Vietnam …
CNN.com
presents “Vietnam: Echoes of War,” a site dedicated to the aftermath of the Vietnam War. The site explores the lingering effect of the conflict on both Vietnamese and American culture alike.
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