"In the 1800s, American began to push west, sometimes into lands that weren't yet a part of the United States. This movement came to be called western expansion. Some believed the nation had a right to this land, that it was the country's destiny. However, this romantic view doesn't reveal what this settlement meant: bloody conflicts, Native American displacement, and a renewed battle over slavery. This insightful volume provides readers with the...

Understanding the events of the American Revolution is key to learning more about the history of the United States. When readers encounter this important topic in social studies classes, they often must be able to explain the causes, main events, and results of the war. Through clear explanations and simple language, this book gives readers of all levels an overview of these aspects of the Revolutionary War in a format perfect for test review or quick...

"Even the name, "Trail of Tears," evokes the great sadness of the compulsory relocation of Native Americans in the 1830s. This accessible book tells the tragic account of what happened when the U.S. government forcibly removed native peoples from their homelands and resettled them thousands of miles away. Readers will learn why this occurred and its terrible consequences. Maps, historic images, and fact boxes shed more light on this devastating incident....

"The Great Depression was a terrible time in the United States. Americans had never known such hunger and poverty--and this crisis lasted 10 years. What happened to cause this catastrophe, how it finally ended, and the lasting effects it had on the nation are all addressed in this invaluable look at a critical period in US history. Engaging and accessible text is supported by striking historical images and interesting fact boxes. A timeline summarizes...

"The California Gold Rush, which began after the discovery of gold in 1848, was about much more than people trying to strike it rich. It was a total reshaping of the United States because of thousands making the arduous trek to the West Coast by land and sea. Some even came from Asia and Europe! In this noteworthy book, an important episode in U.S. history is told through text crafted for the struggling reader. Interesting fact boxes and carefully...

"A transcontinental railroad-a railroad spanning the United States-was once thought to be impossible. But after a practical route was found, about 1,800 miles (2,900 km) of track were laid from Nebraska to California in just 6 years. This railroad changed the nation, connecting the East and West Coast and making travel and communication easier than ever. Readers will be fascinated by the amazing tale of this railroad, and especially the striking photographs...

It can be confusing to learn that the US Constitution wasn't t the first document governing the United States. The Articles of Confederation was a problematic document, and the social studies curriculum commonly asks students to understand why and its effect on the Constitution. This volume simply breaks down the writing of the Articles as well as its problems for readers unfamiliar with the document or in need of reviewing it. Key definitions and...

"The Panama Canal is only about 40 miles (64 km) long. But this narrow channel connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and saves ocean vessels from going around South America--about a 9,000-mile (14,480 km) journey! Readers will learn all about the canal's creation, how the United States became involved, and about the 40,000 people who worked on it over 10 years. They'll especially appreciate the amazing photographs of construction from the early...

The French and Indian War was just one part of a global conflict between France and Great Britain and their allies. However, for U.S. citizens, it marked the beginning of the revolutionary era. As one of the causes of the American Revolution, the French and Indian War is a staple of social studies curriculums. In this volume, its complexities are pared down to the most important facts to give struggling readers a better chance to understand them....

The Panama Canal is only about 40 miles long, but this narrow channel connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It saves ocean vessels from going around South America, which would otherwise be a 9,000-mile journey. Readers will learn about the canal's creation, how the United States became involved, and about the 40,000 people who worked on it over 10 years. They'll especially appreciate the amazing photographs of construction from the early 1900s...