The election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860 and the secession crisis that followed was not just the prelude to the Civil War, but the culmination of deep-rooted controversies and conflicts spanning many decades. This volume explores the chief causes for the Civil War. The economic, geographic, cultural, and social differences, between the northern and southern states are examined. Slavery, the Abolitionist movement, and events such as the Dred Scott decision are covered in detail.
This insightful book examines the political, social, and economic factors and events leading to arguably the most important event in the history of the United Statesthe American Revolution. Using clear, concise text and engaging images, the book examines events leading up to the American Revolution, including the French and Indian War, the Stamp Act, the Intolerable Acts, the Boston Massacre, and the Boston Tea Party. Primary source accounts represent different perspectives and shed light on social, political, and economical causes of the American Revolution.
This informative book looks at how early Islamic empires were governed. Fascinating topics explored include: the caliphs, or spiritual leaders; tolerance of other religions; non-Muslims paying taxes not to be in the Muslim army; sultans, palaces, and palace life; Sharia law; kings and queens in India; and the tribes and clans in Arabia and Kashmir.
The Civil Rights Movement was an organized protest by black Americans against their government and the refusal to obey unjust laws during the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. This important book details the evidence in the decades before the movement that led up to the protests: black Americans were denied the right to vote, work, and become citizens. Readers will learn how prejudice and circumstances at the time of an event can influence people's interpretation of evidence. They will discover how evidence from both sides of the Civil Rights struggle was used to change and create laws, and how, even today, our opinion of the Civil Rights Movement is still changing. Readers will learn how to use critical thinking in their own examinations of evidence. Present-day examples show how history repeats itself when evidence is denied or interpreted to one side's benefit.
This compelling book describes the characteristics of an oligarchy, a political system in which the government's power rests with a small but highly influential segment of a society. These groups are often distinguished by their family ties, wealth, social class, profession, or military might. Oligrachical governments throughout history are featured to show examples of how these groups attain and keep power, as well as how they govern.
This amazing book provides a snapshot of systems of government used by various ancient civilizations. Engaging illustrations, detailed timelines, and fascinating information bring back to life the ancient civilizations of Greece, Rome, Mesopotamia, Africa, China, and more. Read about what a Chinese dynasty was, the invention of the idea of democracy in Greece, the role of a samurai warrior in Japan, and Mesopotamia's eye-for-an-eye system of ancient justice.
This fascinating book describes the characteristics of a dictatorship, a political system in which an individual has absolute power to rule without the consent of citizens. Dictatorships throughout history are featured to show examples of how these individuals attained their positions, either by force or by inheritance, why laws and constitutions do not constrain a dictator's actions, and how every aspect of citizens' lives can be regulated under this system.
This intriguing book describes the characteristics of a monarchy, a political system in which political power (usually inherited) rests with a monarch-a king or queen. Today, only six nations around the world are termed absolute monarchies in which the monarch has complete power. Other nations that have monarchs as heads of state are called constitutional monarchies because the monarch's role is only ceremonial. Monarchies throughout history are featured to show examples of succession within a royal family, the extent of the monarch's governing power, and the monarch's ceremonial duties.
This interesting book describes the characteristics of a theocracy, a political system in which a deity, or god, is considered to be the supreme ruler of the state. Religion plays the central role in governing, and representatives who govern are considered to be divinely guided. Theocratic governments around the world are featured to show examples of the relationship between church and state, how representatives are selected, and how laws are determined and enforced.
Pivotal battles waged before, during, and after the War of 1812 are detailed in this fascinating book. Battles between the United States and the British and Canadians saw gains and losses of territory for both sides, all of which proved to be only temporary. For the Native Indians who fought on each side, the result was the loss of their land and autonomy. Famous battles highlighted include those at sea: the USS Constitution vs the Guerriere, the USS Lawrence in the Battle of Lake Erie, and the capture of the USS Chesapeake; and on landthe Battle of Tippecanoe before the war, the Battle of Queenston Heights, and the Battle of New Orleans which took place after the Treaty of Ghent had already been signed ending the war.
The War of 1812 resulted in a surging sense of nationalism for both the United States and Canada. This fascinating book looks at the achievements of the military leaders and other key figures involved in the conflict during this time of nation-building. Brief biographies give details of their lives and describe the actions of such long-remembered heroes of the war as American President James Madison, Commodore Oliver Perry, General Andrew Jackson, Lieutenant Colonel Charles de Salaberry, Major General Isaac Brock, Shawnee Chief Tecumseh, and Laura Secord.
Fought during a period of nation-building in North America, the War of 1812 helped cement America's sovereignty as a nation and Canada's sense of national pride at having successfuly repelled an invasion. This intriguing book helps readers understand the significance and long-term effects of the War of 1812 after the signing of the Treaty of Ghent ended hostilities in 1815. In the United States, these included the creation of heroes, the birth of a national anthemThe Star-Spangled Banner, and the reneging on treaties which destroyed Shawnee Chief Tecumseh's dream of an Indian confederacy; in Canada, it was prosperity through British war chests and a bonding of the provinces through a common foe.
In 1812, the Napoleonic Wars in far-off Europe began a chain of actions that would lead the United States into war against Britain and its colonies in Canada in the New World. This fascinating book reveals how U.S. president James Madison declared war on Britain for harming U.S. trade with Europe by naval blockade, for impressing U.S. citizens into the service of the British Royal Navy, for siding with Native Americans against the U.S., and for standing in the way of American expansion to the north into Canada.
City hall is a bustling place, filled with workers of all kinds. Readers will learn about the many jobs people do to keep our cities running smoothly.
Abigail Adams, the First Lady of the United States, takes Fiona and Finley back in time to her new home at the White House to share her story.
In State Capitol, emergent readers join a group of students as they enjoy a trip to the state capitol. Vibrant, full-color photos and carefully leveled text engage young readers as they learn about how laws are made meet some of the people who help make them. A labeled diagram shows readers different rooms in the capitol, while a picture glossary reinforces new vocabulary. Children can learn more about what happens at the state capitol using our safe search engine that provides relevant, age-appropriate websites. State Capitol also features reading tips for teachers and parents, a table of contents, and an index.
What began as a day to celebrate the birthday of George Washington, the first president of the United States of America, has grown to include every other president to serve as leader of the country. Learn all about Presidents' Day, from its earliest beginnings to how Americans celebrate this occasion today. Children will love this easy-to-understand introduction of this important national holiday.
Many people know that Benjamin Franklin discovered electricity. In this captivating biography, readers learn the role he played in colonial America. Through easy-to-read text, fascinating facts, and engaging images, children will discover the amazing life Franklin had and learn how he made his way from being an apprentice at his brother's printshop to an international diplomat. Readers will be engaged and eager to learn about the impact he made on early America through his contribution to the First Continental Congress and the Declaration of Independence.
Describes how water is transported, treated and stored from its source into homes, schools, and offices.
Once upon a time a dog was looking for a home. Not just any home -- the perfect home, to be exact. So he decides to travel the world, visiting different countries and seeing how other dogs live. On his travels Dog meets a Newfoundland in Newfoundland, an English bulldog in England, a poodle in Paris, and many other different kinds of dogs. And he learns about what they do and how they live. But sadly, none of these places are what Dog has in mind. Can Dog find the perfect home? YES, HE CAN!! Savvy readers may have already guessed where Dog's perfect home is located but everyone, young and old, can't help but smile at the happy ending to his journey.
The books in the Community Connections Library help kids understand the world around them. What Do They Do? Judges, gives young readers an idea of the role that Judges play in keeping their community safe.
The books in the Community Connections Library help kids understand the world around them. What Do They Do? Police Officers, gives young readers an idea of the role that Police Officers play in their community.
Written by the son of a career officer, this book explores the branches of the Armed Services and speaks from the heart about the honor, privileges and sacrifices of military families everywhere. Children will discover why drill sergeants have to be so tough, what it means to be patriotic and why we need Special Forces such as the Navy SEALS, the Green Berets and the Army Rangers. H is for Honor also explains why the annual Army/Navy football game is more than just a game, how much letters from home mean to soldiers, how often military families have to move and what life on base is like. With an underlying message of courage and commitment that every child can relate to, the book will be especially meaningful to those whose parents, siblings or other relatives serve in the Armed Forces.
From the pageantry of the Musical Ride to the movie-good looks of the fictional Dudley Do-Right, the image of the handsome and stalwart Mountie has long been part of popular North American culture. But there's more to being a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police than wearing a red coat. It's an important career law enforcement and public service
Found by a young boy and placed into his pocket for safekeeping, Penny feels useless compared to the exciting Superball, the shiny Marble, the adventuresome Rock, and the colorful Bubblegum. But as she reminisces about her life and history, she realizes her worth, and it is reinforced by the young boy's need for her in an important decision.
