From an isolated and inward-looking new nation clinging to the East Coast, America in the 1800s grew in size, strength, and military might. From the War of 1812 to the century-long campaigns of conquest against Native American peoples, territorial expansion through war with Mexico to the great national tragedy that was the Civil War, American soldiers and sailors forged a tradition of pride and heroism that is part of our national heritage. Sometimes misguided, sometimes truly inspired, nineteenth century America produced some of the greatest military leaders and witnessed some of the bloodiest battles in our history. Behind the scenes, and often neglected in our official histories, the life of America's citizen soldiers was a tough and brutal one. Patriotism, heroism, and human folly all combine in the story of the roots of Americas rise to the status of world military power.
In today's world, where we routinely zip down the highway at 70 miles per hour and we can fly coast-to-coast in a matter of hours, it is hard to imagine the revolution in transportation that took place in the 1800s. From a world where most people rarely traveled faster than their legs could carry them or much beyond their home towns, the 1800s witnessed an amazing and rapid development of technology, improvements in infrastructure, and a national will to conquer the vast distances of a growing country. Through the work of inventors, individual entrepreneurs, and municipalities, Americans found new opportunities for traveling conveniently from place to place within their communities, and a frontier nation was unified by rail, by road, and by a sense of national identity. This is the story of nineteenth century America on the move!
Medicine developed into a science in the 1800s, but it was a long evolution from folk remedies and superstition to a modern understanding of how the human body works and how disease is spread. Throughout much of the century, the life expectancy of the average American was decades shorter than it is now. A lack of understanding of simple hygiene contributed to the early death of many women after childbirth, and children routinely died of common childhood diseases like measles. An incorrectly treated broken arm could kill a healthy young man, and pain, disfigurement, and epidemic disease was the fate of many Americans. Traditional herbal remedies were sometimes the best treatments available, while patent medicines often contained toxic substances, and medical procedures were often painful, disgusting, and ultimately useless. The dedicated scientists and medical researchers of the 1800s made a tremendous contribution to the health and happiness of Americans.
This book discusses the lives of samurai warriors through a story about two samurai who served Oda Nobunaga, a powerful samurai leader.
This book describes the life of medieval knights, including a short story of two young knights' experiences in a tournament and in battle.
In graphic-novel format, this book examines the history of piracy while providing a story that brings the danger and adventure of high seas to life.
Detailed descriptions about the World War I Memorial explore basic history about this war.
Learn detailed information about the World War II Memorial and basic history about this war.
Learn detailed information about the Korean War Memorial and basic history about this war.
Detailed descriptions and photos of the USS Arizona Memorial help the reader to understand and appreciate the sacrifices of our American soldiers.
Learn background information about Arlington Naitonal Cemetary and the sacrifices of American fallen soldiers.
Hunt the sea for sunken boats filled with treasure in this graphic high interest book.
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In graphic-novel format, this book chronicles the 1906 earthquake that destroyed the city of San Francisco while providing a story of one family's escape from the disaster.
In graphic-novel format, this book examines the history of Ellis Island while providing a story surrounding one family's immigration to America.
Be a part of history as you ride with Paul Revere through this graphic book.
In graphic-novel format, this book examines the history of the Galveston Hurricane in 1900 while providing a story that depicts the community's struggle to survive the storm and rebuild their homes afterward.
This brief introduction to the Vikings and their gods includes a story about the family of Eric the Red.
This book describes the life of a Spartan warrior and includes a short story that follows two Spartan boys from the age of seven to the battle of Thermopylae.
Learn about Native American history and culture, past and present.
Learn about Native American history and culture, past and present.
Learn about Native American history and culture, past and present.
Learn about Native American history and culture, past and present.
Learn about Native American history and culture, past and present.
Learn about Native American history and culture, past and present.
