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.
This colorful book describes the geological makeup and history of the Kalahari Desert in Africa. Covering most of Botswana, as well as portions of Namibia and South Africa, the Kalahari is not a true desert because it receives more than ten inches (250 mm) of rain each year. But the rain drains and evaporates quickly leaving no water on the surface of the red sand. Readers will learn about the variety of habitats in this vast desert system that support many different kinds of plants and animals such as springboks, giraffes, elephants, and zebras. Special sections also describe the Kalahari's natural resources, indigenous people, and the unique problems facing this region.
This intriguing book describes the geological makeup and history of the Gobi Desert in Mongolia and China. Temperatures can get very cold and frost and snow are not unusual. Readers will learn about the variety of habitats in this vast desert system that support many different kinds of plants and animals such as camels, snow leopards, and bears. The Gobi Desert is also where the first dinosaur egg fossils were found. Special sections describe the desert's natural resources, such as copper and gold, and the unique problems facing this region such as the desert's alarming rate of desertification.
Thailand's culture is a blending of the Buddhist religion and ancient traditions passed down through centuries. This interesting book describes how influences from surrounding countries such as India, China, Cambodia, and others in southeast Asia have helped to develop many of the colorful festivals celebrated today. Young readers will also learn how the Thai people celebrate family occasions.
Inspire readers to get wired for knowledge! This informative new title introduces the scientific principles of electricity. Full-color photographs, accessible text, and relatable, real-life examples explain how electricity is created, stored, and moved. Readers learn that electricity can occur naturally or can be produced by batteries or machines. Hands-on activities encourage readers to experience science in a meaningful way.
Culture gives humans a sense of identity. This title examines how cultures around the world mix and change in response to migration and settlement. This fascinating book examines examples from history including: the slave trade and the impact of African culture on North America and then the world; the forcing of Native Americans to adopt European culture; and the cultural interchange between the British Empire and India.
The executive branch of the United States government is responsible for putting laws into action. This book carefully explains the workings of the executive branch, from its most visible figure, the President, through to the vice president, cabinet, and executive departments and agencies. Key roles such as the Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, and Attorney General are profiled. A comparison to other executive powers in state and local governments, as well as other countries, is also included.
Irena Sendler was born into a Catholic family in Poland in 1910. Throughout the German occupation in World War II, Irena worked tirelessly to help save Polands Jews from the Nazi horror. Irena saved at least 2,500 Jewish children from certain death during the Holocaust. By the time of her death in 2008, Irena had been honored by the governments of Poland and Israel, Pope John Paul II, and many of those she had rescued.
Examples are used to illustrate how many laws began as grass-roots initiatives, and how much a law can change from the time it is first suggested to the time it is approved.
Emphasis is placed on how all levels must work together to succeed and examples are presented demonstrating how all levels of government contribute to the lives of every citizen.
The legislative branch of the United States government represents the people and makes the laws which they live by. This book introduces readers to the House of Representatives and Senate, and the main players in both. Whips, committees, and filibusters are also discussed. A comparison to other legislative bodies in state and local governments, as well as in other countries, is also included.
The judicial branch of government consists of the nations courts. This title explores the role of the United States Supreme Court and its role in interpreting the U.S. Constitution, as well as the role of Federal Courts. Justices and judges, and how they are selected for their jobs is also provided. A comparison to other judicial bodies in state governments, as well as in other countries, is also included.
This entertaining and insightful book will show young readers about the chemical compounds that make up the world around them. Colorful illustrations encourage interest in this vital basic science, giving readers knowledge of the periodic table and the importance of chemical compounds in their lives.
This book provides essential information on all aspects of the election process. How is a government elected? is packed with plenty of full-color images to help deliver a fundamental message: that the right to vote is one of the cornerstones of a free and democratic society.
Almost everything around us is a combination of different things. These are mixtures and solutions. Seawater, for example, is a solution of salt and water. The engaging text and vivid illustrations in this book will help readers understand how mixtures and solutions form, and how they apply to everyday life.
This book gives young readers a better understanding of the different states of matter. Through colorful photographs and lively discussions of familiar materials, readers will be drawn in to learn about matters many forms.
Through exciting, familiar examples and engaging illustrations, readers will discover how chemicals react and change. Topics include how chemicals react with one another, chemical changes such as precipitation and oxidation, how catalysts affect chemical reactions, and what everyday events are actually chemical reactions
Young readers will be amazed to learn about the tiny particles that make up everything in the world around them. Colorful illustrations and fun fact boxes will help readers understand how atoms come together to form molecules, the building blocks of everything in the universe.
Did you know that cola is an acid? And your saliva is a base? Young readers will learn about common acids and bases from lemon juice to ammonia. Through vivid examples and exciting illustrations, this book will eagerly explore these important chemical compounds.
With the founding of his own newspaper, Garrison used the paper and his association with other abolitionists to advocate for the immediate and complete freeing of all slaves. Through his editorials, he became a symbol of the abolitionist movement by pointing out the hypocrisy of the countrys actions versus the ideals set out by the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
This engaging title explains that electromagnetism is the combined power of electricity and magnetism. Detailed images, clearly written text, and opportunities for hands-on learning combine to teach readers the core concepts of electromagnetism and their many applications in everyday lifefrom watching television to using a computer. Readers will learn how to build an electromagnet and perform tests to understand how to increase its strength.
Harriet Tubman served as an abolitionist, emancipator of slaves, military spy, and advocate for womens rights. Tubman helped lead more than seventy slaves out of captivity and guide them to freedom along the Underground Railroad. When Civil War broke out, Tubman guided an expedition of Union soldiers on a raid in South Carolina that freed over seven hundred slaves.
John Brown joined the side of free-staters in the conflict in the Kansas Territory, fighting to have Kansas enter the Union as an anti-slavery state. History has shown that his actions and the reactions to them were among the most potent precursors of the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861.
Sojourner Truth lived a truly remarkable life. She had the ear of President Abraham Lincoln and fellow abolitionists Frederick Douglass, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and William Lloyd Garrison. One of the most persuasive and influential activists of her day, Truth was also an effective recruiter of African Americans into the Union army during the Civil War.
