With the principles of democracy firmly established after the War for Independence, Americans in the 1800s took their politics very seriously. As more and more male citizens gained the right to vote, elections became very public, hotly contested, and sometimes even violent. In the cities and towns of America, politicians courted political power and influence among new immigrant communities; buying votes and stuffing ballot boxes was shockingly common. While the major national political issues of foreign policy, taxation, the abolition of slavery, and states rights took center stage in Congress, Americans split along regional and party lines that still exist in the twenty-first century. Scandals over greed and corruption caused whole city governments to fall, but America also produced some of the greatest statesman and political leaders in its history. Former slaves, poor immigrants, and women demanded their right to vote.
Life on the American frontier of the 1800s is the stuff of American myth and legend. It was here in the wide open spaces of the West that the rugged individualism of the American character was refined: in the strong but silent cowboy, the saloon girl with a heart of gold, and the sod busting pioneer. Faced with the incredible challenges of taming a wilderness, wresting the territory from the Native peoples, and dealing with the hardships of pioneer life, Americans were offered one of the richest opportunities in the history of human kind - the agricultural and mineral resources of a new land. The settling of this land is the story of America, a story of violence, wasted resources, and genocide, as well as heroism, freedom, and incredible opportunity. The Wild West of the 1800s remains for Americans a land of hopes and dreams.
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.
Paintball, a wild activity, is highlighted along with who enjoys playing it, rules that are followed, and safety equipment that must be worn.
Describes off-road racing. The reader learns about the history of the sport, characteristics of the vehicles, important events, and famous drivers.
Monster truck rallies are described and explained in this book. Readers learn how the trucks are made, who makes them, and why people love this sport.
Describes kiteboarding and where it is done. Includes information on equipment, technique, and safety rules.
This introduction to kickboxing provides information on the sport's equipment, training, rules, competitions, and rankings.
The very famous Indy 500 is explained in this book. Well-known drivers, cars, and sponsors are highlighted.
Describes go-kart racing and who enjoys doing it. Characteristics of the vehicles, who participates in races, and where the races are held are included in this book.
Describes demolition racing. Readers learn about the vehicles that are raced and then demolished, safety issues, and how to get involved.
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.
This introduction to hiking covers such aspects as planning, clothing, supplies, food, safety, and the enjoyment of animal and plant life along the way.
Discover why so many love to fish and explore different types of techniques and equipment they use.
An up-close look at why so many enjoy camping and the types of equipment needed for a fun and safe trip.
