American History
 
Categories

 General Resources

 Map Resources

Native-American Resources 

 African-American Resources

 Women's Resources

 Government Resources

 Immigration Resources
 
Periods

 Pre-Colonial

 Colonial

 Independence

 Constitution & Nation Building

 South & Slavery

 Civil War

 Gilded Age

Conquest of West

 Early Imperialism

 Progressive Era

 World War One

 Roaring 20's

  Great Depression

 World War II

 Civil Rights

 Cold War Era
 
 
General American History Resources
 
Library of Congress*****
An outstanding and invaluable site for American history and general studies. Contains primary and secondary documents, exhibits, map collections, prints and photographs, sound recordings and motion pictures. The LOC's American Memory Historical Collections, a must-see, contains the bulk of digitalized materials, but the Exhibitions Gallery is enticing and informative as well.
American Memory Collection (Library of Congress)*****
one of the largest and best collections of exhibits and documents pertaining to American history. Contains government documents, maps, prints, photographs, sound recordings,video clips, and more. A must visit.
PBS Online*****
a great source for information on a myriad of historical events and personalities. PBS's assorted and diverse web exhibits supplement specific individual television series and generally include a resume of each episode, interviews (often with sound bites), a timeline ,a glossary, photos, and links to relevant sites. Categories in American History include American Experience and People's Century. There are also several sites on Ken Burns' films
History Matters (George Mason U.)*****
a collaboration of the American Social History Project and the Center of Media and Learning at City University of NewYork, History Matters is designed for high school and college teachers of U.S. history survey courses. It supplies related links, a central syllabus, teaching assignments that use web resources, documents in text, image and audio, interactive exercises, student work, articles and resources, annotated syllabi, discussions with scholars/teachers, and monthly quizzes. The bulk of the materials cover the period from 1876 to 1946 and focus on the lives of ordinary Americans
Learning Page (Library of Congress)****
LOC's Learning Page provides activities, tools, ideas, and features for educators and students. Features include: Thanksgiving, Presidents, Immigrants, Women, Elections, and Inaugurations
National Archives and Records Administration****
sources are similar to those found at the American Memory site. The Online Exhibit Hall has features on the New Deal, WWII, and photographs from 1864 to 1921. The Digital Classroom has activities on select topics
Academic Info: United States History Gateway****
Academic Info is a gateway to educational resources; the History Gateway provides links to general history directories, indexes, a U.S. history digital library, teaching materials, and Presidential libraries. Links are organized by category.
H-Net, Humanities & Social Sciences OnLine****
H-Net is an international interdisciplinary collection of scholars who contribute their findings and activities to this research-oriented site. Their free e-mail subscription provides you with the latest information on pertinent collections, exhibits, grant opportunities, and allows you to partake in scholarly discussions
American Studies Electronic Crossroads Project (Georgetown)****
sponsored by the American Studies Association, the Project has four major components: Curriculum, Technology and Learning, Reference & Research and Communities. There is also a "greatest hits" section of popular features, such as the American Studies Web and Syllabi Library. A good site for learning how to incorporate technology in the classroom
American History Lesson Plans (NYTimes)****
(see description of NYT Learning Pages under General History Resources)
American Studies (U. VA)****
features a museum for American studies, cultural maps, on-going hypertext projects, an electronic classroom, and special features. Check out America in the 1930's and Tocqueville's America
Crossroads: A K-16 American History Curriculum (Syracuse U.)****
a worthwhile curriculum guide featuring a 36-unit course syllabi covering 12 historical periods and 5 grade levels. Includes introductory essays, major concepts, objectives, lessons and activities
From Revolution to Reconstruction****
here you'll find worthwhile background material on major topical areas in American History to 1865
American History 102: 1865-Present****
part of a university course, this set has excellent lecture notes on major topical areas in American History from 1865.
Making of America (U. Mich)****
provides access to 1600 books and over 50,000 articles from the 19th century
H-OIEAHC -Early American History****
part of H-Net, this site provides access to a discussion list on American history and keeps one abreast of conferences and current topics of interest
The Study Place (Columbia U.)***
features an American history archive on the American Revolution, Native Americans, and Gettysburg. Has video and sound bites too
C-Span: Teacher Guide Archive***
C-Span's web site offers the American Perspectives Teacher Guide Archive, the America and the Courts Teacher Guide Archive as well as the Booknotes Teacher Guide Archive. Included are guides for episodes as well as discussion questions, worksheetsand activities
An Abridged History of the United States***
textbook written by a retired lawyer and Yale graduate. Features many references to legal decisions. Color maps of 20th century are nice
Ellis School U.S. Course Outline (Global Links)***
created as a research tool by students, it features research sites and an 11th grade U.S. course outline with many links
Photo Gallery (Library of Congress)***
LOC's gallery is all U.S.-related and selective in scope. Includes features on American Presidents and First Ladies, Women's Suffrage, Jackie Robinson, Conservation Movement, and Vaudeville and Popular Entertainment
American History (About.com)***
has plentiful links to American history sites and also descriptions of many of these sites
Historical Renaissance***
has a good set of American culture web links on education, government, politics, libraries and museums, news, sports, and history. Provides a reading list on American history and helps explains basics of Web use
DOUGLASS | Archives of American Public Address****
an extensive and searchable collection of speeches by famous Americans and related documents. Links focus on Frederick Douglass
 
See also:
Digital Archive of American Architecture (Boston College)****
has an extensive collection through the centuries
Books On-line: United States History
Bedford Books: Bedford Links to History Resources
National Museum of American History: Virtual Exhibitions
All 50 American States Home Pages
The AP U.S. History Page
 
Map Resources
 
SCORE Map Resources*****
links to maps are conveniently arranged by subject area and grade level
Digital Atlas of The United States ****
provides a 1990 national overview and profiles some large cities. Categories include population and race, ancestry, citizenship, income, poverty, and adult educational attainment. Large, colorful maps
Maps - Oddens (Utrecht U.)*****
has more than 1,000 links to electronic map resources and 180 map collections. Perhaps the most extensive grouping on the Web
Map Collections: 1544-1999 (Library of Congress)****
Cities and Towns, Conservation and Environment, Discovery and Exploration, Immigration and Settlement, Military Campaigns and Battles, Transportation and Communication
U.S. Territorial Maps 1775-1920 (U.Va)***
maps are arranged (mostly) by decade and are colorful, if not detailed. Has an interesting introduction to The South ("What is it? Where is it?") and a collection of maps from Columbus to Lewis and Clark
(see also my list of General Map Resources)
 
See also:
The National Atlas of the United States of America
Color Landform Atlas of the United States
Maps of Native American Nations, History, Info
 
Native American Resources
NativeWeb****
a comprehensive site for Native American studies
The West (PBS)****
a worthwhile supplement to Ken Burn's documentary. Has a timeline, glossary, biographies, a photo gallery, maps, documents, and more. A great general site on the West and Native Americans in the West
 
See also:
Native American Home Pages(Pitt)
The Study Place (Columbia U.)***
features an archive on Native Americans
Pre- Columbian Culture
Maps of Native American Nations, History, Info
See my section on Conquest of the West
 
African-American Resources
 
The African-American Journey (PBS)****
a diverse, broad and compelling site that explores the African-American experience. There are multiple categories to investigate: arts, history, politics, people, television -- and more. In the history category you'll find plentiful information on slavery, the Harlem Renaissance, military history, the Civil Rights movement and speeches and other historical documents. In addition, there are features on the history of the Black Press, and Black artists of the Twentieth century
Africans in America: America's Journey Through Slavery (PBS)****
part of PBS's African-American Journey site, here you'll find a rich collection of resources --images, documents, stories, biographies, commentaries-- on the experience of slavery in America. There are four parts: The Terrible Transformation: 1450-1750, Revolution: 1750-1805, Brotherly Love:1791-1831, an Judgment Day: 1831-1865. There is also a useful teacher's guide and activities for students.
The African-American Mosaic Exhibition (Library of Congress)****
a LOC resource guide for the the study of Black History and Culture, the Mosaic explores colonization, abolition, migration, and the WPA. Included are maps, charts, primary sources, and background information
After Reconstruction: Studying the Problems of African-Americans in the South(Library of Congress)****
this activity-oriented LOC site provides primary sources, a timeline, data base, and background information on African-American struggles during Reconstruction. Participants are asked to propose possible solutions to problems and cite arguments for and against solutions
From Jim Crow to Linda Brown: A Retrospective of the African-American Experience, 1897-1953 (Library of Congress)****
students study Plessy v. Ferguson and simulate an Afro-American council meeting using African American pamphlets, American Memory resources, and other classroom materials
Voices of the Shuttle: Minority Studies Page(UCSB)***
Voices is an on line guide to humanities studies and and a worthwhile source of links to information on minorities in America
 
See also:
Education First: Black History Activities
The NAACP
 
Women's History
 
American Women's History: A Research Guide (Mid TN State)****
is intended to assist researchers by providing primary source collections and other materials on the internet
Half the People: 1917-1996 (PBS)****
part of PBS's People's Century television series, this site focuses of women's fight for equal rights. There are interviews, a timeline, and a teacher's guide
Living the Legacy : Women's Rights Movement, 1848-1998****
sponsored by the National Women's History Project, it provides a brief history of the suffragette movement, a timeline, curriculum ideas, a list of related organisations and explores current issues
The National Women's History Project****
 
See also:
A History of the American Suffragist Movement
National Museum of Women's History
Susan B. Anthony University Center (Rochester)
National Organization for Women ( NOW )
The National American Woman Suffrage Association
Center for the American Woman and Politics(Rutgers)
Women and Social Movements in the United States, 1830-1930
The National Woman's Party
ACRL Women's Studies Section Collection Development Committee: Women's History Sites
 
 
Government
 
THOMAS -- U.S. Congress on the Internet (Library of Congress)****
an invaluable source of congressional documents
Congress Link****
a full-service site that provides basic information on Congress, teaching resources, resources for lesson plans, primary documents, ideas for activities, experts you can question and links to related sites
A Century of Lawmaking (Library of Congress)****
a rich site for primary source Congressional documents.
Documents from the Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention (Library of Congress)****
has many primary sources useful for research projects
Bill of Rights (WebQuest)****
is an inquiry-oriented educational site produced by students and their educators. Has interesting simulation-type activities
FindLaw: Supreme Court Opinions****
provides full texts of Supreme Court decisions since 1893
Oyez Supreme Court Multimedia Database (Northwestern U.)****
an excellent database of court decisions that includes case studies, a search function, profiles of justices and a virtual tour of the Supreme Court building
American Government (Web Quest)****
In Congress Assembled: Continuity & Change in the Governing of the U.S.****
object is to analyze excerpted documents from THOMAS and the Documents of the Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention, 1774-1789 that focus on the Constitution, Congress, and current events.
See also:
U.S. State Department, Official Web Site
The Federal Judiciary Homepage
Presidential Libraries IDEA Network
The Steps in Selecting A President
 

 

 

Immigration Resources
 
Immigration in American (Library of Congress)****
part of the American Memory collection, this site provides a general overview of American immigration and immigrants. There are student activities, educator guides, photos and links to useful resources
Learning About Immigration Through Oral History (Library of Congress)****
for middle-school students t0 compare and contrast stories of contemporary immigrants with those researched in the thirties . Students engage in visual and information literacy exercises to gain an understanding of how to identify and interpret primary historical sources.
Immigration at the turn of the 20th Century (Ohio State)***
features two interesting articles on immigration and a chart of immigrant earnings
The Irish in America : Long Journey Home (PBS)****
part of a PBS collaboration with Walt Disney Studios, this site covers four parts of the Irish-American experience: the roots of mass Irish emigration, immigration to America, the "golden age" of Irish America, and Irish Americans between World War II and the present. There are interviews with notable Irish-Americans, a time-coded outline, and features on Irish music, language, and genealogy.
Immigration, Ellis Island (UC)***
contains a good collection of historical photos
 
See also:
Immigrant Museum Page
American Immigration
 
 
 
Pre-Colonial Era
 
NativeWeb****
a comprehensive site for Native American studies
Discoverers Web****
a good starting point for the age of exploration. Has a multitude of links
Columbus and the Age of Discovery (Millersville U.)****
created by Millersville University, this site is part of text retrieval system that contains over 1100 text articles and other sources
Christopher Columbus : 1492 (Yale)
part of the impressive Avalon Project collection of primary source documents
1492 Exhibit(Library of Congress)****
this LOC exhibit examines: What came to be Called America, the Mediterranean World, Inventing America, Christopher Columbus, Europe Claims America, and an Epilogue. There are primary sources, artifacts, drawings, maps and more
Henry Hudson, 17th century explorer****
site provides a comprehensive account of Hudson's life and voyages
 
See also:
Native American Home Pages(Pitt)
The Spanish Missions of California
Ancient Meso - Photo Gallery
Aztec Calendar
Aztec History Mexico - The Aztecs of Mexico and their history
The Azteca Web Page
Ice Treasures of the Inca (Nat'l Geographic)
Ice Mummies of the Inca (PBS)
Inca Project
Mystery of the Maya
 
 
Colonial Era
The American Colonist's Library****
a rich collection of source documents pertaining to early American History
Early America Archives****
a worthwhile commercial site for links to historical documents, biographies, and even on-line books, on 18th century America
Religion in 18th-Century America (Library of Congress Exhibition)****
contains access to over 200 primary source documents. Provides brief overviews and some pictures (see link to Religion in 17th-Century America below)
America as a Religious Refuge: the 17th Century (Library of Congress)****
part of a special exhibit by the Library of Congress, this site provides an interesting mix of images, primary text, and background information on the role of religion in the European settlement of America
Africans in America; The Terrible Transformation, 1450-1750****
part of PBS's African-American Journey site, here you'll find part one of a rich collection of resources --images, documents, stories, biographies, commentaries-- on the experience of slavery in America. There is also a useful teacher's guide and activities for students.
There are three other parts to explore: Revolution: 1750-1805, Brotherly Love:1791-1831, an Judgment Day: 1831-1865.
The Mayflower Web Pages****
a worthwhile site for researching the history of the Mayflower. Contains important primary source documents, including passenger lists
Plimoth-on-Web****
tourist-oriented Plimoth Plantation offers a collection of on-line documents and has features on: Plymouth colonial history, the Wampanoag natives, Pilgrims in American culture, links to other historical websites and genealogical websites
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation****
a tourist-oriented site, but one with useful links to resources for students and teachers. Check out the "almanack".
 
See also:
Colonial Era - Primary Sources****
Rare Map Collection - Colonial America
US History - Colonial Cycle links
Virtual Jamestown
Jamestown Rediscovery
Feature Presentation on Thanksgiving (Library of Congress)
The Real Pocahontas
USA:Misfortune of Indentured Servants
1755 - The French and Indian War Homepage
Benjamin Franklin's World
Ben Franklin: Glimpses of the Man
Salem (National Geographic)***
Rediscovering America: The Salem Witch Trials (Discovery Channel)
 
 
 
 
 
War for Independence
LIBERTY! The American Revolution (PBS)****
features headlines, timelines, resource material, related topics, and a revolutionary game
A Midwife's Tale - After the Rev. (PBS)****
part of PBS's American Experience series, this site examines the interwoven stories of an eighteenth-century midwife and healer and the twentieth-century historian who spent eight years studying her diaries.
Africans in America: Revolution, 1750-1805****
part of PBS's African-American Journey site, here you'll find part one of a rich collection of resources --images, documents, stories, biographies, commentaries-- on the experience of slavery in America. There is also a useful teacher's guide and activities for students.
There are three other parts to explore: The Terrible Transformation: 1450-1750, Brotherly Love:1791-1831, an Judgment Day: 1831-1865.
American Revolution -timeline (History Place)***
 
 
See also:
Modern History - A Soviet Viewpoint***
the War of Independence from a 1965 Soviet viewpoint
Thomas Paine National Historical Assoc.
Revolutionary War Bookmarks
Women Soldiers in the American Revolutionary War
 
 
 
Constitution and Nation-Building
 
A Century of Lawmaking (Library of Congress)****
an invaluable site for primary source Congressional documents.
Documents from the Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention (Library of Congress)****
has many primary sources useful for research projects
Bill of Rights (WebQuest)****
is an inquiry-oriented educational site produced by students and their educators. Has interesting simulation-type activities
Constitution (Web Quest)****
another inquiry-oriented educational sites produced by students and their educators
The Federalist Search(Emory)***
has an engine that enables you to search the documents for key concepts and terms
American Government (Web Quest)****
another inquiry-oriented educational site produced by students and their educators
George Washington: The President Without Precedent (PBS)***
part of PBS's Inaugural Classroom project, this activity-oriented site explores the period and events of Washington's inauguration. Students are asked to compare the traditions and events of 1789 to those of today.
Africans in America: Brotherly Love, 1791-1831 (PBS)****
part of PBS's African-American Journey site, here you'll find part one of a rich collection of resources --images, documents, stories, biographies, commentaries-- on the experience of slavery in America. There is also a useful teacher's guide and activities for students.
There are three other parts to explore: The Terrible Transformation: 1450-1750, Revolution: 1750-1805, and Judgment Day: 1831-1865.
John Adams - The Second Federalist (PBS)***
part of PBS's Inaugural Classroom, this site provides a lesson plan for exploring the political climate during the last presidential election of the eighteenth century, the origin of political parties in the two-party system, and challenges of beginning a new presidential administration. Adams' inaugural speech is focus of study.
Thomas Jefferson (PBS)****
this site accompanies Ken Burn's PBS film on Jefferson and explores the Enlightenment spirit in Jefferson's words and provides an archive of his most important and controversial writings.
Thomas Jefferson - The Revolution of 1800 (PBS)***
part of PBS's Inaugural Classroom, this site provides a lesson plan for exploring the transition from Federalist to Democratic-rule, the characteristics of Jefferson's rule, and key point of Jefferson's inaugural address
The Gold Rush (PBS)****
a PBS companion site that offers a compendium on the quest for gold, activities ideas, test questions, related links, and "Fun Facts" for kids
The U.S.-Mexican War (PBS)****
part of PBS Online, this bilingual (Spanish-English) site examines the Mexican-American War and includes a timeline, dialogues (essays), teaching resources and more
In Search of Tocqueville's Democracy in America****
part of a C-Span project, this site recreates Tocqueville's journey and provides timelines and primary sources
American Studies (U. VA)****
features a museum for American studies, cultural maps, on-going hypertext projects, an electronic classroom, and special features. Check out section on Tocqueville's America
"California as I Saw It:" First-Person Narratives, 1849-1900(Library of Congress)****
part of LOC's American Memory collection, this site offers texts and illustrations of 190 works regarding California history between the Gold Rush and 20th century. there is a search function, suggested readings, and you can browse the index.
 
See also:
Suttersfort Ca.
Trail of Hope: The Story of the Mormon Trail
Women in America, 1820-1842
 
 
The South and Slavery
 
Africans in America: Judgment Day, 1831-1865 (PBS)****
part of PBS's African-American Journey site, here you'll find part one of a rich collection of resources --images, documents, stories, biographies, commentaries-- on the experience of slavery in America. There is also a useful teacher's guide and activities for students.
There are three other parts to explore: The Terrible Transformation: 1450-1750, Revolution: 1750-1805, Brotherly Love:1791-1831
The African-American Mosaic Exhibition (Library of Congress)****
a LOC resource guide for the the study of Black History and Culture, the Mosaic explores colonization, abolition, migration, and the WPA. Included are maps, charts, primary sources, and background information
American Slave Narratives (UVA)****
this site has numerous excerpts from tales of life in bondage -- and beyond
The Underground Railroad (National Geographic)****
features an activity-based exploration of the underground railroad aimed at children. Photos and presentation are impressive
The Abolition Movement(Library of Congress)****
this Library of Congress site has plentiful primary source documents and an introduction to the abolitionist movement in America
Exploring Amistad****
this site explores the famous slave ship revolt and offers a detailed narrative, time lines, teaching guides, a resource collection, and more
The John Brown Homepage
contains newspaper articles and accounts of the Harper's Ferry raid, as well as pictures and links
Slave Voices (Duke University Collections)***
a useful source for documents on slave life from the late 18th century through the 19th century
 
See also:
Documenting the American South
U.S. Sectional Conflict During the 1850s
Images of African Americans from the 19th Century (NYPL)
Sojourner Truth
 
 
 
Civil War
 
U.S. Civil War Center (Louisiana State)****
produced by Louisiana State university, the site is not a museum or library but serves to locate, index, and make available Civil War data on the Internet. A great place to begin web research.
The American Civil War Homepage (U. TN)****
has useful information including timelines, descriptions of battles (state by state), letters, documents, and links
Civil War Resources (VMI Archives)****
this site highlights collections of the Virginia Military Institute, including manuscripts and battle resource guides. Special topics include VMI's Civil War generals, Stonewall Jackson's resources, a war chronology, Robert E. Lee's funeral and more
Great American History****
this is a diverse site on the Civil War that provides educational materials and research services. Some of the unconventional topics covered are religious revivalism in the armies, unsung heroes, and Lincoln's belief in God.
The History Place - U.S. Civil War 1861-1865***
here you'll find a Lincoln timeline, biographies, resumes of famous battles and events, photos and a chronology
Selected Civil War Photographs (Library of Congress)***
there are over a thousand Civil War photographs for you to explore at this site
 
See also:
Abraham Lincoln Online****
The Abraham Lincoln Association
Lincoln-Douglas Debates of 1858
Civil War Maps (Library of Congress)
American Civil War Ethnography****
Civil War Documents and Books
US History - Civil War Cycle links
Time Line of The Civil War
Merrimac v. Monitor
The Papers of Jefferson Davis Home Page
 
 
Gilded Age
 
The Great Chicago Fire and the Web of Memory*****
a first-rate exhibition created by the Chicago Historical Society and Northwestern University. There are two major parts: the history of Chicago in the 19th century and how the Chicago Fire has been remembered over time. Included are essays, galleries and sources.
The Gilded Age Industry (WebQuest)****
a student-produced multimedia slide show centered on technology, Big Business, immigration (and reaction) and urban issues
After Reconstruction: Studying the Problems of African-Americans in the South(Library of Congress)****
this activity-oriented American Memory (Library of Congress) site provides primary sources, a timeline, data base, and background information on African-American struggles during Reconstruction. Participants are asked to propose possible solutions to problems and cite arguments for and against solutions.
First-Person Narratives of the American South, 1860-1920 (Library of Congress)****
aim is to develop an understanding of the complex themes and concepts of African American life in the first half of the 20th century to provide a foundation for a more meaningful understanding of the modern Civil Rights Movement. Participants study Plessy v. Ferguson, read pamphlets, and simulate an Afro-American council meeting
From Jim Crow to Linda Brown: A Retrospective of the African-American Experience, 1897-1953 (Library of Congress)****
students study Plessy v. Ferguson and simulate an Afro-American council meeting using African American pamphlets, American Memory resources, and other classroom materials
America in the 1890s (Bowling Green U.)*****
a detailed look at the issues and personalities that dominated the era. Many primary source excerpts
American Women's History: A Research Guide (Mid TN State)****
is intended to assist researchers by providing primary source collections and other materials on the internet
Election of 1896****
a detailed look at the issues and personalities that dominated the election
Richest Man in the World: Andrew Carnegie (PBS)****
a companion to the American experience video series, this site includes an introduction to the era, a timeline, a teacher's guide, photos and cartoons, a bibliography, a look at the Homestead strike, and links to relevant sites.
The Iron Road (PBS)***
part of PBS's American Experience series, this site is the story of the building of the first east-west railroad link. There is a teacher's guide, a bibliography, photos and recommended readings
Child Labor in America (History Place)***
photos of children in adult work-environment could be the core of a moving multimedia presentation on child labor
American History 102: 1865-Present****
part of a university course, this set has excellent lecture notes on major topical areas in American History from 1865.
 
See also:
A Short History of American Labor
Workers and Work in America, 1600-Present
Homestead: The Pennsylvania Militia in the Field
Business History at Ohio State
American History Sweatshop Exhibition
The Gilded Age
Cartoons of the Gilded Age and Progressive Era (O.S.U.)***
Gilded Age and Progressive Era links (TN Tech)
American Variety Stage: Vaudeville and Popular Entertainment, 1870-1920****
Union Pacific Railroad History****
 
 
Conquest of the West
 
The West (PBS)*****
a worthwhile supplement to Ken Burn's documentary. Has a timeline, glossary, biographies, a photo gallery, maps, documents, and more. A great general site
NativeWeb****
comprehensive site for Native American studies
America's West - Development & History****
covers westward expansion, Native Americans, Cowboys, Pioneers, Gunslingers, etc. Has images, maps, music, small 'research' areas and even a 3-D tour.
WestWeb: Western History (CUNY)****
West Web is a topically organized site that offers an introduction to the era, primary and secondary sources, teaching guides, images, links to related sites, biographies, and bibliographical resources
Lewis and Clark (PBS)****
a companion to Ken Burns' PBS film, this site provides background on the world of Lewis and Clark, an archive of their expedition, audio excerpts by historians, a discussion of Native American tribes encountered , classroom resources, and an interactive story where you lead the expedition
In Search of the Oregon Trail (PBS)****
part of PBS Online, here you'll find a map of the Oregon Trail, a teacher's guide, trivia, myths, a time line, and recommended resources
The Donner Party (PBS)****
part of PBS's American Experience series, this site tells the story of an ill-fated immigrant group who set out for California in 1846. Included are a teacher's guide, background on western migration, a map of the route, and recommended readings
Reservation Controversies (Library of Congress)****
Reservation Controversies explores issues dealing with American Indian Reservations in the 1870s and the present. It is divided into two sections with problems for students to investigate and report on.
The Northern Great Plains, 1880-1920 (Library of Congress)***
this site has over 900 images of rural and small town life in the North West
Trail of Hope: The Story of the Mormon Trail (PBS)***
part of PBS's collection, this site is basically an overview of the Mormon's 1300-mile trek to Salt Lake City. Featured are descriptions of the voyage from journal entries and a map of the trek
Native American Documents Project(Cal State)***
included are Indian Affairs reports that explore aspects of Indian policy. There are tables of quantitative data, texts of four significant acts of Congress, and indexed and unindexed documents mostly from the 19th century
 
See also:
Populism:The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
 
 
Early Imperialism
 
The Age of Imperialism***
contains a good mix of text, photos, links, and video clips about American imperialism at the turn of the century
Anti-Imperialism in the United States, 1898-1935***
has useful primary and secondary materials on American anti-imperialism, with special focus on the Philippine-American War
Crucible of Empire: The Spanish-American War****
another impressive PBS site; features primary sources, lesson ideas and more
Spanish-American War Photos****
part of the American Memory Collection, the site contains over eighty news photos taken in Cuba during the Spanish-American War
 
See also:
Hawaii's Last Queen (PBS)
The Spanish-American War in Motion Pictures
Mark Twain on the Philippines
 
 
Progressive Era
 
The Evolution of the Conservation Movement, 1850-1920 (Library of Congress)****
this site documents the development of the conservation movement and offers a collection of books, pamphlets, federal statutes and resolutions, prints and photographs, a motion picture and more
The Irish in America : Long Journey Home (PBS)****
part of a PBS collaboration with Walt Disney Studios, this site accompanies the television program and covers four parts of the Irish-American experience: the roots of mass Irish emigration, immigration to America, the "golden age" of Irish America, and Irish Americans between World War II and the present. There are interviews with notable Irish-Americans, a time-coded outline, and features on Irish music, language and genealogy.
TR, The Story of Theodore Roosevelt (PBS)****
a companion to the American Experience video series, this site features real audio interviews, biographies, a timeline, a teacher's guide and a discussion of TR's legacy.
Theodore Roosevelt: His Life and Times on Film (Library of Congress)****
features 104 films which record events in Roosevelt's life from the Spanish-American War in 1898 to his death in 1919
America 1900 (PBS)****
key features of this site include an interactive map that provides you with a list of events in the region of the world you select, a search function for locating people and events of the early part of the century, a genealogical "tree building" program to trace your family's roots and a teacher's guide
Age of Hope (PBS)****
part of PBS's Peoples Century series, this site examines the hope and optimism prevalent in the early 20th century. Contains personal reflections, related links
Immigration in American Memory(Library of Congress)****
part of the American Memory collection, this site provides a general overview of American immigration and immigrants. There are student activities, educator guides, photos and links to useful resources
The Wright Stuff (PBS)****
a companion to the American experience series, this site focuses on the story of of the famous vacation brothers. There is a QuickTime movie that features a replica of Kitty hawk in flight as well as audio interviews and a bibliography
Half the People: 1917-1996 (PBS)****
part of PBS's People's Century television series, this site focuses of women's fight for equal rights. There are interviews, a timeline, and a teacher's guide
Living the Legacy : Women's Rights Movement, 1848-1998****
sponsored by the National Women's History Project, it provides a brief history of the suffragette movement, a timeline, curriculum ideas, a list of related organisations and explores current issues
The National Women's History Project****
has links to 12 categories of web sites dealing with women in history
American Women's History: A Research Guide (Mid TN State)****
is intended to assist researchers by providing primary source collections and other materials on the internet
Inside A Factory:Westinghouse Works, 1904 (Library of Congress)****
this LOC site has 21 films of the Westinghouse companies that were intended to showcase the company's operations. There is background information on the factories, a timeline, index, search function and recommended sources
Immigration at the turn of the 20th Century (Ohio State)***
features two interesting articles on immigration and a chart of immigrant earnings
Immigration, Ellis Island (UC)***
contains a good collection of historical photos
The Nation's Forum***
here you can listen to fifty-nine sound excerpts from speeches by American leaders during the Progressive era
 
See also:
Technology in America (PBS)-Timeline
World's Transportation Commission Photograph Collection
Henry Ford Museum
The Life of Henry Ford
Feature Presentation on Immigration in America (Library of Congress)
American Immigration
Technology in America - The Telephone (PBS)
Edisonian Home Page
Edison Motion Picture and Sound Recordings
Alexander Graham Bell Family Papers
Alexander Graham Bell's Path to the Telephone
Model T Road Trip
 
 
World War I (The Great War)
 
The World War I Document Archive (B.Y.U.)****
an important source of links to primary documents, such as treaties and personal recollections
The Great War(PBS)****
this site includes interviews, maps, an interactive timeline, and brief resumes of the series episodes
The First World War****
part of the Spartucus Internet Encyclopedia, here you'll find a war chronology, a list of major battles, biographies of leaders, statistics, weapons, inventors, literature, a look at the home front, press reports and many more categories
Eyewitness on World War I***
has first-hand accounts of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the death of an American pilot, and a German U-boat attack
The Great War (Pitt)***
provides a detailed list of WWI-related Web sites
The Great War Society 1914-1918***
a site for students and researchers that features numerous links to WWI topics
Influenza 1918 (PBS)***
site focuses on the devestating influenza attack in America and features an interactive map, recollections, and more
American Leaders Speak (Library of Congress)***
this LOC site has 59 brief sound recordings of speeches by American leaders at the turn of the century; most center on events of WWI and the 1920 election.
 
See also:
WWI in Cartoons
 
 
The Roaring 1920s
 
Lindbergh (PBS)****
a companion to the American Experience video series, this site has special features on the Spirit of St. Louis, the kidnapping of Lindbergh's son, a discussion of Lindbergh's hero status, a time line, maps, and a teacher's guide
Comrades: 1917-1945 (CNN)***
this site is part of a CNN Perspectives series and explores U.S-U.S.S.R relations up to the Cold War Included are interactive maps, rare footage, declassified documents, biographies, picture galleries, timelines, book excerpts, an educator's guide and more
 
See also:
Archives of African American Music
Photographs From the Golden Age of Jazz (Library of Congress)
Recordings From World War I and the Election of 1920 (Library of Congress)
Harlem: Mecca of the New Negro (UVA)
IMS: Langston Hughes, HarperAudio
Scopes Trial Home Page - UMKC School of Law
Black Thursday: October 24, 1929 - Introduction
 
 
 
The Great Depression and The New Deal
 
New Deal Network****
features a good collection of photographs, speeches, letters, documents, and exercises from the New Deal era
The Hoover Dam (PBS)****
a companion to the American Experience video series, the site focuses on the Hoover Dam construction. There is a timeline of construction, Dam facts and environmental issues, maps of the Dam, stories of key characters and incidents and a teacher's guide
Breadline: 1929-1939(PBS)****
part of PBS's People's Century television series, this site explores the massive unemployment in America during the Depression and offers interviews, a timeline, and a teacher's guide
Brother Can You Spare a Dime: The Effects of the New Deal & the Great Depression (Library of Congress)****
part of LOC's impressive collection of exhibits; brings the pain of the era to life
Surviving the Dust Bowl (PBS)****
part of PBS's American Experience television series, this site examines the region in the Soutwest renamed the "Dust Bowl" because of a catastrophic eight-year drought. Included is a time line, maps, eyewitness accounts, New Deal remedies, people and events from the era, and a teacher's guide.
Voices from the Dust Bowl (Library of Congress)****
this LOC site documents the everyday life of residents in central California in 1940 and 1941. There are audio recordings, photographs, manuscript materials, publications, related sources and more
Riding the Rails (PBS)****
part of PBS's American Experience television series, this site focuses on the plight of more than a quarter million teenagers living on the road in America. There is a timeline, maps, "tales from the rails", Hobo songs, a teacher's guide, recommended resources and more
The Great Depression & the 1990's (Library of Congress)****
participants use the American Memory's American Life Histories, 1936-1940 documents, personal interviews, and the Library of Congress's on-line legislative information (THOMAS), to gain a better understanding of the welfare system. Students research legislation from both the Depression era and today
American Studies (U. VA)****
features a museum for American studies, cultural maps, on-going hypertext projects, an electronic classroom, and special features. Check out section on America in the 1930's
Age of F.D.R.: 1933-1945 (Syracuse)***
useful for background information on F.D.R
 
 
See also:
The Inflation Calculator
this site adjusts any amount of money from 1800 for inflation.
Depression - Primary Sources
The Great Depression
The Scottsboro Boys
Labor Unions Rise, 1930s Great Depression Gallery( Michigan Historical Museum)
Timeline of the Great Depression
American Studies Web: Economy and Politics (Georgetown)
Economics Resources for K-12 Teachers
 
 
World War II
 
Wavs, Sounds & Pictures of the Second World War****
site features interesting graphics and radio excerpts
Guts and Glory (PBS)****
part of the PBS American Experience series, this site focuses on D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge. There are first hand accounts from the battlefields, nurses tales, a timeline, and stories of German soldiers as well
D-Day (PBS)****
features paratroopers' experience, letters from the front,
press reports and recommended readings
Japanese American Internment(Geocities)****
a good commercial site with useful links and documents. Includes a timeline, photo gallery, and glossary
Children of the Camps (PBS)****
a PBS documentary that documents the experience of six Japanese-American children interred during World War II. Features a timeline, list of camps, examines the impact of the camps, related links, books, and organizations
Internment of Japanese Americans***
sharp-looking and well organized student-site, but of limited use as a research tool
World War II Posters: Powers of Persuasion (NARA)****
an interesting National Archives exhibit that displays and explains American propaganda posters
Women Who Came to the Front (Library of Congress)****
this Library of Congress exhibit tells the story of eight different women who participated as journalists, braodcasters, and photographers during World War II.
Hiroshima Archive***
primarily a research site on the bombing -- has a few pictures
 
See also:
World War II Menu
US History - World War Cycle links
Women Come to the Front
MacArthur Memorial Photographic Collection
Role of American Women in WWII
World War II Through Russian Eyes
 
Civil Rights Era
 
Martin Luther King, Jr. Papers Project (Stanford)****
this project out of Stanford University disseminates historical information about Dr. K and the social movements in which he participated. There are papers, speeches, sermons, book chapters, scholarly articles, a biography and a chronology
Skin Deep: 1945-1994 (PBS)****
part of the PBS People's Century series, this episode probes the challenge to racial oppression in the United States and South Africa
MLK Page (W.Michigan U.)***
this site was produced by students at Western Michigan University. The main feature is an interactive timeline (1954-1965)
Little Rock Nine (Web Quest)****
Little Rock Nine is an interactive site that explores racial desegregation in schools. Activities are group- oriented and there is a teacher's guide
The Two Nations of Black America (PBS)****
this site discusses the divide in the black American community and features audio excerpts, charts, graphs and analysis, interviews, readings and links
The National Civil Rights Museum***
the Memphis Museum offers an overview of the civil rights movement in exhibit form.
Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute (LIFE Photos)***
useful as a source of photographs for a multimedia presentation
The Fight in the Fields: Cesar Chavez (PBS)***
this portrait of Chavez is presented in both English and Spanish and features audio excerpts from Chavez himself and an interview with his brother
 
Cold War Era
 
Cold War: From Yalta to Malta (CNN)*****
this CNN Perspectives series explores the Cold War experience from many different angles. Included are interactive maps, rare video footage, declassified documents, biographies, picture galleries, timelines, interactive activities, a search function, book excerpts, an educator's guide and more. (Demands a 4.0 browser or higher)
Highlights from episodes:
Episode One: Comrades 1917-1945
U.S and Russia as allies; video interview with George Kennan, a tour of a Cold War prison, historical documents and more
Episode Two: The Iron Curtain 1945-1947
Cold War military museum, a Brinkmanship interactive game, a video interview with George Kennan, a spotlight on the Oder-Niesse Line, a look at post Cold War US-Russian relations and more
Episode Three: The Marshall Plan 1947-1952
has a brinkmanship simulation, a feature on the birth of the CIA, an analysis of the IMF, discussion of the Chech coup in 1948 and more.
Episode Four: Berlin 1948-1949
West German radio report, reflections of a Berlin mayor, a look at propaganda, a brinkmanship simulation and more
Episode Five: Korea 1949-1953
the Russian connection, the continuing divide between North and South Korea, a look at America's Korean War memorial, a brinkmanship game, interviews and more
Episode Six: Reds 1948-1949
intensification of the Cold War; features a look at the Red Scare then and now, the United States Communist Party, totaliarianism and has an excerpt from Daniel Moynihan's Secrecy
Episode Seven: After Stalin 1953-1956
reflections by Krushchev's son, Kremlin power struggles, NATO's importance, and a German radio report.
Episode Eight: After Sputnik 1949-1961
the new arms race launched by the Soviet atomic bomb. There are features on espionage, Russia's space exploits, interactive timeline
Episode Nine: The Wall 1959-1963
explores shootings at Wall, U.S. unpreparedness, reflections
Episode Ten: Cuba 1959-1968
features the ExComm files, the hotline between Kennedy and Khrushchev, contemporary Cuba and an interview with Fidel Castro
Episode Eleven: Vietnam 1954-1968
Dien Bien Phu, changing media-military rules, the "living room" war
Episode Twelve: MAD 1960-1972
"mutual world destruction" and escalating arms race
Episode Thirteen: Make Love, Not War :The Sixties
the draft, music, the "silent majority" and protests
Episode Fourteen: Red Spring The Sixties
the sexual revolution, the rehabilitation of communism, and a look at a ex-patriot Soviet artist
Episode Fifteen: China 1949-1972
Kissinger's secret talks with Mao, conflict between Beijing and Moscow and "pingpong" diplomacy, US-China rapprochement
Episode Sixteen: Detente 1969-1975
a Breznev intrepeter, critiques of detente, and space cooperation
Episode Seventeen: Good Guys, Bad Guys 1967-1978
African Renaissance, mercenaries for hire, Arab-Israeli peace process
Episode Eighteen: Backyard 1954-1990
Central America, Caribbean, South America as battleground; School of Americas, plan to fund the Contras in Nicaragua, conflicts in Mexico
Episode Nineteen: Freeze 1977-1981
Carter-Brezhnev years, John Paul II topples communist domino, politics of European security, missile diplomacy
Episode Twenty: Soldiers of God 1975-1988
Afghan War, detente crumbles, Olympic gboycotts, Afghan legacyRussian pain
Episode Twenty One: Spies 1945-1900
stories of dead spies, finding good spies, counterintelligence, continuing espionage
Episode Twenty Two: Star Wars 1980--1988
Russian reaction to, Star Wars rebound, arms agreements
Episode Twenty Three: The Wall Comes Down 1989
slideshow --lifting of Iron Curtain in 1989, reformers in Hungary, surprise fall of Berlin Wall, chaos in Russia during last years of Cold War
Episode Twenty Four: Conclusions
the paradox that is Yeltsin, what the Cold War cost, the daunting Russian future, book excerpt
 
People's Century (PBS)****
the site is based on a 26-episode television series and features a teacher's guide, a timeline, a thematic overview, and RealAudio excerpts
Select People's Century programs:
Young Blood: 1950-1975 (PBS)****
focus is on youth movement in America in 1960s
Brave New World: 1945-1961 (PBS)****
site probes the changing world order after WWII and emergence of Cold War
Fallout: 1945-1995 (PBS)****
examines the atomic age in the Cold War era
Picture Power: 1939-1997 (PBS)****
probes how television transformed society, culture, and politics
Boomtime: 1945-1973 (PBS)****
examines how postwar prosperity transformed lifestyles and cultural values in the United States and abroad
 
Hot Links on the Cold War****
an excellent source of links on the Cold War
Eisenhower Center (UKansas)***
the site is basically a series of links on Eisenhower
"The American 1950s" (UPenn)***
this site is focuses on literature and culture of the American 50s and provides numerous links to works written about and during the 1950's. There is a glossary and search function
Race for the Super Bomb (PBS)****
there are some quirky but interesting features at this site, including a panic quiz and a Nuclear Blast Map.You will also be treated to interviews, film footage of explosions, a map of target sites in the U.S., a weapons stockpile list for 1945 to 1997, a timeline, primary sources, transcripts, a teacher's guide and a people and events section
Soviet Archives***
site contains declassified Soviet documents from 1917 to 1991
Cold War Policies 1945-1991***
written by a professor at the University of San Diego, this is part of a larger site from the History Department. The major topics are: Negotiation, Demonstration, Containment, Coercion, Detent, Confrontation, Glasnost, and Revolution. While basically a time-line of policies and events, included are primary sources, detailed maps and links to other sites, such as Reagan and Gorbachev's pages.
1968:The Whole World Was Watching (BrownU.)****
an oral history project that features recollections of a group of Rhode Islanders regarding pivotal events and issues in 1968
The Wars for Vietnam***
this site was produced by students out of Vassar college and provides an overview of the Vietnam war, primary documents and photos, and links to other related sites
Battlefield:Vietnam (PBS)****
a companion to the PBS video program, this site features a brief historical introduction, a battlefield timeline, an expose on guerrilla tactics, a look at the siege of Khe Sanh, and other resources
Vietnam (PBS)****
another PBS Online site, it features an introduction to the conflict, reflections of the participants, a timeline, a who's who, and more
Cambodian Holocaust****
this site relates personal stories from the Cambodian genocide of the Khmer Rouge years. There are photographs and suggested resources.
U.S. and Quest for Peace in Middle East (USIS)****
produced by the United States Information Service, this site has texts, transcripts, speeches, a photo gallery, and kinks and is updated daily. Much on recent events.
The Gulf War (PBS)****
site explores the war through case studies, images, sound files and more
The Face of Russia (PBS)****
this informative PBS site attempts to answer the question: Who are the Russian People? There is a timeline, glossary, bibliography, media index, links, lesson plans, and a chat forum.
CIA World Factbook 1998***
the Factbook is a great starting point for amassing general information about individual countries.
 
 
See also:
IR328 Project -- Cuban Missile Crisis
The VietNam Pictures Archives
Resources on the Vietnam Conflict