Books with author LeeAnne Gelletly

In early America, married women had no rights under law. They belonged to their husbands. Their voices were not heard in public. But with the War of Independence, women found a voice as patriots. They supported the rebellion with boycotts. During wartime, women spied on the enemy. They served as messengers. They tended the wounded. Some even served as soldiers. Women performed daring feats of bravery. And they proved they were capable of doing much more than 18-century society allowed them. Some women called for change. Abigail Adams asked that the laws of the new nation recognize legal and educational rights for women. Judith Sargent Murray called for educational reform. It would take several more decades before women took up the cause for their legal, educational, and political rights. But leaders of the movement would be able to look to 18th-century American women for inspiration.

Monarchy is a form of government in which a hereditary ruler serves as head of state, typically for life. Monarchies have existed since the dawn of human civilization. But while the kings and queens, emperors and empresses of the past wielded broad (and often absolute) power, many of today's monarchs perform ceremonial functions only. This book examines the various forms that monarchy has taken. Students of government and history will find it a valuable and fascinating resource.

It took decades, and a Constitutional amendment, for all American women to get the right to vote. But the legal right to vote did not guarantee equality under the law. Suffrage leader Alice Paul believed another amendment was needed. In 1923, she wrote the Equal Rights Amendment. It was introduced in Congress. And the national debate over the ERA began. The major principle of the Equal Rights Amendment is that gender should not determine any legal rights of citizens. Supporters believed the ERA would keep women from being denied equal rights under federal, state, or local law. The ERA had many opponents in the 1920s. And it had even more in the 1970s, after Congress passed the measure. Although it failed to pass by its 1982 ratification deadline, some people believe the ERA is still alive. They are continuing the effort to put equality for women in the U.S. Constitution.

The Kurds are considered the largest ethnic group without a state of their own. Most live in the mountainous region historically known as Kurdistan; however, this region, which includes parts of Turkey, Iraq, and Syria, never existed as a political entity. Under the rule of others, the Kurds were discriminated against and sometimes persecuted-most infamously by Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. As a result the dream of autonomy or a national home holds a powerful grip on the Kurdish imagination. This book examines the economic and political issues facing the Kurdish people today. It provides up-to-date information about the geography and climate of the areas in which the Kurds live, the history of this ethnic group and its society, important Kurdish cities and communities, and the Kurds' relations with the governments of the countries in which they live.

Africa is well known for its fascinating wildlife and its abundant natural resources. However, the continents resources are shrinking rapidly as a result of industrialization and population growth. In recent years scientists have seen a dramatic loss in wildlife and habitat, an increase in air and water pollution, and disturbing signs of climate change. This book discusses the ecological issues facing Africa today, including deforestation and desertification, threats to the continents biodiversity, pollution, and shortages of safe drinking water. It also explains steps some African leaders are taking to address and resolve these serious problems.

Wrapped along the edge of northeastern Africa lies the dry, dusty land of Somalia. Only two permanent rivers run through its arid plateaus, which for centuries belonged to clans of pastoral nomads traveling in search of food and water for their herds. Somalis are a resilient people, renowned for their nomad culture of vibrant oral poetry traditions and their reliance on camels. Like its climate, Somalia's history is harsh-a short-lived democracy in the early 1960s was replaced first by a brutal, 21-year dictatorship, and then by anarchy, as clan groups refused to accept the national government. For more than a decade, severe droughts warfare and factional warfare have forced many Somalis from their homes, and even from their country. Despite Somalia's uncertain future, its people continue to strive to revitalize businesses and return tranquility to a land that has lived too long without peace.

In an oligarchy, political power rests with a small privileged group. Oligarchs may exercise power directly or indirectly, but they often act out of selfish or corrupt motives. This book examines the history of oligarchy, which was first described by the ancient Greeks more than 2,300 years ago. The book also asks whether today's superrich constitute a new oligarchy that threatens to undermine American democracy.

How did large, complex states develop from small clans and nomadic tribes? How have rulers throughout history justified their right to govern? What ideas and events shaped the development of modern forms of government? Milestones in the Evolution of Government answers these and other important questions. The book provides students with the perspective to understand the basis for various forms of government-- including their own.

In the 1800s, women were second-class citizens. By law, married women were owned by their husbands. Women had no political rights. They could not vote. They could not hold office. By custom, women did not dare speak before men in public. But some women refused to be silenced. They saw wrongs in the world that needed fixing. The injustice of slavery led women like Lucretia Mott, Angelina Grimké, and Lucy Stone to step outside traditional roles. As women abolitionists, they lectured, circulated petitions, and lobbied lawmakers. But female reformers soon became frustrated. Men-only groups prevented women from speaking. Their help was often rejected. This led a determined few to call for equal rights for women. Among the movement's early leaders were Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony. Along with many other women activists, they would fight for a woman's right to be a true citizen of the United States.

Millions of Africans die each year from infectious diseases, such as AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis; from poor nutrition or lack of clean drinking water; or from diseases like measles and polio that have been conquered in developed countries through the use of vaccines. The continents widespread poverty, along with a lack of adequate hospitals and trained doctors and nurses, contributes to the health-care crisis. As a result, the life expectancy of people living in sub-Saharan Africa is about 54 yearsa lifespan roughly than 25 years shorter than that of the average American. This book explores the current health crisis in Africa, explaining the scope of the problems that the continent faces. It also describes efforts by humanitarian organizations and by African governments to train health-care professionals.