Books in Events That Changed America series

This anthology covers the major events that shaped the world during the pivotal decades of the 1960s and 1970s. Topics covered include the Bay of Pigs invasion, the building of the Berlin Wall, U.S. president Kennedy's assassination, the first moon landing, the U.S. legalization of abortion, the Vietnam War, and the Ayatollah Khomeini's deposition of the shah of Iran.

Ratification of Nineteenth Amendment, first assembly of League of Nations (United States was absent), Mussolini's March on Rome, Lindbergh's transatlantic flight, Jazz Singer debut, Gandhi's "Salt March", Hitler's rise, stock market crash, and "Operation Dynamo" (rescue at Dunkirk) are among the events discussed, describing a highly transitional period that begins with the aftermath of World War I and ends with the outbreak of World War II.

In 1830, many immigrants from the United States called Texas, then a territory of Mexico, home. These immigrants outnumbered Mexican citizens. The U.S. government offered to buy Texas. Instead, Mexico sent troops to keep more U.S. settlers from crossing the border. Tension mounted, as each side prepared to take a stand. Today, people often forget Texas was once part of Mexico, but the cry Remember the Alamo has lived on in history. Engaging text, informative sidebars, and fascinating images will help students discover how the battle for the Alamo was the first step toward Texas independence and statehood, and how this event has shaped the political climate since then.

Prohibition was a grassroots movement that changed America. Through an engaging recounting of historical events accompanied by eye-catching imagery, students will get to know some of Prohibition's dynamic leaders through their own words and actions, including Carry Nation who swung her ax to break up saloons, and Frances Willard who was a leader of the Women's Christian Temperance Union. Readers will meet Purley Baker, the persuasive lobbyist who convinced lawmakers to carry out the plans of his organization, the Anti-Saloon League, and ban the sale and manufacture of distilled spirits. A detailed chronology, chapter notes, and a further reading section with books, websites, and films offer in-depth information and additional resources for study.

The Harlem Renaissance was like a magnificent fireworks display; it was colorful, brilliant, and in a few moments, it was over. This was the first time African Americans had led a cultural movement and the first time that white Americans had paid attention to their achievements. Through striking images and fascinating details, this book examines the origins of the Harlem Renaissance, especially the key roles played by W.E.B. Du Bois and other prominent figures such as Langston Hughes, Louis Armstrong, and Josephine Baker. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the literature, music, dance, and art that depicted the triumphs and sorrows of black Americans during the age of speakeasies and rent parties.

The words nuclear war strike fear into the hearts of people all over the world. Movies and books depict the apocalyptic aftermath of such an event. While fictitious accounts may not be totally accurate, in October 1962, the United States came perilously close to finding out the reality of such a catastrophe during the Cuban Missile Crisis. For thirteen days, the country teetered on the verge of nuclear war. Through engaging text, accompanied by dynamic images and intriguing sidebars, students will learn exactly how close the nation came to World War III and how the country was pulled back from the brink.

In 1830, many immigrants from the United States called Texas, then a territory of Mexico, home. These immigrants outnumbered Mexican citizens. The U.S. government offered to buy Texas. Instead, Mexico sent troops to keep more U.S. settlers from crossing the border. Tension mounted, as each side prepared to take a stand. Today, people often forget Texas was once part of Mexico, but the cry Remember the Alamo has lived on in history. Engaging text, informative sidebars, and fascinating images will help students discover how the battle for the Alamo was the first step toward Texas independence and statehood, and how this event has shaped the political climate since then.