Books in Scoppa's American history series series

Thousands of courageous African Americans escaped from slavery in the South along what became known as "The Underground Railroad." The railroad provided a secret way to transport slaves to freedom in the Northern states and Canada. Author Kem Knapp Sawyer captures the courage and determination of many fugitives who traveled the Underground Railroad to freedom. Knapp brings to life the dangers faced by escaped slaves and those who helped them along the way. The success of the Underground Railroad shows the resolve of many whites and blacks to end slavery in the United States.

Hero Tales from American History - By Henry Cabot Lodge and Theodore Roosevelt - American History. It is a good thing for all Americans, and it is an especially good thing for young Americans, to remember the men who have given their lives in war and peace to the service of their fellow-countrymen, and to keep in mind the feats of daring and personal prowess done in time past by some of the many champions of the nation in the various crises of her history. Thrift, industry, obedience to law, and intellectual cultivation are essential qualities in the makeup of any successful people; but no people can be really great unless they possess also the heroic virtues which are as needful in time of peace as in time of war, and as important in civil as in military life. As a civilized people we desire peace, but the only peace worth having is obtained by instant readiness to fight when wronged—not by unwillingness or inability to fight at all. Intelligent foresight in preparation and known capacity to stand well in battle are the surest safeguards against war. America will cease to be a great nation whenever her young men cease to possess energy, daring, and endurance, as well as the wish and the power to fight the nation's foes. No citizen of a free state should wrong any man; but it is not enough merely to refrain from infringing on the rights of others; he must also be able and willing to stand up for his own rights and those of his country against all comers, and he must be ready at any time to do his full share in resisting either malice domestic or foreign levy. WASHINGTON - DANIEL BOONE AND THE FOUNDING OF KENTUCKY - GEORGE ROGERS CLARK AND THE CONQUEST OF THE NORTHWEST - THE BATTLE OF TRENTON - BENNINGTON - KING'S MOUNTAIN - THE STORMING OF STONY POINT - GOUVERNEUR MORRIS - THE BURNING OF THE "PHILADELPHIA" - THE CRUISE OF THE "WASP" - THE "GENERAL ARMSTRONG" PRIVATEER - THE BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS - JOHN QUINCY ADAMS AND THE RIGHT OF PETITION - FRANCIS PARKMAN - "REMEMBER THE ALAMO" - HAMPTON ROADS - THE FLAG-BEARER - THE DEATH OF STONEWALL JACKSON - THE CHARGE AT GETTYSBURG - GENERAL GRANT AND THE VICKSBURG CAMPAIGN - ROBERT GOULD SHAW - CHARLES RUSSELL LOWELL - SHERIDAN AT CEDAR CREEK - LIEUTENANT CUSHING AND THE RAM "ALBEMARLE" - FARRAGUT AT MOBILE BAY - LINCOLN

Before the Civil War, a large part of the U.S. economy was built on slave labor. Readers learn that goods could be produced and sold cheaply because the slaves were unpaid for their labor. Millions of black men, women, and children were treated as property. Although slavery has been abolished, the racism that sprang from this period still haunts America today. Accessible text, primary sources, and informative sidebars provide readers with an unvarnished look at a tragic period in Americas past.