Books in Signature Lives: Modern World series

From the late 19th century into the 21st century, technological and cultural advancements transformed the world into a new and modern place. These advancements changed the way people lived, worked, and thought about themselves and the world. The combination of all these changes continues to produce what we know as the modern world. Will Rogers grew up in the late 1800s riding horses and roping cattle. While working on the family ranch, he developed an exceptional roping ability, and the attention it gained sparked his career in show business. After adding jokes to his roping act, Rogers’ popularity soared, and he began to perform all over the country. Known by his down-to-earth personality and witty sense of humor, Rogers became a star of stage, film, and radio.

By the time he was 9 years old, Booker T. Washington had already witnessed the horrors of slavery, civil war, and racism. At the age of 16, Washington’s lifelong passion for learning was ignited, and when he turned 25, he established the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute in Alabama. The school was open to African-American students who wanted to learn vocational skills as a part of their education. Washington also became a leading spokesman for the African-American community.

Growing up wealthy in ancient Greece, Thucydides’ future was filled with promise. His prominent family ties led him into the respected position of an Athenian general. His life took an unfortunate turn after he lost in battle to a Spartan army and was forced to leave Athens. Thucydides used his unique situation to interview soldiers on both sides of the war and to write detailed accounts of battles as they happened. Thucydides’ dedication to accurately record the Peloponnesian War forever changed the way history is written.

Born in 100 B.C., Julius Caesar grew to become one of ancient Romes greatest generals and statesmen. He carefully built his power as he worked his way up the political ladder. A talented writer and speaker, Caesar gained support among the common people. They helped keep him in public office. Caesar also served as general to a following of soldiers who were inspired by his boldness. Caesar's life, along with its tragic end, has long interested historians and even inspired one of the worlds best-known plays.

At the turn of the 20th century, J. Pierpont Morgan was one of the wealthiest and most powerful people in the United States. He reorganized and controlled major banks and railroads and merged companies to establish giant corporations like U.S. Steel and General Electric. Many people trusted Morgan, whose efforts often rescued a weakening U.S. economy. Morgan helped expand and strengthen the nation’s growing financial system and established some of the world’s largest banks and industries.

Amelia Earhart gained worldwide fame in 1928 when she became the first woman to fly an airplane across the Atlantic Ocean. Her lifelong accomplishments as an aviator influenced pilots in the United States and throughout the world. Her bravery encouraged women to learn to fly and fulfill their dreams. On her attempt to circumnavigate the globe at the equator, Earhart and her plane vanished and were never found. But her memory endures as a symbol of adventure, courage, and perseverance.