An essay that looks at other, more complex reasons for the outbreak of the Civil War, beyond the traditionally accepted ones related to the Northern industrial economy versus the Southern agricultural one.

Lesson on U.S. Imperialism and Revolution in which young scholars analyze primary source text to understand the debate over the Philippines, 1898-1900.

Describes the events leading up to the start of the American Civil War. Looks at clashes between pro- and anti-slavery groups, the Missouri Compromise of 1820, the fight over California, the Compromise of 1850, the Fugitive Slave Act,...

The 2009 presidential elections in Afghanistan were important to both the Afghanis as well as the United States and allied forces fighting in Afghanistan. (August 3, 2009)

[Free Registration/Login Required] This slide show lesson and worksheet focus on whether Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew is a misogynistic play, displays hatred or dislike of women. Students must take a stand, and write an essay...

John F. Kennedy would be elected in November, 1960, as the youngest president ever voted into office. Here read about the Democratic convention, the debates between Kennedy and Richard Nixon, and find out about the issues of the...

Article reviews several conditions of American society that sowed the seeds of civil war, particularly slavery and sectional conflict.

The study resource from Khan Academy provides a video lesson over Period 7: 1890-1945 in American History. This self-assessment covers context for The Spanish-American War and the debate about imperialism. This resource is designed as a...

Essay on the lesser known plight of African Americans between the years 1890 and 1920. Site includes links to related resources, guiding questions for students and debate on the issue from historians.

There were 5 main issues that the delegates to the Constitutional Convention argued and debated: Slavery, Representation, State v. Federal Powers, Commerce, and Executive Powers. Analyze these issues by reading the following summaries,...

This extensive learning module examines the impact of the Gilded Age upon new cultural and intellectual movements, expansion of foreign trade, and political debates over economic and social policies, as well as the impact of the rise of...

This article from "The New York Times" at Nuclearfiles.org recounts the ongoing debate about the first hydrgen bomb and who truly should be credited with its development.

What are the "big questions" of Reconstruction? Article provides an overview of the Reconstruction period when Americans debated rights and the nature of freedom and equality. It focuses on who was an American and how citizenship should...

This site discusses Charles Lindbergh's involvement in the America First Committee. Vast collection of video and audio clips related to the isolationist group and U.S. support of European countries in World War II.

When the Revolutionary War ended, there was an ongoing conflict between the Native Americans and American settler in the Northwest Territory. Students will study two documents from each side of the issue and answer questions and/or hold...

A learning module on the emancipation of African American slaves after the Civil War. It includes several supporting questions accompanied by formative tasks and source materials, followed by a summative performance task. Students will...

Northern Illinois University provides audio, visual, and text documents about Abraham Lincoln's Illinois years. You can search historical themes that relate to Lincoln and a biography of Lincoln. The site offers both primary and...

Discusses Kennedy's rise to power and the challenges he faced from within the government, his focus on foreign policy, the conflict with Cuba, American involvement in Vietnam, support for racial equality and civil rights, and Kennedy's...

The author uses an excellent example of a debate he had with Field Marshall Montgomery (of World War 2 fame) in which "Monty" argued it was the Normans who have made England what it is today. The author points out the contributions of...

Writing in the 1840s, Lydia M. Child tells the story of ex-slavers living in Virginia. Demonstrates the complexity of the abolition debate in Pre-Civil War America.