Digital History
Digital History: The Ku Klux Klan
A look at the resurgence of the Ku Klux Klan after World War I in response to the agricultural depression and the migration of African Americans into northern cities. Read about its swift growth, and equally swift loss of members by the...
Digital History
Digital History: Sacco and Vanzetti
Sacco and Vanzetti were caught up in anti-immigrant, Red Scare feelings in the 1920s. Read about their arrest and controversial trial filled with prejudice and errors.
Digital History
Digital History: Leopold and Loeb
A fascinating look at the crime perpetrated by teens, Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb and their subsequent trial and punishment. These two young men were defended by famous trial lawyer, Clarence Darrow. Read about his defense and the...
Digital History
Digital History: Politics During the 1920s
Read about the presidents who held office during most of the 1920s. Both were essentially unremarkable, but Warren Harding, whose administration was beset by scandal, did have some accomplishments. See why Calvin Coolidge was such a...
Digital History
Digital History: The New Woman
Although women rejoiced in gaining the right to vote in 1920, the women's movement stalled during this time. Read about the problems within the movement and opposition from outside the movement.
Digital History
Digital History: Economic and Foreign Policy Problems
The new American nation in the Confederation Era faced a host of economic and foreign policy problems. Read about the problems and why they were so serious.
Digital History
Digital History: American Revolution: Introduction
The American Revolution included so much more than just the War for Independence. Read about why it was the first modern revolution and discover the principles that the American revolutionaries were fighting for.
Digital History
Digital History: Why Did the American Revolution Take Place?
A discussion of several characteristics of American society and American people that led to the decision of overthrow the aristocratic rule of Great Britain.
Digital History
Digital History: The Road to Revolution
A time line and explanation of the many events, including the colonists' interpretations of those events, that led to the Declaration of Independence and the Revolutionary War.
Digital History
Digital History: The Revolution Begins
Perhaps if King George III had been attentive to the colonists' pleas, things would have turned out differently. Read about the siege of Boston by the British troops, and the "shot heard around the world."
Digital History
Digital History: Why Did the Colonists Rebel and the British Resist?
An interesting look at the make-up of Americans who supported separation from Great Britain, and some explanation of the push-back by Great Britain.
Digital History
Digital History: Declaring Indpendence
Read about the ideals enshrined in the Declaration of Independence espoused by those brave souls who signed their names to the revolutionary document in 1776.
Digital History
Digital History: Was the Revolution Justified?
A terrific look at the twenty-seven specific reasons Thomas Jefferson cited in the Declaration of Independence and the support for those reasons of why the colonists felt justified in breaking the bonds with Great Britain.
Digital History
Digital History: The Revolutionary War
An overview of the military encounters in the Revolutionary War. Read about the lows and highs of the Continental Army, and the eventual defeat of the British.
Digital History
Digital History: How Were the Colonies Able to Win Independence?
A discussion of the several reasons the American colonies were able to defeat the head of the British Empire and become an independent country. See also a very brief description of how the Continental Congress paid for the war.
Digital History
Digital History: How Revolutionary Was the American Revolution?
How did the American Revolution reflect a change in American society? Read about how political participation increased across the classes, and see how the question of slavery and women's rights became a thorn in the side of those...
Digital History
Digital History: The Significance of 1492
A good look at what is known as the Columbian Exchange, the exchange of foods, disease, and even ideas between the New World and Old World beginning with Columbus' encounter in 1492.
Digital History
Digital History: Slavery and Spanish Colonization
Read about the slave trade and use of slaves in agriculture and mining in Spanish America in the New World. Find out why it was expedient to use African slaves.
Digital History
Digital History: The Black Legend
Read about the Black Legend which vilified the Spanish treatment of Indians they enslaved, resulting in the decimation of many Indian populations. Bartolome de Las Casas criticized the enslavement of Indians and suggested using African...
Digital History
Digital History: European Colonization North of Mexico
Although settlements by other northern European countries are mentioned, the primary focus of this article is on English settlements and the types of immigrants who came to the New World from England.
Digital History
Digital History: Spanish Colonization
Spanish culture had a great impact on the economy, politics, and even geography of the Southwest, California, and Mexico. Read about the Spanish settlements and the structure of the social classes that left an impact the continues even...
Digital History
Digital History: English Colonization Begins
Understand why the English saw opportunity in making settlements in the New World. After the stumbles in Newfoundland and Roanoke Island, read about the ultimately successful founding of Jamestown Colony.
Digital History
Digital History: Life in Early Virginia
A good description of the use of indentured servants in early Jamestown as a labor force to cultivate tobacco, the cash crop that saved the colony.
Digital History
Digital History: Founding New England
A brief look at Squanto, the Native American who aided the Pilgrims as they settled Plymouth Colony.