A Founding Father of the United States, Thomas Jefferson once wrote that a free press is important to a functioning democracy. In other words, without critical and reliable press, a society and government cannot be held to account. This engaging title takes a probing look at what press freedom and censorship means, as well as where people find information, who owns and controls the press in a “free world,” and what makes good, reliable journalism.
Astronauts and cosmonauts were the heroes of a 20th Century battle without weapons—the race for global dominance in space. The Space Race explores how the quest to put “a man on the moon” fueled fast-paced scientific research and kept the world occupied with more peaceful pursuits at a time when the world seemed to be on the edge of nuclear annihilation. Readers will learn how to examine primary and secondary source materials, which reveal the political and scientific implications of the space programs in the United States and the former Soviet Union.
In this age of fast-paced social media, news and views are shared throughout the world in seconds. This timely title critically examines the elements of journalism, truth and perspective, sources of news, as well as bias and objectivity to help readers make informed choices about the accuracy of news and information. Readers will gain an understanding of what journalism is and how the medium can shape the message being presented.
“Victory or Death” — the famous and stirring words of William Barrett Travis were written in a letter from the Alamo to the people of Texas in February 1836. This and other brash and brave letters, first-hand accounts, and documents are skilfully deconstructed in this detailed examination of The Battle of the Alamo, a last stand that proved to be a turning point in Texas’ War of Independence from Mexico. Readers will learn about the events leading up to and after the battle, be able to separate fact from myth, and better understand the perspectives of both the Texans and Mexicans.
In the 19th Century, railroads were a form of transportation that changed the world. Transcontinental Railroads looks at the sweeping changes made to society and the challenges created by the building and running of these railroads in North America. Readers will be encouraged to critically analyze source material on why the railroads were built, who built them, and how they changed the movement of people and products. Topics include settlement and nation-building, as well as who gained through railroad building—and who lost.
An obsession for hundreds of years, the search for the fabled Northwest Passage from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific is a tale of ambition, fear, folktales, courage, and controversy. This engaging title reveals the motivations of the many countries and explorers who played a part in the almost 500-year search for a commercial sea route to India across the arctic. Primary and secondary source materials, such as oral histories of the Indigenous people and recorded accounts, are examined, as well as fictional accounts from popular culture of the many failed expeditions. Readers will gain an understanding of how important this quest was, as well as how it remains relevant today.
This interesting book examines the events and people who were involved in the War of 1812 between the United States and what would later become Canada. Unusal for a war, the conflict ended with friendly relations established and no major loss of territory for either country. However, an examination of primary and secondary source materials reveals the War of 1812 is remembered differently in each country, as well as by the Indigenous peoples whose territory and dreams of an independent nation east of the Mississippi River vanished.
Using speeches, photos, and paintings of the time, as well as material that addresses historical context, The Civil War guides readers in critically examining primary and secondary source materials. Discussions include how emerging technologies such as photography and the telegraph affected the messages being conveyed, and how ideologies of the era shaped what was seen, as well as whose voices were heard—and whose were not. Readers will gain an understanding of the sad and brutal aspects of a war whose echo continues to have an impact even today.
Mr. Hockey, Gordie Howe, spent 25 of his 26 seasons in the NHL with one team: the Detroit Red Wings. One of the "Original Six," the Red Wings are revered for having 58 players inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, appearing numerous times in the playoffs, and winning 11 Stanley Cups. A fascinating read for fans of the team and the game, this book features appealing historic and contemporary images, and mixes informative text with quick-reference infographic charts for statistics buffs.
Arguably the most valuable franchise in the NHL, the Toronto Maple Leafs have proven that fans fuel the game—despite a much-lamented half-century Stanley Cup drought. This vibrant book tells the story of the Leafs’ 100 years of colorful coaches, irascible owners, and bruised and beloved players. The story of the Leafs gives a big-picture view of the importance of professional sports teams to the history and economy of a big city and a big sports league. Appealing historic and contemporary images mix with informative text and quick-reference infographic charts for statistics buffs.
This celebration of the Chicago Blackhawks, one of the revered "Original Six" NHL teams, provides a detailed history from their beginnings in 1926 through their six Stanley Cup wins, as well as various ownership and home rink changes. A fascinating read for fans of the team and the game, this book features appealing historic and contemporary images, and mixes informative text with quick-reference infographic charts for statistics buffs.
This book celebrates the winningest team in the NHL, the Montreal Canadiens. Founded as Le Club de Hockey Canadien in 1909, "the Habs" claim a league-leading 24 Stanley Cup championships and numerous player awards with more than 50 players in the Hockey Hall of Fame. A treat for hockey lovers and Habs fans, this book features appealing historic and contemporary images, and mixes informative text with quick-reference infographic charts for statistics buffs.
This timely title discusses the creation of the atom bomb and the post-World War II nuclear arms race that shaped the consciousness of generations. Primary and secondary source materials such as contemporary photos, speeches, letters, and newspaper accounts are examined, offering readers insight into a world reeling from years of conflict, and the competing political and social ideologies of the former Soviet Union and the United States and its allies. Topics covered include the Manhattan Project, the dropping of the first atomic bombs, and the escalation of the arms race, as well as nuclear treaties and the relevance to today’s nuclear threats.
Founded by a brash boxing promoter in 1926, the New York Rangers was the first U.S.-based NHL team to win the Stanley Cup. Packed with stories about quirky players, coaches, owners, and team rivalries, this book is a treat for hockey lovers and Rangers fans. Appealing historic and contemporary images mix with informative text and quick-reference infographic charts for statistics buffs.
Politically and socially, the decade from 1947 to 1956 marked an era of repression and fear. McCarthyism was a practice named for the blustery U.S. Senator Joseph McCarthy. Known for his reckless and unsubstantiated accusations, he led a campaign to root out real and imagined “subversives” in American society. Packed with enlightening primary and secondary source material, McCarthyism and the Red Scare examines topical issues to help readers think critically about such concepts as freedom, Constitutional rights, blacklisting, and personal and state ideology.
Dit Clapper, Eddie Shore, Milt Scmidt, Johnny Bucyk, Phil Esposito, Bobby Orr, Patrice Bergeron, Zdeno Chara—like most "Original Six" teams, the Boston Bruins’ roster has been packed with league-leading players for 93 years. A fascinating read for fans of the team and the game, this book features appealing historic and contemporary images, and mixes informative text with quick-reference infographic charts for statistics buffs.
This comprehensive title is a thought-provoking examination of how early gold rushes shaped settlement and industry in North America. Using material from the 1848 California Gold Rush, the 1896 Klondike Gold Rush, and other rushes in Georgia, Montana, and British Columbia, primary and secondary sources about these rushes are examined with respect to race and ethnicity, the displacement of Indigenous peoples, and different perspectives on law and order in the emerging West. Readers will be encouraged to think critically about labor and environmental practices, and the relationships between settlers and Indigenous people both in the past and today.
Archaeologists are like detectives. They find objects from the past and treat them as clues to understanding what life was like long ago. This title aims to create meaningful connections between the scientific concepts readers learn in the classroom and how they are applied in the real world by archaeologists searching for answers.
Meet the people of the Middle Ages—from the lowly peasant to the royal court. This fascinating book reveals Medieval society and the realities of everyday life according to social class, including lifestyles and sources of entertainment. Famous people in religion, peasant rebellions, and politics are featured, along with events such as the signing of the Magna Carta.
Meet the knights of the Age of Chivalry. This exciting title explores the work of a knight, from jousting tournaments and codes of honor to battlefields and life on campaign. Also examined are the legends surrounding Robin Hood and the Knights of the Round Table, as well as the very real battles between the British king Richard the Lionheart and the sultan Saladin, as well as the political maneuvering of Eleanor of Aquitaine.
Follow the trade route to the Middle Ages and witness the expansion of trade and commerce, made possible by the advancements in shipbuilding. Your Guide to Trade in the Middle Ages explores the effects of this expansion, including the growth of towns, the formation of guilds, the increasing demand for luxury items, and the famous travels to China of a merchant named Marco Polo.
Go on campaign in the Middle Ages and live through castle sieges and the fierce battles that changed history, including the Wars of the Roses and the Crusades. Castle defenses, life on campaign, medieval weaponry, and great warriors such as Genghis Khan and Joan of Arc will also be examined.
Meet the artists, writers, and architects of the Middle Ages who created important and spectacular works that are still celebrated today. From DaVinci's inventions and Brunelleschi’s cathedrals to Chaucer’s epic poems, read about the lasting influence of some of the greatest minds the world has ever known.
During the Middle Ages, the Islamic world experienced a time of remarkable expansion when scientific invention and artistic creation flourished. Your Guide to the Islamic Golden Age explores the important achievements and lasting legacy of this magnificent era.
This exciting book explores the culture and achievements of the ancient Maya through the examination of artifacts that have survived through the centuries. Each primary-source artifact offers the reader significant clues to the civilization's technologies, cultural traditions, foods, and conflicts.
