Publisher's Synopsis
This title presents significant historical events told by the observers and participants. ""The Eyewitness History"" series reveals how important periods and events in American history were seen and interpreted by people from all levels of society. Excerpts from primary sources - memoirs, diaries, letters, newspapers, speeches, advertisements, and more - provide a wide range of viewpoints and enhance the compelling narratives, prompting students to develop their critical-thinking skills. Each volume is a comprehensive and self-contained reference work that features: hundreds of eyewitness accounts that bring history to life; essays starting each chapter that provide historical context and highlight major events and attitudes of the period; chronologies that provide a detailed historical perspective; period illustrations and photographs; excerpts from relevant documents of the day; and, brief biographies of key individuals, personalizing historic events. Some volumes also contain maps and graphs that provide visual context, helping students gain a richer understanding of historical events.