The state of Indiana has an important, recognized connection to the Lewis and Clark Expedition. That connection is reinforced with a National Signature Event in Clarksville (Indiana) during October 2003. Until the expedition party left its winter camp in May 1804, it remained in Indiana Territory, governed from Vincennes (Indiana) by William Henry…

Profiles four Iowans who became agricultural leaders and committed themselves to addressing farmers' needs: Henry Wallace, James R. Howard, Milo Reno, and Ruth Buxton Sayre. Identifies farm organizations with which each was affiliated, such as the Farm Bureau and the Farmers' Union. Summarizes each leader's major accomplishments and political…

This textbook describes the transition of the United States from an agricultural civilization to one of industry, from a state of isolation to one of world eminence, from an America with European creditors to an America whose capital and influence penetrate the world. It is a history of the moment when the fighting of the Civil War ceased and the…

The Kansas-Nebraska Act, which repealed the ban against slavery in the North, served as a catalyst to activate numerous groups which were unhappy with the Indiana Democratic Party. From this period emerged the new Republican party and also a revitalized Democratic party with new leadership. (IS)

Discussed are three periods of American legal history: the period of doctrinal history before 1950, the age of the Wisconsin school, and the period of the Critical school. (RM)

This U.S. history textbook aimed to emphasize human interests and human action for the purpose of interesting the young reader, giving at the same time adequate treatment for a book of this grade of the more mature subjects such as tariffs, finances, foreign relations, and governmental problems.

The Elsie novels are part of a multi-volume series. In "Elsie and Her Namesakes," Grandma Elsie is surrounded by her namesakes within her friend circle and family. The story begins with the marriage of Horace and Gracie in Woodburn, Virginia. Following the wedding, the extended family and the couple travel to Viamede, Grandma Elsie's…

This tribute to Commager on his 80th birthday contains excerpts from interviews and biographies discussing how he arrived at his interests and persuasions, historians who have impressed him, areas in which he and contemporary historians disagree, and failures during our own era. (RM)

Presents the story of the Star-Spangled Banner, explaining that Francis Scott Key's poem is not mere patriotic rhetoric, but is rooted in an important moment in U.S. history and in the joy that Key felt when the dawn revealed the American flag still flying over Fort McHenry following the destruction of Washington, D.C. and attack on Baltimore. (SM)

This article presents a brief review of James Cross Giblin's "The Amazing Life of Benjamin Franklin" (Scholastic, 2000). This book provides a real look at the life of one of America's most famous statesmen who was also a printer, inventor, and writer. The book additionally includes a chronology of Franklin's life, information about his many…

Tracing the history of Native American schooling in North America, this book emphasizes factors in society at large--and sometimes within indigenous communities--which led to Native American children being separate from the white majority. Charles Glenn examines the evolving assumptions about race and culture as applied to schooling, the reactions…

A quilt can warm a bed, decorate a wall, comfort a child in her crib or a soldier at war. A quilt also can tell a story, commemorate an event, honor the dead, unite a community, and reflect a culture. This article is an introduction to the American craft of quilting. The article describes what quilting is and the different types of quilts. It also…

This article profiles Native American artisan Maria Poveka Martinez. Martinez played a vital role in the revival of pottery making throughout the Southwest United States. Born in 1887 in the San Ildefonso region of New Mexico, Martinez first made pottery as a child and received encouragement from her aunt, who was an excellent potter. 1907 is the…

In the late 20th century, many college campuses experienced the emergence and flourishing of Hispanic Greek letter societies. Concerned with the concurrent decline in student activism, the author asks, "What is the political significance of Hispanic Greek letter societies on our campuses?" and "Should we, as Latina/o faculty, be…

Despite a dark history marked by the eugenics movement, increasing numbers of people with disabilities are choosing to become parents. Recent research reveals that more than 4 million parents--6 percent of American mothers and fathers--are disabled. This number will unquestionably increase as more people with disabilities exercise a broader range…