American History II - Wils

Over one million Black men and women served in World War II. Black troops were at Normandy, Iwo Jima, and the Battle of the Bulge, serving in segregated units and performing unheralded but vital support jobs, only to be denied housing and educational opportunities on their return home. Without their crucial contributions to the war effort, the United States could not have won the war. And yet the stories of these Black veterans have long been ignored, cast aside in favor of the myth of the "Good War" fought by the "Greatest Generation." Half Americanis American history as you've likely never read it before.

A masterclass in the civil rights movement from one of the legendary activists who led it. Compiled from his original lecture notes, Julian Bond's Time to Teachbrings his invaluable teachings to a new generation of readers and provides a necessary toolkit for today's activists in the era of Black Lives Matter and #MeToo. Julian Bond sought to dismantle the perception of the civil rights movement as a peaceful and respectable protest that quickly garnered widespread support. Through his lectures, Bond detailed the ground-shaking disruption the movement caused, its immense unpopularity at the time, and the bravery of activists (some very young) who chose to disturb order to pursue justice.

From National Book Award finalist Albert Marrin comes a fascinating look at the history and science of the deadly 1918 flu pandemic--and its chilling and timely resemblance to the worldwide coronavirus outbreak. In spring of 1918, World War I was underway, and troops at Fort Riley, Kansas, found themselves felled by influenza. By the summer of 1918, the second wave struck as a highly contagious and lethal epidemic and within weeks exploded into a pandemic, an illness that travels rapidly from one continent to another. It would impact the course of the war and kill many millions more soldiers than warfare itself.

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand is often cited as the event that triggered World War I, the massive global conflict that ensued shortly after his death. However, the First World War is more accurately described as a culmination of political tension that had been building across various European nations for decades. This comprehensive volume considers the political and diplomatic underpinnings of "the war to end all wars," from its buildup to its conclusion and into the interwar era. The major events of the war and currents of thought that shaped prewar and postwar international relations are examined in depth.

Starting with the first Viking explorations and continuing to the present day, The Everything American History Book, 2nd Edition takes you on a thrilling tour through history. It's packed with facts and vivid details of events that shaped the United States, including: Wars, battles, and famous generals Outstanding American inventions--from the cotton gin to the Internet Key political figures--presidents, peacekeepers, visionaries And much, much more! The Everything American History Book, 2nd Edition covers all the major incidents and key players--from the Boston Tea Party to 9/11, and Lewis and Clark to Martin Luther King, Jr. This extraordinary retelling makes learning history fun for the whole family.

Drawing on years of experience teaching about the war, Larry H. Addington presents a short, narrative history of the origins, course, and outcome of America's military involvement in Vietnam. Not intended as a competitor to the many excellent comprehensive studies of the Vietnam Era, this book will prove a useful introduction and a concise reference to America's longest, most controversial war.

The Great Depression was a time of severe hardship, especially in the United States. With a quarter of the population out of work, families struggled to survive, obsessively saving money, food, and material to reuse or recycle. This "Depression mentality" stuck with many people for the rest of their lives. Supplemented by historical photographs, annotated quotes, and a fact-filled timeline, this engaging narrative discusses the causes and lingering effects of the Great Depression.

The aftereffects of the Cold War continue to impact the world today. Following the close of the Cold War era, Communism was no longer a pervasive force. Because Communist countries invested a significant amount of resources into military power, their economies became weak and neglected. Today, the nuclear arsenals created during the Cold War still exist, causing concern that these nuclear weapons will be used in the future. After the United States defeated the Soviet Union, it emerged as the preeminent world leader and became a strong influence on international politics. This book explores the political, economic, and technological impact of the Cold War on life today.