Modern America

Book excerpt: Modern America is a comprehensive core text covering the history of the USA from the end of the Civil War in 1865 to 1990. It examines three major themes througout this period: - Civil Rights, tracing the story of the black population from emancipation through to the 1960s. It asks of these and other minorities how far have different social groups in the USA achieved equality and freedom - Foreign policy, examining the reasons for and the results of the USAs transition from isolationism to worldwide involvement in many arenas. - Industrial growth and change, investigating the USA's development as an economic superpower and the problems and opportunities this has created at home and in the wider world. Modern America is written and edited by leading practitioners who have applied two decades of experience in history curriculum development to the challenge of helping students make the leap from middle to senior secondary schhol. It combines clear explanation with a source-based, enquiry-led approach. It offers a clear and penetrating narrative which gives students a deep insight into the issues required for understanding the development of the contemporary USA, thorough exam preparation through carefully designed tasks and a wide range of revision strategies including structured content summaries.