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American History: History Websites

Audio Recordings

Suggested Web Resources

Ancient America

What is Beringia?

This website from the National Park Service discusses Beringia, the landmass and maritime area between Russia and North America and its significance in the history and early settlement of the Americas.

The Colonies

The Virginia Company of London

This article describes the Virginia Company of London and its role in the establishment of colony of Virginia.

Poem:  Eldorado

This poem by Edgar Allen Poe is based on the history of the exploration of early America, particularly those explorers who sought to find El Dorado, the legendary city of gold.

Virtual Jamestown

This website contains primary documents and information about Jamestown, the first English settlement in the New World.

Manifest Destiny

John L. O'Sullivan on Manifest Destiny

This article discusses the idea of manifest destiny.

Slavery

Eli Whitney's Patent for the Cotton Gin

This article discusses Eli Whitney's invention of the cotton gin and its effect on slavery in America.

Civil War 

West Virginia Admitted as the 35th State in the Union

This article discusses the significance of West Virginia's admittance to the Union.

The Gilded Age

Mark Twain:  The Gilded Age 1869-1871

This website presents a scrapbook timeline of the Gilded Age via Mark Twain.

World War II

"World War II and the Double V Campaign"

The "Double V Campaign" became a symbol of pride for African Americans during World War II.

"Dr. Seuss Went to War"

This website presents a catalog of political cartoons from World War II.

Cold War Era

"The Iran-Contra Affair"

Taking place during President Reagan's administration, the Iran-Contra Affair significantly impacted the public's perception of the President.

"Wenceslas Square"

Arthur Phillips reads an abridged version of his short story "Wenceslas Square," which takes place in Czechoslovakia at the end of the Cold War.