Keys to American History: Understanding Our Most Important Historic Documents

Unlock and explore American history firsthand though this nation’s most important documents. Much more than a reference book, The Keys to American History tells the story of a growing, vibrant democracy through its laws, Supreme Court rulings, treaties, and presidential speeches, from colonial times to the present. Organized chronologically, each document includes a brief introduction and excerpts, and often an image of the original. Most are followed by interesting and relevant historical quotes from books, newspapers, and speeches of their eras, providing a rich and varied framework to understand each document’s significance.
The past is brought to life in this fascinating new reference that highlights some of the most seminal documents in American history, including the Declaration of Independence, Washington's Farewell Address, the Compromise of 1850, and the Emancipation Proclamation. Each key text is prefaced with a brief, dynamic introduction and then further illuminated by the inclusion of a special 'What They Were Saying' feature that provides interesting and relevant quotes taken directly from the books, newspapers, and speeches of that time. The documents are often paired with photographs of the original parchments, offering kids a real look at the words that made history. An original approach to learning, this guided tour of American history blows clean the dust and cobwebs of the last 300 years, presenting students with an opportunity to engage the past in a way that is sure to stay with them long after the bells have rung. 

The more than 60 entries include:
Mayflower Compact 
Declaration of Independence
Washington’s Farewell Address 
Missouri Compromise 
Seneca Falls Declaration of Sentiments 
Emancipation Proclamation 
Homestead Act 
Wilson’s Fourteen Points 
Brown v. Board of Education 


Voting Rights Act 
Resignation Speech of Richard Nixon 
…and more

By reading the essential documents of American government, and the viewpoints of the leaders and citizens who wrote them, you will gain a profound understanding of the United States and the men and women who built it.