United States History: Primary Sources

This extensive work collects all of the major documents, with commentary, pertaining to the structure, formation, and functioning of the political system in colonial and revolutionary America. Documents range from royal charters establishing colonial claims, sermons that question or bolster the established order, pamphlets, state constitutions, debates over the make up of Congress and the Articles of Confederation, and the like. What documents enforced English control over its colonies? Who used pamphlets to voice protest and stir up political resistance? How did colonial settlers envision their future governing structures? This extensive work provides and in-depth look at 260 major documents that shaped the structure, form, and function of the political system in colonial and revultionary America. Documents include royal charters establishing colonial claims, sermons that question or bolster the established order, pamphlets, state constitutions, debates over the make-up of the Continental Congress and Articles of Confederation, and the like. Introductory commentary contextualizes the documents and highlights the reader's understanding of these events as the blueprint for how the colonies became a nation. The work is fully indexed.

The second title in the groundbreaking ""Milestone Documents"" series, ""Milestone Documents of American Leaders"" offers a unique biographical approach to the study of primary source documents. Plus free online access to the full content of this great reference set is available. ""Milestone Documents of American Leaders"" is the highly anticipated follow up to 2008's critically acclaimed ""Milestone Documents in American History"". This new, four-volume set continues the ""Milestone Documents"" tradition of pairing primary source texts with expert analysis by esteemed historians. Here, the lives of notable Americans are illuminated through an in-depth study of the primary source texts they produced during their lifetimes. From presidents, jurists, and legislators to influential private citizens both past and present, ""American Leaders"" features important full-text sources written by the people who shaped the nation - and crucial scholarly analysis to help the documents come alive. The subjects and documents covered include the following - Abraham Lincoln: ""Gettysburg Address"", ""Emancipation Proclamation"", and second inaugural address; Sandra Day O'Connor: ""Bush v. Gore"", ""United States v. Lopez"", and ""McConnell v. FEC""; Martin Luther King Jr.: ""I Have a Dream"", ""A Time to Break the Silence"" speeches, and ""Letter from Birmingham Jail""; Abigail Adams: ""Letters to John and John Quincy Adams""; Ronald Reagan: A Time for Choosing speech and Evil Empire speech; Thomas Jefferson: ""Declaration of Independence"", Bill for Establishing Religious Freedom, and first inaugural address. Organization and format: Essays are arranged alphabetically by last name of author, and include several sections, including the full text of the primary document; a summary overview of the person's place in history and their role as a producer of documents; a timeline of key events; a detailed explanation and analysis of the selected primary documents; the impact and legacy of the person's writings on American history; a selection of quotes; an annotated bibliography; and a comprehensive glossary. Customers who purchase this set will receive at no extra charge an additional online entry: ""Barack Obama"", featuring in-depth analysis of the speeches that catapulted Obama to the presidency, including his 2008 speech on race, and his acceptance speech at the 2008 convention. At a glance: This title contains 4 Volumes; 2,100 pages; and 124 entries. It features a standard structure; general introduction; full text of over 500 Primary Source Documents; 8 Original Teacher Activity Guides; Bibliography; Subject Index and Study Questions.