A&E Television
History.com: How 38 Ira Members Pulled Off the Uk's Biggest Prison Escape
During the height of Northern Ireland's "Troubles" in the 1970s and '80s, the British government incarcerated hundreds of Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) paramilitaries inside the notorious Maze Prison. Touted as Europe's most...
Read Works
Read Works: Power of Americans
[Free Registration/Login Required] An excerpt form a speech given by President Ronald Reagan at the Republican National Convention in 1988. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
iCivics
I Civics: The Enlightenment Mini Lesson
The Enlightenment was a period of time, starting around 1715, when people developed new ideas about human existence, including people's basic rights and the purpose of government. When our Founding Fathers created a government for the...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Progressives in the White House
Read a brief overview of the three presidents, two Republican and one Democrat, who believed in an activist government to help all the people, and pushed for legislation to reflect their views.
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: Outline of American History: Booming 1920s
This brief article addresses many of the issues facing the country after World War I. It provides an overview of the Republican policies which supported private business.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The Election of 1912
William Howard Taft was a disappointment to the progressive-minded Theodore Roosevelt. Read about how he tried to be the Republican Party candidate in 1912, and when that failed, he started a third party, the platform of which was filled...
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: What Is Your Affiliation?
Political parties have platforms that describe their principles and issue stances in areas such as taxes, education and immigration. Answer the questions to see which party (Democratic, Republican, Green and Libertarian) is your best fit.
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Colonial Williamsburg: Thomas Jefferson, Son of Virginia
Excerpted from the Colonial Williamsburg Journal, this essay offers details of Thomas Jefferson's life and his long and varied career.
Siteseen
Siteseen: American Historama: Isolationism
Facts, definitions, and the reasons for the resumption of Isolationism, the foreign policy adopted by Republican governments in the 1920s.
Digital History
Digital History: Election of 1796
The election of 1796, a test of the new government's transfer of power, was not without intrigue. Read a brief account of the election and its results.
Other
Cain: Key Events Bloody Sunday, Derry 30 January 1972
Detailed account of the occurrences on January 30, 1972, in the town of Derry in Northern Ireland. If you have seen the movie, this site is a good companion to the film. There are eyewitness accounts, photos from the massacre and up to...
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Presidents of the 20th Century
[Free Registration/Login Required] This flipchart covers the Presidents of the 20th Century, from Theodore Roosevelt to George W. Bush. Important facts and details on each president are included along with a chart to explain Democrat and...
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story; A New Nation
As America was forming its government, many problems needed to be solved. The Library of Congress tells you more about this time and some of its interesting people.
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: Political Parties
Brief overview of the political party system in the U.S. explaining the emergence and longevity of the Democratic and Republican Parties.
Mount Holyoke College
Mt. Holyoke: Reconstruction Timeline
Here's a concise timeline that highlights the important facets of reconstruction from the announcement of Abraham Lincoln's reconstruction plans to the end of reconstruction at the election of Rutherford B. Hayes.
US National Archives
Our Documents: The Alien and Sedition Acts (1798)
The Alien and Sedition Acts were passed by Congress in 1798 because of feared war with France. This engaging page gives you the opportunity to see a complete copy of the original document and also gives links to a typed transcript,...
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: Democracy in America: Political Parties: Mobilizing Agents
This unit examines the significance of political parties in American politics, highlighting their functions, differences, and influence on the public for political decision making. Offers video, readings, web resources, and activities.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Documenting Brown: The Fourteenth Amendment
The background essay provided in this lesson plan on the later ramifications of the 14th Amendment explains the Congressional legislation of all types during Reconstruction. Click on the 'View' button to read the Amendment.
Ohio State University
E History: Ballinger Pinchot Controversy
A brief, but thorough, explanation of the controversy and antagonism between Gifford Pinchot and Richard Ballinger concerning conservation and the government's role in protecting public land. Read how this issue caused a rift in the...
Digital History
Digital History: Shifting Political Values
A description of the changing ideas of the young Democratic Republicans and the three men who, in the 1820s, supported those values. These three men would be important players in the national government for the next 40 years.
Digital History
Digital History: The Clinton Presidency
Short, but comprehensive, synopsis of Clinton's two terms as president. Included in the article is the 1992 campaign, successful and controversial legislation, and the scandals that would eventually become part of his presidential legacy.
Other
Encyclopedia of Arkansas: Carpetbaggers and Scalawags
An even-handed description of carpetbaggers and scalawags, particularly in regard to their beneficial activities in Arkansas.
Ibis Communications
Eye Witness to History: Washington d.c. 1800
This article offers personal accounts from Abigail Adams regarding her journey and arrival in the new national capital.
Other
Direct Education Is a Vital Element of Direct Democracy
A politicaly oriented essay on the relationship between direct education and direct democracy. Argues that the disaster of the public school system is due to the practice of republican ideas of government and that the only way to save...