Bedford series in history and culture

"This... volume shows how and why mid-twentieth-century decolonization transformed societies and cultures and continues to shape today's world. The introduction explores decolonization as both a historical era and an aspirational movement. A rich collection of primary sources combines the voices of the colonized and the colonizers in Africa, Asia, and throughout the world to recapture the intensity and variety of the independence struggles"--Goodreads.

Presents on overview of the major figures, events, and concepts of the Enlightenment along with nine documents from the era, including John Locke's "Some Thoughts concerning Education" and Voltaire's "Letters concerning the English Nation.".

A history of the Silk Road, examining why and how the trade route emerged in the late third century BCE, and its affect on the area's culture and religion.

Statesman Benjamin Franklin recalls his life, from his youth as a rebellious runaway apprentice, to successful leader, printer and journalist, social and political reformer, scientist, and philosopher.

Historical documents trace the history of the oil crisis that occurred in the United States from 1973 to 1974 and its aftermath.

Historical documents examine President Jimmy Carter's "Crisis of Confidence" speech of July 15, 1979, the energy crisis that prompted the speech, and reactions by the press, the public, and political opponents.