Essential events

Details events surrounding the building of the Panama Canal, covering its origins, construction, and function, as well as the transfer of its control from the United States to Panama.

An overview of Prohibition that discusses the debate over the ban of alcohol, home brewing, police corruption, its repeal, and other related topics, and includes photographs, a time line, and a list of additional resources.

Provides an account of the events of April 15, 1912, when the "Titanic" luxury liner sank in the Atlantic ocean after hitting an iceberg, claiming the lives of approximately 1,200 passengers, describes the boat's construction, launch, and first days at sea, and includes the words of survivors.

Offers an overview of the Salem witch trials, describing the events that led to the execution and imprisonment of dozens of villagers who were believed to practice witchcraft and exploring the lasting impact the trials had on American history and law.

Provides an account of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the first American overland exploration to the Pacific coast, mounted in 1804, discussing preparations for the journey which began in St. Louis, Missouri, looking at the challenges and discoveries made, profiling key people in the expedition, and including photographs and illustrations, a time line, and other resources.

Offers a detailed chronology of the Cuban Missile Crisis, discussing the events which led to the Cold War confrontation, the role of the Soviet Union, the response of the United States government, and other related topics. Includes a time line, essential facts, resources, a glossary, and illustrations.

Provides an account of the Battle of the Little Bighorn, a clash between a combined force of Lakota and Northern Cheyenne tribes and U.S. government forces in 1876,, discussing the causes, course, and outcome of the event, and including information on key leaders in the battle, as well as photographs, illustrations, a time line, and other resources.

Explores the life and humanitarian efforts of people like Charles Loring Brace and President Theodore Roosevelt in helping the many homeless children of New York between the 1850s and the 1930s as well as what some of these children went on to be after they were given a second chance riding the orphan trains across the country.

Presents a history on the forced removal of the Cherokee Indians from their homeland in America's deep South known as The Trail of Tears. Explains how this event has affected societies, the sciences, and politics. Includes illustrations, side-bars, and fact-boxes.