U.S. History For Dummies (+ Chapter Quizzes Online)
5. Edition April 2025
448 Pages, Softcover
Wiley & Sons Ltd
Explore the good, the bad, and the ugly of the United States history
Looking for the essentials of more than 200 years of United States history? Starting at the early civilizations, U.S. History For Dummies covers the growing pains of a new nation. Brush up on the major wars, from fighting against each other to fighting the world. And discover the major people and events that shaped the country. Stay in the know, with coverage of timely topics like climate change, Covid, and the January 6th Capitol riot. Then, when you're ready, challenge yourself with free online chapter quizzes. With history covering the start of the U.S. to the 2024 election, learn how this nation came to be what it is today.
* Read engaging accounts of the major events in the history of the United States
* Learn about important historical figures who shaped the nation
* Discover the background of the big issues that Americans face
* Explore important wars and iconic cultural moments
* FREE 1-year access to chapter quizzes online!
Whether you're a history buff eager to delve into the history of the United States or a student searching for a guide to help them with their studies, U.S. History For Dummies has you covered with clear, easy-to-understand information.
Part 1: America's Birth and Toddler Years 5
Chapter 1: America: A Short Biography 7
Chapter 2: American Indians and Explorers: 21,000 BCE (?) -1607 21
Chapter 3: Pilgrims' Progress: The English Colonies, 1607-1700 37
Chapter 4: You Say You Want a Revolution: 1700-1775 49
Chapter 5: Yankee Doodlin': 1775-1783 65
Chapter 6: Blueprints and Birth Pains: 1783-1800 79
Part 2: Growing Pains 91
Chapter 7: "Long Tom" and One Weird War: 1800-1815 93
Chapter 8: Pulling Together to Keep from Falling Apart: 1815-1844 109
Chapter 9: War, Gold, and a Gathering Storm: 1845-1860 129
Chapter 10: A Most Uncivil War: 1861-1865 143
Chapter 11: Putting the Country Back Together: 1865-1876 157
Part 3: Coming of Age 167
Chapter 12: Growing Up: 1876-1898 169
Chapter 13: Stepping Up as a World Power: 1899-1918 183
Chapter 14: Gin, Jazz, and Lucky Lindy: 1919-1929 197
Chapter 15: Uncle Sam's Depressed: 1930-1940 211
Chapter 16: The World at War: 1941-1945 225
Part 4: America in Adulthood 241
Chapter 17: TV, Elvis, and Reds Under the Bed: 1946-1960 243
Chapter 18: Camelot to Watergate: 1961-1974 259
Chapter 19: Hold the Malaise, or Ayatollah So: 1975-1992 275
Chapter 20: No Sex, Please, I'm the President: 1993-1999 289
Part 5: Nearing Our Semiquincentennial 301
Chapter 21: Terror Comes Home; America Goes to War(s) 303
Chapter 22: Recessions Can Be Really Depressing 315
Chapter 23: Reforming Healthcare Is No Tea Party 327
Chapter 24: America Disagrees with Itself 341
Chapter 25: Stormy Weather 353
Chapter 26: This New America 371
Part 6: The Part of Tens 389
Chapter 27: Ten Innovations That Made It Easier to Be Lazy 391
Chapter 28: Ten Events That Helped Shape American Culture 397
Part 7: The Appendixes 403
Appendix A: The Bill of Rights: Amendments 1-10 of the Constitution 405
Appendix B: The Declaration of Independence 409
Index 413
