American History and Culture: From the Explorers to Cable TV

In detailing the most significant events that have shaped U.S. history from Columbus to cable television, Donald Ross has provided a concise and essential volume ideal for all high school and college students of American culture. The main emphasis of this book is on the «headlines», that is, important national and political events – war and government, including the Revolutionary War and the creation of the Constitution; the complexity of race relations, including the institution of slavery, the displacement of Native Americans, and the civil rights movement; the rise and fall of unions; environmental reforms and the construction of skyscrapers and museums; the emergence of feminism; and the protests of the Sixties. In addition, this book describes major cultural and technological changes that affected everyday life in America, such as the proliferation of electricity and the automobile, the transformation of rural America and the growth of the suburbs, the emergence of radio, movies, television, and different forms of entertainment. Sections on foreign affairs, the economy, sports, and lifestyles complete this overview of the diversity of American life. This indispensable guide includes a detailed table of contents, extensive indexes, and tables for swift and easy research.