Spotlight on American History

Thomas Paine and the Power of "Common Sense"

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British-born Thomas Paine came to Philadelphia in 1774. Inspired by the colonists' cries for liberty, Paine captured his own political philosophy and ideals for freedom in a revolutionary pamphlet called Common Sense. This richly illustrated and beautifully designed interactive eBook features video, timelines, maps, and biographies that enhance the story of how Paine helped set the stage for the writing of the Declaration of Independence and how he profoundly influenced the course of our nation's history and ideology.

The United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights

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The Law of the Land
The Constitution established the law of the land in 1789. A response to the inadequacies of the Articles of Confederation, the Constitution provided the framework for our government and judicial system. Throughout this interactive eBook, readers will explore the framers' goals and intentions in the drafting of the document and learn how and why our nation still lives by its principles. Maps, timelines, biographies, and other interactive elements enhance primary source documents and full-color images.

The United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights

The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere

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One If By Land, Two If By Sea
Paul Revere was a respected Boston citizen, an artisan, and a patriot. However, he is best known for his ride through Boston on horseback, warning the citizens to assemble in an effort to ward off the advancing British army. This richly illustrated and beautifully designed interactive eBook presents the story of Revere's life and his midnight ride in a fun and engaging way, with primary source documents, maps, video, timelines, and other interactive elements to enrich the learning experience.

The Marquis de Lafayette and Other International Champions of the American Revolution

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The Marquis de Lafayette was born to a noble family in France. He fell in love with the concept of liberty and with the American fight for democracy and freedom. This richly illustrated interactive eBook introduces students to the European adventurers, soldiers of fortune, and romantics of the time that flocked to the Continental Army during the American Revolution. Clear and concise text is supported by robust interactive features including timelines, maps, video, and primary source documents with analysis.

The Marquis de Lafayette and Other International Champions of the American Revolution

John Paul Jones and the Birth of the American Navy

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John Paul Jones is remembered as the first hero of the young American Navy. He raided the British coast during the American Revolution, capturing or sinking more than forty enemy ships in one of the greatest naval battles in our nation's military history. Readers of this interactive eBook will enjoy this thrilling account of the birth and growth of the American Navy, brought to life through engaging features such as maps, interactive timelines, video, quizzes, and primary source documents with analysis.

John Paul Jones and the Birth of the American Navy

George Washington

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America's History Maker. How did George Washington become our first president? This engrossing interactive eBook takes readers through the historical narrative of this amazing man's election. Students will learn about Washington's life from his childhood on a Virginia farm to being chosen as a representative at the First Continental Congress. Details of Washington's heroics in the Revolutionary War and his position as the country's first president, as well as illustrations and historical images, bring this portrait of a Founding Father to life.

The Declaration of Independence and the Continental Congress

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What is the Declaration of Independence and why is it so important to the United States? Readers will learn about the events that led to the writing of the Declaration of Independence, the effect it had on life at the time, and why it is one of our country's most cherished symbols of liberty. Primary source images provide a close look at this key document and its influence upon our nation. Interactive features including timelines, maps, biographies, and video enrich the learning experience.

The Declaration of Independence and the Continental Congress

Crispus Attucks and African American Patriots of the American Revolution

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Crispus Attucks was a former slave who was killed during the Boston Massacre in 1770. Today, he is known as a hero who died fighting for his country. This interactive eBook focuses on the important contributions made by African American men and women during the Revolution, and how they played a major role in the country's fight for independence. Interactive features including maps, quizzes, timelines, and actor-narrated audio will hold readers' interest and encourage further study of American heroes and patriots.

Crispus Attucks and African American Patriots of the American Revolution

The Boston Tea Party

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No Taxation Without Representation. This interactive eBook introduces students to the events that inspired the colonists to take action against British taxes, and the famous act of rebellion known as the Boston Tea Party. Carefully chosen primary source materials and interactive features bring students into the world of one of the most important events on the road to the American Revolution.

Betsy Ross and the Creation of the American Flag

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Betsy Ross was the seamstress of the first American flag. She was also a mother, a businesswoman, and a contemporary of George Washington. This easy-to-navigate interactive eBook features maps, timelines, biographies, and other elements, providing students with a fascinating look at the life and times of Ross and her role in creating one of our nation's most treasured and widely recognized symbols.

Spotlight on American History

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