The Great American Documents: Volume II

A captivating journey through America's most influential documents from 1831 to 1900, brought to life with stunning illustrations.

In the second volume of the Great American Documents series, acclaimed author Ruth Ashby and renowned illustrator Ernie Colón continue their exploration of the history of America through the major speeches, laws, proclamations, court decisions, and essays that shaped it. Picking up where the first volume left off, this installment covers a pivotal period in American history, from the Texas Declaration of Independence in 1836 to Jacob Riis's groundbreaking exposé, How the Other Half Lives, published in 1900.

With each document given its own chapter, Uncle Sam guides readers through the origins, key passages, and impact of these seminal works. Witness the nation grapple with the expansion of slavery in "The Compromise of 1850," and discover the context behind Abraham Lincoln's famous decree in "The Emancipation Proclamation." "The Chinese Exclusion Act" chapter sheds light on the discrimination faced by Chinese immigrants and the restrictive policies that followed.

As the United States grew and expanded throughout the 19th century, it was forced to confront its original injustices, resulting in the Civil War and the emergence of new challenges as it rose to become a world power. This masterfully illustrated and elegantly concise volume is an indispensable guide for students of American history, both young and old.