For citizens of the United States, for social studies teachers, for historians in America, and literally around the world, there is no more interesting topic than leadership, and leadership as seen in the President of the United States. Worldwide, no other individual is as scrutinized, as examined as the President of the USA. The Presidency has obviously a long history dated back to 1776 and George Washington, and out leaders have provided the guidance to lead us through the War of 1812, the Spanish American War, the Civil War, World War I and II and various other undeclared conflicts and difficulties around the world. The personalities and contributions of our Presidents have been exceptional. Some of our Presidents have led us in times of peace, and others during times of war. Some have excelled nationally, others internationally. Some have provided sustenance and nurturance, and others vim, vigour and vitality during difficult times. Each President has left an indelible mark on American history and should be recognised. This book attempts to provide a stellar overview of each President and recognise their contributions, strengths, weaknesses as well as their faults. This is a book that will provide keen robust insights into the men who have led our nation.

This is a book that chronicles the individuals that have contributed mightily to our great American history, as well as to our great American culture. Working together, Dr. Donald Elder, Professor of History, and Dr. Michael Shaughnessy, Professor of Education have reviewed more than 200 years of American history and isolated the singular individuals that have made America great. Some of these individuals were involved in the founding of our nation, some were involved in the great Western American expansion (relying on the concept of manifest destiny), and some were involved in the tragic American Civil War. These individuals were not necessarily presidents, senators, governors or congressmen. They were men and women whose contributions reverberate through all disciplines of endeavor science, music, art, dance, theatre, literature and the like. These individuals have left their mark on our society and culture, and they were critically involved in establishing the zeitgeist of their time frame. Certainly, there will be discussions among historians as to who was inadvertently left out, and others may ponder why other individuals were included. This, again, is what makes our country great that there could be an open discussion among scholars, teachers, researchers and colleagues as well as a cordial, congenial debate as to the relevance and importance of each individual. Some may say that women were neglected, while others may point to a lack of certain racial, ethnic minorities. This is not to say that those individuals did not contribute to America and American culture, but that space constraints demanded a prudent judicious eye towards those individuals who will be respected and revered if not quoted years from now. Using a question and answer format, the authors have attempted to focus on the main people and the main issues along with the main events in American history. The presidents of the United States have been focused upon in another book published by Nova, and thus are not included here. But these uncommon individuals, working in trying times under desperate odds, have managed to carve a niche for themselves in American history. They are loved, admired, respected and revered. It is hoped that this book will provide a road map for historians, leaders, policy makers and those individuals who are simply citizens involved in the democratic process. Some individuals are born into greatness, some achieve greatness and other have greatness thrust upon them. This book will help readers understand the complexities of greatness and the American Dream.

Since time immemorial, history has been punctuated by a series of events-some large, some small-that have shaped civilizations. In this classic text, two historians examine some of the most important events in American history which have shaped the American experience and impacted the drive for democracy and freedom. Indeed, some of these incidents have shaped other countries and other nations and literally the free world. This book is an in-depth examination of those crucial, critical episodes.