The 1898 war between the United States and Spain receives relatively little attention in most American history texts, yet it is an event of major importance. The United States emerged as the world's greatest power in the 20th century. In many ways, the war with Spain was a stepping stone from one era of American history to the next, showing Americans that aggressive nationalism could be fraught with danger, even as it was crowned with splendor. This book includes an overview essay, five essays on specific aspects of the war, and a conclusion. A biographical section features sketches of Americans, Spaniards, Cubans, and Filipinos who played important roles, showing the human element of the events. Fifteen primary documents grant readers and researchers a direct view of the elements that transpired and how they were reported. This book provides everything students or general readers need to begin their research into a watershed conflict in American history.

The history of the Lone Star state is a narrative dominated by larger-than-life personalities and often-contentious legends, presenting interesting challenges for historians. Perhaps for this reason, Texas has produced a cadre of revered historians who have had a significant impact on the preservation (some would argue creation) of our state's past. An anthology of biographical essays, Writing the Story of Texas pays tribute to the scholars who shaped our understanding of Texas's past and, ultimately, the Texan identity. Edited by esteemed historians Patrick Cox and Kenneth Hendrickson, this collection includes insightful, cross-generational examinations of pivotal individuals who interpreted our history. On these pages, the contributors chart the progression from Eugene C. Barker's groundbreaking research to his public confrontations with Texas political leaders and his fellow historians. They look at Walter Prescott Webb's fundamental, innovative vision as a promoter of the past and Ruthe Winegarten's efforts to shine the spotlight on minorities and women who made history across the state. Other essayists explore Llerena Friend delving into an ambitious study of Sam Houston, Charles Ramsdell courageously addressing delicate issues such as racism and launching his controversial examination of Reconstruction in Texas, Robert Cotner-an Ohio-born product of the Ivy League-bringing a fresh perspective to the field, and Robert Maxwell engaged in early work in environmental history.