Frank W. Thackeray - Böcker

Statesmen Who Changed the World provides extensive essays on more than 70 statesmen of the Western world, covering the time period from the 15th century to the present. Some of the statesmen included were heads of state; others held ministerial positions in foreign affairs; a few were neither heads of state nor foreign ministers. All influenced or changed the world in which they lived.Each essay includes a thorough and insightful biographical sketch covering the subject's life and career with particular emphasis on the subject's involvement in international affairs. In addition, each essay provides a bibliographical essay describing the available archival materials, works written by and about the subject, and the most recent scholarship. It concludes with a bibliographical checklist. Appendixes include glossaries of terms and a listing of heads of state. The book is fully indexed.

The aftershocks of the volatile 20th century will be felt for generations to come. In order to understand the current and future direction of the world, it is imperative to reflect on this century's seminal events and their lasting impact. Designed for students, this unique resource offers detailed descriptions and expert analysis of the 20th century's most important events: World War I, the Russian Revolution, the Rise of Fascism, the Great Depression, World War II, the Cold War, the Chinese Revolution, the end of Colonialism and the Rise of the Third World, European unification, and the collapse of the Soviet union. Each of the events is dealt with in a separate chapter. An introductory essay presenting the facts about each event precedes an interpretive essay by a recognized authority on the event. Exploring beyond the traditional textbook treatment of history, these interpretive essays consider the immediate and far-reaching ramifications of each event. Through this innovative approach, students will be inspired to further analyze these events not only from a historical perspective, but also in the context of the world in which they live today.In order to make complex history easily understandable, the ]ntroductory essay for each event provides factual background in a clear, concise, chronological manner. Written for a general readership, the interpretive essays assess each event in terms of its political, economic, sociocultural, and international/diplomatic impact. Some essays validate the norm, while others challenge conventional wisdom; all reflect the most recent scholarship concerning each event. Each interpretive essay is followed by an annotated bibliography that identifies the most important and most recent scholarship about the respective events. A photo of each event offers a visual component to the narrative. The volume contains four useful appendices: a glossary of names, events, organizations, treaties, and terms; a timeline of important events in 20th-century world history; the population of selected countries; and a list of states achieving independence since 1945. This work is perfect for the high school, community college, and undergraduate library reference shelf, as well as supplementary reading in social studies and world history courses.

The revolutions around the globe in the 19th century have had an enormous impact on the course of history. To help students better understand the major developments in the tumultuous 19th century and their impact on the 20th century, this unique resource offers detailed description and expert analysis of the 19th century's most important events: The Napoleonic Era, the Congress of Vienna and the Age of Metternich, the Latin American Wars of Independence, the Reform Bill of 1832, the Revolutions of 1848, the Emancipation of the Russian Serfs, the Meiji Restoration, the Unification of Germany, Marxism and the Rise of Socialism, and Imperialism. Each of the ten events is dealt with in a separate chapter. Designed for students, the unique format features an introductory essay that presents the facts, followed by an interpretive essay that places the event in a broader context and promotes student analysis.The introductory essay provides factual material about the event in a clear, concise, chronological manner that makes complex history understandable. The interpretive essay, written by a recognized authority in the field in a style designed to appeal to a general readership, explores the short-term and far-reaching ramifications of the event. An annotated bibliography identifies the most important and recent scholarship about each event. A full-page photo of each event complements the narrative. This volume contains four useful appendices: a glossary of names, events, and terms; a timeline of important events in 19th-century world history; the comparative population of selected countries in the 19th century; and countries colonized during the Imperial Scramble of 1870-1914. This work is an ideal addition to the high school, community college, and undergraduate reference shelf, as well as excellent for supplementary reading in social studies and world history courses.

Warfare on three continents, empire building, and revolution—political, agricultural, and industrial—dominate 18th-century world history. In Europe royal dynasties formed, fought major wars that carved up the map of Europe and the Americas, and began the great colonial expansion that dominated the next century. But the 18th century also ushered in the Enlightenment, which fired the imagination of Europeans, and the Industrial and Agricultural Revolutions, which changed society and work forever. To help students better understand the major developments of the 18th century and their impact on 19th- and 20th-century history, this unique resource offers detailed description and expert analysis of the 18th century's most important events: Peter the Great's Reform of Russia; the War of the Spanish Succession; the First British Empire; the War of the Austrian Succession and the Seven Years' War; the Enlightenment; the Agricultural Revolution; the American Revolution; the Industrial Revolution; the Slave Trade; and the French Revolution.Each of the ten events is dealt with in a separate chapter. Designed for students, this unique format features an introductory essay that presents the facts, followed by an interpretive essay that places the event in a broader context and promotes student analysis. The introductory essay provides factual material about the event in a clear, concise, and chronological manner that makes complex history understandable. The interpretive essay, written by a recognized authority in the field in a style designed to appeal to general readership, explores the short-term and far-reaching ramifications of the event. An annotated bibliography identifies the most important recent scholarship about each event. A full-page illustration complements the narrative for each event. Three useful appendices include: a glossary of names, events, and terms; a timeline of important events in 18th-century world history; and a listing of ruling houses and dynasties of 18th-century Europe. This work is an ideal addition to the high school, community college, and undergraduate reference shelf, as well as excellent supplementary reading for social studies and world history courses.

It was the age of empire and the dawn of political and scientific revolution. The seventeenth century brought about enormous changes in the global political landscape and in the understanding of the principles of science. From this dynamic century, often fraught with upheaval and bustling with fascinating historical actors, several key events are treated by recognized experts in the field. These important events include, among others: • The age of the great Russian tsars, Indian moguls, and Japanese shoguns• The beginning of a four-century dynasty in China• The reign of Louis XIV• The expansion of the Ottoman Empire• England's Glorious Revolution• The Founding of Jamestown• The Thirty Years' War• The Scientific Revolution To help students understand the major developments of the seventeenth century and their impact on our own time, this unique resource offers detailed description and expert analysis of the century's most important events.Each of the events is covered in a separate chapter. An introductory essay provides factual materials about the event in a clear, concise, and chronological manner that makes complex history understandable. An interpretive essay, written by a recognized authority in the field, then explores the short-term and far-reaching ramifications of the event. With an annotated bibliography, full-page illustrations, a timeline of important events, a listing of ruling houses and dynasties of the period, and a glossary of names, events, and terms of the seventeenth century, Events That Changed the World in the Seventeenth Century is an ideal addition to the high school, community college, and undergraduate reference shelf, as well as excellent supplementary reading for social studies and world history courses.

Except for the twentieth century, the period from the late Middle Ages through the sixteenth century witnessed the most significant developments in the history of the world. From the expulsion of the Muslims from Spain, through the flowering of the Renaissance, the religious strife of the Reformation, and the attempts by great empires to conquer their own continent and expand into the New World, the enormous political, religious, and social change took place on every continent of the globe are examined. These events and their impact have been carefully described and analyzed in this useful student resource. The events covered are: the Reconquista in Spain, the Renaissance, the Hundred Years' War, the Ming Dynasty Comes to Power, the Age of European Expansion Begins, the Development of Movable Type, the Fall of Constantinople, the Conquest of the New World, the Protestant Reformation, and the Spanish Armada.An introductory essay provides factual material about the event in a clear, concise, and chronological manner that makes complex history understandable. An interpretive essay, written by a recognized authority in the field, explores the short-term and long-term ramifications of the event. Each chapter concludes with a helpful annotated bibliography of further reading. A glossary, timeline of events, and table of ruling houses and dynasties across the globe provide additional reference value. Events That Changed the World Through the Sixteenth Century is an ideal addition to the high school, community college, and undergraduate reference shelf, as well as excellent supplementary reading for social studies and world history courses.

Unprecedented changes mark the American experience in the twentieth century—global and contained wars, great technological innovations, and enormous social changes. To help students better understand the major developments in this tumultuous century and our future direction as a nation, it is imperative to reflect on the century's seminal events and their lasting impact. Designed for students, this unique resource offers detailed description and expert analysis of the most important twentieth century events in America: Progressivism, World War I, the Great Depression, World War II, the development of atomic energy, the Cold War, the Civil Rights and women's rights movements, the rise of television, the Vietnam War, and the Reagan revolution.Each of the ten events is dealt with in a separate chapter. A unique format features an introductory essay that presents the facts, followed by an interpretive essay that places the event in a broader context and promotes student analysis. The introductory essay provides factual material about the event in a clear, concise, chronological manner that makes complex history understandable. The interpretive essay, written by a recognized authority in the field in a style designed to appeal to a general readership, assesses the event in terms of its political, economic, sociocultural, and international/diplomatic significance. Some essays validate the norm, while others challenge conventional wisdom; all reflect the most recent scholarship concerning the event. Each interpretive essay is followed by an annotated bibliography that identifies the most important and most recent scholarship about the event. A photo of each event offers a visual component to the narrative. A timeline of important events in twentieth-century American history, glossary of names, events, and terms, and list of twentieth-century Presidents, Vice-Presidents, and Secretaries of State complete the work. This work is perfect for the high school, community college, and undergraduate library reference shelf and as supplementary reading in social studies and world history courses.

In the year 1800 the United States was a fledgling nation. By the time the century ended we had expanded westward exponentially, stamped our imprint as the major power in the Western hemisphere, revolutionized our economy from agriculture to manufacturing, and suffered the schism of a civil war that nearly brought the nation as conceived by our forefathers to an end. To help students better understand the cataclysmic changes of this century, this unique resource offers detailed description and expert analysis of the most important 19th-century events in America: the Louisiana Purchase, the War of 1812, the Monroe Doctrine, Jacksonian Democracy, Abolition, the war with Mexico, the Civil War, the Industrial Revolution, the closing of the frontier, and the Spanish-American War.Each of these events is dealt with in a separate chapter. A factual introductory essay provides clear, concise information in chronological order. The interpretive essay, written in a widely appealing style by a recognized authority, then places each event in a broader context and explores the short-term and far-reaching ramifications of the event. A selected bibliography that follows identifies the most important and recent scholarship about the event. A full-page photo or illustration of each event portrays a visual component to the narrative. The volume contains three useful appendices: a glossary of names, events, and terms; a timeline of important events in 19th-century American history; and a list of 19th-century U.S. presidents, vice presidents, and secretaries of state. This work is an ideal addition to the high school, community college, and undergraduate reference shelf, as well as excellent supplementary reading in social studies and American history courses.

Designed to help students better understand the vitally important historical events of 18th century American history, this volume in the acclaimed series presents 10 major events in separate chapters. From the Great Awakening early in the century to Jefferson's Revolution of 1800, each chapter goes beyond the traditional textbook treatment of history by considering the immediate and far-reaching ramifications of each event. Events covered are: The Great Awakening, The Era of Salutary Neglect, The French and Indian War, The Stamp Act, The Boston Tea Party, The Declaration of Independence, The American Revolution, The Constitutional Convention, The XYZ Affair, and The Revolution of 1800.Each chapter features an introductory essay that presents the facts of the event, followed by an interpretive essay that places the event in a broader context and promotes student analysis. The introductory essay provides factual material in a clear, concise, chronological manner that makes complex history understandable. The interpretive essay, written by a recognized authority in the field and written in a style designed to appeal to a general readership, assesses the event in terms of its political, economic, sociocultural, and international/diplomatic significance. With its emphasis on factual details and interpretive analysis, an illustration, and an annotated bibliography for each event, a glossary of names, events, and terms of the period, a timeline of important events in eighteenth-century history, and a table of the population of the colonies and selected colonial towns, Events That Changed America in the Eighteenth Century is an ideal addition to the high school, community college, and undergraduate reference shelf, as well as excellent supplementary reading in social studies and American history courses.

From the settlement of the earliest peoples in the Americas to the close of the seventeenth century, enormous changes took place in what was to become the continental United States. To help students understand this sweep of history, this unique resource provides detailed description and expert analysis of the ten most important events through the seventeenth century: First Encounters, c. 40,000 BCE - 1492 AD; The Expedition of Coronado, 1540-1542; The Founding of St. Augustine, 1565; Early English Colonization Efforts, c. 1584-1630; Early European-Native American Encounters, 1607-1637; The Introduction of Slavery into America, 1619; The Surrender of New Amsterdam, 1664; King Philip's War, 1675-1676; The Glorious Revolution in America, 1688-1689; and The Salem Witch Trials, 1692. Each event is dealt with in a separate chapter. The examination goes beyond traditional textbook treatment of history by considering the immediate and far-reaching ramifications of each event. Each chapter features an introductory essay that presents the facts of the event in a clear, chronological manner that makes complex history understandable. This essay is followed by an interpretive essay, written by a recognized authority in the field in a style designed to appeal to a general readership and promote critical thinking, that places the event in a broader context and assesses it in terms of its political, economic, sociocultural, and international significance.With an illustration and an annotated bibliography for each event, a glossary of names, events, and terms of the period, a timeline of important events in American history through the seventeenth century, Events That Changed America Through the Seventeenth Century is an ideal addition to the high school, community college, and undergraduate reference shelf, as well as excellent supplementary reading in social studies and American history courses.

Every school and public library should update its resources on the history of Israel with this engagingly written and succinct narrative history from biblical times through 1997. This readable history, based on the most recent scholarship, provides a chronological narrative that examines the political, religious, and social components of Israel's turbulent history. A thorough examination of the events from the Six Day War of 1967 through the struggle for peace in 1997 is of special interest. The work provides a timeline of events in the history of Israel, biographical sketches of key figures in Israeli history, and an annotated bibliography of books of interest to students and general readers.The prologue gives an overview of the land, its government, resources, and culture. The first few chapters describe the earliest history of the land through the 19th century settlement of European Jews seeking to escape persecution and to build a Jewish state. Following the Holocaust, refugees poured into the region and political and military struggle culminated in the birth of the State of Israel in 1948. Blumberg, an expert on the history of Israel, then details the years of growth and successive wars with Israel's Arab neighbors from 1948 through 1973. In an extended discussion, he examines the political turbulence within Israel from the late 1970s through 1997, Israel's relations with its neighbors and the international community, and the progress and setbacks in the struggle for peace between Israel and the Arabs.

Every school and public library should update its resources on Spain with this lively and succinct narrative of Spain's long and rich historical experience. Emphasizing people rather than abstract developments, this narrative makes Spanish history readable and engaging. Based on the most recent scholarship, it examines the politics, society, economy, and culture of Spain chronologically, focusing on the last two centuries. Pierson, a noted authority on Spanish history, traces Spain's foundations in the Roman empire and Muslim conquest to its golden age in the late Middle Ages, its subsequent decline, and its struggle to build a democratic government and modern economy following the dictatorship of Francisco Franco. The work provides a timeline of events in Spanish history, brief biographies of key figures, and a bibliographic essay of interest to students and general readers.An introductory chapter offers an overview of Spain today, its geography, government and politics, economy, religion, and culture. The next few chapters discuss its earliest cultures, its place in the Roman empire, its Christianization and years as a Germanic kingdom, and its incorporation in 711 C.E. by military conquest into the world of Islam. The energies developed in the Christian reconquest of Spain led to its embarkation on the conquest of an overseas empire in the Americas and the Philippines that lasted for more than 300 years and had a profound effect on global history. The interests of the Habsburg (1516-1700) and Bourbon (1700-1808, 1814-1868, and 1875-1931) dynasties on the Spanish throne made Spain a major player in European power politics into the years of the French Revolution and Napoleonic wars. By 1825, its resources drained, Spain painfully adjusted to straightened circumstances, endured civil wars and dictatorships, and struggled to build a democratic government and modern economy, which it has accomplished today.

Every library should replace its outdated histories of Germany with this comprehensive and highly readable narrative history that traces Germany from antiquity through 1998. Unlike earlier studies written before unification, it offers up-to-date information on the Federal Republic of Germany in a refreshing and contemporary perspective without the Cold War rhetoric common to earlier histories. Designed for high school and college students and general readers, it will help readers to understand the complexity of German history. Each of the chapters in the work introduces a distinct period of German history, examining the problems of that era and how they affected subsequent events. Special emphasis is placed on the twentieth century, particularly the two post-World War II German states and their unification.The work begins with a factual description of the present Federal Republic, with tables and current statistics, to put the history in contemporary context. Eleven chapters trace the chronological history of the Germans from their earliest migrations into Europe to the present. A timeline of events in German history, a section of biographical sketches of key leaders in that history, and an annotated bibliography to help readers delve deeper into particular aspects of German history complete the work.

Holland was once a superpower upon whose empire the sun never set. Today it is on the leading edge of social change. This history of Holland, from its earliest beginnings to the present day, provides the most up-to-date survey of modern Dutch history, including the current Dutch approach to a number of social issues, such as the welfare state, the environment, socialized medicine, and the role of the military in the post-Cold War world. Containing a wealth of current information and statistics, this work will help the reader to understand the Dutch both within the historical context in which Holland exists and as world leaders in social change as we approach the twenty-first century.This engagingly written history provides a contemporary overview of Holland's geography, economy, political system, and society. Chapters arranged chronologically trace the history and culture of the nation from the Ice Age to the new post-Cold War world. Chapters on recent Dutch history show how Holland has claimed a leading role in social change: the Dutch have authorized euthanasia, socialized medicine, and legalized soft drugs. A selection of brief biographical sketches will introduce the reader to many of the important Dutch personalities throughout Holland's history, and a bibliographical essay will help the researcher to locate recommended books and other materials for further reading.

This succinct, authoritative, and engagingly written history of Nigeria from its earliest beginnings through 1998 provides an excellent introduction to the country's history. Constructed around the two interrelated themes of politics and the economy, it relates the development of the Nigerian people from antiquity through the end of 1998. Following a timeline of events in the history of Nigeria, Professor Falola, a leading historian on Nigeria and a distinguished Africanist, provides a readable, coherent narrative that carefully integrates the past into the present to help the student and general reader understand the forces at play in the development of the country throughout its long history. Biographical sketches of notable Nigerians, maps, and a bibliographical essay will aid the beginning researcher.Falola examines the development of civilization among different Nigerian communities from antiquity, the consequences of the introduction of Islam and Christianity, the decimation of the population from the slave trade, the imposition of colonial rule and its effects, the transfer of power to the Nigerians in 1960, and the subsequent turmoil in the government and economy. The work analyzes the complicated journey of Nigeria to the present day, which is marked by political instability and economic underdevelopment. It is a story of Nigeria's failure to fulfill the expectations of its people while using its oil resources to become a giant.

For many Americans, Sweden used to conjure images of Viking raiders and settlers. By contrast, contemporary Sweden is one of the world's most advanced nations in terms of politics, social welfare, gender equality, standard of living, technology, the arts, and participation in regional and global developments. Nordstrom traces the history of Sweden, detailing its prehistory and Viking past.This book shows how a country governed for years by a European monarchial system slowly—and at times grudgingly—changed into the egalitarian, democratic system of today. Starting with an introduction on Sweden's geography, people, and government, Nordstrom examines the political and cultural history of the country in six chapters. Also included are a bibliographical essay, an index, and a biographical section with portraits of more than 50 noteworthy Swedes, making this narrative account is the most up-to-date general history of Sweden available.

For a nation with a relatively small territory and population, Ireland has had a remarkable influence in the English-speaking world. In the United States alone, it is estimated that there are now forty-four million descendants of Irish lineage. For them and for students and interested readers, this up-to-date, concise, and fascinating volume is an ideal introduction to the history of Ireland. Hollis, an expert on Irish history, traces Ireland from its beginnings in the Neolithic era to events and issues in the year 2000. Carefully weaving the thread of complex relations between Britain and Ireland through the centuries, he portrays the dramatic events that led to the formation of the Republic, the troubles with Northern Ireland, and the complex economic and political issues that prevail in Ireland today.The work begins with a panoramic sketch of Ireland today, its geography, demography, economy and government. Chronologically arranged chapters trace the political, economic, social and cultural history of Ireland and the key personalities who shaped it. Ready-reference features include a timeline for easy reference to events, brief identifications of key personalities in the history of Ireland, and a bibliographic essay. Every library should update its resources on Ireland with this lively and succinct narrative history.

With the outbreak of war in the former Yugoslavia in 1991, interest in Balkan history has increased and become emotionally charged. This balanced and engagingly written history of Serbia will help readers to understand the complex web of Serbian history, politics, society, and culture and how the Serbs have dealt with the many political, military, and socioeconomic challenges in their history. It attempts to remove the veil of stereotypes and myths obscuring the significant details and developmental processes in the history of Serbia and in its relations with its neighbors. In addition to examining the political history of Serbia in the context of Central Europe, the author, a specialist in Balkan history, shows how societal and cultural developments affected Serbian history and reflected political and economic events.A timeline of significant events in the history of Serbia and an introductory chapter on Serbia today are followed by 12 chronologically organized narrative chapters that tell the story of this land from the splendor of medieval Serbia to a new beginning after the downfall of Slobodan Milosevic. Four historical maps, brief biographies of key figures in Serbian history, a glossary of terms, and a bibliographic essay provide valuable resource material for readers. Every library should update its collection of materials on Serbia with this current history.

What is Italy? In 1814 Austrian Chancellor M. de Metternich dismissed it as a mere geographical expression, because political control of the peninsula had long been divided among self-governing cities, possessions of foreign dynasties, and the Vatican. Prior to that, Italy had formed the home base of the Roman Empire. It was not until 1861 that a united Italy emerged. This concise, and clearly written account explores Italian history and culture from the Etruscans to the present day.Starting with an introduction providing data on Italy's geography, people, and current government, the book examines the political and cultural history of the country in eleven chapters. Readers will discover the Romans, Lombards, popes, Guelphs, Ghibbellines, the Medici, the Risorgimento, sculptors, composers, Fascists, Christian Democrats, and many other people and events of Italy's rich history. Included are a biographical section with portraits of noteworthy Italians, an extensive bibliographical essay, a glossary of terms, and an index, making this book the most complete and up-to-date general history of the nation available.

Australian history has been written for over two centuries beginning with European explorers and colonists attempting to convey something of the complexity of the strange upside-down world they encountered in the southern hemisphere. Of course, aboriginal peoples had lived in Australia for millennia before the arrival of the whites. Modern Australia has its foundations in these two cultural strands. Intertwined with these are the impact of colonialism and federation, indentured servitude and convict transportation, the effects of El Niño on European-style farming techniques, gold rushes, and longstanding issues of ethnicity, immigration, and religious tolerance. Covering these topics and more, this most recent and up-to date narrative history of Australia includes a timeline of major events, a biographic sketches of noteworthy historical figures, and a bibliographic essay.Noted historian of Australia, Francis Clarke, provides a complete, comprehensive, and contemporary account of the political, economic, and cultural forces of each period of Australian history and gives readers a clear understanding of the many factors that have shaped the country. Written for a general audience, The History of Australia is the perfect introduction to Land Down Under.

This unique resource describes and evaluates ten of the most important events in British history between the Norman Conquest of 1066 and the Glorious Revolution of 1689 and its aftermath. A full chapter is devoted to each event, and each chapter includes an introduction presenting factual information in a clear, chronological order. Longer, interpretive essays explore the short-term and far-reaching ramifications of the events.Coverage for each event also includes an annotated bibliography of works suitable for students and a full-page illustration. A glossary of terms, a timeline of British history up to 1714, and a chronological list of ruling houses and monarchs help students to better understand the major developments in modern British history, along with their significance and long-term impact.

This unique resource describes and evaluates ten of the most important events in British history between 1689 and the present. A full chapter is devoted to each event. Every chapter includes an introduction presenting factual information in a clear, concise, chronological order, and a longer interpretive essay exploring both the short term and far reaching ramifications of the event.The ten events covered are:^L ^DBL The Industrial Revolution^L ^DBL The Seven Years' War^L ^DBL The Napoleonic Wars^L ^DBL Pax Britannica^L ^DBL The Reform Act of 1832^L ^DBL The Crystal Palace Exhibition^L ^DBL The Movement for Irish Independence and Woman Suffrage^L ^DBL World War I^L ^DBL World War II^L ^DBL The Thatcher Era^L Coverage for each event also includes an annotated bibliography of works suitable for students and a full-page illustration. A glossary of terms, a timeline of British history since 1689, a chronological list of ruling houses and monarchs, and a chronological list of prime ministers help students to better understand the major developments in modern British history, along with their significance and long-term impact.

This book begins with a survey of Congo's early history, when diverse peoples such as the Luba, the Kuba, and the Nilotic inhabited the area, and continues by tracing the country's history through the Belgian period of colonization and the dictatorships of Mobutu and Kabila. Biographical portraits present important figures in Congo's storied history. An annotated bibliography and chronology help make this the most current and accessible introduction to this fascinating, complex, and long-suffering nation.The Democratic Republic of Congo, formerly Zaire, is located at the center of Africa. The country encompasses the entire Congo River Basin, the potential source of 13% of the world's hydroelectric power. The Congo River Basin also contains one-third of Africa's rainforests, countless species of trees, and more then 10,000 species of flowering plants. Congo contains extremely valuable deposits of diamonds and coltan, a metal used in high-tech machinery. Because of this abundance of natural resources, Congo has unfortunately been the site of colonial domination, repressive dictatorships, and internecine violence between rebel groups and neighboring countries.

Gocking provides a historical overview of Ghana from the emergence of precolonial states through increasing contact with Europeans that led to the establishment of formal colonial rule by Great Britian at the end of the 19th century. Colonial rule transformed what was known as the Gold Coast economically, socially, and politically, but it contained the seeds of its own demise. After World War II an increasingly more effective nationalist movement challenged British rule, and in 1957 Ghana became independent. Independence brought its own challenges the most important of which was the inability to maintain political stability. Within the space of 24 years there were four military coups and the collapse of three republics. Ghana's Fourth Republic, established in 1993, has dealt with the legacy of instability inherited from the past as it moves towards a more stable future.A timeline, photographs, maps, and an appendix of biographies of notable figures in the history of Ghana are included. Students and adults alike will find this book to be highly effective in describing the often turbulent and tumultuous history of this country.

The very idea of Britain has changed with the gain and loss of empire, the assimilation and devolution of various portions of the country, and the introduction and then dismantling of a welfare state that was nothing short of revolutionary in the wake of World War II. This volume provides an introduction to the history and culture of a nation that just a century ago was the world's leading imperial power and today is striving to reestablish its place as an international leader. The fortunes of that nation are outlined, describing its development from the days of Roman rule through the most recent events of Tony Blair's prime ministership. Rodrick introduces many important issues in Great Britain's history and also provides the reader with an overview of contemporary British society, from the intricacies of parliamentary politics to the cultural significance of church and crown. Includes a biographical section highlighting famous figures in British history, a timeline of important historical events, and a short bibliographical essay with suggestions for further reading.Focusing on the political and social developments of the 19th and 20th centuries, Rodrick discusses the evolving relationship between monarch and parliament, the dismantling of Britain's empire and the challenges the nation now faces, Britian's contentious relations with the rest of Europe, and the differences between English and British. This volume places modern Britain within the contemporary context of a post-imperial world, addressing the issues of post-colonialism and nationalism in a readable and brief format.

This engaging and informative historical narrative provides an excellent introduction to the history of Ethiopia from the classical era through the modern age. The acute historical analysis contained in this volume allows readers to critically interrogate shifting global power configurations from the late nineteenth century to the twentieth century, and the related implications in Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa region. Adejumobi identifies a second wave of globalization, beginning in the nineteenth century, which laid the foundation for a highly textured Ethiopian Afromodern twentieth century. The book explores Ethiopia's efforts at charting an independent course in the face of imperialism, World War II, the Cold War and international economic reforms with a focus on the gap between the state's modernization reforms and the citizenry's aspirations of modernity. The book focuses on Ethiopians' efforts to balance challenges related to social, political and economic reforms with a renaissance in the arts, theater, Orthodox Coptic Christianity, Islam and ancient ethnic identities.The History of Ethiopia paints a vivid picture of a dynamic and compelling country and region for students, scholars, and general readers seeking to grasp twenty-first century global relations. The work also provides a timeline of events in Ethiopian history, brief biographies of key figures, and a bibliographic essay.

Central America is an extraordinarily beautiful part of the world, with sweeping panoramic vistas of tropical vegetation, towering mountains, and striking ethnic and racial diversity. This tropical paradise has a history as diverse as its people and cultures. Starting with the Maya in ancient Mesoamerica, the History of Central America continues with European contact and the subsequent subjugation of the people of Central America. Spaniards established and ruled their Central American empire during the Colonial period. This led to the National period, independence movements, and the subsequent development of independent, sovereign Central American nations. By the mid-20th century, the economies, governments, and populations of the seven republics had evolved so distinctly that each has its own unique set of challenges to deal with today. Pearcy examines the development of each individual nation and the regional similarities that propelled or constrained that development.Ideal for students and general readers, the History of Central America is part of Greenwood's Histories of Modern Nations series. With over 30 nations' histories in print, these books provide readers with a concise, up-to-date history of countries throughout the world. Reference features include a biographical section highlighting famous figures in Central American history, a timeline of important historical events, a glossary of terms, and a bibliographical essay with suggestions for further reading.

With its closest neighbor some 1,200 miles away, New Zealand is one of the most geographically isolated countries in the world. Its remoteness led to its relatively late settlement. Brooking traces New Zealand from its earliest Maori settlers to issues in 2003, covering intertribal relations, the effects of European contact, the challenges of globalization, and more. The volume includes a timeline of historical events, biographical entries of notable people in the history of New Zealand, a glossary of Maori terms, and a bibliographic essay.With its closest neighbor some 1,200 miles away, New Zealand is one of the most geographically isolated countries in the world. Its remoteness led to its relatively late settlement. Brooking traces New Zealand from its earliest Maori settlers to issues in 2003, covering intertribal relations, the effects of European contact, the challenges of globalization, and more. The volume includes a timeline of historical events, biographical entries of notable people in the history of New Zealand, a glossary of Maori terms, and a bibliographic essay.This concise, engagingly written volume is ideal for students and general interest readers seeking information on New Zealand's history.

Since Alexander II ascended to the Russian throne in 1855 and implemented a series of modernizing reforms, including the emancipation of the serfs in 1861, Russia has found itself in the throes of continuous upheaval, caught between the autocratic traditions of empire and the dawn of the modern era. As the advent of industrialization and two world wars thrust Russia onto the global stage, the ramifications of its tumultuous history have been felt throughout the western world. This unique resource presents and evaluates ten of the most critical events in modern Russian history from the pivotal years of 1855-1991, including the Russian Industrial Revolution, the fall of the monarchy, the Stalin era, the Cold War, and the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. A full chapter is devoted to each event, and each chapter includes a factual introduction to the event, as well as an in-depth interpretative essay exploring its underlying causes, factors, and effects. Coverage for each event also includes an annotated bibliography of works suitable for students and an illustration for each. A glossary of terms, a timeline of Russian history from 1853-2004, a list of Russian/Soviet rulers and a population chart serve as ready reference materials for students looking to understand this critical period in world history.Since Alexander II ascended to the Russian throne in 1855 and implemented a series of modernizing reforms, including the emancipation of the serfs in 1861, Russia has found itself in the throes of continuous upheaval, caught between the autocratic traditions of empire and the dawn of the modern era. As the advent of industrialization and two world wars thrust Russia onto the global stage, the ramifications of its tumultuous history have been felt throughout the western world. This unique resource presents and evaluates ten of the most critical events in modern Russian history from the pivotal years of 1855-1991, including the Russian Industrial Revolution, the fall of the monarchy, the Stalin era, the Cold War, and the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.A full chapter is devoted to each event, and each chapter includes a factual introduction to the event, as well as an in-depth interpretative essay exploring its underlying causes, factors, and effects. Coverage for each event also includes an annotated bibliography of works suitable for students and an illustration for each. A glossary of terms, a timeline of Russian history from 1853-2004, a list of Russian/Soviet rulers and a population chart serve as ready reference materials for students looking to understand this critical period in world history.