This two-volume set examines how today's U.S. citizen was first imagined, how citizenship was established and codified, and how it has been refined over time. Essays also consider barriers to full citizenship, including voting rights, civil rights, prisoner's rights, immigration quotas, and the process of becoming a naturalized citizen. Slavery is also discussed, as slaves were not considered citizens at all and in fact only counted as three-fifths...

"Defining Documents in American History: The Free Press offers an in-depth analysis of 50 primary source documents at the foundation of the study of freedom of speech. These include letters, newspaper reports, book excerpts, speeches, political debates, testimony, court rulings, and more. These selections explore the intricacies of defining what is meant by freedom of the press and how it is understood and applied in the United States." -- publisher's...

"Defining Documents in American History: The American West offers a broad range of historical documents on important figures and topics in American West research. Written by historians and experts in the field, this resource examines a wide array of primary source documents with an in-depth critical analysis. Articles begin by introducing the reader to the document's historical context, followed by a description of the author's life and circumstances...

Defining Documents in American History: 1970s provides analysis of: President Nixon's Resignation and the Watergate Scandal -- The End of the Vietnam War -- The Kent State Shootings -- Roe v. Wade -- The Viking 1 Space Probe's Landing on Mars

Defining Documents in American History: The 1950s provides analysis of: The Korean War and The Vietnam War; The Civil Rights Movement; McCarthyism and the Cold War; The Beginning of the Space Race; Baby Boomers and Suburban Growth; and more. An historical timeline and bibliography of supplemental readings will support readers in understanding the broader historical events and subjects in the period. The documents included represent the diversity...