U. S. History

By Steve Wiegand

Book Overview

Ace your next history test with this concise, easy-to-read guide U.S. History for Dummies, 3rd Edition fills the need to improve high school proficiency in history by providing a complete history of the United States, presented in an accessible, reader-friendly format designed to engage students while reinforcing lessons learned in class. The National Assessment of Educational Progress 2011 report showed that only 12% of high school seniors in the U.S. perform at a "proficient" level in history. This, coupled with the fact that U.S. History courses and AP exams have been redesigned to remedy the situation, means that many students and parents are in need of a supplemental study guide. Award-winning political journalist and history writer Steve Wiegand guides you through the events that shaped our nation, from pre-Columbian civilizations to the 21st century. The explorers, the wars, the leaders, and the eras are all fully explored and explained, demonstrating how the past influences the future. From the Boston Tea Party to the current Tea Party, the updated 3rd edition includes information about events that have occurred since the previous edition's 2009 release. New coverage includes: Recession recovery, including federal efforts, unemployment, and the widening class divide The rise of the extreme right and the bitter divisions between political parties and geographic regions Seeking the balance between superpower and domestic caretaker The impact of social media, government surveillance, and cyber crime Not all history is old news, and what happened yesterday affects us all today. It is vitally important that all U.S. citizens are well-versed in the building of our nation, and remain aware of current events. For students and parents wondering what they've missed, U.S. History for Dummies, 3rd Edition unlocks the door to the past--and the future.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1118888987
• ISBN13: 9781118888988
• Release Date: August 1970
• Publisher: Wiley & Sons, Incorporated, John
• Length: 432 Pages
• Weight: 0.12 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 7.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

U.S. History for Dummies

Good Book. I is very detailed with the necessary fact about US history that I require. Thanks

Amazing: a modern history book that is not bland

Steve Wiegand has a voice and he's not afraid to use it. It's wonderful to read a general history book with a little edge, a little attitude, and a lot of humor. This is no pussy-cat history, declawed and toned down with an eye to being totally inoffensive. This is fun to read -- and you'll learn something while you're at it. Great supplement for teachers seeking to spice up the curriculum a bit and engage their students.

US History: Facts and Humor

I found this book to be a great refresher for all of the facts I had learned about US History in high school and had since forgotten. Even more importantly, I learned a lot of details not generally included in the names, dates, just-the-facts ma'am genre of most history textbooks. The book is well organized and it is easy to locate information about a specific period of time if you are just flipping through. The humorous and conversational style also make this book great to read cover to cover without feeling like you have to take a test afterward. I would recommend this book to any student needing to supplement their in-class learning and any adult looking to expand their knowledge a bit. I find it refreshing that Wiegand couples his facts with distinct opinions. It is widely known that it is impossible to write about anything, including history, with complete objectivity. The style in which this book is written is not hiding anything and it's a great resource whether you agree with the author's political commentary or not!

A breath of fresh air

I was very pleased to find a new type of book that teaches the basics without all the unnecesary details. Not having a scholarly type of interest in history, I found this book to be educational and fun to read. History is a very dry subject for most people and the author's humor was very entertaining. If you are looking for material for a dissertation, go to the library. Pick any history book because they all contain the same information. If you want to learn about American History by someone not afraid to offend others with the truth, you'll love this book!

U.S. History for DUMMIES by Steve Wiegand

This is U.S. History in a nutshell! Focusing on the most important details of our History, Steve Wiegand has compacted centuries of information into 360 pages.Interspersed with the well-researched information are sometimes humorous, and sometimes amazing, tidbits of little-known facts about events, Presidents, and personalities that have shaped our country.(Did you know that "Uncle Sam" was really Sam Wilson of Arlington,Massachusetts ?)Serving principally as a reference book rather than a textbook, I found myself reading this book as if it were a novel. Rarely does one sit down and read a History book from cover to cover as I did with U.S. History for DUMMIES. Each chapter had some topic that drew me on with interest.Mr Wiegand's style and sly-humor are an easy read. In addition, some valuable reference tools are included in the Appendices.I highly recommend this book for Educators, History buffs and all general interest readers.