Explores cultural, economic, and political events of the first two decades of the twentieth century.

From 1910 to 1919, the United States saw its status as a world superpower escalate-a status confirmed by the end of World War I in 1918. This new addition to the Defining Documents series profiles these formative years in modern American history, providing careful, close analysis of over forty important documents from the era.

Many of the key issues concerning the United States as we enter the 21st century were already taking shape as we entered the 20th century. Business mergers, U.S. military intervention (in the Philippines), trade disputes with China and Europe, racial violence, high levels of crime, rising income gaps between rich and poor, volatile stock market prices, homelessness in the cities, the dangers of immigration, and the domination of money in elections -- all these major national issues in 1900 are familiar in some form to Americans today. The nation grappled for the first time with a series of complex new challenges: distribution of wealth and economic opportunity; the form race and ethnic relations should take in a country of increasing diversity; the relationship between big business and government; how the United States, as a new world power, should act overseas; and a host of others. Written in a fluid and highly readable style, Kent's ten chapters comprise a colorful narrative history of the major events of this pivotal year that continues to resonate a century later.

This new addition to the Defining Documents series profiles the first decade of the 20th century in America through careful, close analysis of historic documents from the era. Over thirty primary source documents are studied, delivering a thorough examination of this crucial period in American history.

Its more than 350 essays cover the full breadth of North American history and culture throughout the decade.

These volumes constitute an encyclopedic reference work covering the most important people, institutions, events and developments in the United States and Canada between the years 1910 and 1919. The authoritative articles make the set useful to high school students, college undergraduates, and more advanced students and scholars.

Spurred by the energy and progressive attitude of President Theodore Roosevelt and millions of immigrants flooding into our cities, American life saw tremendous change from 1900-1910. This volume offers a wealth of information on popular culture at the dawn of the 20th century.