Presents the scene in California after gold was discovered on John Sutter's land in 1849 and the subsequent fortunes made and hearts broken.

The history of whaling in New England from the early eighteenth century to its decline when oil was discovered in mid-nineteenth century.

Discusses the causes and consequences of the battles which marked the beginning of the American revolution, in April 1775, after local militiamen were warned by Paul Revere that British troops had set out from Boston.

Surveys the various Apollo spaceflights that marked America's attempts to put a man on the moon, with an emphasis on the 1969 Apollo 11 project culminating in the first landing.

Depicts life on the Oregon Trail in the 1800s as people traveled west in pursuit of their dreams.

Relates the circumstances of the United States' involvement with the Barbary States of North Africa in the early years of the nineteenth century.

Describes the events of the British invasion and burning of Washington, D.C. in 1814.

Traces the history of laws that were passed during the early twentieth century to end the exploitation of child laborers that had been widespread since the beginning of the industrial revolution.

Describes the 1929 stock market crash and the events and effects of the depression that followed, including the New Deal programs intended to restore the economy.