Who've been creating controversies since before America gained her independence? Women, of course!  This week’s database highlight, Issues & Controversies in American History [1], has no shortage of historical controversies presented with the same attention to dual viewpoints as its modern counterpart, Issues & Controversies [2]. Set yourself in the late 1800’s and ask, should married women be entitled to the right to own property?

With Issues & Controversies in American History, history comes to life, not as a mere recitation of names and dates but as a series of turning points where the future hung in the balance and opinions raged on all sides. This accessible educational database delivers dynamic, concise, and balanced coverage that provides the background, outcome, and contemporary points of view for every major debate and conflict in American history. All articles feature multiple primary sources, essential to understanding our nation’s past. In addition, all articles have been indexed to key subjects such as immigration, politics and government, race and civil rights, religion, war and military, and more. – from the vendor

The National Women’s History Project [3] is this week’s open site. This organization strives to “celebrate the diverse and historic accomplishments of women”. Each year the organization picks a theme and honors women’s achievements in that area. The theme for 2018 is “Nevertheless, She Persisted: Honoring Women who Fight All Forms of Discrimination Against Women”.  Here [4] is the list of this year’s honorees.  

Action Steps

• Run a keyword search or browse topics in I&C American History [1], find a controversy involving women and share the controversy in the comments
• Share the title of a book you enjoyed which portrays some aspect of women’s historical life. Biographies count too!

Free notebooks for all respondents!