Essays

The Thirteen Colonies

The essays in this section have been written by leading scholars of American history. They provide additional depth on events and ideas referred to in the introductory essay and, in some cases, different interpretations by historians looking at the same events. These essays are particularly useful in introducing your students to one of the most exciting aspects of studying history—understanding the past from a variety of perspectives.

George Washington’s French and Indian War

Author: Theodore J. Crackel Curriculum Subjects: World History Grade Levels: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13+
“A View of the Town of Boston,” by Paul Revere, 1770, detail. (GLC02873)

History Times: The Colonial Era

Author: the Gilder Lehrman Institute Curriculum Subjects: Economics, Geography, Government and Civics, Religion and Philosophy Grade Levels: 2, 3, 4, 5

The Colonial Virginia Frontier and International Native American Diplomacy

Author: William White Curriculum Subjects: Government and Civics Grade Levels: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

Essays from Other Sub-Eras

Thomas Clarkson, The History of the Rise, Progress and Accomplishment . . .

African Immigration to Colonial America

Author: Ira Berlin Curriculum Subjects: Grade Levels:
GLC04315

Early America’s Jewish Settlers

Author: Eli Faber Curriculum Subjects: Religion and Philosophy Grade Levels:

Jamestown and the Founding of English America

Author: James Horn Curriculum Subjects: Economics, Geography, Government and Civics, World History Grade Levels: 9, 10, 11, 12, 13+

The League of the Iroquois

Author: Matthew Dennis Curriculum Subjects: Government and Civics Grade Levels:
“Landing of Roger Williams,” (New York: Johnson Fry & Col, 1867) (GLC08878.0006)

The Puritans and Dissent: The Cases of Roger Williams and Anne Hutchinson

Author: Francis J. Bremer Curriculum Subjects: Religion and Philosophy Grade Levels:
The Wonders of the Invisible World (1693), by Cotton Mather (GLC00264p1)

The Years of Magical Thinking: Explaining the Salem Witchcraft Crisis

Author: Mary Beth Norton Curriculum Subjects: Geography, Government and Civics, Literature, Religion and Philosophy Grade Levels: 9, 10, 11, 12, 13+
Detail from a World War I poster. (GLC09522)

Why Immigration Matters

Author: Thomas Kessner Curriculum Subjects: Grade Levels: 9, 10, 11, 12, 13+