The aim of this section is to give you a selection of books and films to read/watch in preparation for teaching or studying C19th USA. Click the images to go to a product page. Do get in touch if you have any other recommendations.
TV and Film
A fantastic documentary which details American expansion from 1789-1900. Brilliantly put together with some excellent interviews and really tight focus on personal stories. Highly recommended.
This SHP online discussion covers the teaching of the conflicts on the Northern Plains which occurred during the mid C19th. It also deals more broadly with how we teach about Indigenous peoples in US history and touches on a wide range of issues to be aware of.
A helpful documentary looking at the Oceti Sakowin (Lakota and Dakota peoples)
Great documentary from Henru Louis Gates Jr on Reconstruction post Civil War.
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| Deeply moving account of the life of Solomon Northup who was kidnapped into slavery. Based faithfully on Northup's original book, which can be downloaded for free online. | If you want to understand America's own telling of the settlement of the West then this is the best film to do it. A classic, though clearly from the white US perspective. Myth making in action. |
Book selection
 The definitive book on pre-Civil War slavery and the expansion of the USA. Baptist explains all American development through the lens of slavery and exploitation. Absolutely brilliant. Also an audio book. |  This book gives a good sense of the expansion of the USA as an act of settler colonialism. It is highly readable and is available in a kids version too! |  Nick Estes 'Our History is the Future' takes a perspective which aims to show Indigenous continuity in US history. It is a powerful read. |
 An excellent resource for secondary teachers wanting to do justice to Native American history. Also in a young persons' edition. |  The book is available online HERE. It has been written specifically for teachers to help them engage with integrating Indigenous peoples into their narratives. Many of the chapters can be read as needed but I would highly recommend starting with Chapter 17 on settler colonialism. Chapters 5-10 are highly relevant to most GCSE courses. |  A fantastic introduction to the American West. Also available as an audio book. |
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