U.S. History for Dummies, 3^rd Edition fills the need to improve high school proficiency in history by providing a complete history of the United States, presented in an accessible, reader-friendly format designed to engage students while reinforcing lessons learned in class. The National Assessment of Educational Progress 2011 report showed that only 12% of high school seniors in the U.S. perform at a "proficient" level in history. This, coupled with the fact that U.S. History courses and AP exams have been redesigned to remedy the situation, means that many students and parents are in need of a supplemental study guide.

Award-winning political journalist and history writer Steve Wiegand guides you through the events that shaped our nation, from pre-Columbian civilizations to the 21^st century. The explorers, the wars, the leaders, and the eras are all fully explored and explained, demonstrating how the past influences the future. From the Boston Tea Party to the current Tea Party, the updated 3^rd edition includes information about events that have occurred since the previous edition's 2009 release. New coverage includes:

• Recession recovery, including federal efforts, unemployment, and the widening class divide
• The rise of the extreme right and the bitter divisions between political parties and geographic regions
• Seeking the balance between superpower and domestic caretaker
• The impact of social media, government surveillance, and cyber crime

Not all history is old news, and what happened yesterday affects us all today. It is vitally important that all U.S. citizens are well-versed in the building of our nation, and remain aware of current events. For students and parents wondering what they've missed, U.S. History for Dummies, 3^rd Edition unlocks the door to the past-and the future.

Learn:

• To appreciate the people, events, and places that shaped our nation
• The most controversial occurrences of the modern U.S. times
• The names and dates you need to know to score higher on your next U.S. History Exam

The easy way to score higher in U.S. History

U.S. History For Dummies, 3rd Edition guides you through the events that shaped our nation, from the Boston Tea Party to the current Tea Party, and everything in between. For students looking to ace their next history exam, or anyone who wants to brush up on U.S. history, this easy-to-follow guide covers the wars, leaders, and eras that influenced where we are now, as well as and where we're headed.

• They're coming to America - get to know the first-known settlers on American soil, the first non-Native Americans to explore the New World, and the first efforts of Europeans to create an actual settlement in America
• You say you want a revolution - meet some of the most influential people in the early days of the United States and examine wars fought against pirates, England, Native Americans, and Mexico
• TV, Elvis, and reds under the bed - take a look at the Cold War and how a booming economy, a move to the 'burbs, and the invention of television shaped American life
• The new face of America - explore one of the most controversial presidential elections in U.S. history, the biggest terrorist attack in modern times, the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, and more

Open the book and find:

• Interesting Americans, from political figures to national treasures
• The gold rush and industrial development
• The impact of the World Wars
• Causes and consequences of the Great Depression
• Life in America from Camelot to Watergate
• A look at how social media and technology are shaping America
• Ten events that helped define American culture