Publisher's Synopsis
Women and minorities have played an essential role in the advancement of American ideals and institutions in the twentieth century. Using a multicultural approach, Voices of Diversity: Twentieth-Century Perspectives on History and Government, showcases some of the key players and events. In chronological order, and beginning with Alice Stone Blackwell on "Why Women Should Vote," essays, speeches, letters, proclamations, and other documents by people from underrepresented groups provide a snapshot of some essential contributions they made to the expansion of democratic values. Also featured are laws, judicial decisions, and executive acts that benefit those groups and promote the ideals of liberty and equality. Each chapter begins with a capsule summary of the history at that moment. Each reading is preceded by a summary of the author's background and ends with several study questions. Few collections are available that feature such a sweeping view of the meaning of democratic values through the thoughts and deeds of minority groups and women, along with an overview of government institutions at work. An excellent supplementary text to American history and government classes, this book can also be utilized as a primary text in sociology, race relations and multicultural class curricula.
