Afghanistan's history, internal political development, foreign relations, and very existence as an independent state have largely been determined by its geographic location at the crossroads of Central, West, and South Asia. In modern times, as well as in antiquity, vast armies of the world passed through Afghanistan, temporarily establishing local control and often dominating Iran and northern India. Islam has played a key role in the formation of Afghanistan as well. Although it was the scene of great empires and flourishing trade for over two millennia, Afghanistan did not become a truly independent nation until the twentieth century. In much of the twentieth century, Afghanistan remained neutral. It was not a participant in World War II, nor aligned with either power bloc in the Cold War. However, it was a beneficiary of the latter rivalry as both the Soviet Union and the U.S. vied for influence by building such infrastructure works as roads, airports, water and sewer systems, and hospitals. The U.S. State Department Central Classified Files are the definitive source of American diplomatic reporting on political, military, social, and economic developments throughout the world in the twentieth century.

• Freedom's journal, March 16, 1827 - March 28 1829; The Colored American (Weekly Advocate), January 7, 1837 - December 25, 1841; The North Star, December 3, 1847 - April 17, 1851; The National Era, January 7, 1847 - March 12, 1860 (complete through Dec. 1853); Provincial Freeman, 1854-1857; Frederick Douglass Paper, 1851-1859 (completed through December 1852); The Christian Recorder, 1861-1902 (completed through April, 1862).

This enormous collection of African-American newspaper contains a wealth of information about the cultural life and history during the 1800s, and is rich with first-hand reports of the major events and issues of the day, including the Mexican War, Presidential and congressional addresses, Congressional abstracts, business and commodity markets, the humanities, world travel and religion. They also contain large numbers of early biographies, vital statistics, essays and editorials, poetry and prose, and advertisements all of which embody the African-American experience.

"Created from the Library Company of Philadelphia's acclaimed Afro-Americana Collection - an accumulation that begain with Benjamin Franklin and steadily increased throughout its entire history - this unique online resource provides researchers with more than 12,000 printed works. These essential books, pamphlets and broadsides, including many lesser-known imprints, hold an unparalleled record of African American history, literature and culture. This collection spans nearly 400 years, from the early 16th to the early 20th century. Critically important subjects covered include the West's discovery and exploitation of Africa; the rise of slavery in the New World along with the growth and success of abolitionist movements; the development of racial thought, including political protest and resistance to racism; descriptions of African American life -- slave and free -- throughout the Americans; and slavery and race in fiction and drama. Also featured are printed works of African American individuals and organizations."

Full text database of selected newspapers, magazines, and journals of the alternative and independent press.

Database of broadsides printed between 1820 and 1900 and ephemera printed between 1760 and 1900, full text searchable, plus browsable by genre, subject, author, history of printing, place of publication, language.

Introduces the American Memory Collection of archival and primary source materials pertinent to American culture and history. Notes that this historical collection is the Library of Congress' key contribution to the National Digital Library. Outlines various aspects of the collection, including digital reproductions, a finding aid in the form of a catalog or register, and other accompaniments. Notes that there are three photographic collections, one recorded sound collection, three early motion picture collections, one manuscript collection (which is now being completed), and three early motion picture collections available on the Internet, with more materials becoming available over time. Notes that some materials are protected by copyright. Also offers technical information about American Memory and on future collections.

"Offers portraits of more than 17,400 men and women, from all eras and walks of life, whose lives have shaped the nation."
Features thousands of illustrations, hyperlinked cross-references and links to select web sites.

Site contains documents related to the study of the American Presidency, including public papers, annual messages to Congress, inaugural addresses, radio addresses, acceptance speeches, presidential candidates debates, party platforms, elections data, and an audio/video archive.