American History in 15 Photographs - 1865 to the 21st century

Photographs are more than just an illustration of a moment in time, and offer a powerful way to interpret and understand the past in a way no other historical source can. American History in 15 Photographs introduces this power through the medium of 15 images representing key themes or eras in American History. Taking the reader from Reconstruction and Westward Expansion, to the Roaring Twenties and the World Wars, right up to Modern American Culture, it offers a refreshing, visual, introduction to the history of the United States through photographs. Teaching students how to understand, contextualise and interpret historic photography, and equipping them with skills to critically assess and analyse them, American History in 15 Photographs showcases both iconic and lesser-known images to tell a story about the American experience. Centring diverse histories, including discussions of race, class, gender, disability studies, environmental history, activism and social justice, it uses photographs not just as an illustration of a moment in time, but as a window to explore its greater meaning. This volume reorients photography as a major source for understanding the past, expanding not only the stories that we tell, but the way in which we interpret them.

Product details

• Authors: Lauren Tilton, Rebecca S Wingo
• Assisted by: Tilton Lauren (Editor), Rebecca S. Wingo (Editor)
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Release: 08.01.2026
• EAN: 9781350463387
• ISBN: 978-1-350-46338-7
• No. of pages: 256
• Series: History in 15
• Subjects: Photography & photographs, HISTORY / Social History, Social & cultural history, HISTORY / United States / General, PHOTOGRAPHY / History, Social and cultural history, History of the Americas, Photography and photographs, Political activism / Political engagement, photography; America; culture; race; class; gender; identity