This webpage provides resources to help you find more information on the themes and topics of the course.
Most of the databases on this page are restricted to UW students, staff and faculty. These are marked with a lock
. To connect to these databases from home you will need to first click on the Off-Campus Access button in the upper-right hand corner and login with your UWnetid.
Have questions or need research help? Please contact Theresa Mudrock, the history librarian, via email at mudrock@u.washington.edu
Start Here to Find Background Information
Encyclopedias and other reference sources can provide background information and can be used to identify key people, events and dates which can then be used as search terms for finding additional information. More importantly, because encyclopedias often cover the major issues surrounding the subject, they can help you narrow your research from a broad "who, what, where, when" topic to a "how or why" question. Many also provide a jumpstart on your research by listing related readings.
Two searchable collections of encyclopedias are
- Encyclopedia of the American West -- Suzzallo Reference F591 .E485 1996
- Encyclopedia of World War II -- Suzzallo Reference D740 .E516 2005
- HistoryLink (Washington State history encyclopedia)
- The Home Front Encyclopedia -- Suzzallo Reference D570 .H54 2007
Start Here to Find Books
Non-fictional books can provide both an overview and indepth analysis of a topic, event or person. Many books will include footnotes and bibliography that can lead you to other research/writings on the topic.
Book reviews can be useful when evaluating a book or to get a quick synopsis. Use the databases listed under "Finding Academic/Scholarly Articles" to find book reviews.
- UW Libraries Catalog - holdings of the UW Libraries. Best used for known-item searching especially journal titles and ebooks and when you want to find just what is available on campus or in a specific branch of the UW Libraries.
- UW WorldCat - version of the catalog that simultaneously searches the UW Libraries Catalog and other libraries in the region and worldwide, also includes some citations to articles. Best used for topical searches and for requesting books from other libraries.
Start Here to Find Academic/Scholarly Articles
Academic articles, those published in scholarly journals, are the bedrock of most academic disciplines. In the field of historical research, they are considered secondary sources. They provide an indepth analysis of narrow topics. Prior to publishing, articles are vetted through a process called peer-review.
Most academic articles and books include footnotes which can lead you to primary sources (and additional secondary sources) on a topic. Scan the footnotes or bibliography for published primary sources -- search the UW Libraries Catalog to locate sources. See example.
Start Here to Find Books that are Primary Sources
In addition to the many books that are secondary sources; the UW Libraries has books that are primary sources. These include books written during the period for your topic (i.e., during the 1960s), books written by participants, published collections of correspondence and other personal writings, memoirs and reprints of primary source material.
Most of the material dealing with the Pacific Northwest, both published and unpublished, is kept in Special Collections.
Search the UW Libraries Catalog using the following search tactics:
- Limit your search by publication date.
- Search for books written by key people or organizations.
- Use special subject terms that designate primary sources: personal narratives, diaries, correspondence, interviews, sources
- Example:
world war 1939 and correspondence
Start Here to Find Newspaper Articles
Newspapers are a primary source providing a first rough draft of events. Since most newspapers are local in scope, there is good coverage of local issues. Newspapers also provide a good feel for the time period.
Most of the older newspapers do not include indexing. Usually you will need to browse through issues of a newspaper to discover its content.
The Microform and Newspaper Collections on the ground floor of Suzzallo library has a strong collection of local newspapers.
Help: Analyzing Newspapers & Newspapers
- Pacific Northwest Regional Newspaper & Periodical Index - indexes local newspapers back to the late 19th century; only partially online; Special Collections has complete index
- List of other digitized newspapers
Start Here to Find Magazine Articles
Magazines are similar to newspapers. Popular magazines (news, fashion, sports, etc.) provide a good feel for the period. Unlike newspapers, there is indexing to identify specific articles on topics. Since most magazines are national in scope, there is limited coverage of local topics.
Start Here to Find Government Documents
The UW Libraries has an extensive collection of federal, state and local government documents. These documents are usually primary sources and can include census material, annual reports from governmental agencies and congressional hearings.
Most government material is housed in the Government Publications section on the ground floor of Suzzallo Library. Librarians there can help you find material you need.
- Historic Government Publications from World War II - includes more than 300 pamphlets, regulations and propaganda from the war
- War Relocation Authority
- Japanese American evacuation and resettlement records, 1930-1974 [160 reels] - mcnews A10096
- Papers of the U.S. Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians [35 reels] - mcnews A7378
- Records of the War Relocation Authority, 1942-1946: Field Documentation [115 reels] mcnews A9912
Start Here to Find Manuscripts
Manuscript material is unique, unpublished material and can include handwritten diaries and letters plus organization material such as meeting minutes or handouts. Usually it is best to do preliminary research in published material first (secondary and primary) before delving into manuscripts.
Special Collections, located in the basement of Allen Library south, holds the manuscript materials in the UW Libraries.
- UW Libraries Catalog - limit your search to publication type: Archival & MS Collections
- Online Finding Aids - less than 10% of the finding aids are available online, for others visit Special Collections
- Northwest Digital Archives - searchable listing of manuscript collections at other PNW libraries
- National Union Catalog of Manuscript Collections
- King County Archives
- National Archives - Seattle
- Puget Sound Regional Archives - part of the state archives
- Seattle City Archives
- Washington State Archives
Start Here to Find Websites
The Web is a growing source for primary sources dealing with U.S. history. The sites listed here have substantial collections of primary sources dealing with American history.
For additional links see WWW-VL: History USA 1940-1950.
- Densho (Japanese American oral histories and digitized camp newspapers, photographs; registration required)
- JARDA (Japanese American Relocation Digital Archives)
- Veterans History Project
- World War II Homefront (films)
- World War II Poster Collection
History on the Web | Chicago Styleguide | Research 101 tutorial
