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
- Chronological History of US Foreign Relations -- Suzzallo Reference E183.7 B745 2003
- Encyclopedia of the Cold War -- Suzzallo Reference D840 .E625 2008
- Encyclopedia of the Cold War: a political, social, and military history -- Suzzallo Reference D840 .E63 2008
- Encyclopedia of U.S. foreign relations -- Suzzallo Reference E183.7 .E53 1997
- Global Perspectives on the United States: A Nation by Nation Survey -- Suzzallo Reference E895 .G56 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.
- American Foreign Relations Since 1600: A Guide to the Literature - annotated selection of articles, books and chapters on foreign relations -- Suzzallo Reference E183.7 .A57 2003
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 1930s), books written by participants (e.g., Woodrow Wilson), published collections of correspondence and other personal writings, memoirs and reprints of primary source material.
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
- cold war and sources
- diplomats and interviews
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.
- List of other magazine indexes
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.
- Foreign Relations of the United States (FRUS) - State Department documents from the Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon adminstrations; also see University of Wisconsin's FRUS collection and the printed copy in Government Publications, S1.1:
- State Department files on microfilm
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.
- American Presidency Project
- Avalon Project - documents in law, history and diplomacy
- The CAESAR, POLO, and ESAU Papers - declassified CIA documents dealing with USSR and China
- Carter Library - selected documents, oral histories
- Clinton Presidential Materials Project
- Cold War International History Project
- Frontline Diplomacy - oral histories
- Johnson Library - selected online documents
- National Security Archive
- nixontapes.org - audio and selected transcripts 1971-73
- Parallel History Project on Cooperative Security - NATO and Warsaw Pact documents
- Roosevelt Library - selected online documents
- Truman Library - selected online documents
- Virtual Vietnam Archive
- Wilson Library - selected online documents
History on the Web | Chicago Styleguide | Research 101 tutorial
