Nineteenth Century Life Chapters

What made the 19th century an interesting but tumultuous time? What technological, cultural and social changes influenced life then? Explore those issues in this story collection.

View photographs and drawings of the siege of Petersburg before General Lee surrenders.

One theory suggests that Sir William Gull, Queen Victoria's physician, is Jack the Ripper.

Slaves who are brought to America to work the southern plantations have little "comfort and happiness."

Slave pens, in Washington, are near America's Capitol Building and the White House in 1841.

President Lincoln in his fight to uphold the Union agrees to ban slave trade and admits that the practice is wrong.

Slaves, who are forced to do hard work in the fields growing cotton and other crops, are often abused.

The Underground Railroad is dangerous; many risk their lives both escaping and helping others escape.

Henry Northup tells Platt (Solomon Northup) to throw down his sack because his "cotton-picking days are over."

Former slaves tell of the pain of losing their families to slave trading. Because America had chattel slavery, where people were treated like property...

A house in London, which appears to have a neglected door, isn't neglected after all. A strange man, who looked detestable, had keys to come-and-go th...

With her father's support Susan B. Anthony fights against discrimination.

Vincent begins to study art, while falling in love with his cousin (who does not love him).

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