The 1990's economic prosperity and technological advancement are counterbalanced by a sharp rise in terrorism. Following a military and diplomatic triumph in the first Persian Gulf War, Americans focus largely on domestic issues. Despite enhanced communications via the Internet, the world is slow to react to growing humanitarian crises in Africa and the Balkans. In the music world, grunge and hip-hop dominate the scene. Through dynamic photos and interesting text, see how the 1990s were a time of prosperity and growth....

America emerges from its malaise in the 1980s. Meanwhile severe social, economic, and military pressures force the Soviet Union to abandon its longstanding political doctrine. The U.S. stands alone as the world s sole superpower. Through the good times there were also bad ones the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded and the worst nuclear power accident in history occurs at Chernobyl. Read more about the 1980s in this photo-driven book....

Action packed photos show how as the 1940s opened the world sank into conflict. Adolf Hitler s troops marched through Europe. Japanese forces spread out across Asia and the Pacific Ocean. America hoped to avoid the war but could not. A surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, outraged the nation. World War II quickly engulfed the planet. Americans grimly accepted the challenge of war. Millions joined the armed services. Women worked long hours in factories and shipyards. Fierce battles raged overseas. Slowly, America and its allies scored key victories. The intense flash of an atomic bomb came in 1945. World War II ended and a new era began. Read how it all happened in the 1940s....

The 1970s were a time of protest and change. Yet, they were happy times, too. The nation celebrated two hundred years of independence. Audiences enjoyed hit films such as Star Wars and Jaws. People dressed in funky clothes. They danced to the beat of disco music. This photo-driven book with fast-paced text shows the 1970s as a decade of change....

Will Smith's remarkable rise to fame began in the 1980s. As the Fresh Prince, a young rapper with clever lyrics and boyish charm, he and DJ Jazzy Jeff introduced millions to the playful side of hip-hop. Today, as a solo artist, Smith continues to attract listeners with his wit and unique style. Along the way, he has also established himself as a Hollywood film star and international celebrity.During the 1990s, Will Smith starred in the hit television sitcom "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air". Later, he landed roles in major action movies such as "Men in Black" and "Independence Day". His recent credits include the science fiction film "I", "Robot, the animated Shark Tale", and the romantic comedy "Hitch". Will Smith has used his fame to try to improve the lives of underprivileged families in both the United States and Africa....

Gripping photos and text show hippies protesting the Vietnam War, astronauts walking on the moon, and Martin Luther King, Jr., leading the way to equal rights for African-Americans. These are just a few powerful images from the 1960s. It was an unsettling time for America. Soldiers battled in the jungles of Southeast Asia. Inspiring leaders fell victim to assassins bullets. A crisis over Soviet missiles pushed the world toward nuclear war. Yet it was also a time of triumph. The civil rights movement succeeded. Humans orbited into space for the very first time. The Beatles changed rock 'n' roll forever. Read more about the 1960s in this photo-driven book....