Archives Unbound : Foreign Relations Between the U.S. and Latin America and the Caribbean States, 1930-1944

When working on historical research, obtaining access to primary source material is important.  In many cases, finding this material can be difficult and time consuming.  In an effort to bring some of this rare primary source material together in a cross-searchable digital format, Gale has created the Archives Unbound collection. Archives Unbound is a vast new resource of topically-focused digital collections of historical documents that support the research and study needs of scholars and students. Specifically developed to address the needs of libraries, Archives Unbound is unique not only for its expansive, multi-use content but also for the distinct new intuitive search platform by which you access it. (source)

Atkins Library has invested in several of these collections to meet the university’s research need.  We would like highlight one of these collections: 

Foreign Relations Between the U.S. and Latin America and theCaribbean States, 1930-1944

“During the 1930s, U.S. relations with Latin America and the Caribbean Growing war clouds in Europe and Asia predicated the need for securing resources and allies in the Western Hemisphere. Giving up unpopular military intervention, the U.S. shifted to other methods to maintain its influence in Latin America: Pan-Americanism, support for strong local leaders, the training of national guards, economic and cultural penetration, Export-Import Bank loans, financial supervision, and political persuasion.” (source)

Date Range: 1930-1944

Content: 82,212 images

Source Library: National Archives (U.S.)

The valuable documents will help in your research when studying America’s relationship with our neighbors to the south.  We encourage you to browse and search the collection.

Accessible Archives

To help celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, Atkins library invites you to explore Accessible Archives.  The US has a rich collection of primary source publications that provide insight into the day to day lives of our citizens throughout the years.  In the past many of these materials have only been available in print or microform, but now with the Accessible Archives database you can search and read the full text of popular titles of the past.  The collection includes “Diverse primary source materials reflecting broad views across American history and culture,” including:

• 19^th Century African American Newspapers
• American County Histories
• American Civil War primary resources – newspapers, first-hand accounts from soldiers and generals, and perspectives from different parts of the country.
• Godey’s Lady’s Book
• History of Women Suffrage
• South Carolina Newspapers

…and much more! 

If you are looking for US Primary Source material from the 19^th century, Accessible Archives is a great place to start.  In addition to being a great research tool, it is also incredibly interesting and entertaining to read about subjects of interest from the past.  For example in Godey’s Lady’s Book you can look at an article about How to Make Toiletries from Home.

Please visit Accessible Archives to start your journal through America’s past through the eyes of those who lived it!