Sources: Disasters, Accidents, and Crises in American History: A Reference Guide to the Nation’s Most Catastrophic Events

Abstract

Arranged chronologically, each of the signed articles focuses on one major catastrophe. Articles are generally two to three pages in length (longer for Great Depression and Cigarettes and lung cancer) and cover background, causes, living through the actual event, immediate and long-term response, and the lasting impact. Events include natural and environmental disasters, riots and terrorist attacks, transportation accidents, epidemics, presidential assassinations, and more.