Parallel Histories has released its newest project, Isolationism v. Internationalism: Did Staying Out or Stepping In make Americans safer?
March 2026
Parallel Histories has released its newest project, Isolationism v. Internationalism: Did Staying Out or Stepping In make Americans safer?
Parallel Histories has developed an eBook for secondary school students to explore and assess the debate around American policies from 1898-1949.
The Library of Congress’ vast collection of primary sources provided the basis for the Parallel Histories team to curate a learning tool that utilizes a dual narrative approach, guiding students to develop their own perspective on American policies from 1898-1949. As with all Parallel Histories resources, this eBook will be designed to encourage students to question historical claims and identify and assess the merits and concerns of proportionate and disproportionate claims.
The project was funded by a grant from the Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources Mid-Atlantic and US Territories Region, managed by the American Historical Association.
In addition to free access to this eBook, Parallel Histories will offer educators free teacher training in the fall of 2026 to empower teachers to lean-in to teaching contested histories in their classrooms.
To access this free resource, educators can create an account with an email address: https://parallelhistories.org.uk/about-parallel-histories-us/
Bill Rammell, Chief Executive of Parallel Histories said, “We believe that contested history should be taught in a way that encourages debate and dialogue rather than division. At a time of deep division and polarization in the US and elsewhere it is hugely important that young people study contested history, and develop an understanding of both sides. This critically helps build empathy, tolerance and understanding in young people.
The eBook ‘Isolationism vs Internationalism-Did Staying out or stepping in make Americans safer?’, developed by the Parallel Histories US team, with support from Parallel Histories UK – is a huge additional resource for US schools which want to teach contested history.”
Colin Baker, CEO of Parallel Histories US, added: “Students investigating primary source documents from both an isolationist and an internationalist perspective, not only have a deeper understanding of US History but can recognize patterns and competing narratives in their current world. Parallel Histories eBooks engage and empower students as critical thinkers – building skills and empathy essential in a healthy democratic society.”
About the American Historical Association
Founded in 1884 and incorporated by Congress in 1889 for the promotion of historical studies, the American Historical Association provides leadership for the discipline and promotes the critical role of historical thinking in public life. As the largest membership association of historians in the world, the AHA serves historians and history educators in a wide variety of occupations, and represents every historical era and geographical area.
About the Library of Congress
The Library of Congress is the world’s largest library, offering access to the creative record of the United States — and extensive materials from around the world — both on-site and online. It is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office. Explore collections, reference services and other programs and plan a visit at loc.gov; access the official site for U.S. federal legislative information at congress.gov; and register creative works of authorship at copyright.gov.
About the Teaching with Primary Sources Grant Program
Since 2006, the Library of Congress has awarded Teaching with Primary Sources (TPS) grants to build a nationwide network of organizations that deliver educational programming, and create teaching materials and tools based on the Library’s digitized primary sources and other online resources. Each year members of this network, called the TPS Consortium, support tens of thousands of learners to build knowledge, engagement and critical thinking skills with items from the Library’s collections. Content created and featured in partnership with the TPS program does not indicate an endorsement by the Library of Congress.
About Parallel Histories
Parallel Histories is a global educational charity that develops resources for schools to teach contested history through eBooks and structured debates. Its mission is to help young people understand complex historical conflicts by presenting multiple perspectives, encouraging critical thinking, and fostering respectful dialogue, contributing to a more harmonious society. Parallel Histories materials are used by over 2,900 schools worldwide, including over 400 schools in the United States.
Media Contact: Patty Laurence, Communications Manager Parallel Histories US, patty@parallelhistories.org.uk
