economy

Students learn about working to earn money to satisfy basic needs, what a job is, and the concepts of saving and banks.

An unsentimental, yet humane, glimpse of life from under the American economy's floorboards. A reminder that our nation's prosperity depends not just on captains of industry but also on those at the bottom.

In answering the question, "Why do people work," introduces key economic concepts such as wants, needs, money, economy, goods, services, importing, exporting, etc. Provides a contrast between manufacturing and agricultural communities and the representative jobs in each. Explains that Detroit is a typical manufacturing community that exports manufactured products all over the world. Closes with an explanation of why communities need service workers and benefit from the activities of unpaid volunteers.

Shows how corporations have infiltrated all aspects of American life and suggests ways to reconnect with our communities and each other.

A chronology of world events provide a context for the American experience covered in this volume. Events, lifestyles, social trends, fashion, social history, key figures, business and the economy, education, government and politics, sports and recreation are outlined for this age of cultural influence, European exploration and the settlement of indigenous and European people.