Leeanne Gelletly: 11 books

Millions of Africans die each year from infectious diseases, such as AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis; from poor nutrition or lack of clean drinking water; or from diseases like measles and polio that have been conquered in developed countries through the use of vaccines. The continents widespread...

In an oligarchy, political power rests with a small privileged group. Oligarchs may exercise power directly or indirectly, but they often act out of selfish or corrupt motives. This book examines the history of oligarchy, which was first described by the ancient Greeks more than 2,300 years ago. The...

It was women who first picketed the White House for a political cause. In 1917, they held banners and signs calling for suffrage for women. They wanted the right to vote. These suffragists were continuing a protest that had begun in 1848. Elizabeth Cady Stanton helped found the suffrage movement....

In early America, married women had no rights under law. They belonged to their husbands. Their voices were not heard in public. But with the War of Independence, women found a voice as patriots. They supported the rebellion with boycotts. During wartime, women spied on the enemy. They served as messengers....

In the 1800s, women were second-class citizens. By law, married women were owned by their husbands. Women had no political rights. They could not vote. They could not hold office. By custom, women did not dare speak before men in public. But some women refused to be silenced. They saw wrongs in the...

The Kurds are considered the largest ethnic group without a state of their own. Most live in the mountainous region historically known as Kurdistan; however, this region, which includes parts of Turkey, Iraq, and Syria, never existed as a political entity. Under the rule of others, the Kurds were...

It took decades, and a Constitutional amendment, for all American women to get the right to vote. But the legal right to vote did not guarantee equality under the law. Suffrage leader Alice Paul believed another amendment was needed. In 1923, she wrote the Equal Rights Amendment. It was introduced...

Africa is well known for its fascinating wildlife and its abundant natural resources. However, the continents resources are shrinking rapidly as a result of industrialization and population growth. In recent years scientists have seen a dramatic loss in wildlife and habitat, an increase in air and...

Monarchy is a form of government in which a hereditary ruler serves as head of state, typically for life. Monarchies have existed since the dawn of human civilization. But while the kings and queens, emperors and empresses of the past wielded broad (and often absolute) power, many of today's monarchs...

Wrapped along the edge of northeastern Africa lies the dry, dusty land of Somalia. Only two permanent rivers run through its arid plateaus, which for centuries belonged to clans of pastoral nomads traveling in search of food and water for their herds. Somalis are a resilient people, renowned for their...

How did large, complex states develop from small clans and nomadic tribes? How have rulers throughout history justified their right to govern? What ideas and events shaped the development of modern forms of government? Milestones in the Evolution of Government answers these and other important questions....