The Berlin Wall—symbol of a divided city within a divided nation within a divided continent—was grounded in decades-old historical divisions at the end of World War II. In August 1961, the German Democratic Republic began to construct the Berlin Wall. At first it was barbed wire, but soon it expanded into a 5 meter high 165 kilometer long network of concrete walls topped with barbed wire, and guarded with gun emplacements, watchtowers, and mines. This book recounts how and why that wall crumbled.
Featured This Month
Anti-Corruption: The Global Fight
Anti-Corruption: The Global Fight is a new handbook from IIP Publications that outlines the kinds of corruption, their effects, and the ways that people and governments combat corruption through legislative and civil society actions.
Preserve the Earth 2018: Protect Marine Species from Ocean Debris—Poster
For Earth Day on April 22, the 2018 Preserve the Earth poster illustrated by artist Cathie Bleck depicts marine species—dolphins, whales, birds, seals, crabs, tiny plankton along with many others—at risk from ocean debris.
About America
Musical Ambassadors: America Exports Jazz
Beginning in the 1950s, the U.S. Department of State sent dozens of America’s greatest jazz musicians to tour the globe becoming known as “the Jazz Ambassadors.” Recognizing the cross-cultural appeal of jazz, American Jazz Ambassadors were able to transcend national boundaries, build new cultural bridges, and tell a larger story about freedom in America.
The Real Ambassadors_America Exports Jazz_Posters
From the 1950s to the 1970s, jazz took the world by storm in response to popular jazz broadcasts such as Willis Conover’s Voice of America radio show, Music USA. The U.S. Department of State sent America’s greatest jazz musicians—“The Jazz Ambassadors—touring worldwide. These remarkable American jazz musicians were enthusiastically welcomed from Africa to the Middle East, Europe, Asia and Latin America.

Fourth of July Poster_2017 edition_English
The U.S. marks its Independence Day on July 4, the day in 1776 when founding fathers approved the Declaration of Independence. Download your choice of PDF files of this free poster today!
Democracy

American Citizenship
Americans are bound together by the shared belief that individual liberty is essential to free government.

Democracy in Brief: In Brief Series
Democracy is more than just a set of specific government institutions.

Elections USA: In Brief Series
Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of any democracy. Elections give citizens a voice in their government in the most fundamental way: by deciding who governs.
Education

Mobile Education Driven by Smart Ideas—Technology in Education Series
A simple text message could be ideal for taking a math test for some schools today.

Priceless: The U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation
Many of the iconic places and powerful traditions that have shaped our civilization are under siege.

Study in the U.S.A.
U.S. colleges and universities differ in the academic programs, degrees they offer and campus life.
English Learning

Pop Culture Versus Real America—Learner English Series
The world is often misled by pop culture images of the United States.
Entrepreneurship

Crowdfunding: The Power of People—Business Beginnings Series
Crowdfunding harnesses the enthusiasm of social networks to raise money to fund a project.

Startup Smart: A Handbook for Entrepreneurs—Handbook Series
This handbook provides these tools and guidance for adventurous individuals who are “ready to ride the rocket ship” of being an entrepreneur.

Using Social Media to Grow Your Business—Business Beginnings Series
Business’s social media presence is like a conversation—casual and constantly changing.
Environment
Preserve the Earth 2013: Conservation of the Great Cats
The world’s great cats face threats from habitat loss, dwindling prey, and conflicts with humans, including poaching and trafficking.

Preserve the Earth 2014: Conservation of Migratory Birds
For centuries, humans have marveled at the ability of birds to fly thousands of kilometers across oceans, mountains and national borders. Twice a year, an estimated 50 billion birds undertake extensive journeys to breed and feed.
Preserve the Earth 2015: Conservation of Marine Life
Marine protected areas (MPAs) are safe havens for fish, whales, dolphins, corals, sea turtles and thousands of other precious plants and animals in the sea. They are also living laboratories for scientific research. U.S. partnerships with other countries and regional organizations are helping to conserve and protect the ocean’s irreplaceable resources by establishing effectively managed marine protected areas in more regions around the world.
Health

Why Are So Many Americans Overweight?—You Asked Series
An overabundant food economy promotes overeating.
Human Rights

Americans with Disabilities Act
The law prohibits discrimination by businesses and governments against people who have disabilities.

The Americans with Disabilities Act in Action—Working with Disabilities Series
Hiring qualified candidates who happen to have a disability has proved good for business.

Freedom from Fear: Creating Safe Spaces for LGBT Youth
LGBT youth around the world encounter many significant hardships.
Science & Technology
Preserve the Earth 2017: Biodiversity of the Polar Regions
Diverse species of wildlife inhabit the Earth’s two polar regions which are our coldest and driest areas. Emperor penguins huddle together on the ice, incubating eggs in winters that bring temperatures as low as negative 48 degrees Celsius. Similarly, the tiny Arctic tern is the only terrestrial resident of both polar regions, flying 80,000 kilometers every year round-trip to catch the Antarctic summer before returning to its Arctic breeding grounds.

World Space Week: Exploring New Worlds in Space—2017
Celebrate World Space Week 2017 by downloading this free colorful PDF poster which is available in two resolutions in eight languages. Learn about other new worlds at www.share.america.gov/topics/space and watch the video celebrating World Space Week 2017 on ShareAmerica.

Saving Food Saves Lives
To feed the world we need to reduce the amount of food lost in transit from farms to markets.
Women & Girls
Women’s History Month 2018—Free poster featuring Esperanza Spalding
This free poster for Women’s History Month acknowledges her achievements and the achievements of all women in music.

Global Women’s Issues: Women in the World Today
We cannot solve global challenges unless women participate fully in efforts to find solutions.

Education and Training: Educating Women about Technology—Global Women’s Issues Series
Mobile phone technology has connected women and girls to market information and opportunities.