8 Apps for a U.S. History Refresher

The United States is a young nation with a rich history that we celebrate every July 4. If you were to base it just off the events of that day, though, you'd think it's just a country that prides itself in pyrotechnics and eating in excess. Obviously, there's plenty more to it than that. If you want to learn more about the historical context of the rocket's red glare, do it from the white glow of your iOS device. Need fodder for a spirited Fourth of July discussion? We've gathered eight apps that will walk you through the important moments of American history, teach you about all of the major players that helped shape it, provide firsthand accounts from those who experienced it, and much more.

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Look Back for the 4th

While many important players help shape the direction of America, none are more prominent in the role than the president. Learn about the time in office of every president, from Washington to Obama, with American Presidents ($3.99, iPad). It features biographies written just for the app, which accompany photos of the presidents and plenty more.

Just because some of the most important events of America are in the past doesn't mean you can't still experience them. Timeline - U.S. History (Free, iPad) makes history interactive by letting you scroll back through time and take a closer look at the most important happenings, from wars that defined the nation to landmark Supreme Court rulings and everything in between.

Curious about the current makeup of America and how the different regions of the country can vary vastly? Stats of the Union (Free, iPad) provides an in-depth look at stacks of data to show off the unique build of the country. Look at the current and changing demographics of a region by age, gender, race, income, health status, and more.

Because America is such a young nation, we don't have to guess at much of its history. Instead, we can experience it through personal accounts like the ones housed in First-Hand History of America ($3.99, Universal). Read through volumes of original sources that provide the American story from exploration to colonization, all the way up to the first World War.

A lot of emphasis is placed on the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, as they're the documents that initiated the creation of the nation. But they aren't the only ones that shaped America. Today's Document (Free, Universal) shows off 365 documents that range from those founding ones to more obscure options pulled from the depths of the National Archives.

The shape of the United States changed very quickly as it expanded from the east coast to the west and its population spread and grew. You can follow the geographical and geopolitical changes with History: Maps of the United States ($7.99, Universal). It tracks the shifting layout of America through 521 historical maps.

The Civil War took place over the course of four years, and was a brutal time in the young life of America. It was a war with plenty of happenings that you can experience day by day with The Civil War Today ($0.99, iPad). A new update comes through the app every day, showing users what was happening in the war exactly 150 years earlier.

Take a trip back in time and retrace the first steps of a newborn nation with American Revolution Interactive Timeline (Free, iPad). Follow the events leading up to and during the Revolutionary War, examine photographs, watch informative videos that retell the happenings, and engross yourself in the start of America.