Excerpting American History from 1492 to 1877: Primary Sources and Commentary provides students with a fresh and engaging exploration of key themes in America's past via a collection of documents and narratives. The text reflects on the growth of the American empire, reviews violent arguments over human bondage, and examines the themes of cultural interaction and freedom. This volume, the first in a two-book series, analyzes the period from 1492 to 1877. Each chapter features an introductory essay by the author to provide readers with critical context and perspective, excerpts from primary documents, and questions to stimulate reflection and deep learning. The book also includes five maps, which serve as critical references. Excerpting American History from 1492 to 1877 is an enlightening text for courses in American history. Students can continue their exploration of American history in the second volume in the series, which features primary sources and commentary chronicling 1877 to 2001. The new edition includes an introduction to the second edition and a brand-new front-matter section "These United States: Themes Emerge."
