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 examines the themes of cultural interaction, the growth of the American Empire, freedom, and violent arguments over human bondage.

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.

Throughout the text, readers explore frozen Beringia, encounter historical figures such as Thomas Jefferson, Abigail Adams, and Benjamin Franklin, and learn about the Bostonians who helped toss East Indian tea into the harbor in 1773. They read the arguments of women fighting for gender equality at Seneca Falls, perspectives on freedom from emancipated slaves, and ideas surrounding Reconstruction.

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.