Empire, Capitalism, and Democracy: The Early American Experience

Empire, Capitalism, and Democracy: The Early American Experience documents the history of the United States from the opening of the Atlantic World to the post-Civil War era. Featuring a curated collection of primary sources, the text illustrates three interdependent forces that animated the history of early America: empire, capitalism, and democracy.

Part I explores the origins of European contact with America, Indigenous civilizations, and the Atlantic slave trade. In Part II, sources address American independence from British rule, early ideas of liberty and equality, the creation of the U.S. Constitution, and the first years of American government. The final part speaks to key issues that divided Americans in the nineteenth century, including market revolution, slavery, western expansion, and ideas of freedom and democracy after the Civil War.

The second edition features an increased focus on Indigenous experiences and includes 10 new readings. The book also includes fully updated introductions for each chapter.

Accessible and enlightening, Empire, Capitalism, and Democracy is an ideal collection for foundational courses in U.S. history.