A Visual History of America

This book explores the origins and development of American history. Rather than simply piling up historical records or offering broad generalizations, it recounts thousands of years of history through real, representative events, from the age of Native American tribal rule in the distant past to the eve of the new millennium in 2000. It focuses particularly on the period after Europeans discovered the American continent in the late 15th century, chronologically tracing military, political, economic, cultural, ethnic, and religious developments and changes across the land. This is a living history that brings to life the early explorations and colonization of America, the War of Independence, the founding of a new nation, the expansion of its territory, the issue of slavery, the Civil War, and the rise of new democratic politics. In a straightforward style, it depicts the dramatic process of America’s founding, showing from many angles how America took shape and how its people became Americans, and revealing the American values of pragmatism, enterprise, and respect for science.