This introductory survey of American history from the European voyages of discovery to the present includes the political history of the United States written from the perspective of a social historian. It focuses on the activities of people, woven into the narrative as an integral part of American history. All major historical and political events are discussed, providing the reader with a human perspective on these developments.

A peer-reviewed open U.S. History Textbook released under a CC BY SA 3.0 Unported License.

Originally published in 1933, and written by "America’s historian", James Truslow Adams, this volume tells the story of the rise of the American nation encompassing economics, religion, social change and politics from settlement to the Civil War. Due emphasis is given to the inter-connectedness of America with Europe – both in terms of cultural heritage and political and military entanglements. Extensive in size and scope and richly illustrated with half-tones and maps these volumes balance a historical narrative with philosophical interpretation whilst touching on as many aspects of American life and history as possible.