American History to 1877 is a short, yet comprehensive narrative of U.S. history that incorporates numerous primary source documents. These documents illuminate and enliven the narrative and offer students a glimpse into the way in which historians construct their stories. Students are encouraged to critically assess the value or significance of these documents, and to evaluate how certain perspectives from the past have enjoyed wider currency than others. This narrative also incorporates newer analyses concerning race, gender, and transnational influences into the more traditional storyline of economics, military developments, and politics. This approach will appeal to a wide range of historians by building upon recent insights into the history of the United States without neglecting traditional schools of thought.