Examines major themes, personalities and issues across American history, using topic focused essays. This book focuses on key events and time periods within a broad framework looking at liberty and equality, the role of government and national identity. It enables readers to make comparisons and trace thematic developments across American history.

First Published in 2009. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

'[The author] covers a remarkable amount of ground ? by avoiding detailed narrative and focussing on the historiographical issues which he summarises and synthesises clearly and concisely ? there is enough narrative and explanation to make each chapter accessible ? and the collection is given coherence and integrity by the linking themes of race, citizenship and American identity.' - SATH History Teaching