
This textbook begins by framing the colonial era as the United States’ childhood, tracing how six European nations—England, Spain, France, Holland, Sweden, and Russia—first claimed and then relinquished parts of the land that would become the nation. It walks listeners through the age of discovery, the rivalries of explorers, and the establishment of the thirteen Atlantic colonies, highlighting the political and economic seeds that later sprouted into a unified country.
From that foundation the narrative moves swiftly to the growing tensions that sparked the Revolution, the birth of a Constitution hailed as a remarkable political achievement, and the early decades of nation‑building. The author then sketches the surge of commerce, agriculture, and the first stirrings of industry after 1815, showing how the young republic began to shape the modern world. Clear, concise, and rich with context, it serves as an ideal guide for students seeking a solid grounding in American history.
Supplementary footnotes point to a selected bibliography, giving teachers access to further reading without crowding the main text. Its concise style keeps students engaged through the early American saga.
Language
en
Duration
~14 hours (841K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2004-02-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1852–1932
Best known for bringing everyday Americans into the story of the nation, this historian wrote a sweeping multivolume history that helped shift attention away from presidents and generals alone. He also spent decades teaching at the University of Pennsylvania after beginning his career in engineering.
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