Description: This series of 12 titles covers the breadth of American history from the first migrations of people over the Beringia land bridge from northeastern Asia to the present day. Each volume in the series brings to the reader a major era of the American story. While politics, conflicts, foreign affairs, and the economy are the principal topics of discussion, home life, fashion, entertainment, media, and the arts and literature are included where appropriate.

At the end of the French and Indian War, Britain's 13 colonies along the Atlantic Ocean stretched from what is now Maine in the north to Georgia in the south. This book tells the story of the development of these British colonies, through another war, to the creation of the United States of America.

The growing sentiment in the colonies for greater control over their own governments and the specific causes of the American Revolution are considered. Highlights of the period just before the war, such as the Boston Tea Party, the British Coercive Acts, and that first attempt at a united decision-making group -- the Continental Congress -- are also discussed. The creation, meaning, and underlying philosophy of the Declaration of Independence is explained in simple, understandable terms.

The reader learns about the war itself, its battles, heroes both well known and unsung, its severe hardships, failures, and final victory for the new nation. The book ends with a brief look at the challenges the United States would face as it prepared to rule itself and live up to its own high ideals.

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