American Passages follows a thoroughly chronological sequence of American history with each chapter devoted to particular years. Thus, the course of events carefully follows the contours of sequence, event, and connection, emphasizing the most significant events and changes of the period, weaving politics, economics, and culture into an interrelated pattern. The readers attention is focused on the twists and turns of history, to the way various facets of history interacted and connected. This organisation not only makes for a good story, it makes sense. It makes clear to the reader the most critical context of history- time. The authors have developed unique features titled Passages which serve to illustrate the passage of time through visual and narrative means. These are essays that appear every fourth chapter and provide the reader with an introduction to the forthcoming chapters. The features contain maps which indicate political boundaries, extent of settlement, and other geographical changes throughout the given time period. Charts of population growth, a comprehensive timeline, and photographs also accompany the essays.