Each chapter in this unique compilation, designed to be informative and thought-provoking, offers an examination of incidents from the pre-colonial period through the Civil War, important to the development of the American Nation. It features a mix of primary and secondary source materials on approximately 30 selected "moments" in American history. Designed for use in introductory courses in American history, the incidents it covers were chosen both for their historical significance and to present a wide variety of human endeavors. Given the range of topics presented, there should be subjects of special interest to every student, regardless of major.