This edition of a ground-breaking book weaves together the complex interaction of social, political, and historical forces that have shaped the United States and from which "the American people" have evolved. It tells stories of people and of the nation and emphasizes that American history has never been the preserve of any particular region.Traditional turning points and watershed events are integrated with the stories of the nation's many diverse communities. The book's trademark "continental" approach incorporates great hemispheric perspective, while a strong theme of community and memory analyzes the role-and the conflicts-of historical memory in shaping communities'understanding of the past.For American history buffs.