Alan Brinkley's American History is praised for its comprehensive coverage, engaging narrative, and clarity. However, some reviewers note that the book can be dense and may overwhelm beginners. Visual aids and maps are appreciated, though their placement can be distracting. Overall, it's a valuable resource for students and history enthusiasts alike.

Readers who enjoy comprehensive and engaging narratives about U.S. history, akin to David McCullough's 1776 or Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States, will appreciate Alan Brinkley's American History. Ideal for history buffs, students, and educators seeking insightful analysis and a balanced perspective on American historical events.

In Alan Brinkley's American History, the growth of the United States from precolonial times to the modern era is examined through cultural, political, and socioeconomic lenses. The text presents a chronological narrative of major events and themes, from early Indigenous civilizations to European colonization, independence, and national development. Key events like the Civil War, the World Wars, and the civil rights movements are covered, emphasizing the impact on diverse populations including Indigenous peoples, enslaved individuals, and marginalized groups. The book encourages critical thinking and contains resources to aid students in AP history courses.

Informative / Contemplative / Challenging

**Alan Brinkley**  
An accomplished historian who served as a professor at Columbia University and authored an influential textbook on American history, known for its clarity and depth.  

**The Clovis People**  
Early settlers in North America believed to have arrived from Asia, they spread rapidly across the continent and significantly impacted the environment and biodiversity.  

**The Jamestown Colonists**  
The first enduring European settlers of North America, who founded Jamestown in 1607, initially struggled but eventually found success with tobacco cultivation.  

**Jonathan Edwards**  
A prominent preacher during the Great Awakening, known for his fervent sermons that revived strict Puritanical beliefs in the colonies.  

**The Iroquois Nation**  
An influential alliance of five tribes in the Northeastern US, known for their strategic partnerships and ability to maintain power during the early colonial period.  

**Thomas Paine**  
An influential writer whose pamphlet, Common Sense, powerfully argued for American independence and rallied public support for the Revolution.  

**The Founding Fathers**  
A group of influential leaders who played key roles in America's independence and the formation of a centralized government after the Revolution.  

**John Marshall**  
As Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, his landmark rulings defined the court's role and established precedence for its authority and impartiality.  

**Sacajawea**  
A Shoshone guide instrumental to the Lewis and Clark expedition, known for her linguistic skills and knowledge of the terrain.  

**Andrew Jackson**  
A populist president who rose to prominence as a general, known for instituting policies that displaced Indigenous peoples and challenging federal power.  

**The Associated Press**  
Founded in 1846 to cooperatively share news stories via telegraph, significantly expanding the reach and unity of national and international reporting.  

**Harriet Beecher Stowe**  
Author of Uncle Tom's Cabin, her work brought the issue of slavery to the forefront of national debate and galvanized the abolitionist movement.  

**John D. Rockefeller**  
Founder of Standard Oil, he played a key role in America's industrial expansion through monopolistic practices that heightened the influence of big business.  

**NAWSA**  
A leading organization in the women’s suffrage movement, instrumental in the passage of the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote.  

**Franklin D. Roosevelt**  
An influential US president known for leading the country through the Great Depression and World War II, notably expanding federal government power.  

**Rosa Parks**  
Her refusal to relinquish her bus seat became a crucial spark in the civil rights movement, leading to the Montgomery Bus Boycott.  

**Rachel Carson**  
A marine biologist whose book Silent Spring raised awareness of environmental degradation and influenced the environmental movement and policy reform.

Alan Brinkley

Adult

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Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore American History reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read American History | SuperSummary

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Overview

Get ready to explore American History and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

American History Summary and Study Guide

Background

American History Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-4

American History Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 5-8

American History Chapters 5-8 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 9-12

American History Chapters 9-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-16

American History Chapters 13-16 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 17-20

American History Chapters 17-20 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 21-24

American History Chapters 21-24 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 25-28

American History Chapters 25-28 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 29-32

American History Chapters 29-32 Summary & Analysis

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Key Figures

American History Key Figures

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Themes

American History Themes

Index of Terms

American History Index of Terms

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Important Quotes

American History Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

American History Essay Topics

American History: A Survey

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