- An introduction to each decade and each year under review
- A full index that provides ready access to individual items
- A chronology of each day's events.

The period following WW II was marked by great social change as a result of the civil rights movement, the feminist movement, and the youth opposition to the Vietnam War. The threat of nuclear annihilation and the cold war created a widespread sense of fear for many Americans, defining this as one of America's most tumultuous historical periods.

Changing International affairs and the forces of technological innovation shaped the lives of Americans. While the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union gave rise to hopes of peaceful international relations, the Gulf War and the attacks of September 11, 2001 on the World Trade Center in New York shattered these aspirations.

Offers a comprehensive look at the people, customs, and trends of the colonial and revolutionary era. This title investigates the way ordinary Americans lived, covering: crime and violence; entertainment and sports; labor and employment; military and wars; religion; science and technology; and, more.

Encompassing the period leading up to the Civil War, the interval from 1783 to 1859 witnessed the newly implemented concept of a democratically organized state. The fast growth of the national economy gave rise to a new middle class not founded on pedigree while the acquisition of new territories provided many opportunities for immigrants.

Looks at the Civil War and Reconstruction - from the family life ate to favorite pastimes. Offering readers a glimpse into this period in history, this title provides coverage that includes: cities and urban life; education; family and daily life; material culture; population trends and migration; rural life; social attitudes; and, more.

Often referred to as the 'Gilded Age', the period spanning from 1870 to 1900 encompassed both extravagant wealth and dire poverty in America. The Panic of 1893 caused an economic downturn and a major shift in electoral politics in the 1896 presidential race, leading to the nomination and victory of Republican William McKinley.

The first decades of the 20th century were characterized by technological advancements. Chief among these was the replacement of horse-drawn vehicles by the gasoline-powered car, which necessitated the development of a nationwide infrastructure of paved highways and filling stations.

Flamboyant, excessive, and full of changes, the 1920s fell between the two great wars of the 20th century. Characterized in America by the trends of Prohibition, bootleggers, the Harlem Renaissance, Art Deco design, and the Jazz Age, this period witnessed a shift in gender relations and moral values as well as the first generation gap.

Two major historical events dominated the period from 1929 to 1949: the Great Depression and World War II. When the stock market crashed in October of 1929, economic hardship struck many American citizens. Meanwhile, World War II dominated the political arena.