This broad brush-stroke of American history is intended for foreign and native English speakers who need and want to know how America got to be as it is now. It is written in simple language, in the historical present tense, for junior high through adult classes. The book can be used as a supplement to a core text in a American history class, or as major reading project in any other class at this level. The maps and illustrations are, as much as possible, original and of their time. Followed by exercises that include reading comprehension, vocabulary, discussion and writing. Major events and the people who shaped them are depicted, from the first European visitors to the continent to the present day.