Ernest Alfred Benians (1880–1952) was a British scholar and historian who held various key positions within the University of Cambridge. He was Master of St John's College from 1933 to 1952 and Vice-Chancellor of the University from 1939 to 1941. First published in 1943, the content of this book was derived from a series of four lectures delivered by Benians in Cambridge. The text provides a summary of American history, from the origins of the United States as nation through to the developments of the first part of the twentieth century. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in perspectives on American historical development.