Encounters: Change, Progress, and Traditions in American History, Volume 1 offers students an insightful selection of readings on the history of the United States spanning from pre-Columbian times through the Reconstruction Era. The carefully selected articles in this volume reflect new scholarship and fresh perspectives regarding key concepts and events in American history.

The book begins with a chapter that dismantles prevalent assumptions, misconceptions, and generalizations regarding Native American peoples and how they lived prior to the arrival of Christopher Columbus on the continent. Additional chapters proceed chronologically, offering students readings regarding European exploration in the thirteenth through fifteenth centuries, the Columbian Exchange, the development of American colonies, and the impetus of the American Revolution. Students read about the challenges of establishing an independent nation, the growth of markets and industrialization, slavery, manifest destiny, and sectionalism. Closing chapters address the American Civil War and the Reconstruction Era. Each chapter includes an introduction to provide context for the readings and discussion questions to promote critical thinking.

Providing students with diverse viewpoints regarding critical historical events, Encounters is well suited for introductory courses in American history.