Connecting California is an innovative two-volume series that spells out the direct historical connections shared between the state of California and the United States. Using a selection of key documents, essays, and images from the past, this text illustrates California's cultural, political, and economic importance to the development of early and modern America using the chronological framework standard to most U.S. history college-level survey texts. Literary and transnational themes are also explored to create a comprehensive yet reader-friendly learning experience for students.

Each section in the Connecting California series includes an expansive array of source types designed to appeal to learners of all backgrounds and interests, with topics like food, dress, music, sports, and architecture also included alongside more traditional subject matter. Appropriate for all levels of U.S. history study, Connecting California offers users a wide spectrum of resources that embody the unique eras, demographics, and geographies of both California and American history.