VOICES OF THE AMERICAN PAST: DOCUMENTS IN U.S. HISTORY, VOLUME I: TO 1877 presents a variety of diverse perspectives through more than 100 primary sources. Excerpts from speeches, letters, journals, political cartoons, magazine articles, hearings and government documents raise issues from both public and private aspects of American life throughout history. A "Guide to Reading and Interpreting Documents" in the front matter explains how and why historians use primary source evidence, and outlines basic points to help you learn to analyze sources. Brief headnotes set each source into context. "Questions to Consider" precede each document, offering prompts for critical thinking and reflection.