CliffsQuickReview U.S. History I provides you with an overview of United States history from before the colonial period through the end of Reconstruction. You can use this in-depth reference as a supplement to your textbook and classroom lectures, or you can use it as an at-a-glance reference. As you work your way through this review, you'll be ready to tackle such concepts as: Exploring the "New World": Knowing the first inhabitants of the Western Hemisphere. Exploration and early colonization: From Christopher Columbus's voyage to the early English settlements. Colonial settlements of the 17th and 18th centuries: From Plymouth to the 13 original colonies. The American Revolution: From early discontent to the War for Independence and the drafting of the U.S. Constitution. The development of a new nation: The early presidents, the institution of slavery, and the Civil War. The Reconstruction: The freedom for slaves and the presidency of Ulysses S. Grant. With titles available for all the most popular high school and college courses, CliffsQuickReview guides are a comprehensive resource that can help you get the best possible grades. AUTHORS: PAUL SOIFER, Ph.D., is chair of the History Department at Yeshiva University High School in Los Angeles, where he teaches both AP U.S. History and AP U.S. Government. ABRAHAM HOFFMAN has taught AP U.S. History since 1982 in the Los Angeles Unified School District and has served countless terms as an AP reader for the U.S. History exam.