This anthology of readings portrays the lives of ordinary Americans and examines the diversity of the American people, from the earliest settlement of America to Reconstruction.

The Social Fabric acquaints students with important events in the nation's history and how these events were reflected in the everyday lives of ordinary people. A wide variety of essays deal with the experiences of all Americans—men as well as women—Native Americans and African-Americans as well as whites, the poor as well as the wealthy. These readings highlight the diversity of Americans' experiences—based on differences in race, ethnicity, and gender—and the way in which those differences have at times led to conflict.

*Note: The author sequence has changed for this edition; Cary and Weinberg were the first authors on the previous editions.