This work investigates the evolution of American social structures and intellectual movements from the colonial era through the mid-twentieth century. Nelson Manfred Blake, a historian known for his focus on social and cultural developments, synthesizes vast amounts of primary source material to argue that American identity is defined by the interplay between material conditions and shifting ideological frameworks. The text provides a comprehensive overview of how American thought has adapted to the nation's changing political and economic landscape.

Historians and educators frequently cite this text as a foundational survey for understanding the development of American cultural values. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which is designed for students and researchers seeking a structured overview of the subject.