This survey aims to balance social and cultural with the political and diplomatic history. It aims to help instructor to organize his or her course in many different ways confident that the text will support both the topics discussed in class and provide students with the ideal book for self-study. Every chapter begins with a summary of major themes and ends with a boxed chronology entitled "Significant Events", noting the major events discussed in the chapter. "Where Historians Disagree" essays describe major histographical debates. Greater attention is given to native American history, and there are revised sections on women's history.