With voices ranging from those of presidents to slaves, from both men and women, and from Native Americans and white settlers, this book tells the story of the first half-century of the United States. * Provides students with over 50 essential documents from the Early Republic: the first five decades of the USA * Includes lesser-known documents, for example Thomas Jefferson’s rules for ‘republican etiquette’ * Incorporates eyewitness testimony from major historical figures, alongside that of ordinary people from the period * Includes an introduction, document headnotes and questions at the end of each chapter designed to encourage students to engage with the material critically