The Bedford series in history and culture

An introduction summarizes the history of immigration to the United States before World War II, and the six chapters that follow discuss major themes such as the development of immigration patterns, the changes in American immigration and naturalization policies, and the image of the "melting pot" versus the concept of pluralism. Charts, tables, maps, boxes featuring the human element in immigration, a chronology of immigration policy, and an index are also included.

Presents the eighteenth-century autobiography of Olaudah Equiano, recounting his life from the year he is kidnapped in Africa and sold as a slave in England to his rise to prominence as an antislavery activist.

Contains biographies of Andrew Jackson and Henry Clay, describes their opposing attitudes regarding democracy and economic development in America, and presents twenty-five primary documents.

Presents the confession of Nat Turner, leader of a slave rebellion in Southhampton, Virginia, in August, 1831, as recorded by attorney Thomas Gray in the days following the uprising, and includes selected newspaper articles, trial transcripts, and other related essays and documents.

Presents an overview of the "Dred Scott v. Sandford" case that led to the Supreme Court decision in 1857 that congressional regulation of slavery in the territories was unconstitutional, and that African-Americans had no rights under the Constitution, and includes a selection of related documents.

A collection of historical documents, including letters, speeches, and records of treaty negotiations, which provides a Native American perspective on the events of the colonial era, focusing on the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.

Presents the text of William Dean Howells's story about a visitor from a country called Altruria whose way of life sharply differs from that which he encounters in New England and is greeted with sarcasm and disbelief when he attempts to explain his own society built on mutual respect and kindness.