The authors of the book, reputable American scientists — Professor of History, twice Pulitzer Prize winner A. Nevins and Professor of American Studies G. Commager — devoted their work to the most daring world experience ever undertaken in the field of the fusion of peoples, social equality, economic opportunities and political democracy. The emergence of colonies in the New World, revolution and confederation, the growth of national unity, struggle within society and fratricidal Civil War, the birth and growth of large-scale entrepreneurship, the transformation of the United States into a world power, participation in two world wars and overcoming post-war problems… Analyzing these and many other events in the country's history, drawing detailed portraits of national heroes and major political figures, the authors provide an opportunity to better understand the ways of becoming a great power.