Engaging first-person accounts showcase a broad spectrum of views and give continuing attention to minority voices. Ordinary people, such as indentured servants, runaway slaves, factory workers, soldiers, civil rights activists, immigrants, and many others, speak for themselves through a diverse array of documents, including letters, interviews, diaries, testimony, speeches, photographs, and advertisements.

Part-opening "Points of View" sections group contrasting documents to expose students to different perspectives on a particular topic. Each chronological part begins with a "Points of View" document set, bringing together multiple — and sometimes conflicting　— viewpoints on an event, a development, or a trend from the period. The offerings include colonial women’s varying perspectives on their capture by Native Americans and the debate about immigration between one mayor and his community.　

A comprehensive editorial apparatus supports student learning. Part introductions, documentary headnotes, questions to consider, critical thinking questions, and gloss notes provide context and support for students as they engage with the wealth of textual and visual primary sources at hand.

With carefully researched sources and finely crafted pedagogy, this collection allows instructors to focus on teaching rather than course preparation. The authors have compiled a rich array of high-interest primary sources, from classic to rarely seen pieces, and crafted tightly interlocking, ready-to-assign units that ensure student understanding. America Firsthand saves instructors’ time and gives students a well-rounded, meaningful, and memorable view of peoples past and present, their times, and their contributions to America’s story.