Discovering the American Past: A Look at the Evidence, Vol. 1: To 1877. This item is unavailable.Discovering the American Past: A Look at the Evidence, Vol. 1: To 1877

This primary source reader in the popular Discovering series contains a multi-part pedagogical framework that guides students through the process of historical inquiry and explanation. The text emphasizes historical study as interpretation rather than memorization of data.The Sixth Edition integrates new documents and revised coverage throughout. Appearing in Volumes I and II, the Reconstruction chapter uncovers the work ethic of farmers and workers in the West and North following the Civil War. Each chapter is organized within the same pedagogical framework: The Problem, Background, The Method, The Evidence, Questions to Consider, and Epilogue.

"Discovering the American Past" introduces students to the analysis of historical evidence through a unique six-step process that allows them to follow a scholarly historical investigation from beginning to end. "The Problem" outlines the central question to be considered. "Background" places the problem in historical context, while "Method" discusses how to analyse primary source material relating to the problem. "Evidence" presents a variety of primary source documents for students to analyse and draw conclusions about the problem. "Questions to Consider" focus on specific evidence and links between primary sources, and "Epilogue" explains the problem's historical outcome. Using a diverse collection of primary sources, students are exposed to the many types of documentation historians draw on and see the rich history of America in a variety of ways.