"American Passages" follows a chronological sequence with each chapter devoted to particular years. Thus, the course of events follows the contours of sequence, event, and connection, emphasizing the most significant events and changes of the period, weaving politics, economics, and culture into an interrelated pattern. The reader's attention is focused on the twists and turns of history, to the way various facets of history interacted and connected. This organisation aims to make clear to the reader the most critical context of history - time. The title also features a web site designed to complement the narrative of the book. It contains over 400 items coordinated with the text, following the book's chronological structure and elaborating upon specific characters, quotations, or images that appear in each chapter. Documents, images, cartoons, maps, audio recordings, and film and television excerpts expand upon central topics and themes. The sources for each chapter are chosen to work together, to encourage effective discussions, to provide the basis for research papers, and to deepen students' understanding. The authors have developed features entitled "Passages" which serve to illustrate the passage of time through visual and narrative means. These are essays that appear every fourth chapter and provide the reader with an introduction to the forthcoming chapters. The "Passages" contain maps which indicate political boundaries, extent of settlement, and other geographical changes throughout the given time period. Charts of population growth, a comprehensive timeline, and photographs also accompany the essays.