Although coverage of American Indian history has improved remarkably in the past 20 years, the role of American Indians is still downplayed in many mainstream American history courses. In-depth discussions of United States policies toward Native Americans or the reactions of Native Americans do not appear in most textbooks. This book helps to overcome these shortcomings. Designed to accompany post-Reconstruction survey courses, it will help to integrate aspects of American Indian history. Arranged according to time periods used in most textbooks, the book's seventeen essays―many written by leading scholars, several written by American Indian scholars―discuss important policy considerations as well as environmental, religious, cultural, and gender issues.

Providing a good point of departure, these essays can be used in tandem with other materials to stimulate class discussion. While every aspect of American history could not be covered, each section includes an extensive list of suggested additional reading. The volume is unique in that it is the only companion reader designed to accompany college courses covering this time period. It is a book to be used by instructors who are not necessarily Native Americanists but who wish to include the history of American Indians in their survey courses.