History in the Making: A History of the People of the United States of America to 1877, Second Edition, offers a people-centered introduction to U.S. history from before European contact through Reconstruction. Designed for undergraduate survey courses, the textbook examines the nation’s past by focusing on the people and their histories rather than events alone.

This second edition updates the original text with the intention of providing a more comprehensive overview of all peoples involved in the nation’s history. Building on the first edition’s foundation, History in the Making emphasizes critical thinking through structured chapter features that support student learning and engagement. As an open access textbook, it provides an accessible and academically rigorous resource for students and instructors alike.