Written by a combat veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and a former professor of US history at West Point, his alma mater, this book grew out of the lectures Sjursen produced for the survey course he taught to cadets. Sjursen challenges readers to think deeply and critically and to apply common sense to their understanding of our republic's history. Covering all of the major events, movements and figures in American history, Sjursen flips the lens, offering fresh insights and uncommon empathy