Connecting California: Selections in Early American History

Connecting California is an innovative two-volume series that spells out the direct historical connections shared between the state of California and the United States. Using a selection of key documents, essays, and images from the past, this text illustrates California's cultural, political, and economic importance to the development of early and modern America using the chronological framework standard to most U.S. history college-level survey texts. Literary and transnational themes are also explored to create a comprehensive yet reader-friendly learning experience for students.

Each section in the Connecting California series includes an expansive array of source types designed to appeal to learners of all backgrounds and interests, with topics like food, dress, music, sports, and architecture also included alongside more traditional subject matter. Appropriate for all levels of U.S. history study, Connecting California offers users a wide spectrum of resources that embody the unique eras, demographics, and geographies of both California and American history.

George Gastil teaches American history for Grossmont, Palomar, and San Diego Miramar colleges. He earned his M.A. at University of California, Santa Barbara, with an emphasis in California history. George combines his interest in history with an interest in state and local politics. He has served on the Lemon Grove City Council since 2008. Previously, George served on the Lemon Grove School Board and also as a district representative for State Senator Denise Moreno Ducheny.

Bonnie M. Harris is a native of Southern California, having earned her M.A. in History from San Diego State University and her Ph.D. in History from University of California, Santa Barbara. As a Professor of World and American history, her philosophy of teaching has always centered on how her students' lives, professionally and personally, can be enriched from a careful and critical study of the past that has shaped the world in which they now live.