With clarity and vigor, Gregory H. Nobles shows how American leaders, beginning with Washington and Jefferson, pursued a policy of national expansion and development that enabled the United States to become the dominant power on the North American continent. Within this broad framework he also explores the settlers' diverse and complex interactions with Indians as enemies, allies, and trading partners. The result is a sensitive and perceptive account of the patterns of contact and conquest on America's frontiers over the course of four centuries.

The contact of cultures on the first frontiers -- The struggle of empires to control the frontiers -- Forging a frontier policy in the new nation -- Westward expansion : political controversy and popular culture -- Moving west and making communities -- Indians and the enclosing frontier, 1860-90.