The History of the USA Year by Year

by D.K. Publishing

Discover the extraordinary story of the United States of America – from its fight for independence to its 250th anniversary.

This captivating and richly illustrated book takes you on a year-by-year journey through US history, starting with the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the hard-fought battles of the Revolutionary War.

Explore the crafting of the US Constitution, the triumphs and tragedies of the Civil War, and the transformative milestones that shaped the nation’s identity – from the abolition of slavery to the Cold War and the Civil Rights movement, and beyond.

Each year is brought vividly to life with thoughtful analysis of pivotal events, insightful and intimate profiles of the major figures who shaped the country and changed the course of its future, and illuminating connections to broader historical themes.


In this fascinating book, you will


Details of the key events of every year – from the founding of the nation in 1776 to the present day – with insightful overviews of periods of US history at the start of each chapterMore than 300 images, from paintings and maps to photographs and postersTimelines and expanded captions that bring to life the most important events in the nation’s storyCoverage of major milestones in everything from politics, economics, and conflict to science and popular culture
A History of the USA – Year by Year offers readers a treasure trove of insights into the events that defined the USA and its 50 states – past and present.

Publishing in 2026, ahead of America 250, alongside DK’s The American Civil War and The American Revolution, it is the ultimate guide to a pivotal period in world history. This is the remarkable story of one of the world's most important nations.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

304 pages, Hardcover

Published May 5, 2026

About the author

Dorling Kindersley (DK) is a British multinational publishing company specializing in illustrated reference books for adults and children in 62 languages. It is part of Penguin Random House, a consumer publishing company jointly owned by Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA and Pearson PLC. Bertelsmann owns 53% of the company and Pearson owns 47%.

Established in 1974, DK publishes a range of titles in genres including travel (including Eyewitness Travel Guides), arts and crafts, business, history, cooking, gaming, gardening, health and fitness, natural history, parenting, science and reference. They also publish books for children, toddlers and babies, covering such topics as history, the human body, animals and activities, as well as licensed properties such as LEGO, Disney and DeLiSo, licensor of the toy Sophie la Girafe. DK has offices in New York, London, Munich, New Delhi, Toronto and Melbourne.

Source: Wikipedia.

Reviews

[Anthony Millspaugh · Rating 3 out of 5]

A number of terrible spelling errors and questionable choices for highlights of a given year.

[Nick DiColandrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s impossible to capture each year in US history without it being something Howard Zinn would write. That being said, the book serves as a good coffee table read, provides interesting facts from the first two American centuries you wouldn’t have learned in school, and it’s not a bad read for youth or teens.

[Natasa Gramblickova · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want to read about the history of US but don’t have time and prefer to have it short and easy - this book is for you.

I honestly loved the concept and the way this book is written. I just wish that some of the parts were longer and properly explained, not just left unfinished or summarized in 1 sentence.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

It glosses over some things and out right leaves some important things out but over a good quick recap of the us history

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the Illustrations and the straight forward language of "this is what happened."