Includes bibliographical references (p. 405-423) and index.

The natural domain -- Accidental rediscovery (986-1608) -- The colonization of New France (1608-1663) -- Royal government and a distinct society (1663-1760) -- Clashing empires and frontiers (1663-1760) -- The challenge of imperial rule in British North America (1760-1783) -- The emergence of colonial communities (1783-1850) -- The expanding colonial economy (1815-1850) -- From oligarchic rule to responsible government (1815-1850) -- The road to confederation (1850-1867) -- Nation-building aspirations and strategies (1867-1885) -- The clash of nationalisms and the resurgence of regionalism (1867-1896) -- The wheat boom and national expansion (1896-1914) -- The confirmation of nationhood (1914-1931) -- A society transformed (1880-1930) -- The perils of depression and war (1930-1945) -- An expanding nation in the age of affluence (1945-1958) -- The search of national unity (1958-1972) -- Conflict and confrontation in the age of anxiety (1972-1984) -- The illusion of consensus (1984-2007).

A concise history of Canada, from the time of early exploration by Europeans to the present day.