Part I. Exploration and encounter (1492-1692). Politics / Amanda Porterfield -- Cosmology / John Corrigan -- Community / Sarah Rivett -- Practice / Tracy N. Leavelle -- Part II. The Atlantic world (1692-1803). Politics / Jon Sensbach -- Cosmology / Stephen A. Marini -- Community / Kenneth P. Minkema -- Practice / Martha L. Finch -- Part III. American empire (1803-1898). Politics / Mark A. Noll -- Cosmology / Robert Fuller -- Community / Heather D. Curtis -- Practice / Christopher White -- Part IV. Global reach (1898-present). Politics / Charles H. Lippy -- Cosmology / Kathryn Lofton -- Community / Peter W. Williams -- Practice / Candy Gunther Brown.