There are many books in American history that have had a profound impact on the nation's culture, thought, politics, and social development. Below are the 10 books widely regarded as the most valuable, which have shaped the course of American history in different fields.

1. The Declaration of Independence

• Author: Thomas Jefferson, et al.
• Year of Publication: 1776
• As the symbol of American independence, this declaration marked the break of the 13 colonies from Britain and articulated the universal rights of all men to equality and the pursuit of happiness. It laid the philosophical foundation for the United States, influencing democratic thought both in America and globally.

2. The Constitution of the United States

• Author: Framers of the U.S. Constitution
• Year of Publication: 1787
• The U.S. Constitution established the framework of government and the legal system, serving as the cornerstone of the American political system. Its influence has extended beyond the U.S., becoming a model for many other nations' constitutions.

3. The Federalist Papers

• Authors: Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay
• Year of Publication: 1787-1788
• This book is a series of articles written in support of the U.S. Constitution, aiming to secure public backing for its ratification. It deeply explores the structure and function of government and remains a key text for understanding American constitutionalism.

4. The Impending Crisis of the South

• Author: Hinton Rowan Helper
• Year of Publication: 1857
• A political treatise opposing slavery, this book sharply criticizes the negative economic and social effects of slavery on the South. It had a significant impact on the lead-up to the American Civil War.

5. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

• Author: Mark Twain
• Year of Publication: 1884
• Widely regarded as one of the great American novels, Twain's work explores themes of race, slavery, social morality, and human nature. It has become a foundational text in American literature.

6. Give Me Liberty, or Give Me Death

• Author: Patrick Henry
• Year of Publication: 1775
• This speech is one of the key documents of the American Revolutionary movement, marking the call for American independence. It expresses a strong desire for freedom and independence and is one of the most iconic speeches in American history.

7. A People's History of the United States

• Author: Howard Zinn
• Year of Publication: 1980
• This book rewrites American history from the perspective of the common people, revealing many social movements and civil rights struggles that were overlooked in traditional historical narratives. It provides a critical reassessment of American history.

8. The Wealth of Nations

• Author: Adam Smith
• Year of Publication: 1776
• While primarily an economic classic with global influence, this book profoundly impacted the development of America's capitalist economic system. Smith's theories provided the foundation for American economic thought and the free-market economy.

9. Democracy in America

• Author: Alexis de Tocqueville
• Year of Publication: 1835
• The French aristocrat Tocqueville analyzed American democratic politics and social structures in this book, exploring the unique characteristics of American society. It is a foundational work for understanding the functioning and challenges of American democracy.

10. To Kill a Mockingbird

• Author: Harper Lee
• Year of Publication: 1960
• Through the portrayal of racial issues and social injustice in a small town, this novel reveals the deep-seated racial prejudice and legal injustices in American society. It has become a classic work of American literature and a cultural support for the civil rights movement.