Driven by its strong narrative, Conflict and Compromise presents Canadian history chronologically, allowing a better understanding of the interrelationships between events. Its main objective is to demonstrate that although Canadian history has been marked by cleavages and conflicts, there has been a continual process of negotiation and a need for compromise which has enabled Canada to develop into arguably one of the most successful and pluralistic countries in the world. The authors have drawn from all genres characterizing the present state of Canadian historiography, including social, military, cultural, political, and economic approaches. In doing so their aim is to challenge readers to engage with debates and interpretations about the past rather than simply to study for an exam.

The first volume begins with the history of Canada's indigenous inhabitants prior to the arrival of Europeans and ends with the nation-building project that got underway in 1864. The book is illustrated with over 50 images, maps, and figures, all designed to support its mission to provoke intellectual curiosity.