First published 1982
Robert Middlekauff traces the path from colonial unrest to armed rebellion in this comprehensive examination of the American Revolution. The author analyzes the sequence of political crises that pushed Britain and its American colonies toward war, then shifts focus to the military conflict itself. Middlekauff profiles the key figures who shaped the struggle, from George Washington and Benedict Arnold to British commanders like Cornwallis and Burgoyne. He chronicles major engagements including Lexington and Concord, Bunker Hill, Saratoga, and Yorktown, explaining how tactical decisions and strategic choices determined outcomes. The book connects political developments with military action, showing how battlefield results influenced diplomatic efforts and public opinion. Middlekauff provides readers with a detailed account of how thirteen colonies transformed into an independent nation through eight years of warfare.
Genres: biography, history, military-history, american-history
Vibes: detailed, informative, thought-provoking
Tropes: historical-events, military-conflict
Setting: Bunker Hill, Lexington and Concord, Saratoga, Yorktown
Period: American Revolution, Colonial Era
720 pages · Hardcover · Oxford University Press