The American Revolution / David F. Burg.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Burg, David F.

Series:

Eyewitness history

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783--Personal narratives.

United States.

History.

United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783--Sources.

Genre:

Personal narratives.

Sources.

Physical Description:

x, 470 pages : illustrations, maps, plans ; 29 cm.

Edition:

Updated edition.

Place of Publication:

New York : Facts on File, [2007]

Summary:

The period leading to the American Revolution was marked by tensions resulting in the colonists' charge of "taxation without representation." The British government was levying taxes on colonists for products such as molasses and tea while at the same time denying them a voice in Parliament. Combined with the fallout from the Seven Years' War and increasing clashes with British soldiers, once the "shot heard 'round the world" was fired at Lexington, Massachusetts, in April 1775, the Revolution officially began. For seven years the British army and militias of colonists clashed in numerous battles, creating legends of both heroes and traitors, among them George Washington, Molly Pitcher, and Benedict Arnold. Removed from battle, political philosophers debated, in meetings and in literature, what form the emerging nation should take-creating works that would become the foundation of U.S. law. The eventual victory of the American forces led to a new independent nation free from foreign rule.

The American Revolution, Updated Edition, a volume in Facts On File's acclaimed Eyewitness History series, provides hundreds of firsthand accounts of the period-from diary entries, letters, speeches, and newspaper accounts-that illustrate how historical events appeared to those who lived through them. In addition to the firsthand accounts, each chapter provides an introductory essay and a chronology of events. In this updated edition, author David F. Burg has also added details about the important role of American Indians, African Americans, Jews, and women during the American Revolution. The book also includes excerpts from such critical documents as the Stamp Act, the Quartering Act, and the Declaration of Independence, as well as capsule biographies of 101 key figures, maps, notes, a bibliography, an index, and 103 black-and-white photographs.

Contents:

Prelude to revolt : 1756-1774

Shots heard round the world : 1775

Declaring independence : 1776

Victories and losses : 1777

From Valley Forge to Vincennes : 1778

A great sea battle : 1779

Defeat and treachery : 1780

An improbable triumph : 1781

An unpromising outcome : 1782-1783

Appendix A: Documents

Appendix B: Biographies of major personalities

Appendix C: Maps.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 445-452) and index.

ISBN:

9780816064823

0816064822

OCLC:

72871262