The Real Story of the American Revolution Separating Myth From Reality

The American Revolution was one of the events which shaped themodern world. It has been celebrated as a struggle for liberty and theorigin of the growth of the US as a great world power. Withoutunderplaying the achievements of the Revolution, this book takes acritical look at the myths and legends that grew up about this key event.It also gives a voice to those who suffered from opposing the Revolutionand whose stories are not always remembered. It investigates the natureof what was fundamentally a civil war and looks closely at whether theideals of the Revolution were a reality for all those caught up in whatwas a deadly and violent conflict. It challenges the reputation of someleading figures and the usual way that dramatic events have beenportrayed, and takes a hard look at some accepted ideas about thecolonial past. As well as explaining the causes and course of the war ofindependence, the book considers its impact on different groups,including women, Black Americans and native Americans. There aresome surprising and sometimes disturbing events here, but these add toa picture of a vibrant and exciting period of history.