The American Revolution: a history

Description

Chronology -- Origins: Growth and movement of population -- Economic expansion -- Reform of the British empire -- American resistance: British reaction -- Deepening of the crisis -- The imperial debate -- Revolution: Approach to independence -- Declaration of Independence -- Asylum for liberty -- Constitution-making and war: State constitutions -- Articles of Confederation -- War for Independence -- Republicanism: Need for virtue -- Rising glory of America -- Equality -- New world order -- Republican society: Effects of the war -- Effects of the Revolution -- Republican reforms -- Antislavery -- Republican religion -- Federal Constitution: Critical period -- Philadelphia convention -- Federalist-anti-Federalist debate.;In the American colonies of the 1770s, people were fed up with British laws. Local farmers and tradesmen secretly formed a militia. In 1775, when the British marched into Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts, the Americans were ready. From that first battle to the final showdown at Yorktown, the Americans fought against tremendous odds. The British army was bigger and better trained. Food and guns were scarce. But George Washington's ragged army fought for'and won'the freedom and independence we cherish to this day. Illustrated with black-and-white photographs, the tale of our country's fight for independence is brought to life in fast-moving, dramatic detail. From the Trade Paperback edition.