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Summary
Summary
Here is a brisk, accessible, and vivid introduction to arguably the most important event in the history of the United States--the American Revolution. Between 1760 and 1800, the American people cast off British rule to create a new nation and a radically new form of government based on the idea that people have the right to govern themselves. In this lively account, Robert Allison provides a cohesive synthesis of the military, diplomatic, political, social, and intellectual aspects of the Revolution, paying special attention to the Revolution's causes and consequences. The book recreates the tumultuous events of the 1760s and 1770s that led to revolution, such as the Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party, as well as the role the Sons of Liberty played in turning resistance into full-scale revolt. Allison explains how and why Americans changed their ideas of government and society so profoundly in these years and how the War for Independence was fought and won. He highlights the major battles and commanders on both sides--with a particular focus on George Washington and the extraordinary strategies he developed to defeat Britain's superior forces--as well as the impact of French military support on the American cause. In the final chapter, Allison explores the aftermath of the American Revolution: how the newly independent states created governments based on the principles for which they had fought, and how those principles challenged their own institutions, such as slavery, in the new republic. He considers as well the Revolution's legacy, the many ways its essential ideals influenced other struggles against oppressive power or colonial systems in France, Latin America, and Asia. Sharply written and highly readable, The American Revolution offers the perfect introduction to this seminal event in American history.
Author Notes
Robert J. Allison is Professor of History at Suffolk University. His books include The Crescent Obscured: The United States and the Muslim World, 1776-1815 (OUP, 1995); Stephen Decatur, American Naval Hero, 1779-1820 (2005); A Short History of Boston (2005); and Revolutionary Sites of Greater Boston (2005). He lives in Boston, MA.
Reviews (2)
Booklist Review
In a concise history of a seminal episode, there is always the danger of a narrative that is a mile wide and an inch thick. Allison, professor of history at Suffolk University, generally avoids this pitfall by effectively concentrating on the major issues and events of the American Revolution. In describing the political context of the British Empire in the 1760s, he wisely indicates how peripheral the 13 colonies along the Atlantic seaboard were to colonial officials in London; their attention was focused on the sugar islands of the West Indies and on India. As tensions rose, Allison illustrates the legitimate concerns of both sides.The military struggle cannot be covered in detail, but he covers the major campaigns and makes a strong case to show that the underrated strategic brilliance of Washington was vital to American success. This highly readable account is ideal for general readers and can also be utilized for college survey courses in U.S. history.--Freeman, Jay Copyright 2010 Booklist
Choice Review
A history of the American Revolution in 93 pages must include compromises. Allison (Suffolk Univ.) chose to favor chronology and narrative over synopsis, analysis, and interpretation. However, gripping narrative requires more than 93 pages. Allison includes most topics of recent historiographical interest--slavery, African Americans, Native Americans, and women--and handles them well. He devotes considerable space (some 44 pages) to the war, and this relation is the book's most commendable feature. On the other hand, topics that the author did not favor include loyalism, economics, ideological origins of revolution, and institutional history. None of these slights would be troubling were it not for what replaced them: Allison takes his story to 1826. To omit any mention of Shays Rebellion, for example, while recounting Jefferson's and Adams's deaths in 1826, is poor judgment. Consistency would require that the author explain not only the distressing Currency Act of 1764 (which he does), but continue to taxation and liquidity problems after 1779, as typified in Shays Rebellion. First-time readers will profit from this brief history and enjoy its anecdotes, but should not think their understanding of the Revolution complete or balanced. Summing Up: Optional. Public, general, and undergraduate collections. J. D. Marietta University of Arizona