Robert Middlekauff

A panoramic history of the conflict between England and America highlights the political and personal aspects of the colonial struggle for independence, provides a defintive overview of the events leading up to the Revolution, and discusses the major leaders, campaigns, battles, and repercussions of the war. Reprint.

The American Revolution, 1763-1789

The Glorious Cause

Lisa Miller

Middlekauff says that the American Revolution took place over 30 years and explains in great detail what happened in the 20 years before 1776. Lots of taxes and parliamentary procedure that may seem dull but explain the build up to the war. The initial battles and Declaration of Independence surprised contemporaries on both sides but in retrospect seems inevitable when taking into account the the prior 20 years of wrangling in British parliament. The second half of the book then went on to adequately cover the war itself and then covered the constitution conventions very quickly at the end. I think Hamilton - both the book and musical is more entertaining and has a better analysis of forming of early government and the constitution writing/debate/ratification.

The Glorious Cause The American Revolution, 1763-1789

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