The Age of Revolution

A History of the English-Speaking Peoples #3

by Winston S. Churchill

The third volume of Sir Winston Churchill's classic history. During the long period of 1688 to 1815, three revolutions took place and all led to war between the British and the French. The English Revolution of 1688 made a new enemy of an old foe; the American Revolution of 1775 saw the United States finally declare independence; and the French Revolution of 1789 reverberated across Europe for years to come. Who better to capture the character and vigour of Wellington, Walpole, Nelson and Pitt than the Prime Minister who led Britain to victory in Europe in 1945?

Genres: History, Nonfiction, World History, American History, European History, British Literature, Historical

332 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1957

About the author

Sir Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill, politician and writer, as prime minister from 1940 to 1945 and from 1951 to 1955 led Great Britain, published several works, including The Second World War from 1948 to 1953, and then won the Nobel Prize for literature.

William Maxwell Aitken, first baron Beaverbrook, held many cabinet positions during the 1940s as a confidant of Churchill.

Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill, KG, OM, CH, TD, FRS, PC (Can), served the United Kingdom again. A noted statesman, orator and strategist, Churchill also served as an officer in the Army. This prolific author "for his mastery of historical and biographical description as well as for brilliant oratory in defending exalted human values."

Out of respect for Winston_Churchill, the well-known American author, Winston S. Churchill offered to use his middle initial as an author.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winston...

Reviews

[Cindy Rollins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book flows through history so seamlessly I had trouble imagining how it was even written. I get the impression Churchill sat down to write out some of his thoughts on history and out popped this amazing flow. It feels as if he is just telling us what he knows and it is amazing, as if the timeline of history just flows from his heart in almost day by day order. Simply wonderful. I am thrilled there is another volume ahead.

[Jules Axelrod · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent continuation of the “politics” of the English speaking peoples. The more time passes, the more remains the same. History repeats itself and it is very evident from Churchill’s histories here. Politicians, leaders, kings and queens, etc… all vie for power at the expense of each-other’s well being, their citizens well being, or the world’s. Looking around at current events, its easy to understand how the game is played and never ends, after reading this series.
The third volume was more modern. It was foretelling and foreboding of shifts in the world to come. The rise of “democracies” and the never ending efforts of world leaders to take advantage of movements for their own gain.
Its never about the people. Its about powervand control.

[Logan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Churchill has a sweeping overview of an incredibly intense period of English history, covering from the mid 1600s to the early 1800s: the revolutions in England and the execution of Charles, the rise of the American colonies and their war for independence, and even the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte and the battles fought all across the continent. He certainly has his own perspective but I found his pieces of information and observation insightful and interesting.

[Cliff M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Volume 3 of 4 covers the period 1688 to 1815, specifically three major revolutions: the 1688 ‘Glorious Revolution’ in Scotland and England when James VII / II was deposed and a constitutional monarchy established under William III and Mary II; The French Revolution when the monarchy was murdered (along with a great many other people), France became a republic and Napoleon emerged to lead a great many wars and invasions across Europe, North Africa and the middle-East (ie the killing continued…); and, the American Revolution (which is described in great detail) when America become a sovereign nation rather than a collection of colonies ruled by Great Britain.
The scope of the book is ridiculously ambitious, and I would say too much. What we get is pure military history with some political history, and no mention of the various (and huge) social, industrial and agricultural revolutions that were occurring at the same time. Having said that, the fact that Churchill does manage to cover the three major revolutions in such detail is a great achievement.
I am hoping there will be less killing in volume 4…. Onwards.

[Gina Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

AmblesideOnline year 9...woohoo!!! We’ve finished the 3rd book of Churchill’s History of the English Speaking Peoples!!! This one has a lot more battles and battle descriptions than the first two did but I still really enjoyed it and learned a LOT. It pretty much ends right after Waterloo. I hadn’t ever really understood much about Waterloo before reading Les Miserables and this really gave some bones to what I had gotten from that (and now my freshman has the bones on which to put the flesh of the story next school year when she read Les Mis!)

[Celeste · Rating 3 out of 5]

Of course the writing is amazing--it is Winston Churchill, after all! It was interesting to read about the American Revolution from the perspective of an Englishman. It is almost exclusively focused on the history of war. There is very little about social history, but i suppose that should be expected from Churchill. It also shows his very skewed view of England's atrocities against the many peoples and countries it invaded.

[Joseph Ficklen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This volume covers 1688-1815, the “Long 18th Century” as it’s sometimes remembered, or even the “Second Hundred Years War”, marked by a major war between Britain and France each generation, ending in the titanic struggle of the Napoleonic Wars. But Churchill identifies this period as the Age of Revolution, comprising the Glorious Revolution of 1688, the American Revolution of 1776, and the French Revolution of 1789. The former two are marked by a respect for traditional institutions and the (mostly) peaceful transition of power. The latter one was much more radical, casting off entirely old medieval institutions, creating something bold and new, desiring to be “unburdened by what has been,” as a recent presidential candidate has said. Whereas the Anglo-American model is one of gradual reform, the French model is one of a “Great Leap Forward,” which has been tried and failed so many times by many countries in the last two centuries. Churchill majorly focuses on the wars of this period, William and Marlborough’s struggle with Louis XIV’s France, the abortive War of Austrian Succession, the final victory over the Jacobites in 1746, the titanic struggle for North America in the 7 Years War, the terrible civil war of the American War of Independence, and the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Also the struggle to gain the Indian subcontinent. I found Churchill’s coverage of the AWI to be very brief and misleading, but his own Anglo-American heritage gives him a very fair outlook on the conflict. Churchill’s message in the whole book is that although the Americans and British divided politically after 1776, they are fundamentally related by heritage, religion, and political institutions.

[Marcus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent as usual, but one gets that the narrative is being very spread thin as Churchill attempts to cover British, American, and French history all at once. Even his great ability is limited in how many ways he can describe cavalry charges, troop movements, and the firing of guns. My eyes glazed over on several pages which were mostly lists of verbs of motion. Nonetheless, exciting and informative, though I may now hold the final volume in abeyance for some time.

[J.S. Bratton · Rating 5 out of 5]

it dissolves...

[Maggi LeDuc · Rating 3 out of 5]

As I knew we would, we get a little slur heavy when it comes to non-white people, especially Natives. And the complete lack of slavery in the narrative isn't surprising either, sadly. But I did learn a lot of Napoleonic war history?

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third volume in Winston Churchill's "History of the English Speaking Peoples" begins with the most dramatic assumption of power in modern English history. In the age of religious warfare, the Protestant-majority Parliament deposed its Catholic king, James II, and invited William of Orange and his wife Anne (an English princess) to take the throne. The 'glorious revolution' opens The Age of Revolution, an age which ended the long epoch of history-as-made-by-the-king and ushered in the modern dominance of parliaments, congresses, and diets.

The revolutions which felled kings in England, America, and France anchor the book, with countless European wars occupying the chapters between. Although the wars of religion are fading, state politics causes conflicts aplenty on its own, like the wars of French and Spanish succession, and the seemingly near-constant Anglo-French wars in the Netherlands. The wars leapt continents, as the Seven Years War in Europe became the French and Indian War in North America. The greatest conflict, of course, was the series of Napoelonic wars, which end the book. Throughout this long century (the book spans 127 years), the English king plays an increasingly smaller role; the 'glorious revolution' isn't the last time Parliament simply chooses to appoint its next king, and the Hanoverian succession of Georges that continues today demonstrated that de facto sovereignty lay with Parliament, not the king.

Churchhill is a moderate historian, and its coverage of the American War of Independence is as genteel and even-sided as one might expect from a half-American author shared the rigors of World War II at the side of Franklin D. Roosevelt, of whom he said, "It's fun to be in the same decade with you." The conservative Churchhill is likewise careful when recording the bitter battles between Tories and Whigs, the then-dominant political parties; neither side is favored. (The long view of history aides objectivity; I doubt Churchill is so fair in his narrative of World War 2!) This is narrative history, a grand story driven by personalities like the the handsome, brilliant, dashing, gallant, honorable, endlessly clever Duke of Marlborough. Also known as John Churchill, or Sir Winston's great-great(etc)-grandfather, the attention given to him shows that this isn't quite 'objective' history, but what's the point of having famous ancestors if you can't brag about their exploits defending the Netherlands against dictators from the east? Given his own history in World War 2, little wonder he identified with the Duke's so strongly. The French revolution gives us a villain in Napoleon, and towering heroes in the form of the Duke of Wellington and Lord Nelson to slay the Corsican dragon.

All told, The Age of Revolution is quite an enjoyable survey of this period's history, of medieval kingdoms maturing into modern states, despite being largely about the wills of titanic characters and the wars they fought.

[Daniel Greear · Rating 4 out of 5]

A History of the English Speaking Peoples (Vol. 3, The Age of Revolution) by Winston S. Churchill:

I am seventy-five percent done with Churchill’s monumental history of the English speaking people. This series has long been on my Goodreads “to read” shelf and I’m looking forward to rounding out the series this month. Churchill wrote this history in the early and mid-twentieth century in order to unite the Anglo sphere to a common cause of unity and understanding. Britain, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand still share a common language, history, and civil tradition through common law. In Churchill’s time, South Africa would have been included in his thesis, but with the end of minority white rule in that country in the 1990s, things have long since changed.

Seventy years after the publication of this history, I think that the English speaking countries of the world, and by extension India, another former British colony, and even the western world and our allies in other places, can still learn from Churchill’s message and unite around the common causes of liberal democracy, common law, and the English language as a counter to more nefarious entities throughout the world. Churchill’s message was intended for a specific few countries, but in 2025 and in my opinion, the lessons of the past paint a much broader stroke that free people can rally around. We are not perfect, but our cause is better, more just, and more enlightening than our modern alternatives (i.e. communist China and despotic Russia).

In this volume, Churchill glides the reader through roughly 130 years of history. These years are marked with long standing conflicts with France and her allies (the first world wars, as he calls them), growth of the United States, enlightenment, free trade and capitalism, and a development of early democracy in Britain. There are three principal revolutions that anchor the book. The Glorious Revolution of 1688 where Protestants King William and Mary take the throne of England and Scotland, the American Revolution of 1776, and the French Revolution of 1789. All of which would have profound impact on the English speaking world.

William and Mary’s accession to the throne would guarantees Protestant succession in England and Scotland. The countries of England and Scotland would be officially united as Great Britain during their daughter Anne’s reign. After Anne, who left no heir, the throne would pass to her cousin, the German George I, who didn’t speak English and cared little for the island country. During his time, the office of Prime Minister would be established and grow. The wars of Spanish and Austrian succession would see the rise of great leaders like Churchill’s ancestor the Duke of Marlborough, who led Britain to victory on the continent. The Seven Years’ War (The French and Indian War in America) in the 1750s and 60s would give Britain hegemony in North America and India, destroying the French but also lay the seeds for the American Revolution in the 1770s and 1780s, which gave rise to my country and the world’s greatest power in all of history. The French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars would put Britain through decades of conflict, culminating in the Battle of Waterloo and final defeat in Napoleon in 1815. The book ends there, leaving Britain ascendant on the seas and in trade, with footholds around the world in the form of colonies. The United States is left in a position of westward expansion, growing and developing rapidly, but with the underlying issues of states rights and slavery in the forefront of people’s minds.

Throughout the book’s pages, the reader is met with great figures like the aforementioned Marlborough, Wolfe, Pitt the Elder and Pitt the Younger (the first of whom guided Britain through the Seven Years War and the latter part of the Napoleonic Wars), George Washington, Admiral Nelson, and The Duke of Wellington. You see monarchs take a backseat to generals, admirals, and prime ministers, you see Britain develop as a quasi-democracy and The United States form as an imperfect republic. You see Canada gain its own identity, while staying loyal to the crown during the War of 1812 (part of the Napoleonic Wars). You see the tremors of France, the destruction of its own monarchy, and Britain’s mighty struggle to maintain the status quo in Europe.

I give this book four and a half stars because while great, this book and series at large is not perfect. It’s not so much about people but rather about governments and macro history. Little is said of culture, people, the English language, and the little man. Churchill writes phenomenally about warfare, which we loved and understood. His writing on other issues is mediocre to good. Much is left to be desired in some sections like on government structure. However, it was very interesting to read about the American Revolution from the point of view of an Englishman. Churchill shows surprising neutrality. His mother was American and he clearly had a lot of love and respect for America too.

In summary, Churchill gets his message across. The English speaking people have a shared history and identity, we are more alike than different. Our values and traditions are common with one another.

[Francisca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slightly disappointed that Jonathan Strange did not appear by the end to help defeat Napoleon but, oh well!

[Adam Gossman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too good. I love Sir Winston.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the style and scope of Gibbons and Macaulay; well done Sir Winston Churchill!

[David Pyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with the first two volumes in this four-book set, Sir Winston Churchill is nothing if not biased in favor of the English-speaking peoples and their grand march through world history. Any book of this sort must be read with the understanding that the author may have a slant inherent in their retelling of the story, based on his or her own preferences and prejudices.

That being said, Sir Winston does admit to the foibles of his own people with frankness, at times even with brutality. The Preface informs the reader that the first of the revolutions to be dealt with is the 1688 English Revolution, followed by the American Revolution (1775), then close behind that the purge of the French Revolution, beginning in 1789. That this would shape world history, especially the emergence of the United States of America, was not fully understood at that time but the impact of all three of these on the history of Western Europe was clear to see. The dominance of Western Europe on the seas made this more than a provincial story.

It is intriguing that the author more than once refers to conflicts primarily involving European nations as, “world wars.” Of course, since colonies had been established in the New World, as well as in Africa and the Near East (India, et al), these conflicts truly were on a world-wide scale, though most of the key battles were engaged in the European theater.

Anyone interested in the topic will truly enjoy this walk through the kingdoms, empires and republics of this time. It is somewhat fascinating to see the transition from fiefdoms to kingdoms to representative democracies, as the great unwashed began to understand the power of their numbers and make their will known.

Was it always done well or righteously executed? No. Sometimes it was just executed. Once the heads had rolled, the rest of the pieces were sorted out later.

[Elizabeth Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book seems to be divided into three parts. The first part tells A LOT about the Duke of Marlborough and how amazingly wonderful he was. In fact, Churchill talks more about him than the actual British monarchy during this time. However, I guess that shouldn't be too surprising since Churchill is a direct descendant of the duke and he's obviously really proud of him.

The second part of this book was extremely interesting to me, since it dealt with the American Revolution and I'm an American with an intense love of US history. At first, I thought it would be fascinating to read about the Revolution from the British point of view. But then, when I thought about when this book was written (soon after the USA helped the UK beat Nazi Germany), I realized I wouldn't get the nitty gritty stuff I had originally assumed I would. However, I learned A LOT of interesting facts. A few facts I enjoyed were: Churchill reallllly didn't like Samuel Adams, the British parliament voted to NOT repeal the stamp act by ONE VOTE! Craziness! Also, the British seemed to hold George Washington in high honor. They liked him so much that their own soldiers guarded Mount Vernon during the War of 1812. That was very impressive to me.

The third part of the book talks about Napoleon Bonaparte. Reading about him and how his actions affected Europe, but with an emphasis on England, helped me see a different view of this part of history. I also enjoyed that Churchill touched on how Bonaparte ended up helping the USA expand.

I very much enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next in the series.

[Erik Nielsen]

Først var tungt å skulle konsentrere seg om gamle engelske slag i Vest-Europa, mens Russland i 2020 myrdet sivile i Øst-Europa, men etterhvert fascinerte Churchill igjen, selv om han naturligvis ser verden gjennom engelske briller. F.eks. er slaget (massakren) ved Culloden i 1746, hvor englenderne i realiteten ødela den gæliske kultur og det gæliske språk i det skotske høylandet, beskrevet som en siviliseringsprosjekt, og Københavns bombardement i 1807, som var verdens første (men langt fra siste!) terrorbombing av sivilbefolkningen, beskrives som "heavy actions at the harbour of Copenhagen".
Men Churchill overrasket meg også med kappittelet om første verdenskrig, som ikke var i 1914-18, som jeg trodde, men Englands krig mot Frankrike og Spania fra 1755, hvor englenderne kjempet mot Frankrike og Spania i Nord-Amerika, Europa og Asia. Englenderne vant Canada (som var fransk) og erobret bl.a. også det franske Fort Duquesne ved Ohio-elven, som ble til Pittsburgh (oppkalt efter Englands premierminister). De vant også områder fra Spania i sør; i India fordrev englenderne franskmenne og de vant (midlertidig ) Filippinene. Verdenskrigen var også en medvirkende årsak til den amerikanske revolusjon, som førte til den amerikanske uavhengighetskrig. Så den første verdenskrigen førte til at England tapte sitt første imperium i Nord-Amerika, men vant et nytt i India.

[Susan Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third volume in Winston Churchill's A History of the English-speaking Peoples, The Age of Revolution is a holistic history of the revolutions, including the English one, that shaped the British Empire. Churchill's mastery of military campaigns and knowledge of political leadership and diplomacy inform a lively, highly digestible analysis of revolutions and conflicts from the late 18th century to Napoleon's 1816 defeat at the battle of Waterloo. Churchill's colourful descriptions make for many you-are-there pivotal moments, including this one marking the fall of Napoleon's armies under a charge led by the Duke of Wellington: "Ney, beside himself with rage, a broken sword in his hand, staggered, shouting in vain, from one band to another."

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this on Audible. I found this one harder to follow than the previous two but that could just be me. I think I was struggling to keep track of all the names, who was who. However, it is still a good listen.

Churchill was best when describing the exploits of his ancestor, Lord Marlborough. I also appreciated his description of the rise and fall of Napoleon. Most English history books only cover the period tangentially. Churchill goes into detail. It makes more sense now. Also, as an American (who now lives in England), the description of the development of the American colonies and the resulting revolution are good coming from an English standpoint. And especially the war of 1812. Churchill was a great historian, good at telling stories.

[Bull Weaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is every bit as good as the previous two volumes and as usual represents yet another tour de force for Churchill. The only drawback in the book is that, as in the previous and succeeding volumes, there is only so much space for the author to write his history. Often the reader finds a strong desire for more detail about certain events or persons; yet the allowable published space did not permit this author to offer more of a survey. One lesson from the book is solidly this: when a dictator in any country comes to power, he/she cannot be eliminated without massive bloodshed and suffering. And alas, we stand upon the stage now of this history repeating itself yet again. I say again, alas!

[Todd Stockslager · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review title: The English-speaking peoples start speaking with an accent

A note about the structure of Churchill's four-volume history of the English speaking peoples: each volume is equally divided into three books (a total of 12 then for the set), each covering a major era or event in the history, sometimes spanning centuries in the first couple of books as there is little recorded history to report, and sometimes covering just a few years or decades--or a less-great event than others. This is the case in Book VII that opens this Volume 3, where there is interminable and uninteresting descriptions of European battles in the early years of the 18th century. While Churchill accurately and interestingly describes this era as the First British Empire in Book VIII that follows, he spends more time than modern or American readers will have patience for on the the establishment of it. So again, I can't give this volume an uncompromised +5 "What a Classic rating!"

It is certainly worth the time to read, however. As I noted at the end of my previous review, I was anxious to see how Churchill the Prime Minister in the midst of a bitterly-fought World War with English-speaking peoples from around the globe allied in defense of freedom would commune with Churchill the historian documenting an era when the two major bodies of English-speaking people were at also war but with each other--not once, but twice.

It didn't take Churchill the politician to speak--on p. 24 of the 1957 Dodd, Mead & Company edition, in reference to opposition politicians in his home country:

They did all they could to belittle and undermine the strength of their country. In the name of peace, economy, and isolation they prepared the ground for a far more terrible renewal of the war. Their action has been largely imitated in our own times. . . . In each case short-sighted opinions, agreeable to the party spirit, pernicious to national interests, banished all purpose from the State and prepared a deadly resumption of the main struggle.

And as I suspected, desperately needing and thankful for the 20th-century support of his American allies, Churchill the politician treads gently on the American revolution, labeling it in a sly twist of wording essentially a revolution toward English manners and political morality! (p. 256):

The new nation that had with difficulty struggled into being was henceforth fortified with something unheard of in the existing world--a written Constitution. At first sight this authoritative document presents a sharp contrast with the store of traditions and precedents that make up the unwritten constitution of Britain. Yet behind it lay no revolutionary theory. . . but an Old English doctrine, freshly formulated to meet an urgent American need. The Constitution was a reaffirmation of faith in the principles painfully evolved over the centuries by the English-speaking peoples. It enshrined long-standing English ideas of justice and liberty, henceforth to be regarded on the other side of the Atlantic as basically American.

While in the main true and well put, the modern and American reader (like me) wonders which side of the Atlantic Churchill meant to be taken as "the other", and with what emotion and language Churchill revealed his private feelings behind closed doors to his British friends and family!

Of course, the modern Allies were a many-sided affair, and included the occupied French nation with which Churchill the historian was busy documenting a bitter warfare and which his ancestral home was fighting a rear-guard action to contain the violent and virulent Revolution in support of the Rights of Man, as the French proletariat so boldly put it in caps. So Churchill saves his most animus for the French revolutionaries, safe in the knowledge that 150 years later their remnant was all dead and all but forgotten or submerged in subsequent upheavals and retrenchments. He references Burke approvingly in criticizing the French revolution because it was "not a dignified, orderly change, carried out with due regard for tradition, like the English Revolution of 1688." A priceless revelation of the British mind and mindset, to criticize a revolution for being undignified and unorderly!

And in covering the War of 1812--which while a mere sidelight of the European contagion for the British, was a founding and formative event for the young American nation, even to giving us our anthem--Churchill again emphasizes the conservative and essential fraternal nature of the "futile and unnecessary conflict." While to the Empire-building victors the war was a trifling affair easily settled to the benefit of all, again Churchill's subconscious awareness of Britain's enduring superiority speaks loudly in his concluding sentence: "On the oceans the British Navy ruled supreme for a century to come, and behind this shield the United States were free to fulfil their continental destiny." Gee, thanks, Dad! When can we borrow the keys to your ocean?

But these are perhaps inevitable nitpicks of a narrative history of such scope by a writer of such stature. Churchill, after the lapse into boredom in the first book in this volume, does a great job of building interest and momentum throughout the momentous events of the 18th century, leading up to and concluding with the disposition (twice!) of Napoleon in the 19th.. Churchill will wrap up the next 100 years and bring the story home to the outskirts of the 20th century in the final installment volume of his classic history.

[Colin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a thoroughly old-fashioned, enjoyable narrative history of Britain and the USA in the eighteenth century. As a work of history, it has many flaws: chiefly because it focuses on grand politics and battles, almost to the exclusion of everything else. So there are only fleeting references to the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, whereas the battles of Marlborough, Nelson and Wellington are described in great detail. Clement Attlee described Churchill's work as the history of things that interested him, and that is particularly true in this volume.

However, in spite of its limitations, this is a most enjoyable book and its vivid prose is a pleasure.

[Roger Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent selection from Churchill's series on the History of the English speaking peoples. It dealt with the upheavals that began with what Churchill calls the first world war, the Seven Year's War when the British defeated the French in several different areas of the globe and acquired a vast empire particularly in North America where the French lost all their possessions in French Canada. He then describes the two major revolutions that change the 18th century and early 19th century for Europeans, North Americans and those living in India. He writes in his usual clear and precise style which is always interesting and provocative. Well worth reading.

[John Poulain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Churchill continues his histories, from the Glorious Revolution up to the end of the Napoleonic Wars. much more interested in the battles and revolution of the age, certain events are covered in passing (Act of Union is mentioned in a summary of Queen Anne); causes of the French Revolution are summarised in 'great tomes have been written on the causes, suffice to say the political machinery did not represent the people' and most rigidly
egregiously the Industrial Revolution is covered by oblique references like Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations was published.

Churchill is far more interested in the so called 'Great Men' of history and names are only mentioned in reference to these figures that dominate the narrative. As Queen Anne ascends the throne the narrative pivots entirely to Marlborough (a descendant of Churchill) and the monarchy is rarely referenced. Extolling the virtues of his ancestor Churchill goes a little far in calling his military achievements 'unequalled in the annuals of war'.

The change in focus from Monarchy to Parliament, the creation of the office of Prime Minister and Europe/ America's struggle for political reform is discussed well and military leaders, particularly the aforementioned Marlborough; Clive of India; Generals of the American War of Independence; Napolean and Wellington are given plenty of depth.

The war of Spanish succession is gone over in detail; “When told to forcibly dethrone his son in order to secure peace "If I must fight it will be with my enemies not my children"” he notes that never was a war entered into so reluctantly by all sides, with the treaties breaking down to prevent anyone getting too much power in europe. In Discussing the treaty after the Spanish Armarda. “The peace was insecure because it restored the enemy to their former greatness.”

In the Napoleonic wars, the history discusses that Pre French revolution. 400,000 members of royalty paid no tax, because previously they'd provided services in landlording and military leadership but no longer did anything useful. Churchill notes that while “Revolution is not made by starving peoples” the middle class began to see the problems that had come about. When trying to reform “ Necker realised that he couldn't touch the nobility privileges so tried reforming the prisons including preventing torture.” There is an odd statement that “We've fought wars of succession but now we fight for the monarchy itself” the unasked questions is why? No monarchy, no succession crisis and more stability in countries. From a military point of view “If not for the Navy of France the British War of Attrition may have been won.” Which demonstrates the importance that the Channel has always held. Towards the beginning of the war “Napoleon could have invaded the UK through island but had Alexander the Great on the mind and instead sailed for Egypt” where Nelson’s famous Battle of the Nile took place with the great English admiral sailing between the coast and the ships on the side with no guns prepared. During the land war he specifically calls out “ Finest example of Malborough siege of Bouchain, double investment with risk of fighting an army at adverse odds” and mentions in detail the Spanish war, which I didn’t realise until reading War and Peace how important it was “The Spanish expelled the French and declared war on Napoleon at the height of his power.” And with the support of England and allies “In the Spanish war nearly a third of each army was destroyed in a single battle” with Napolean unable to bear losses because as a strong man dictator he needed to only go from strength to strength.

The war of independence in particular is viewed as failings from the British leadership, with Howe not destroying routed armies on three occasions; with different orders going to different generals (especially due tot he management of the war from England and with even Washington stating "no milita would ever develop the habits to defeat an organised force. Faced Cornwallis by cutting off his militia's retreat by a river." Which makes the second ammendment more interesting. Washington lost the battles, but won the campaign. especially with tactical errors made in quartering troops on both sides of the river in Philadelphia. Note that George Washington was elected as they wanted a Southern 280,000 men in USA during the war for independence but only 25000 gathered at any time. the causes of the war are seen as agitation from the trading interests who objected to tarrifs from abroad and Common Sense by Payne isn't mentioned in much detail.

This is the shortest period of time covered in one of the volumes yet and still feels as though a lot of details are missed, but with the detail shown in the wars of the time its definitely worth exploring.

Choice Notes
62 miles in 26 hours march, most rapid on record.
During the stock market bubble. A man set up a company "for carrying on an undertaking of great advantage but no one to know what it is." After collecting £2000 he absconded.
Hope of a political career seemed at an end for William Pitt, he couldn't really use the princess's favour and stated that popularity in government comes from the support of the Crown or the backing of the masses.
No difference between state offenses and common offenses
No man could have been more dispassionate about religion, if he hated Catholics it was because they were French.
War weary governments damage the strength of nations
Winter has always been Russia greatest ally

[TK Small · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometime last year, I discovered the History of English Speaking People series by Winston Churchill. This week I finished Volume III. This volume begins around the time just after the Glorious Revolution of 1688 in England and concludes after the global conflicts caused by Napoleon, roughly 1815. I believe the subtitle of the book is "The Age of Revolution". Given the complexity of these momentous occasions, this book is more a summary than an exhaustive treatise. Nevertheless, I have enjoyed all of these books which provide a general idea of Anglo/American history.

[Leew49 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Churchill surveys key events during the 17th, 18th, and particularly the 19th centuries, focused, as one might guess from the title of the series on Great Britain and the United States. England's gradual ascendancy beginning with William of Orange and proceeding through the War of the Spanish Succession and the Austrian Succession is discussed in detail, with a thorough discussion of British politics at home and their influence on foreign policy. The American Revolution, the French Revolution, the War of 1812 and the Napoleonic Wars close out this volume.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the third volume of Churchill's History of the English Speaking Peoples. This volume health with the years from the Glorious Revolution to the end of Napoleon. This book also included a few chapters on America including the Revolution, the first three Presidential Administrations, and the War of 1812. I enjoy Churchill's writing style and find these survey books interesting to read - they also make me want to find books that are more in-depth on a variety of topics.

[Legens · Rating 3 out of 5]

The great years of the struggle between Britain and France. French attempts at European hegemony failed, instead the door was opened for British global hegemony in the 19th century. Churchill's judgement now becomes more informed by his personal predilections - both the American and the French revolutionaries and their ideas don't find much favor with him (even though he was a champion of democratic and liberal principles in his time), as they fought against Britain.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual, Churchill writes with attention to detail, especially in describing any and all battles. Reading his perspective on the American colonies, the War for Independence, the major founders of the United States, and then the War of 1812 was the highlight of the book for me. I cannot overlook the interesting end chapters of this volume regarding the French Revolution and then the arrival and eventual defeat of Napoleon. What an education Churchill gives his readers!